Guide To Buying Sectional Sofa

The word "sofa" comes from the Arabic word "suffah" which means a platform for sitting on. The earliest sofas date back to Europe in the 1600s. These days, sectional sofas are on trend as a family-friendly alternative to the conventional 2 and 3-seat sofa. Read on for a detailed guide on buying a sectional sofa including the various types of configurations.

Why a Sectional?

A sectional is a great piece of furniture that offers more seating than traditional couches. Sectionals work great in large spaces as well as in small spaces where you are able to get the most amount of seating in a confined space, especially if you push the sectional up against a corner.

You can lounge or put your feet up with sectionals making them the perfect choice for family rooms and basements. One of the best things about buying a sectional sofa is that you can use it to strategically break up an open floor plan into separate areas. A sectional will separate your sitting room from your dining room and so on. Read on for the things you need to consider before you buy a sectional.

Measure Your Space

Knowing how much space you have to play with is paramount when you are buying any piece of furniture, but especially sectionals.Make sure that your sectional won't extend past a wall or not leave enough room in front or behind. This doesn't mean that sectionals only work in large spaces. If you are working with a smaller room, chances are you will just need to carefully consider the configuration you need as well as the style. This way your sectional won't dwarf your already small space.

Look At Sectional Sofa Dimensions

Online and in a showroom, sizes can be deceiving. Measure not only the length of a couch but also the depth. Sectionals tend to provide ample seat depth, so be sure to measure and compare that number with your current seating to see if it is enough or too much. Sectional sofas often have a chaise component on either end. Make sure to measure the length of that piece. If you are tall, your feet might hang off the edge with some models.

Decide on Configuration

Sectional sofas are versatile. There are many types of setups to consider. Certain shapes will work better for your space so make sure to take the time to think about what would work best.

L-Shaped Sectional

An L-shape sectional, like the name states, looks like 2 sofas merged together in an L to form a 90-degree angle. Usually, it's 3 cushions on one side and 2 cushions on the other. But other options are available. this style works well against a corner or floating in the middle of an open space.

U-Shaped Sectional

A U-shaped sectional is perfect for a big family. there's plenty of seating and lots of room to spread out. This sectional is ideal for a large space or if you don't want to bother with armchairs and other seating. The U shape allows two people to sit facing each other at the arms of the top of the U.

Chaise Sectional

A chaise sectional looks like a traditional sofa with a chaise on either the left or right side of the couch. You can place this sectional pretty much anywhere you'd put a regular sofa. The perk of this sectional is that you have a good spot to lay down with your feet up. It can also be used to seat an extra person on the edge of the chaise.

Curved Sectional

A curved sectional is an appealing piece of furniture that is gentle on the eyes. It promotes great conversation and is an excellent choice for people who enjoy entertaining. You can't push this sectional against a wall so it's best for open concept living areas or large rooms.

Modular Sectional

Modular sectionals are becoming increasingly popular because they give you many options as the mood strikes. Most sectionals come in pieces that connect together and stay that way. Modular sectional, on the other hand, can be rearranged as often as you like in various formats. Pull out parts to have extra ottomans or push pieces together to make a chaise. Usually, these come in 5 pieces that can be configured in multiple ways. It's a great choice if you like variety and want to get as much multi-purpose use out of your sectional.

Sleeper Sectional

Then there is the modern equivalent of a pull-out couch. Sleeper sectionals can have up to a Queen size bed that can be used for your overnight guests. Some models have a bed that pulls out while others turn into a bed by re-configuring the pieces.

Think About Room Traffic

Another consideration is about how your room is used. A chaise on the wrong side of the room will be a nuisance to walk around. Make sure to choose a chaise on the side with the least amount of foot traffic. Make sure to order the correct chaise as well! Right arm facing means that the chaise is on your right-hand side as you face the sofa.

Think About Sectional Sofa Materials

Sectional sofas come in a wide variety of fabrics including leather, microfiber,polyester and performance fabrics. If you have young children, you may want fabrics that are stain resistant or machine washable. If you have cats, you may want to avoid leather that is easily clawed to shreds. Most retailers offer a protective sealant that prevents stains and sometimes even covers rips and tears.

Last Words on Buying a Sectional Sofa

Thanks for reading! Buying a sectional sofa is a great investment if you want to maximize your seating, want more comfort and space than a traditional sofa and are looking for functional furniture. Now, see our collection of sectionals to find the perfect one for your space.

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