Guide to Buying a Sectional Sofa

Sep 20, 2019

Considering family-friendly seating? Sectional sofas fit neatly into corners or add definition to open-concept spaces in your home. Check out our list of items that you need to consider before you buy your sectional sofa.

Tips to Consider When Buying a Sectional Sofa

Sectional sofas are trending as a family-friendly alternative to standard sofas, loveseats, and armchair seating. Sectionals take up more floor space than their family room counterparts but allow for more comfortable lounging when you can put your feet up. Before you complete your purchase, consider these helpful tips when hunting for the perfect seating arrangement for you and your family.

Measure Your Area

It helps to know how much space you have in your living room or sitting area. Measuring the area you have available to work and play with ensures you will have ample room for your sectional sofa to extend. You want to make sure you have enough space in front of or behind your sectional sofa for walking, adding a coffee table, or including other furniture and accessories like side tables, lamps, etc.

If you are working with a smaller area, sectionals can work well in these spaces, too. Carefully consider the style, shape, and configuration of your sectional sofa prior to buying.

When it comes to measuring your sectional sofa, be sure to measure the length, as well as the depth of your sofa sections. A chaise component is typical of sectional sofas. Make sure to measure these pieces to ensure you have the space to fit this portion of the sofa as well.

Pick a Shape

When buying a sectional sofa, it is important to consider your shape preferences. Sectional sofas come in a variety of shapes, including L-shaped, U-shaped, curved, with a chaise lounge, and as a modular arrangement. You may prefer an L-shaped sectional for the 90-degree angle that fits nicely into a corner or floats in the middle of your open space. Perhaps you like the expansive seating available with a U-shaped sectional, which might be ideal for your large family to spread out. Chaise sectionals offer the look and feel of traditional sofa seating, while adding a place to sprawl out and kick up your feet. Curved sectionals are perfect for large, open-concept spaces and exude a softer appeal, while promoting conversation and entertainment.

Modular sectional arrangements are becoming increasingly popular. These sectionals come in a variety of pieces that easily connect to form the design and format you most enjoy. Many people love modular sectionals so they can connect the pieces together in the way that best suits their style or function. For instance, if visitors come to stay, the modular sectional sofa can be rearranged to create a comfortable sleeping space for guests. If you like variety and want the ability to arrange your seating space for optimal function and comfortability, modular sectional sofas are the perfect option for you.

Arms or No Arms?

Arms are so important to consider when buying a sectional sofa. Make sure you understand the difference between RAF and LAF. RAF stands for right arm facing, meaning that when you stand in front of the sofa section, facing the piece, the arm is on your right side. LAF stands for left arm facing, meaning that when you stand in front of the sofa section, the arm is on your left side when you are facing the piece. Sometimes your RAF sectional piece could be longer than your LAF. You’ll want to make sure you get these right when you go to purchase your sectional sofa, or it may not fit in your room.

Consider Your Décor

Your décor impacts the overall design of your living or family room. Your sectional sofa will be the centerpiece of your space. It helps to select a base color for your room and choose sectional colors that match or fit well with the base color you choose. Maybe you want to spice up your space by choosing a sectional sofa that accents your space. For instance, if your base color of your room is blue, you might choose to accent your room with a red or yellow sectional sofa. Perhaps you will choose your sectional sofa and choose to establish a new color scheme around your new seating.

Choose Your Material

Knowing how you intend to use your new sectional sofa will help you determine the material you should invest in. Do you have children or pets? Will you or your family eat on your sofa? Will your sectional sofa be used daily, regularly, or rarely? You will likely keep this piece of furniture for many years, so you will want to ensure you are making the right investment for yourself. The upholstery is an essential decision for you to consider before making your ultimate purchase. Leather requires different maintenance in comparison to microfiber, velvet, or polyester upholstered sectionals. Consider whether you or family members have allergies, if your sectional will sit in a room with full sunlight, or if you’ll need a mildew resistant material (for humid climates).

Visualize the Piece in Your Home

Prior to making your final purchase, take a photo of your desired sofa and visualize the piece in your home. Take the photo home and look at your living room to finalize your choice. If you are happy with the sectional you’ve chosen, you are ready to purchase. If you have reservations about your choice, you may want to keep looking until you find a sectional that you are sure to love.

Check Out Your Online Pricing Options

Once you have measured your space, you have a good idea of the shape, style, and material you want to purchase, pick a budget and stick to it. Go online and check out the options within your price range. When you find one that appeals to you, review the measurements to ensure it will fit in your room and take the leap.

Buying a sectional sofa can be a rewarding and exciting adventure to update your living space. Now that you have an idea of what to consider, get out there and get your upgrade. Shop our selection of best selling sectional sofas below.