Choosing the right sectional sofa is a big decision that can make or break your living room. As the central focus that defines the space’s layout and functionality, sectionals come in endless shapes, sizes, and configurations.
I’ve mistakenly picked the wrong one by not doing my homework on the many options out there. I’ll walk through all types of sectional sofas so you can find the perfect one.
41 Types of Sectional Sofas for Your Home
I’ve purchased a sectional, so I’ve gone through this process. The best approach (after measuring your space, of course) is to break your options down into categories. In other words, get a little scientific about it instead of randomly choosing one.
Sectional Shapes
The three main shapes are U-shape, L-shape, and semi-circular shape. However, you can create additional configurations with a modular sectional, especially five-piece sectionals.
1. Curved
Curved sectional sofas are a great way to maximize sitting space in your living room without someone getting stuck in the uncomfortable corner seat. Everyone can talk easily on a curved sectional sofa, and nobody will have to worry about getting left out of the group conversation.
2. L-Shaped
These L-shaped sectionals are perfect for people with smaller living room spaces who want to optimize their seating choices without worrying about cluttering the room or breaking up their space.
These sofas usually come standard with a chaise as a part of the piece, so it’s easy for everyone in your home to relax, whether they want to sit or recline.
3. U-Shaped
Not as rounded as a curved sectional sofa, the U-shape sectional sofa gives even more space than the L-shaped one for people who wish to recline on their couch.
It usually features 3 or more sections to create a ‘U.’ The sections of a U-shaped sofa may be fixed or detachable, depending on the design. This is an excellent choice for families with a relatively large living room, as they tend to be bulkier than their counterparts.
These couches often focus on aesthetic appeal and may not be the most practical for sitting for long hours. However, U-shaped sofas can accommodate many people. They are ideal for family events or a quick hangout with friends. Often, you’ll find U-shaped furniture at a central point in a room.
Styles
When choosing a sectional style for your room, you should have a clear interior design plan for color and theme. Your living room furniture can significantly impact the overall aesthetic of the room.
It can enhance the design or detract. Do your best to buy a sectional that enhances the room design.
4. Traditional
These sectional sofas will be more traditional than some updated versions. They typically have daintier legs and fine, curved lines, making the piece seem lighter and smaller than some of their heavier counterparts.
5. Modern or Contemporary
Sleek and modern, these sectional sofas will often have updated touches added to them, such as metal legs and leather. They tend to be boxier than traditional sofas, but if your home is decorated with a more modern style overall, they will fit right in and improve your decor.
6. Transitional
An updated twist on an old classic combines the best of modern and traditional furniture with a focus on the sophistication of the couch design and less on the ornamentation. The size is large enough for a person to be comfortable and will stand up to even the most active household.
7. Farmhouse
Light colors, durable fabric, and comfortable cushions are typical of this sofa style. They are built to last, look great in almost any room, and evoke feelings of a slower time in the past. They’re simple to spruce up with fun throw pillows in bright colors and are easy to care for without much fuss.
8. Mid-Century
With thin legs, clean lines, and tufting, mid-century furniture adds lightness and airiness to any room, including entertainment rooms. These sectional sofas still have plenty of room for you to sit but have much less visual weight than other couches.
Design
With design, think about how you’ll be using the couch. Do you have a smaller space and want your sofa to double as a bed? Or perhaps you constantly rearrange furniture, and a modular sofa is ideal.
9. Stationary
Stationary sectionals are the most common. They are designed for one shape (instead of mix and match like a modular sectional). The better sectionals lock or connect the pieces together so they stay in place.
With simple lines and a sturdy place to sit, these sectional sofas are comfortable and reliable.
10. Reclining
Reclining designs are ideal for family rooms and media rooms. They come in a variety of styles – from individual movie chairs to a more traditional sofa with individual reclining sections.
A reclining sectional sofa makes it very easy to get comfortable. It’s perfect for reading, watching a movie, or working on homework.
11. Modular
Modular sectionals are designed to have many sections – 3 or 5 pieces typically. The sofa is made up of individual pieces. Some sectionals even have parts that work well as stand-alone living room furniture.
The sky is the limit with the styles and configurations. Perfect for the more contemporary home, these sectional sofas can be rearranged and moved around your space to suit your needs. You can add right-facing and left-facing chaises, including arm units.
You’ll love modular couches if you crave a little freedom in designing your furniture layout. Whether you push them all together and make one long sofa or prefer to have them spaced throughout your room, it doesn’t matter.
The pieces are light enough for you to move easily but solid enough that you are safe and comfortable while using them. They’re perfect for small and large living spaces. Modular sofas last a long time.
It’s worth noting that modular sofas cost considerably more than regular sofas. However, their high level of functionality makes them a worthwhile investment.
12. Sleeper
Many homes don’t have a spare bedroom for guests to sleep in when visiting, but with a sleeper sofa, you don’t need to worry about having an additional bed.
These sofas are generally much heavier than other kinds since they have a bed hidden inside them.
13. Convertible
You can easily pull this sofa apart into different pieces and even store items inside the hidden compartments to make your room look less cluttered. They come in several styles, so you can find one that best fits your décor and aesthetics.
These sofas are versatile, making them suitable for larger and smaller homes. You can scatter the pieces to fit your specific space or bring them together to create a more cohesive unit when you need a large grounding piece to tie the room together.
14 Sofa/Chaise Sectionals
The chaise lounge is incredibly popular as well. It’s like having an attached ottoman… but the plus side is you can still use an ottoman so everyone on the sofa can put their feet up.
15. Home Theater Style
Like the reclining version, the home theater style of sectional is best for family and media rooms.
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Material/Upholstery
The material of your sofa impacts duration, comfort, and appearance. The best thing you can do is sit in all types of materials to get a sense of what you like, while keeping your room’s design and budget in mind.
16. Polyester
You won’t have to worry about the sun bleaching out this fabric, so your sofa can go in front of any window in your home.
The only problem you may run into with a polyester sofa is that it is very difficult to clean the grease out of this fabric. Be careful not to spill when eating fried foods and watching TV.
17. Faux Leather
This won’t age and patina as beautifully as real leather will, but because of its lower price tag, many homeowners still opt for it as a great-looking and durable choice.
18. Genuine Leather
While not a fabric, many people opt for leather on their sofas for several reasons. It feels amazing to touch, looks great as it ages, and holds its value much better than other sofa coverings.
19. Microfiber
Made of many tiny fibers, this is one of the most comfortable fabrics used on sofas today. People love it because it is so stain-resistant and durable.
20. Chenille
These sofas are incredibly soft, and due to the way the fabric is constructed, they will often appear as if they have variations in shade. It’s a perfect fabric for a busy family as it’s very durable and will withstand a lot of hard use.
21. Velvet
While a sofa covered in velvet may wear out faster than other fabrics, it’s hard to beat the comfort and soft texture you get with it. They’re harder to clean though, and you might need a steam cleaner for tough stains.
22. Cotton
This is one of the most popular options for sofas, and for good reason. With so many different styles, colors, and patterns, it’s easy to find a sectional sofa that fits in your space and perfectly matches your decor.
It’s easy to care for and will stand up to moderate stains without special treatment.
23. Twill
Due to the style and make of the fabric, twill hides stains very well, which makes it the right fit for busy families. It’s also very water-resistant and can easily be cleaned before a stain occurs if a drink is spilled.
Back Style
The back style on the couch is important for a couple reasons. First, it’s often the first part of the couch you see when entering a room. Second, it’s supporting your back, so it must be comfortable.
24. Pillow/Cushion
Cushion-backed sectionals have the back cushioning attached to the sofa. It’s softer and plusher than the tight back. They’re comfortable, have removable pillows you can easily move around, and are perfect for sitting or reclining.
25. Split
A split-backed sectional sofa often appears smoother than a pillow-backed one. It’s a perfect sofa for a more formal room where you do not want to have large, overstuffed pillows on your sofa.
26. Tight
These sofas look incredibly modern, and their tight, smooth backs are streamlined and comfortable without being too cushy in appearance. Straight lines and smooth edges make a great addition to any home but especially stand out in modern homes.
27. Tufted
The tufts on the back pillows of these sectional sofas blend in with the overall pattern and fabric or leather used and add a lot of visual interest to the piece of furniture. They are a classic look and often come with smaller, thinner legs, which add to the overall appeal.
28. Camel Back
Consider the classic camel-back sectional sofa if you’re looking for something more ornate.
Arm Style
Every section of a sectional sofa has options with respect to design, function, appearance, and style. The arms are no exception.
29. Armless
This is a modern look that is becoming more popular on sofas. Not having an arm means that it can fit in a much tighter space, although you need to consider how you’ll sit comfortably on the ends of the sofa.
30. Flared
These stylish, modern sofas look great in almost any home and add a touch of drama to your space. They are incredibly comfortable to sit and lean against due to the shape of the arm but don’t give you much support.
31. Round
This is a more traditional arm you can buy and is very common. Although this sofa can appear bulky and take up a lot of space due to its larger arms, it is a very comfortable sofa to sit on and lean up against.
32. Square
This sofa arm style has crisp lines and hard corners, making any space look more elegant. The arms never appear squashed or out of place and look great on a mid-century, modern-style sofa.
33. Track
Track arm sofas have an arm that doesn’t extend out past the side of the sofa. The arms are usually filled with strong foam, holding their shape well. They fit perfectly in smaller homes and have a formal look to them.
34. Pillow Top
Pillow top arms are when you want soft and plush arms ideal for lying down on. They’re most common on sectionals with attached back cushions.
35. Recessed
Recessed arms refer to arms that don’t extend to the edge of the seat.
Additional Notable Features
36. Console
One option that you may be able to find in a sectional sofa is a hidden console. This is great if you are looking for a piece of furniture that will allow you to enjoy a drink while watching TV or catching up with friends.
A hidden console means that it won’t always be seen, but when you need a place to set your glass, you won’t have to worry about finding a coaster for the coffee table.
You can also place remotes and your reading glasses in the console so you aren’t looking for them when you want to read or watch TV.
37. Hidden Storage
Look for a couch with hidden storage if you want a place to stash blankets, pillows, magazines, books, or even board games.
This storage is often inside the chaise, making this kind of sofa the perfect choice for a home with limited storage.
38. Slipcover
When you want to make sure that you can easily care for your sofa if something spills on it, find one that has a slipcover. This makes removing and cleaning it easy, no matter what food or drink was spilled.
In addition, you won’t have to worry about having it dry cleaned as most slipcovers can be washed at your home, making it possible to get the slipcover back on your sofa immediately.
39. Chaise
A sofa with a chaise is the best way to make sure that you can stretch out at the end of a long day. This is especially important if you like to sit with your feet propped up but do not have the room for an ottoman or don’t want an extra piece of furniture in your home.
The chaise also gives you a place to put the book or magazine you are reading if you can’t reach a coffee table near the sofa.
40. Nailhead Trim
For a sofa with an exceptional finish and looks very classy in any home, you will want to find one with a nailhead trim.
This finishing touch elevates the furniture and makes your room feel a little more fancy.
41. Ottoman
Many people love stretching out at the end of a long day and putting up their feet but don’t like the look of a sectional sofa with an attached chaise.
If you want the flexibility of stretching out but prefer a piece of furniture you can move around, a sofa with an ottoman is right for you.
Features to Look for in Sectional Couches
No doubt, buying a sectional for your home can be a daunting task. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of alternatives. So, what are the features to look for to decide which sofa suits you?
- Size: Sectionals are relatively larger than traditional sofas. So, it’s important to ensure your final choice will fit into your living space.
- Upholstery: Most sectional sofas come in various upholstery styles. Decide whether you want a fabric or leather finish.
- Color: Ensure the color of your sectional blends with the rest of your home. Luckily, there are usually several color options for each sectional.
- Configuration: Sectionals come in different configurations for your living or floor space. You can choose from L-shaped, U-shaped, modular sectional, or reclining sectionals.
- Comfort level: It’s worth noting that sectionals offer different comfort levels, depending on the material used to fill the inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Different Types of Sectional Sofa Sets?
There are various types of sectional sofa sets, including L-shaped, U-shaped, and curved sectionals. These designs offer different seating configurations to suit various room layouts and preferences.
What Style Is a Sectional Sofa?
Sectional sofas come in various styles, from modern and minimalist to traditional and classic. The style of a sectional sofa can be tailored to match your home’s decor, making it a versatile choice for any interior design theme.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are numerous sectional couches available. Hopefully, this helped you narrow down your personal preference so you can decide on your next living room addition.
