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Design 101
How To Choose the Best Sectional Sofa
September 12, 2024
The right sectional sofa will anchor your living space and turn it into a cozy, stylish retreat, but the many options can feel overwhelming. This guide helps you choose the ideal sectional for your home.
Whether you plan to relax solo or entertain friends, here's how to find a sectional that fits your room and matches your lifestyle.
What's a Sectional Sofa?
A sectional sofa (also known as a "sectional") is a versatile piece of furniture you can adjust to fit various room layouts and individual preferences. Unlike traditional sofas, sectionals consist of multiple pieces that can be arranged in different configurations. This flexibility makes them a good choice for tiny apartments and spacious living areas alike.
When's the best time of year to purchase a sectional?
A sectional sofa is a substantial piece of furniture, so budget accordingly. Ask yourself, "How much should I spend on my sectional sofa?"
To get the most out of your money, take advantage of major sales events throughout the year. There are often sales on holiday weekends, and changing seasons are also a good time to shop. New furniture lines typically launch in spring and fall, so late winter and summer are times to find a good deal on last season's designs. That's when retailers sell off old stock and clear room for new items.
Before You Buy
Before committing to a purchase, double-check that it's right for your home. Start by choosing between a sofa and a sectional.
Measure your space
The next step is to measure the room, noting the dimensions of the area where you plan to place the sofa. Remember to add enough space to move around comfortably and maintain enough distance from set features like doors and radiators.
Choose the placement
Once you have your measurements, identify the best location for your sectional. Situate it with respect to focal points like fireplaces or entertainment centers and the other furniture in the room.
Know your style and lifestyle
Your sofa should represent your taste and complement your current interior design. Do you prefer a minimalist design or lots of plush cushions?
Lifestyle matters, too. Consider how you and your loved ones will use the sofa. Do you require a hearty fabric or a reclining feature to improve your movie nights? Find furniture that serves your everyday needs.
Different Kinds of Sectionals
Different types of sectionals meet different practical requirements and design preferences. Decide how you want it to fit in the room.
L-shaped sectional
L-shaped sectionals are extremely popular because they're versatile and efficient.
If you have an open-plan living area, a sectional can serve as a natural divider between different zones, defining a comfy seating area. When furnishing smaller spaces, corner placement maximizes seating without taking up all available floor space, making it an excellent choice for families or frequent hosts.
Left vs. right-facing sectional
When arranging an L-shaped sectional sofa, one choice is a left-hand facing sectional vs. right. A left-facing sectional has the extended part on its left side, while a right-facing one has it on the right side.
How do you want people to move through the room and interact with each other? For example, a left-facing sectional may be better if your room's entrance is on the right side and you want the flow to direct people toward the seating area. extremely popular because they're versatile and efficient.
If you have an open-plan living area, a sectional can serve as a natural divider between different zones, defining a comfy seating area. When furnishing smaller spaces, corner placement maximizes seating without taking up all available floor space, making it an excellent choice for families or frequent hosts.
U-shaped sectional
A U-shaped sectional's ample seating makes it ideal for buyers who enjoy hosting gatherings or have a larger household. The sofa's seats wrap around three sides, making it a good choice to bring people together for a movie or game night.
Modular sectional
A modular sectional sofa is flexible, so you can rearrange its pieces as needed. You might prefer an L shape one day and an open layout the next. They're particularly useful for people who relocate or update their decor often.
Sectional Features
Modern sectional sofas have features that can make them more than just a place to sit. Some come with tailor-made tech features or functions that turn part of the sectional into a recliner or bed.
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Tech features
Some sectionals now come with built-in USB ports and wireless charging pads to keep your devices charged and within reach. Others have integrated Bluetooth speakers and smart home connectivity, turning your sectional into a multimedia center perfect for movie nights or enjoying music playlists.
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Sectional recliners
If relaxation is your top priority, reclining sectionals with footrests and reclining backs deliver extra comfort. Customize your seating positions for optimal comfort and the perfect spot for a catnap.
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Sleeper sectionals
Sleeper sectionals are an excellent option for people who frequently have friends staying over but don't have an extra room for guests. During the day, they provide ample seating. At night, you can turn them into a bed to ensure your guests get a good night's sleep. Sleeper sectionals have beds in sizes ranging from twin to queen.
Shop nowSectional Materials
When choosing the material for your sectional sofa, think about style, comfort, and durability. Whether you want a smooth surface or tufted upholstery, you have your choice of furniture fabrics.
Leather
Leather sectionals bring a classic elegance to your living space. They're durable and can develop a lovely patina, adding character to your furniture.
They're also easy to clean. You can usually clean spills with a quick wipe, which is great if you have pets or kids. However, leather scratches, so if you have sharp-clawed pets, it may not be the best choice for you.
Upholstered fabric
Upholstered fabric sectionals come in various colors and patterns, giving you more control over the appearance of your sofa. They tend to be less expensive than leather. Fabrics like cotton and velvet have a lovely, soft feel, and boucle fabric has an interesting, nubbed texture.
However, cleaning upholstery can be trickier with fabrics. They have the potential to soak up stains and odors. Try looking for models with removable, machine-washable covers.
Performance fabric
Sofas upholstered in performance fabrics are designed to withstand the daily wear and tear of busy households. Stain-resistant and water-repellent functions also make it easy to clean performance fabric. The latest fabrics can even look and feel like natural fibers, giving you the benefits of upholstery without the downsides.
Styling Your Sectional
A few thoughtful touches can improve your sectional. Throw pillows that complement or contrast your color scheme contribute to a cohesive look. Try mixing different sizes or grouping odd numbers of pillows to create a balanced arrangement. Draping a coordinating blanket over the back or arm of the sofa also makes the sectional look and feel warmer.
Pairing Your Sectional With Other Furniture
Once you’ve picked out your sectional sofa, it’s time to think about the furniture and accessories to go with it.
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Rug
A great rug ties your seating area together, adding warmth and texture to your space. If you're wondering how to choose a rug for a sectional sofa, consider its size, color, and pattern. You want it to be big enough for the front legs of your sectional to sit on. If your sectional is neutral, a bold or patterned rug adds pizzazz to your environment. On the flip side, a solid rug helps balance out a louder sofa.
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Accent chairs
Accent chairs add extra seating. You can place a chair diagonally from your sectional to create a cozy nook. They should be the right size to match your sofa. Complementary fabrics create a cohesive look, but you can also mix different styles for an eclectic vibe.
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Coffee table or ottoman
The right coffee table should fit well and be easy to reach without making the space feel cramped. If you have a big sectional, you'll want a larger coffee table or a couple of smaller tables. Ottomans provide extra seating or footrests. If you don't want a traditional coffee table, you can use an ottoman with a tray on top. to withstand the daily wear and tear of busy households. Stain-resistant and water-repellent functions also make it easy to clean performance fabric. The latest fabrics can even look and feel like natural fibers, giving you the benefits of upholstery without the downsides.
Shop nowStart Shopping for Your Ideal Sectional Sofa
Picking a sectional sofa is all about figuring out what works for your space and style. Consider how you plan to use it and what fits best in your living area.
Browse available sectionals to start refining your vision. Don't forget to look for ongoing promotions and holiday sales. A good discount makes the perfect sectional even better.