Selecting two separate pieces of seating furniture is becoming less common among homeowners and those with a keen eye for interior design, as having multiple sofas can make a room feel cluttered. However, many feel the need to invest in two sofas to ensure they have enough seating in their home; that’s where sectional sofas come in.
Sectional sofas are a versatile, practical, and stylish way to introduce more seating space into your home without taking up too much room.
By definition, a sectional sofa consists of two or more sections that have been joined together, which can then be interchanged to fit your room layout or preferences.
Say you want your lounge to have furniture of the exact same material, make, and color but are struggling to find corresponding sofas. Sectionals allow you to break up your sofa into more practically sized sections while establishing a stylish theme that provides enough seating for your guests!
Aside from their practicality, they can look great with a range of styles, giving you further scope to change your interior layout from time to time. With versatility, style, functionality, and value for money all coming into play with sectionals, homeowners sway toward this type of furniture for many reasons.
In this article, we will consider these reasons and the types of sectionals that best suit your needs.
What are the
types of sectionals?
Many types of sectional sofas are available for you to discover, especially when you consider all the different configurations you can place them into. However, there are a few recurring types of sectionals you’ll come across in your hunt for the perfect sofa.
THESE SECTIONAL TYPES INCLUDE
Below, we will detail each sectional and its benefits, along with a few examples, to further understand why these types are so popular.
L-shaped
sectional sofas
An L-shaped sectional is a sure way to make a statement while also having ample seating solutions within your sitting room. As the name suggests, the sectional makes up an L-shape, comprising two sections that meet at a right angle.
To differentiate between the two sections, one usually has a back and two arms, with the other acting as an extended chaise.
This shape makes for a super stylish setup that can be used to divide a room, fitting snugly into corners due to the right angle design, ensuring that you can optimize the room space you have.
Despite the L-Shaped sectional saving you space, you won’t be skimping on any seating room due to the design consisting of more seating spaces than the standard sofa size. Additionally, L-Shaped seating is generally a very enjoyable experience, with deep seats and restful cushions.
Why choose an L-shaped sofa?
The L-shaped sectional couch can really wow you when you find a design that suits your style.
Take the Epic LHR Massage Series, an asymmetric L-shaped sectional complete with power reclining features, a love seat, a heat massage system, LED lighting, and many more exciting features that will take your living space to a modern aesthetic with added comfort.
power reclining features
heat massage system
motorized headrest
L-shaped sectional bursting with innovative features, from power reclining to heat and massage therapy, all from the click of a button.
Similar to the Epic LHR Massage Series, many homeowners select an L-shaped leather sectional because of the ample seating space they provide. With this space comes style, something historically challenging to find in larger pieces of furniture.
With an L-shaped sectional, you can place it against a wall to simultaneously optimize your room space while providing enough seats for all who visit your home to rest. On the other hand, you get unlimited versatility because you can move your sofa sections around should you want to create a more communal or formal feel, depending on who’s visiting.
The Vega LHR Max Big & Tall Series is the best L-shaped sectional for those who are taller or prioritize having excess space in their seating arrangements. With power recline features, this reclining L-shaped sectional has all you need to sit comfortably in style. Additionally, German-engineered motors enable you to adjust your seating position, sending you to comfy L-shaped sectional heaven.
USB power station
power lumbar system
storage drawer
Suited for the big and tall, the Vega LHR Max Series is designed to support larger weight capacities in a stylish L-shaped sectional layout, complete with a power recline, power headrest, and LED lighting
L-shaped configurations
When setting up your L-Shaped sofa, you can place it in numerous configurations to suit your room or optimize your space. If your sofa is a reversible configuration,
you can switch between having a right or left-facing sectional sofa, in which the extended chaise section either falls on the left or right when you face the sofa.
You can choose which configuration better suits your home, judging by the rest of your interior.
On the other hand, some configurations will be predetermined due to the sofa’s design. For example, your L-Shaped sectional may be symmetrical and not have an extended chaise section. This type of configuration design is favored in more formal settings, whereas the popular asymmetrical configuration (in which the chaise section is extended) is preferred in relaxed, laid-back interior design styles.
U-shaped
sectional sofas
U-shaped sectionals consist of three different sofa sections;
a left-arm sofa, a right-arm sofa, and a loveseat placed in the center. When the three sections are put together, they form a U.
As with most sectionals, U-Shaped sectional sofas can be split up to divide room spaces for optimal seating arrangements and layouts. For example, if you have a lounge area and a child’s play area next to each other, using your furniture to differentiate these areas is a great idea that won’t require you to invest in extra room dividers.
Alternatively, if you leave your U-shaped sofa in its intended setup, you can optimize your floor space as your sofa will sit snuggly against the walls of your room. It’s good to mention that this type of sofa would work best in larger rooms but can be suited to smaller areas if the layout allows it!
Why choose a U-shaped sofa?
While U-Shaped sectionals may be less frequently found, they provide an intimate, cozy setting that is great for families and couples that love a movie night or a social gathering that requires ample seating.
A U-Shaped sofa provides you with multiple benefits, but the main one has to be how comfortable these sectionals are. Whether you love lying on your couch, sitting upright to watch your favorite film, or you want to fit a group of friends snuggled up together, a U-Shaped sectional allows you to do all of the above while feeling super cozy.
Additionally, the U-shaped sofa is big on practicality. You can choose how you optimize your space with this sofa shape, whether you want to create more room in your lounge or use each section to divide up your space in an aesthetically pleasing way; the U-shape makes this all the more possible.
You can select a U-shaped sectional couch with a chaise on one side of the layout as a slight step up from the L-shaped sofa. This design provides the intimate and cozy setting you want from a U-shaped sofa without wrapping around your entire room if that isn’t the look you want!
U-shaped configurations
You can set up your U-Shaped sectional in three different layouts, depending on your style, space, and preference. Changing your configuration by moving the three sections around to achieve another format is possible.
Here are the three layouts you can try
Curved
sectional sofas
If you’re interested in interior styles that are slightly askew and unique, a curved couch sectional could be the perfect addition to your lounge. Instead of following a traditional straight-line shape, a curved sectional follows a beautifully curved shape that adds visual interest, style, and elegance to a living area.
Curved-shaped sofas come in various sizes, colors, and configurations, making them incredibly versatile. Choose between recliners, two-seat sofas, or large shapes with love seats intertwined in the design. Usually, a curved sofa has multiple sections so that you can get really creative with your layout!
Why choose a curved sectional sofa?
A curved sectional has a range of benefits, mainly due to the unique aesthetic value this type of shape brings to your home and its versatile shape that can be manipulated to fit a range of styles. Depending on the size of the curved sectional you choose, you can also find many curved sofas with ample seating to ensure you always have enough room for your guests, friends, and family.
Additionally, you can enjoy a more comfortable, natural seating position with a curved design than a traditional straight sofa. After all, your sofa should be a place to relax; a curved design makes this more possible.
Going hand in hand with comfort and style is the flexibility of this type of sofa and the fact that you can add and remove curved sectional features to fit your goals. Whether you want to get creative with your interior design or want a sofa that provides enough seats for a busy household, a curved sectional will do the trick.
Modular
sectional sofas
Modular sectionals are designed for optimum versatility and functionality, ensuring you can change your sofa’s layout depending on your needs.
For example, modular sofa sectionals come with individual parts instead of making up one shape. You can arrange them in multiple configurations, from L-shaped to U-shaped, or even spread out across the room for more individualistic styles.
So, for everyday use, you may set your modular sectional up in an L-shaped configuration so that you and the family can comfortably watch TV. On the other hand, if you throw a party,
you should consider separating your sofa into different sections so that your living space has more room and seating options for guests.
Modular sectional couches are hailed for their versatility; some even come with exciting interchangeable components such as cushions.
Coming with so many interchangeable and versatile features ensures these sofas can also be transported easily, so they are perfect for those who rent or need to move house soon.
Why choose a modular sectional sofa?
Following our above points, modular sectional sofas are the most flexible type of seating furniture you can bring into your home. Whether you have an awkwardly shaped conservatory or an unused area in your dining room, a modular sectional sofa can fit in these areas to optimize your space and offer eye-catching solutions.
Additionally, you don’t need to worry about moving difficulties or how your modular sectional will look in other rooms, as each piece is small and easy to maneuver. While moving your furniture around might not be a selling point to allow homeowners, it definitely is to some, and it gives modular sectionals the edge.
Custom
sectional sofas
If you have specific preferences and goals with your sofa, a custom couch sectional design can achieve this. A custom sectional will usually be made to order, keeping particular needs and customer preferences in mind to deliver an exceptional result.
Perhaps you want a red leather L-shaped sofa with supportive arms and dense cushions for maximum comfort. A custom sectional will help you achieve this, and you can provide the company with your specific goals for the most accurate result.
As custom designs tend to be made to higher quality, they are more long-lasting than most sofas, which goes hand in hand with their prices being relatively higher than standard sofa prices.
Why choose a custom sectional sofa?
Sectional sofas already provide flexibility and versatility; a custom sectional takes this and doubles it. With sectionals, you can move your sofa around to fit specific room measurements. Still, with custom designs, you can have your sofa manufactured to guarantee it will fit in a particular area of your room.
A high level of skill and attention is required to make custom furniture, so investing in a custom piece is the best way to give yourself peace of mind that your investment will be worthwhile and long-lasting.
Custom sectionals provide all the benefits of a mass-produced sectional while being much better quality, making it a no-brainer if you have the budget to go all out on your sofa.
Custom sectional options
While you could approach an artisan sofa designer, this process will be much more lengthy and expensive than working with a company. Many sofa companies now offer customers the chance to customize their designs upon purchase, adding unique features and specifications that make their sofas perfect for their space.
An example of a sectional with custom features is the Azure LHR Series.
Octane’s My Octane Program allows you to customize your sofa by choosing different fabrics. With the Azure LHR series, your sectional can follow an L or U shape, with dimensions provided for each configuration. Additionally, you can choose various colors for your design, ensuring you can enjoy all the great Azure features in a color that suits your home and personal style.
Choose which color, fabric, and material you want your Azure LHR Series to have for the perfectly customized couch with LED lighting, power recline, and power headrest features.
On the other hand, there are custom designs available such as the Octane Turbo XL700 Sectional, which sees you choose between leather, different fabrics, and colors, as well as various storage consoles and pull-out drawers.
This type of control over your sofa design ensures you can find a custom reclining sectional sofa with ample storage and seating space and exact specifications to make it your own.
Elevate your home space with the Octane Turbo XL700, the customizable sectional sofa with power recline, tables, accessory docks, and other exciting features!
How to select a sectional
based on your style
It’s clear that each sectional we’ve covered has different benefits that go hand in hand with your style, room size, and budget. However, choosing a sectional that best suits your needs may leave you conflicted, especially when each design has specific selling points that draw you in.
Let’s take a look at how you can decide which sectional is best for your home
Small living areas
Despite coming in a larger size due to their shape, U-shaped sectionals can help make a room seem bigger if strategically placed.
For example, placing your U-shaped sofa against a wall facing a TV will give you the floor space to put a coffee table and walk around your couch, whereas having multiple pieces of furniture can forbid this spacial freedom.
Any sectional that can be pushed into the corner of your room against a wall is a great way to save space while still ensuring you have enough seating for your family or guests. For this, we recommend choosing straight-edged furniture that can snuggly fit into 90-degree angles.
Large living areas
If you’re lucky enough to have a large lounge area, you can definitely use this to your advantage and choose furniture that amplifies your space.
You can select a U-shaped sectional and place it in the center of your room, with walking space around the back and front of your sofa for an inviting sitting area.
Curved sectionals are excellent for large contemporary living areas, with their exaggerated semi-circle designs being the most eye catching option. Perfect for anyone who hosts large gatherings or has a big family, you can get inventive with circular sectional layouts while knowing you have ample seating for your guests.
Traditional interior
If you’re interested in traditional-looking interiors, you may struggle to find a sectional sofa that fits your style, as sectionals are a more modern take on sofas. However, classic leather designs with premium padding and sleek finishings look good with most interiors, including traditional styles!
A classic leather design will usually feature either brown or black leather, giving you the perfect addition to a traditional aesthetic that makes everyone feel cozy.
The Magnum LHR Series uses Italian Leather, so you can be confident that this remarkable material isn’t just comfortable but looks stylish and fits in with a classic interior.
With three motors offering power recline, headrest, and lumbar support, the Magnum LHR Series is a comfortable and stylish sectional sofa perfect for all home interiors.
Contemporary interior
If you have a modern home design, you can get more innovative in your approach to furniture. As sectionals are predominantly made with modern manufacturing techniques and features, you can go all out with a sectional bursting with gadgets or opt for a more lowkey style that consists of an interesting shape.
Designs don’t get much more modern than the Bliss LHR Massage Series, complete with air massage features that target pressure points along your back for maximum comfort.
You can customize the features of this series, such as its color and fabric, so you can find the perfect modern sectional that fits in with your home’s personal style.
The Bliss LHR Massage Series is the ultimate modern seating solution, complete with a heat & massage system, LED lighting, a power charging system, and accessory docks.
Rental owners
There is no denying that renting a home can leave you with multiple issues when trying to make your living space feel like your own. If you’re tasked with furnishing your rental home, you may struggle to weigh up how worthwhile it is to invest in a sofa due to the fact you likely won’t be in your rented home long-term.
In fact, having this type of sectional sofa covers your back in many instances, whether a flatmate moves out, your family grows in size, or if you need to change the layout of your room to fit the furniture of a new arrival. So, if you’re renting a home and looking for a stylish and comfortable solution, we highly recommend a modular sectional.
Conclusion
Buying furniture, particularly sofas, is a challenging task. Many elements factor into your final decision, from weighing up costs, designs, layouts, and interiors to assessing your needed space.
Sectional sofas are popular for a wide variety of reasons. They are some of the most versatile sofa options on the market, providing you with peace of mind that they can fit into most lounge spaces, no matter where you live. This factor is particularly important if you’re someone currently renting a living space that won’t be permanent or if you’re planning to move house, as you want to be able to take your sofa with you! After all, it’s a pretty hefty investment.
Sectional sofas may not be the cheapest type of furniture on the market, but their clever designs ensure you get your money’s worth. From being able to move your sofa into different configurations depending on your room’s layout or the number of guests visiting per time to always being confident that you have ample seating, there are several reasons that you get more out of your money when buying a sectional sofa versus traditional sofas.
When considering which type of sectional works best for your home, you should consider your own style, budget, and other furniture you have in your room. Of course, you will need to know the measurements of your room to ensure you don’t choose a design that won’t fit.
Aside from how your sofa looks and how it fits in your room, many sectional sofas come with various features that make them stand out against other couch designs. For those looking for elevated comfort, you can enjoy reclining features and swivel tables that make it easier than ever to have all you need next to you while you sit. Or, those who want to transform their home into a cinema can use innovative bass shakers; there are endless opportunities with a sectional sofa.
Overall, the pros of investing in sectional sofas far outweigh the cons. Although this investment may burn a hole in your pocket, it is worth it in the long run and will provide your home with a comfortable, versatile, and long-lasting seating solution that can move with you.