How big is too big? Choosing the right sectional for your space.
living room seating
If you've ever shopped for (or tried shopping for) a sectional couch for your home or apartment, you'll know how many options there are. Sectionals allow you to do more with your space than a typical couch, but selecting the right one can be a daunting task. Here are some things to consider when choosing a sectional for your space:
1. The shape of the room
As with all furniture, you definitely need to measure the room you plan to put the sectional in to be sure it will fit. But aside from just measuring, it's important to think about how a sectional will actually interact with your room. If you want a chaise section, you may want it on the side of the sectional that is furthest from the doorway, to ensure easy entry and exit from the room. If you have a corner room, a square, symmetrical sectional will fit well, whereas if you have a room with multiple doorways, or a room that is more open, a sectional with two parts (like two separate fortress loveseats or a longer sectional and a loveseat) might be more appropriate.
2. What you'll use it for
There are many types of sectionals, and each has different uses that it is best suited for.
A reclining sectional will allow you to kick back and relax, but may not look very elegant. These are ideal for living rooms, dens, or basements that you use mainly for watching television and lounging, and don't mind that the space looks more comfy than modern.
A stationary sectional can be more pleasing on the eye. It does not have reclining footrests, but a 3-piece reversible stationary sectional with a chaise or ottoman will give you a place to put your feet. A reversible sectional allows the chaise section to be moved, so you can adjust it to fit the room you want it in.
There are also sleeper sectionals, which fold all the way back, turning the sectional into a bed. This is a great option if you anticipate using the room for guests. This type of sectional is especially useful in apartments, where you want to use space as wisely as possible. This allows you to have a couch, but also a bed when you need one, instead of needing a guest bedroom altogether.
3. Type and color of material
Most sectionals come in either some type of leather or a microfiber fabric. Leather tends to hold up better, though both leather and microfiber will clean well. If you have pets, microfiber could attract pet hair more easily, which means leather might be the way to go. However, microfiber also won't scratch as easily. Generally, leather is best for rooms that you want to look nice, while microfiber is better for rooms that might get more harsh use.
In addition to choosing the right material, you must also consider the color of the sectional you get. While white might brighten up a room and goes well with almost any color scheme, it also will get dirtier faster. A darker brown or black faux leather sectional sofa will be less prone to showing spills and wear, though it will make a room seem darker and possibly smaller.
Considering all these variables, you can begin to sort through and select what type of sectional best fits your space.