A sectional seats more people than a sofa and defines a room, but it is also the biggest piece of furniture most people buy. Choosing well comes down to four things: the layout, which side the chaise or corner goes on, fixed or modular, and the size.
L-shape, U-shape or chaise
| Layout | Seats | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| L-shaped (corner) sectional | 4-6 | Fitting into a corner and leaving the rest of the room open. Shop L-shaped. |
| Sofa with chaise | 3-4 | A spot to stretch out without the footprint of a full corner. |
| U-shaped sectional | 5-8 | Large rooms, movie nights and big families. Shop U-shaped. |
| Curved sectional | 4-6 | Conversation areas and open-plan rooms. Shop curved. |
| Cloud sectional | 3-8 | Deep, plush lounging. Shop cloud couches. |
Left-facing or right-facing?
Sectional pieces are named for the side their arm or chaise is on when you stand facing the sectional, not when you sit on it.
- Left-arm-facing (LAF): as you face it, the arm or chaise is on your left.
- Right-arm-facing (RAF): as you face it, the arm or chaise is on your right.
Stand where you will see the sectional from, usually the doorway or TV, and picture which end the chaise or corner should be on. Many modular and reversible designs let you swap sides later; check each listing.
Fixed or modular
A fixed sectional is one or two large pieces in a set configuration. A modular sectional is made of separate seats, corners and ottomans you can rearrange, add to or split, and each piece is smaller to carry through doors and up stairs. If you move often or your route in is tight, modular is the safer choice.
Size it to your room
- Measure each wall the sectional will sit against, from the corner outward.
- Leave 30-36″ for walkways, and about 14-18″ between the seats and a coffee table.
- Check the chaise length, which is usually 60-70″, longer than the seat depth.
- Tape the full footprint on the floor, every side and the chaise.
- Check each piece against the doorways and stairs. See how to measure for a sofa.
Features worth considering
- Sleeper sectionals with a pull-out bed or ottoman for guests. Shop sleeper sofas.
- Storage ottomans and chaises for blankets and games.
- Deep seats for lounging, or standard seats for upright sitting.
- Washable or performance fabric for pets and children. See fabric vs leather.
Placement tips
- Keep the chaise away from the main entrance so it doesn’t block the path into the room.
- In an open-plan room, float the sectional with its back to the dining or kitchen area to create a separate living zone.
- Face the longest side toward the TV or the view.
How to keep a sectional from separating
Sectional pieces drift apart on hard floors as people sit down and get up. To keep them together:
- Use the connectors. Most sectionals come with metal brackets or clips that hook the pieces together under the seat; check they are fitted and tight. Replacement sectional couch connectors are sold at hardware stores and online.
- Put the sectional on a rug large enough for all of its front legs, which adds grip.
- Add non-slip furniture pads or rubber grippers under the legs on wood and tile floors.
- Push the pieces together from the outside after cleaning or moving, then re-fit the connectors.
Modular sofas are designed to come apart, so their clips or straps matter even more; see modular sofas.
Sectional or sofa and loveseat?
A sectional seats more people in less space and makes the most of a corner. A sofa and loveseat are easier to rearrange and move, and suit rooms with doors or windows in the way of a continuous corner. A modular sectional gives you some of both.
Frequently asked questions
How much space do you need for a sectional?
An L-shaped sectional is usually about 8-10 feet on the long side and 6-8 feet on the short side, so plan for that plus 30-36″ walkways. U-shapes need space on a third side as well.
Can you change a sectional from left to right?
Only if it is modular or has a reversible chaise. Fixed sectionals keep the orientation you order, so check it carefully.