Modern Sectional Sofas
Sectionals Explore
Why We Love Modern Sectional Sofas
As a common focal point of living rooms and great rooms, a sectional sofa is a recommended choice for two primary reasons. First, sectionals provide an optimal amount of seating for guests, as well as a place to lounge for yourself. Whether it's after-dinner discussions or catching an afternoon nap, sectionals offer supreme comfort and plenty of room to stretch out. Second and possibly the most important, sectionals bring exceptional style to the room. From contemporary designs to those inspired by mid-century good looks, you'll enjoy adding an eye-catching sectional to your home.
Where Sectional Couches Work Best
A sectional couch occupies a significant amount of space and therefore requires it is placed in a large living room, great room or expansive outdoor living area. A sectional is typically comprised of a 2-3 seat sofa or loveseat and modular pieces to extend the amount of seating available. The extension pieces can be chaises, ottomans or armchairs, and they allow for easy arrangement anytime you choose to redecorate your room. Living rooms and great rooms are the most likely candidates to play host of a sectional simply because of their large size. They fill the room while complementing other pieces of furniture. And outside, large patios welcome outdoor-friendly sectionals to support lounging long after the sun sets.
A Contemporary Sectional Sofa For Every Style
Abundant in size and style, this selection of sectional sofas aims to fit into a variety of interior aesthetics ranging from traditionally decorated living rooms to retro-inspired great rooms. Blu Dot is a highly preferred choice for any form of contemporary furniture and this is especially true for a sectional. The Blu Dot line of sectionals includes complete sets to add all the pieces to your living room in one fell swoop. Gus Modern is a go-to choice for mid-century modern sectional sofas appearing as if they are taken straight from the set of Mad Men. Kartell sectional pieces add a much-appreciated pop of color to your furniture arrangement and blend in well with the room's other décor. For comfort or to start a conversation, you'll love these sofas.
Choosing the Best Sectional Sofa
These sectionals are large and we mean large. Before you choose a new sofa for your home, be sure to properly measure the room where it will be placed. It would be best if you were mindful of dimensions like height, width and of course, length. Choosing a sofa with multiple modular pieces allows you to be creative in how it is positioned, but you'll want to make sure you are choosing the right size for your needs. Once you have a size on your mind, begin refining your choices by fabrics and colors that make the most sense for your room. Casual grays work in any contemporary location while vibrant hues make an immediate statement to your decorating preferences. If you have any questions about the sectional couches featured here, please call our furniture experts at 877.445.4486.
Other Considerations
Look to the living room furniture category for additional ways you can dress up the area. From coffee tables and end tables to other forms of seating, you'll find just what you need to create the ideal living space. If you need your couch to double as a bed for guests or yourself, check out the sleeper sofa assortment. These contemporary sofas conveniently hide a mattress within, allowing them to become a queen size bed when needed. Lastly, look to the ottomans and stools selection for all of the unique and comfortable options you can use to kick your feet up.
Sectional Sofas FAQs
Are sectionals out of style?
Sectionals remain timeless and continue to be a popular choice due to their versatility, comfort, and adaptability to various interior designs. Their ability to offer ample seating makes them ideal for families or those who frequently entertain.
Expert Tip: Sectionals are evolving rather than disappearing. The most current designs feature modular components with reversible chaises and movable ottomans that transform from L-shape to U-shape configurations. Look for low-profile arms (under 25" tall) that maintain clean sightlines in open-concept spaces.
Are leather couches good for dogs?
Leather couches are often an excellent choice for pet owners. High-quality leather is durable, resistant to stains, and easy to clean, making it ideal for households with dogs. However, to maintain appearance, regular maintenance and choosing leather with a protective finish is recommended.
Expert Tip: Top-grain leather with an aniline finish actually improves with light scratching - the natural patina adds character. For heavy chewers, look for semi-aniline leathers with subtle protective coatings that resist punctures while maintaining breathability.
What sizes do sectionals come in?
Sectional sofas are available in various sizes, from compact designs suitable for smaller apartments to expansive configurations that comfortably seat large gatherings. Common sectional lengths range between 80 inches for small sofas up to over 160 inches for larger setups.
Expert Tip: The most versatile sectionals have 72"-84" main chaise sections with 30"-36" wide corner seats. This creates comfortable seating for 4-5 adults while allowing the pieces to be reconfigured as your space evolves.
What are the different types of sectional sofa?
Common sectional types include L-shaped, U-shaped, modular, chaise, and reclining sectionals. L-shaped sectionals fit neatly into corners, while U-shaped styles offer ample seating for larger spaces. Modular sectionals allow customization, chaise sectionals add comfort, and reclining sectionals enhance relaxation.
Expert Tip: Modular sectionals with uniform depth (typically 38"-40") throughout offer the most flexibility. Avoid "fixed arm" designs - instead choose models where every piece can serve as an armless or arm-ended component.
What is a good size sectional?
A good sectional size depends on room dimensions. Typically, smaller rooms accommodate sectionals around 80 to 100 inches long, while larger spaces benefit from sectionals 120 inches or longer. Ensure enough walking space—usually 18 to 24 inches—around the sofa.
Expert Tip: Allow at least 42" between your sectional and coffee table for comfortable legroom. In open floor plans, position the back of the sectional 36"-48" from walls or other furniture to create natural walkways.
What is the best color for a sectional sofa?
Neutral colors such as gray, beige, navy, or charcoal are considered best for sectional sofas due to their timeless appeal and versatility. These colors adapt easily to evolving interior design trends and can be accented with vibrant pillows or throws.
Expert Tip: Medium-value neutrals (think warm grays or taupe) hide everyday wear better than very light or dark hues. For longevity, choose a color that matches your home's trim work - this creates a cohesive backdrop for changing accent colors.
What is the best material for a sectional sofa?
High-quality leather, microfiber, performance fabrics, and linen-blends are among the best materials for sectional sofas. Leather is durable and luxurious; microfiber and performance fabrics resist stains and wear, making them suitable for families; and linen-blends offer casual elegance.
Expert Tip: Crypton and other performance fabrics now rival natural materials for luxury feel while offering superior stain resistance. Look for double-rubbed fabrics rated at 50,000+ Wyzenbeek tests for true durability.
Do I need a right or left facing sectional?
Choosing between right- or left-facing sectional depends on room layout and personal preference. Facing direction is determined by which side the chaise or extended section is positioned when facing the sofa from the front. Select the orientation that complements your space and traffic flow.
Expert Tip: Before choosing, tape out both configurations on your floor. The optimal orientation keeps the chaise extension perpendicular to natural room pathways, never blocking flow.
How do you store a sectional couch?
To store a sectional couch, first detach individual pieces. Protect each segment with furniture covers or blankets, and ideally store vertically to maximize space. Store cushions separately in a cool, dry area to prevent moisture buildup and damage.
Expert Tip: When storing, place moisture-absorbing silica packets between cushions and wrap frames in breathable cotton covers - plastic traps humidity that can damage both upholstery and wood.
What is the standard height of a sectional sofa?
The standard height of a sectional sofa ranges from 30 to 36 inches at the backrest. Seating heights are typically around 17 to 20 inches. Taller backs provide greater support, while lower profiles offer a modern aesthetic.
Expert Tip: The ideal seat height (18"-20") allows feet to rest flat on the floor with knees at 90 degrees. For taller individuals, look for models with adjustable feet that can raise the height up to 2".
Who makes the best quality sofas?
Top brands known for producing high-quality sofas include Gus Modern, Blu Dot, Herman Miller, American Leather, and Natuzzi. These manufacturers offer well-crafted sofas combining excellent construction, durable materials, and contemporary style.
Expert Tip: Beyond big names, look for manufacturers using traditional joinery like double-doweled corners and mortise-and-tenon frames - these techniques distribute weight evenly and prevent sagging.
What are the different types of couches?
Different couch types include sectionals, loveseats, chaise lounges, sleeper sofas, reclining sofas, and settees. Each style suits various space requirements, seating needs, and interior designs.
Expert Tip: Consider a "chair-and-a-half" (48"-54" wide) as a versatile middle ground between loveseats and sofas - perfect for curling up with a book while still accommodating occasional guests.
What are the best types of sofa?
The best sofa types for comfort, durability, and style include sectional sofas for ample seating, leather sofas for elegance and durability, sleeper sofas for multifunctional spaces, and performance-fabric sofas for busy households.
Expert Tip: For households with children, tight-back sofas with attached cushions eliminate gaps where crumbs accumulate, while still offering firm support for movie nights.
Should I get a sofa or loveseat?
Choosing between a sofa and loveseat depends on space and seating needs. Sofas typically seat three or more people, making them ideal for larger rooms and families. Loveseats seat two comfortably and are perfect for smaller spaces or as additional seating.
Expert Tip: In small spaces, a 72" apartment-size sofa often provides more flexible seating than a loveseat, especially when paired with an accent chair that can be moved as needed.
How many people can sit on a couch vs a sofa?
Typically, sofas comfortably seat three to four adults, while couches or loveseats usually accommodate two. Larger sectionals can seat five or more, depending on their configuration and length.
Expert Tip: Allow 24" of width per person for comfortable seating, 18" for occasional use. A standard 84" sofa thus seats 3-4 adults comfortably, not the 4-5 often claimed.
What is a small sofa called?
A small sofa is commonly referred to as a loveseat or settee. These compact seating solutions comfortably fit two people and are perfect for smaller spaces or as complementary seating in larger rooms.
Expert Tip: The term "settee" originally referred to long benches with arms and backs - today's versions often feature elegant carved details that elevate small spaces with traditional charm.
