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If you like to spread out in your living space, a sectional sofa offers multiple seating (and lounging) options in one hardworking piece. There are a few standard shapes for sectionals, like U-and L-shaped, but most manufacturers offer a wide variety of sizes, styles, and fabrics that allow you to customize your perfect sectional. A practical piece of furniture, some sectionals are roomy, others are more structured, and you can often make them as big or small as needed for your space.
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If you have a small space or only need comfortable seating for two, this sectional should do the trick. The fabric is velvet, which is beautiful but not removable, so if kids’ spills are a concern, you might want to investigate another sectional. Otherwise, this comfortable option is stylish, affordable, and comes in over 15 colors.
If you have kids or pets, you may want to skip this one in gorgeous velvet (and at an affordable price) because it also has non-removable covers, and velvet may not stand up well to stains.
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A timeless classic leather sectional that seats five plus a corner seat, this sofa can be joined with other Burrow sectional pieces if you want to expand its footprint. It has received five-star reviews from customers who call it a “high quality” and “great investment” piece.
An easy-to-assemble sectional in a classic design that can be expanded if you decide you want more seating.
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If you want to customize your sectional, APT 2B is the way to go. Offering a variety of styles (we like Harper) and colors, you can build your sectional the way you want it to look. Create a larger seating area or enjoy a snug two-piece Harper; it’s up to you. A larger piece will cost more, and a smaller sectional, less.
A great way to customize your sectional, although making it larger will (not surprisingly) cost more. This sectional is fully customizable to fit your room and style.
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This hand-crafted, comfortable U-shaped sectional allows you to pick your fabric or material and choose from a wide range of creative color choices, like kale green or lagoon blue. Featuring ultra-plush back pillows but with an upright frame, it’s created for couch potatoes who love luxury.
A U-shaped, well-designed sectional with over 70 color choices, plush seats, and deep cushions—along with a high price tag.
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This high-end modular sectional can be configured in many shapes and sizes. With a seat depth of 25.2 inches, it’s beautiful and provides deep, comfortable seating. There are many options for fabrics and materials, so you can design your modular sectional to suit your palette.
If you want a sectional with deep-seated cushions, this modern design in luxury fabric is for you.
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Burrow’s sofas and sectionals are made to curl up on. Chic yet cozy, with a classic mid-century modern design sensibility, this five-seater is easy to clean, making it a great choice for a family. You can also purchase add-on accessories for your sectional, including a sleep kit to transform it into a sleeper sofa, or add an ottoman or moveable chaise. It even includes a built-in USB charger and power cord.
Classic meets mid-century in this well-designed sectional for under $3,000.
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This chic design is contemporary and looks more expensive than it is. Designed in rich velvet colors, the contrast piping makes this a solid statement piece for your home. You can choose your piping color to contrast with your cushions, plus pick from a standard depth 40” depth or a deep 44” for ultimate lounging.
A luxurious-looking sectional for under $5,000—tailored to your design scheme, thanks to 28 color choices.
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Albany Park is known for its comfortable and contemporary furniture that ships in what they call apartment-friendly and space-conscious boxes, so you don’t have to worry about your back when your pieces arrive. This design has removable seat cushions that are easy to spot-clean, and it’s extra deep and wide for maximum comfort and cuddles with your pet or partner. Great for families, too, who like to pile into a deep-seated sofa together.
This velvet (or plush) sectional is comfortable and chic, plus made for comfort and cuddles thanks to its deep seats.
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This beautiful sleeper sofa has its own air mattress or you can pay extra for springs. Designed in a contemporary style, the Fillmore is easy to set up for sleep and put back together for seating. The frame is supported by no-sag suspension and built from recycled steel by USA-based builders.
This gorgeous sleeper has its own air mattress or springs (your choice) for guests and a beautiful selection of 45 colors.
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Maiden Home offers distinctive sectionals with comfortable, deep seating in a modern style. The Varick sectional is available in a chaise L or U-sectional and features luxurious performance tweed or leather fabric and options for additional seating sections. It’s made to order and the starting price reflects this craftsmanship.
This gorgeous sectional is available in leather or fabric, and you can add additional pieces to make it larger.
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This U-shaped three-piece sectional is attractive and comfortable. Built with loveseat and chaise components, you do have to put this piece together yourself, but testers and reviewers say it only takes 30 minutes or so, depending on the individual. A medium firm affordable piece but take note, it is spot-clean only here.
Affordable and attractive, this medium firm sectional looks more expensive than it is.
This corner sectional from Serena & Lily is custom-built in the USA and delivered to your home in six weeks. It looks high-end, but its comfort level is high. At over $10,000, it belongs in the splurge category, but its durability and attractive style may make it worth it. The best part? It's customizable. Choose from 138 fabrics and four leg color options.
This is a high-end, luxury sectional with splurge-worthy vibes that come in 138 colors and patterns.
The best sectional sofa for your space depends on the room size, sectional size, fabric, and how you need the sectional to function. If you're buying one to snuggle with your kids and pets, a sectional with easy-to-clean fabric and deep seats for extra coziness might be your best bet. If your sectional is in a guest room, you may want to purchase one with a convertible sleeper option.
Because you build your own sectional using different components—like a loveseat or chaise lounge-like chair—and even add-in features like blanket storage, cup holders, and even Bluetooth speakers—your budget will likely play a role in the type of sectional you purchase. You can find affordable, great-quality pieces for under $1,000, but you will have to shop around, and it may be wise to look for sales.
The upside to having so many sectional choices out there is that there are plenty available at multiple prices, colors, sizes and styles for you to start designing the sectional of your dreams.
To gather information on the best sectional sofas, I spoke with interior designers and owners and read through many first-hand reviews to see how each sofa stood up to everyday life.
Design, price points, and comfort each played a role in my decisions.
I made it a point to sit on several sectionals to influence some of the final choices as well.
An L-shaped sectional sofa with a chaise design is a popular choice for consumers mainly because it can usually fit in a small or large room and is easy to add pieces. Jennifer Parsons, interior designer and principal of Context Design in Brooklyn, New York, shares that her go-to for solid yet budget sectionals are Burrow and Ikea, which offer affordable, great pieces.
Sectionals can be many sizes depending on the furniture maker and how they are built. Lengthwise, they could be anywhere from 103 inches to 130 inches or longer, but this is just an estimate. For example, a three-seat sectional with a chaise could be 103.25 inches long.
The standard height of a sofa is between 30 to 36 inches, although a custom-designed and built sofa or sectional could vary in size (taller or shorter) depending on the size ordered.
The best time of year to buy a sectional sofa is usually during holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day. It’s worth checking Black Friday sales as well.
A good quality sectional will not sag or rip easily, and often custom-made sectionals, like most furniture, are often of higher quality than those made in a large factory. A sturdy frame and a strong interlocking system are also signs of a high-quality product.
The average lifespan of a sectional sofa depends on the care and maintenance you give it. A sectional sofa could last 10 years or more if you buy a high-quality product and treat it well.
Parsons says there is a huge range in quality sofas from Ikea and Burrow (anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500) to really high-end pieces from Serena & Lily and George Smith. A quality sofa doesn’t have to be super expensive if you shop around.
Not necessarily, shares Parsons, who has done interior design work for clients living in both large and small spaces. “It would, of course, depend on the room, but counterintuitively, rooms look smaller [when it is] empty! You want the furniture scale to be appropriate and work for the layout and sometimes sectionals are the most efficient use of space and maximize seating,” she says.
You should look for materials that can easily be cleaned, especially if you have young children and/or pets. “Most companies offer high-performance velvets or other fabrics that are stain and snag resistant,” says Parsons. ”If your budget allows, I think leather is fabulous.”
The best color of a sectional sofa really depends on a few factors, like the color of the room itself. Some popular colors that make good foundations for room palettes are neutral-based. “A sectional is a BIG piece, so light and neutral is safe—whereas, with a standard sofa and accent chairs, I might go bolder with a pattern or the rich green, blue or pink—you can always add color and flair with beautiful rugs, curtains, throws, and pillows,” says Parsons.
It depends on many factors, space of the room, the size of the sectional, and what other pieces of furniture are in the room. Two suggestions: A sectional could divide a large room or act as focal-point seating in front of a fireplace or television.
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