What Is a Sectional Couch, and When to Choose One?

When it’s time to liven up your living space, it may be time for a new sofa. If you're considering a sectional couch, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different types available and the alternative ways it can fit into your room layout. 

We spend a lot of time in the living room, so it's important that the decor suits your specific style, and a sofa can reflect this too. Good quality sectional sofas are arguably the most popular sofa style but, before making any big decisions, let’s look at sectional couches and when to choose one in more depth.

What is a sectional couch?

Contrary to a traditional sofa and loveseat pieces, a sectional sofa is a couch of two or three parts rather than a single piece of furniture. Of course, there are many styles and options to consider, so it's a good idea to look around before deciding that it's the right choice for you.

Sectional sofas come in many different shapes, sizes and colors, allowing them to fit into any living space. Even the small ones take up more space than a traditional sofa, which is worth keeping in mind if you live in an apartment. Modular sectional sofas give you more choice, with more parts to adapt to those more awkward spaces. 

A contemporary casual sofa collection gives you a range of variations for different room layouts and sizes. The most common styles of sectional sofas are L-shaped and U-shaped, and with the potential addition of a chaise, they're designed for your comfort and with different materials and options to choose from. 

When to choose a sectional sofa

Sectional sofas typically need a lot of floor space. However, they can work cleverly to maximize your space in a smaller room. You can use flexibly use each wisely to fit the contours and layout of your living space. 

The perfect sectional sofa will be practical and compact, designed to fit your space while also providing top comfort. 

If you’re thinking about a sectional sofa, here are some questions to consider:

How big is my living area?

Depending on the size of your living area, a sectional sofa may be the perfect fit. A sectional couch can maximize space and become a central feature of the room, creating a more clutter-free look than multiple chairs or loveseats. 

How many seats do I need?

If you've got a big family or you're constantly hosting movie days, it's worth noting how many seat cushions you'll need in your family room. Traditional sofas often have two to three, but a sectional can often accommodate five or more.

What style do I want?

Typically, traditional sofas have more options for a formal look, whereas sectionals can sometimes look more casual. Of course, this isn't always the case when considering the number of styles available, but it's worth keeping in mind.

If you want to recline, a sectional is an excellent option with different styles and benefits, like the addition of an ottoman. Similarly to a console loveseat for two people, a sectional can allow you to sit back, relax, and recline, making it perfect for watching the game.

Can I change my mind?

If you're the type of person who enjoys a redesign now and then, a sectional sofa may not be the right choice. You can move traditional sofas around due to being smaller in size and a less dominating shape. A sectional sofa, on the other hand, is often more of a commitment and a layout-defining piece of furniture for a room.

Asking these questions can help you make the right decision on whether to choose a sectional sofa.

If you find it's the perfect fit for your home, here are the different types to consider when finding the right sectional sofa:

The chaise sectional

The chaise sectional is popular and one of the most common types you’ll see in stores. The central part of the sofa is in one piece, with a chaise lounge on the left or right side, allowing you to recline as it resembles an L-shape.

The L-shape offers up to five seat cushions, making it a great choice for families. The chaise allows you to recline, a comfortable touch, and you can add it to rooms of any size. The sofa chaise can be reversible, so it could be a good choice if you're prone to a room rearrangement.

The L-shaped sectional

The L-shaped sectional usually comes to mind when imagining a comfortable sofa that you can sink into. With the two pieces that make the L-shape, one end tends to be longer and is usually in the corner of rooms. You can use this sectional to separate two parts of the room in an open-plan area.

Our Renfrew Sectional may be the perfect choice; you can mold it to your taste and preference with eight different figurations.

The U-shaped sectional

The U-shaped sectional is in the shape of a U and has three straight sides, two facing each other, with one along the back. A U-shaped sectional sofa is an excellent choice if you have a big family or a large space to fill, as there are plenty of seat cushions, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The U-shaped sofa works well in large rooms as it involves everyone and is comfortable and relaxing. Our Renfrew U Shaped Sectional may be ideal for your stylish living space. 

The L-shaped sectional with chaise

The L-shaped sectional sofa with a chaise may be a good option if you need to accommodate more people but can't fit a U-shaped sofa into your space. The addition of the chaise creates a U-shape, allowing more seating and a comfortable place to recline. 

The L-shape is the ideal sectional for extra seating and legroom. If you've got a creative touch, you can create a makeshift chaise lounge from recycled materials for the added comfort it’ll bring you. 

Hidden storage sectional

Some sectionals have hidden storage space under the chaise section if you have a cluttered living space and need extra storage. With multi-purpose functions, this practical yet comfortable sectional sofa works well in most living spaces.

The sectional with hidden storage is an excellent addition to your space for those who relish those extra hidden-away compartments. Not only will your room look clutter-free and sleek, but your sofa will also be a place of comfort with a touch of practicality. 

Sleeper sectional

A modern sleeper sofa is ideal for overnight guests who need a comfortable place to crash. This type of sectional sofa typically has a built-in mattress underneath the seat cushions. It's a compact sofa bed that is versatile and functional and can transform your living area into a snug bed, making it an excellent upgrade for your living room.

Reclining sectional 

For the utmost comfort and luxurious feeling, a reclining sectional sofa is a popular choice for large rooms and big floor spaces. Similarly to a console loveseat, these sofas require a power source, if not manual, to give you the quality relaxation you deserve. 

Depending on your space, taste, and comfort requirements, there'll be the right sectional for you and your living room. Sinking into a comfortable sectional sofa is a great way to unwind, and with the right one for you, moving from it will be a chore. 

At Viesso, we have many modern, practical sectionals that can be adjusted to fit your specific requirements. You'll feel cozy, comfortable, and relaxed with high-quality sectionals built to last and look great in your living space. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions. Also, check out our blog for more advice; read our recent article on how to makeover your living room in 4 easy steps.