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Types of Sectionals

By April 20, 2023November 17th, 2023Furniture

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.

black-sofa

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.

sectional sofa
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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!

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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.

sectional sofa

In this article, we will consider these reasons and the types of sectionals that best suit your needs.

What are the
types of sectionals?

types of sectionals-blue-sofa

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

L-shaped sectional sofas
L-shaped-sofa

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.

super stylish setup

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.

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.

Epic LHR Massage Series
power reclining features - icon

power reclining features

heat massage system - icon

heat massage system

motorized headrest - icon

motorized headrest

L-shaped sectional bursting with innovative features, from power reclining to heat and massage therapy, all from the click of a button.

View Epic LHR Massage Series
ample seating space

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.

formal feel

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.

Vega LHR Max Big & Tall Series
USB power station

USB power station

power lumbar system

power lumbar system

storage drawer

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

View Vega LHR Max Big & Tall Series

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.

L-shaped configurations

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-sectional sofas-new

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.

U-Shaped sofas

As with most sectionals, U-Shaped 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!

intended setup

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.

cozy setting-u shaped

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.

U-shaped sectional couch

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

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 sectionals
Curved sectional sofas
Curved sectional sofa

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.

curved sectional

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 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.

optimum versatility and functionality
modular sectional up in an L-shaped configuration

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.

interchangeable components

Why choose a modular sectional sofa?

Modular sectionals - flexiable 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.

small and easy to maneuver

Custom
sectional sofas

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.

custom couch sectional - red sofa

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.

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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.

View Azure LHR Sectional
Turbo XL700 Sectional

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!

View Turbo XL700 Sectional

How to select a sectional
based on your style

sectional based

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.

Small living areas - sofa

Large living areas

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!

Magnum LHR Series

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.

View Magnum LHR Sectional

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.

Bliss LHR Massage Series

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.

View Bliss LHR Massage Sectional

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.

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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

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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.

wide variety - sectional sofa
clever designs - sectional sofa

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.

oversized-sofa

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sectional sofa?

A sectional sofa is a piece of upholstered furniture usually made up of two or more separate parts that fit together to form one large seating area. It often features a chaise lounge, corner pieces, armless couches, etc. Sectional Sofas often come in various sizes and shapes to fit any room size. Some are even designed for outdoor use. Sectionals can be used in both formal and casual settings and provide extra seating for larger gatherings or family events. Sectionals are also great for small spaces as the individual components can be rearranged to better suit the available space.

What are the different types of sectional sofas?

The different types of sectional sofas include chaise lounge sectionals, modular sectionals, small or large L-shaped sectionals, curved/semicircular sectionals, and recliner or sleeper sectionals. Each type of sofa has its own set of features and benefits to accommodate different seating needs. Chaise lounge sectionals offer an extra layer of comfort by providing a chaise for lounging while modular options are perfect for smaller spaces as they can be arranged in different configurations. L-shaped models provide flexibility and a classic look while curved/semicircular ones create a more intimate seating experience when placed around a coffee table. Lastly, recliner or sleeper models come with additional features such as built-in storage compartments or the ability to transform into beds for overnight guests.

How do I choose the right type of sectional sofa for my home?

Choosing the right sectional sofa for your home depends on several factors, including personal style, budget and room size. Consider the materials of the frame, cushion and upholstery – each of which has different qualities in terms of comfort level, durability and look – to make sure it fits with your lifestyle. Additionally, consider how much seating capacity you need by taking into account how many people are likely to use it as well as any additional furniture in the space like an ottoman or accent chairs. Finally, measure your space carefully before making a decision so that you choose a sectional that will fit comfortably without being too big or small for the area.

What are the benefits of a sectional sofa?

The main benefit of a sectional sofa is its versatility in the arrangement. You can break up the pieces to add multiple seating solutions or you can leave it as one large piece that is used as a center point in your living room. Sectional sofas come with many configurations and shapes, allowing you to customize them depending on the space and style you want for your home. They also provide extra seating without sacrificing floor space thanks to their corner design which fits perfectly into an angled area of a room. Finally, sectional sofas are generally more comfortable compared to other types of furniture due to their cushions and support structure.

How do I measure for a sectional sofa?

Measuring for a sectional sofa involves taking notes and measurements of the room space where the sofa will be placed. If the sectional is to fit against a wall, record the wall’s dimensions, including any alcoves or recesses. Measure the width, depth and height of existing furniture in the area to ensure it all fits together comfortably. Additionally, measure doorways and stairwells that must be navigated when bringing in your new sectional sofa. Finally, make sure you record exact measurements of armrest widths and seat depths before purchasing your new furniture piece!

What is the difference between a sofa and a sectional?

The main difference between a sofa and a sectional is that a sofa is typically one continuous piece of furniture with two or more cushions, while a sectional is composed of multiple pieces of furniture attached to form one larger seating area. A sectional can provide more seating for larger groups and takes up less space than multiple sofas alone. Additionally, many sectionals have features such as reclining mechanisms and storage compartments that are not available on standard sofas.

What are the different types of materials used for sectional sofas?

The different types of materials used for sectional sofas include leather, fabric, microfiber, and vinyl. Leather is a classic choice that looks and feels luxurious but can be more expensive than other fabrics. Fabric is available in a variety of colors and patterns to match any décor and tends to be less expensive. Microfiber is soft with a suede-like feel at an affordable price point. Vinyl gives the look of leather without the expense or need for maintenance.

What kind of maintenance do sectional sofas require?

Sectional sofas require regular cleaning and maintenance to maintain their attractive look and comfortable feel. Vacuuming the fabric on a regular basis will help remove dirt, dust, pet hair, crumbs and other debris that can accumulate over time. It’s also important to regularly check for any signs of wear or damage in order to spot areas that may need repair or treatment with leather conditioners or fabric protectors. Additionally, you should avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning sectional sofas as these can strip away the protective coating from leather pieces. For best results, use mild soap and water when cleaning your sectional sofa.

How do I clean a sectional sofa?

Cleaning a sectional sofa involves vacuuming it weekly or as needed to remove dust, dirt, and pet hair. Prepare a cleaning solution of warm water and a mild detergent, then use a clean cloth or sponge to spot-clean any spills or stains. Allow the cleaning solution to work for several minutes before rinsing it off with warm water and wiping the surface dry with another clean cloth. If necessary, use an upholstery cleaner specifically designed for your type of fabric. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results. Finally, if desired you can use an upholstery protector spray after drying the sofa completely to help reduce future staining from spills and everyday wear-and-tear.

Are there any special considerations I need to make when buying a sectional sofa?

Yes, when buying a sectional sofa there are some important considerations to make. First, think about the size and shape of your space and choose a sectional that will fit comfortably without overcrowding the room. Next, take into account the upholstery material as well as any special features such as storage or sleeper capabilities that you may want in your sectional. Finally, consider whether you prefer a chaise lounge with your sectional for added comfort and convenience. All these factors should be taken into consideration to ensure you get the best possible sectional for your space!