What Are Your Thoughts On Sectional Sofas?
My mind is still occupied with thoughts of our future family room. I’ve been dreaming of colors (which I shared in yesterday’s post), finishes, fixtures, fireplaces, furniture, and so much more. Every time I’ve dreamed about our future family room, I’ve always imagined a plush, comfy sectional in there. And yet, every time I do a floor plan of the room, I include this furniture arrangement.
So in my mind, I see a big sectional. In drawings, I always show two sofas and two chairs.
In the end, I’m not sure which idea will win out. I really want that room to be as cozy and comfortable as possible for Matt and me, since it’s our house, and we’ll be the ones using that room the most. But I also have to keep in mind that we have people in our home once a week, and sometimes twice a week right now, and I’m hoping that we’ll do even more entertaining once the addition is built.
So with that in mind, is a sectional even a good idea? I imagine myself curled up in the corner of a sectional under a cozy blanket on a winter night, a fire in the fireplace, a movie playing on the TV, and a cup of hot chocolate in hand. That sounds amazing. That’s the image in my mind every time I picture our family room with a sectional sofa.
But then I try to imagine our house on a night when we have people over, and it’s hard to imagine that working out well. I love a sectional that has a chaise lounge on the end, like this one…
But then I try to imagine being that person in the group who’s stuck on the chaise lounge section in a group setting. I think it might be awkward. 😀
So unfortunately, I think I definitely have to rule out that style of sectional. Then there’s the kind that wraps around with additional seating like this one…
But I really can’t imagine more than four people sitting comfortably on that sectional. Right? I would imagine that people wouldn’t want to get too close to the corner because they would want to avoid the possibility of their knees touching. So most people would tend to sit towards the ends. I think if more than four people had to squeeze on there, they would start to feel like their personal space was being invaded.
Even something like this seems like it would seat a maximum of five people comfortably.
So I think that’s why I always revert back to two sofas and two chairs when I do drawings of the furniture arrangement. I does give me that symmetry that my brain always seems to prefer and need. But this arrangement also seems like it would seat more people.
Our current sofa can seat up to three people comfortably, without people feeling too crowded. And this sofa is just over 80 inches long.
So if I have two of those plus two chairs, that’s ready-made seating for eight people. Add a few stackable chairs, and I think we can fit 14 comfortably, and more if we push the chairs back to make more room.
That does seem more practical for our purposes, and for our future plans. But I still picture a plush sectional in that room every time I imagine what it will look and feel like when it’s finished. Tell me your thoughts on sectionals. Do you have one? Do you like it? Does it actually limit seating with large groups like I imagine it would?
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I loved having a sectional! I miss it so much in my current house. The couch with the chairs is too fancy and stuffy for me. Sectionals are so much more comfortable. And when people come over you can fit more people! Plus you are the one using it 99% of the time. Don’t make these decisions to accommodate people that don’t live in your house.
I do agree that the two sofas and two chairs arrangement seems more formal. And I really don’t want our family room to have a formal feeling to it at all.
I had a sectional. Even though it looked great, the one seat wore out. I was the one with the comfy seat, blanket and hot chocolate. 90% of it looked brand new, but my seat was totally worn. Less expensive to replace a great chair than a big sectional.
Exactly what I was going to say Courtney! My son and daughter in law have a big comfy sectional with a chaise at one end and it’s great for lots of people. You won’t be disappointed with the other six days when you can cozy up with a blanket!
I agree with Courtney! You overthink way more than I do. It’s all about y’all!! Go for whatever you want. Company won’t rub knees to long because they’ll go home soon. 😉😊Happy Holidays
Where are you and Matt going to sit and comfortably watch tv? (Without craning your neck.) Now you have the sitting area in the breakfast nook and I believe your recliners. Are you still thinking of expanding your kitchen? I foresee a comfort problem for Matt. What will happen with his comfy chair?
We have a gorgeous sectional with chaise, two club chairs and two recliners in our great room. It looks fabulous, however, it is very limiting in terms of rearranging the room. Imagine if you had had the sofa with chaise in your present living room. It would have limited the possibilities of rearranging the room as you did several times.
There is no “right answer.” Only what you think works for you. And everything you have done so far is amazing.
I agree with Courtney about sectionals. We love ours and it is used 99% of the time.
The sectionals with the chaise lounge are great for your family to cuddle on, guests not so much. Our first one we had to pick which side the lounge would be on. That made rearranging the furniture difficult in our small room. The next one had a smaller lounger that could be switched to either end. That idea was much better but the execution was lacking. The part under the cushion was like an ottoman and would move out from the sofa part then the cushion would sag in the void. Attaching the ottoman part was not an option if you wanted to move it agin because you would be seeing and using the part that had the attachment hardware on it. I would not get another sectional.
I agree, it is very difficult in rearranging the furniture plan if you see you need to tweak a seating arrangement–whether it be for your husband, or possibly visitors. As much coziness they may evoke, I think sofas could do the same, depending on which style you get.
For my personal use I loved a sectional with the chaise. The chaise was my spot. We too have groups of people in our home and no matter how much I encouraged people to sit and put their feet up they wouldn’t do it. Which meant I had to sit there or it was wasted space. Although in a more relaxed gathering someone might sit on the end of the chaise for a brief period. It’s not as comfy with no back. So when it came time to buy new we bought a long traditional sofa
This is exactly what I suspected. No one in a group setting wants to be the only person sitting with their feet up like that.
We have a sectional and home group weekly and no one likes to sit in the corner or chaise either. For the amount of space it takes up it really does not seat very many people. Also they always seem to come apart which is a HUGE PAIN.
We have a sectional. I had already decided I did NOT want a sectional, then went to a big furniture warehouse sale and there was a lovely sectional at a great price. So we bought it. I have been sorry ever since. Even though it looks great, it does not work well for entertaining. People tend to sit at the ends, but not in the middle, so I sit in the middle and it feels SO awkward! A sofa and chairs is so much better. And since people sit on the ends, a sofa with two cushions instead of three is probably better, though it wouldn’t work very well if you have to sit three people on the sofa.
I have had sectionals for 30 years and will always have them. My pups like to curl up next to us and ours fits three big dogs and two people (not necessarily lying down comfortably, but curled up). We got one with an extra section (purchased separately but made for that sectional). The down side is that it tends to move a little and I have to bump it back into place probably every week or so. I think the sofas with the lounger on the end are pretty useless. Nobody wants to sit on a backless seat. It’s better if it’s an ottoman and can be used as a coffee table too, but those are never in my scope when I’m looking for a sectional. I think you can go with two of the extra long sofas (like you have now) and get seating for 6, but then you’ll have to figure out the arrangement of the two chairs. It’s going to get crowded. I think 4 can fit on a normal sectional without feeling too cozy and then you’ll be able to work in the two chairs too. Same amount of seating but it’s more what you’re hoping for.
We bought a sectional like the second one you showed that also had a chaise lounger on one end. Big mistake. It’s a huge piece but actually has limited seating (though lots of options). I ended up putting that down in our tv room and replaced it with 2 couches and a chair. I did choose to purchase a matching ottomon that “creates” a chaise lounger when I want a comfy place for myself – but we use it as a coffee table with guest (using a large flat tray).
I understand the draw of a cozy sectional. My daughter has one and I always sit in it because the grandkids pile on next to me! If you have enough optional seating for people who need their own space, then go for it!
I’ve had a sectional for 12 years and love it—it doesn’t have a chaise but we have a matching ottoman that fulfills the same purpose. I’ve never had problems with seating company—often we have couple over so there is room for two couples to set comfortably. I would suggest getting one with a corner wedge—it allows for a little more room in the corner.
My husband fell in love with my sectional when we dating and I think it sealed the deal on our wedding! 😉
I like the floor layout versatility of a sofa + love seat or + chairs/recliners. We also prefer recliners to chairs. You can get recliners that look like traditional chairs instead of exploding pillows & then you always have the option of putting your legs up. I like having an arm rest as I get older, it helps me get up, so I avoid middle seats. I try to follow function & form in my rooms. If you are sitting, you often have a beverage & will need a place to put it down, so end tables or coffee tables too. How do you do all that without a space feeling cluttered? My dilemma. We ended up with a sofa, a chair and an electric recliner loveseat w a center arm. My husband loves the love seat but it is huge, & I think 2 recliners w an end table between them would have been easier to arrange & taken up less floor space.
I agree with every point Diane makes. Especially about having a side table next to me for drinks, remotes, tec. We have 2 leather recliner loveseats with storage consoles in the middle of each. That covers my needs for a recliner with 2 armrests (a must for my health issues), my side table & the storage console for remotes, magazines, etc. essentially a junk drawer! They are big & comfy and we have a separate half-recliner with an ottoman & another storage ottoman for blankets. It works for us, though maybe not for others. Do what works for you!
I had a huge sectional with chaise on one end when I lived alone. It sat 6 & I only used the chaise with only one armrest. I hated it & gave it away asap!
I have had sectionals and they took up a lot of room. The chaise chair is no where ss comfortable as a recliner. But the foot part is detachable and kids love it. I no loger have a sectional and since im alone now l wont ever want one again. Just my feelings about it.
I got this info from Laurel Bern’s blog: check out Allform.
Because you entertain, two sofas and two chairs make more sense, and fabric you choose and how you decorate will determine how ‘formal’ the room feels. However, have you ever considered mixing in a chaise lounge? Most of the time, you could cuddle up on that. Not sure how it would work, space-wise.
Hi,
How about at least one of the sofas have a matching rectangular footstool? Many sofas come that way (Detachable chaise.) It could be stored under a table or used for seating when you have a group, but you can lounge when you’re alone. I know you can build a table to fit it.
Exactly what I was thinking.
Like you, the idea of a sectional seems cozy to me, but when you need flexibility, it is very impractical. I think they are great for a family space were only immediate family (or a group of kids/teens) can comfortably pile on. But for entertaining adults, it is really not ideal, and when you may need to rearrange furniture on occasion to accommodate larger crowds, it is really problematic. Two possibilities: (1) maybe a simple ottoman that matches the couch and be connected to work like the lounge when you want but can be moved away when you want? (2) there are modular sofas now, where you can get different pieces and mix and match in different ways to meet your changing needs. One other thought…you kept talking about envisioning a space that was cozy, but light and airy–I think sectionals visually take up so much room that even if they are a light color, they appear heavy to me. Maybe not to you, but I think the two couches and two chairs would provide more of the look you are really going for. Just make sure they are comfy, cozy couches and chairs!
I think two sofas and chairs can be as “comfy casual” as a sectional depending on the style. To get to your dream scenario, of being curled up in the corner of either a sectional or sofa, with a cozy blanket and a fire, with a movie playing on the TV, and a cup of hot chocolate in hand, you might need to also envision TV placement relative to the sectional or sofa while deciding which style is best for you. Where will you set your cup between sips? Right next to you, or do you reach for the coffee table while the blanket slips down? If you’re in the corner of a sectional, where is the table? Is the TV easy to view from your snuggle spot or does it require a 90 degree turn of your head? I’m sure with your thorough mind, you will run through a million different scenarios to find a perfect solution.
So we got a redone (project from MIL) sectional it’s got a sentimental reason.
I’d reccomend sectionals if you’ll buy it all at one and enjoy the modularity in many rooms. You change quite frequently and would enjoy a mix of pieces.
Our chaise end with a kiddo has turned into *their* spot to be a kid and build pillow forts. I sometimes got to raise and ice my ankle. So I got this light weight office chair ottoman/stool I move to my spot. Our seats are deep (two layers of pillow). It’s perfect to remove a layer of cushions scooch back, park the ottoman one handedly in front, then fluff blanket, to nest and chill. So If you are craving the chaise get deep seating and add a light weight ottomon/stool.
You might consider a modular sofa that you can rearrange to suit your needs. You could leave it with corners when it’s you and Matt, and then break it into two or more sofas/loveseats with groups. Lovesac is probably one of the best known, but they are expensive. The furniture center off 84 and Santa Fe also had two modular ones that we also liked.
I have had one sectional and I will never have another one. First mine did not fasten together so they were always scooting apart. Second no one ever wanted to sit in the corner. It seemed like it limited my capacity instead of expanding it. Last the arrangement of the furniture was limited to one way for it to fit in the room and I did not like the placement as well as I thought I would.
We had a sectional for many years. I grew to hate it. You have few options in moving it around. I don’t know exactly what turned me off eventually, but I couldn’t wait to get rid of it. I, personally, will never consider another one.
I’m against sectionals. Both of my daughters have them, and while there is enough space for 7 adults and a kid or two in the corner, it hardly ends up that way. Some of the men choose to sit on the hearth (uncomfortable!) because we don’t like being trapped in the middle with the coffee table blocking movement. They each also have one occasional chair and ottoman. When our whole family is together, there are four kids 12-18, and 10 adults. I have a 3-cushion leather sofa, and one of these families can sit comfortably, but they are on the small side. I also have two wing backs with one ottoman, so we usually tell the kids to go downstairs or sit on the floor or hearth, and all are fine! The basement has a sofa and loveseat that seats six adults. We use dining chairs for any added guests, or if it’s nice out, some will sit on the screened porch with seats for nine people! I would say, if you have older people, they prefer a seat with at least one arm, to aid in getting up or down, and they don’t like the middle at all. Anyone under the age of 50 can usually sit anywhere, even the floor if needed, and they don’t mind. But for me, it would be two sofas. Also, where would your TV go with a sectional?
Kristi, your original furniture idea is the most versatile and easiest to rearrange if desired. My best friend had a very nice sectional made with the best leather and it was comfortable for the two of us, but when she hosted a group, it was awkward and uncomfortable. Loose back cushions always had to be repositioned after people sat on the section and just looked sloppy otherwise. Additionally, her family room is very large with floor to ceiling windows on one side. She did have room for a very large coffee table in the center, but it always felt crowded and difficult for anyone sitting in the middle section or in the lounge portion. The sections were heavy and rearranging it wasn’t practical.
Our friends had a big sectional with a chaise, and I always sat there (in my 40s). Maybe you could casually ask your group next time you’re together having small talk, if anyone would sit on the chaise if you were to get a sectional.
I’m on our second sectional in our family room and love it for our use, but it certainly limits the flexibility of your furniture arrangement. The two sofa plan is more flexible and still very comfortable. I claim the corner of the L shaped sectional as my “spot”, but you have to consider Matt’s needs. Will he be in that room in a recliner or on the sofa. Be true to your own unique needs….And don’t consider a sectional with a curved center section–nothing is comfortable about that style.
Had a sectional years ago with a recliner on one end. Will never have any type of sectional again. It may be nice for a family to snuggle on but for entertaining it’s very limited seating and awkward, plus takes up a lot of floor space. Just my opinion! I think you should try it on your floor plan to see just how it fits, plus look at different “models” to see what might work. Most I’ve seen are huge and overstuffed….very comfy but do not always fit in the room. Again, only my 2 cents.
I like sectionals . Try to get one with a least a 36” back & not too many pillows . That works best!
I don’t have a sectional but my brother does and you’re right, it limits seating. No one want to touch knees so no one sits near the corner.Get a comfortable sofa with even moderately deep seating and you can cozy up in the corner just as well as with a sectional.
Twelve years ago we purchased a Home Reserve sofa with a chair and ottoman. Home Reserve is a US company that designs furniture you assemble according to your personal preference of styles. They have washable pet-friendly fabrics and, with different arm styles and back cushion styles. The have excellent customer service and a great choice of fabrics. We have been very satisfied with ours. I even used some polyester quilt batting to soften the edges of mine before putting on the covers. You can rearrange the components to make differing configurations. Check ’em out at http://www.homereserve.com.
I once had a sectional but was glad when it was time for a change. I opted instead for a couch, love seat and two chairs. I should say my previous sectional did have a wedge type part in the center portion between the other two ends creating more of a curved look to it. I knew before purchasing it that a sharper middle section in the corner would be a no brainer ‘cause there would be no room for a person’s legs and not a place guests would choose to sit. For your layout it seems a much better idea to go with the two sofas and two chairs. Because it will mostly be used by you and Matt, I would opt for the recliners that don’t necessarily appear as recliners. It will accommodate Matt in particular. In my opinion, it’s good that you are thinking of your guests, but I wouldn’t go overboard in my decorating expenditures just for them. Perhaps you could visit at their homes every other week or so instead. This suggestion is not intended in any other way than practicality. Do what’s comfortable for you and Matt and bring in extra fold out chairs for family and friends when needed.
Given your love of symmetry, it surprises me that you’d consider a sectional. I have a symmetrical sectional, and even in the full room arrangement, it makes any arrangement feel unsymmetrical (to me). My sister has a larger, deeper sectional that has the chaise on one end and it is extremely difficult to stand from a seated position on the sectional. If I were in a group, I’d ask that no one watch me stand or lend a hand to help me up.
I think the reason lots of people find sofas uncomfortable is because they are not choosing the most comfortable style of couch for them. One time I had a furniture salesman explain to me the most comfortable furniture had a lot to do with the depth of the piece. You look for something that allows the cushion to hit at the bend of your knee and the back cushion should be at or very near your back. I tested that and had a very clear, comfortable winner when I shopped. If you are buying with multiple people in mind, and opt to choose a piece with a larger depth to accommodate taller people, consider including extra lumbar pillows for those with shorter legs.
That said, unless I have company, I recline on my sofa 95% of the time. The only exception is if I am sitting up to eat a meal in front of the tv. So quality cushions matter to me.
I look forward to the day I can buy matching sofas instead of my sectional. I think sofas are more versatile. Moving a sectional is a real hassle; I often have to wait for someone to come help me get it back in place.
I’ve always hated sectionals. The look, the functionality, the room they take up, the style, just he whole idea of them. You can have comfy and cozy – and stylish. Sectionals just scream 70’s to me, but, again, it’s like you said about colors – it all depends on when you were born. ha!
Someone in my small group many years ago had two sofas that were placed at a 90-degree angle, separated with a side table (as if it were the awkward middle seat of a sectional, minus the knocking knee issue). The corner of the side table faced the fireplace like a diamond, and the couches looked like a widened “V” in front of the fireplace. It was a cool arrangement I didn’t see very often, and one I’ve always wanted to replicate, but lacked the space to do so. Depending on available space, you could still add lots of comfy chairs.
I was just going to suggest the same thing! I’ve been contemplating the perpendicular sofa set up for my new home. As others have mentioned.. I worry a corner spot or chaise wouldn’t actually be used & I hate the idea of being so limited on furniture arrangement (and having regret on such a big ticket item).
I miss having a sectional after so long. We did have room for a couple of chairs so that helped. My son and DIL have two couches set diagonally, so sort of like a sectional without the middle, that no one but the dog sits on! They are very casual couches. We often have big family gatherings and each easily seats three, plus we bring in extra chairs if needed.
Consider an upholstered ottoman to pull up to the sofa when you want your chaise. It would also provide an extra seat.
I live in smaller, Cape Cod style house, and have had a sectional in our LR for 20+ years – it works best for our space and everyone loves our LR’s comfort. Ours have always had a tight back (no loose pillows), are sized to fit our room (not oversized), more traditional styling and no chaise. Plus they are connected (either by design or with clips) so no movement. Our entertaining is very informal, friends and family, and no one has ever had an issue with sitting on it – family even fall asleep often! I also agree with Courtney – plan for what you and Matt need, not what you think company will want.
While I absolutely love sectionals, and was really tempted to get one for our new home, I realized that they really aren’t practical – if you want to move a chair/couch/loveseat to another area/room, it’s pretty easy. A sectional, not-so-much. So I went with a sofa & a few chairs.
Hi there,
We used to have a sectional and I hated it. Our living is small and I couldn’t change the setting when I wanted to. When we had guess they were avoiding the corner as you mentionned. I preffer sofa, chairs and even love seats than sectionnal. It gives the freedom to rearrange it when we feel like it.
Not a fan of sectionals. The personal space thing, diminished flexibility, the big statement…… I like being able to reconfigure furniture for different entertaining options. My preference would also be giving Matt as many options to be in the space as possible, pull up his wheelchair several places, move about. Set up game tables, small groups, etc.
If you really want a sectional I would think about getting one with a curved back on the corner which allows a separate seat in the inside corner. Solves the touching knees issue. We have that and it is pretty good for seating a lot of people. We also have a large square matching ottoman which is easily pushed up against the seats allowing you to lay back comfortably.
We have a modular sectional, and I regret it – so many legs on the thing. Ideally, you would want a coffee table in front of the sectional for guests to place drinks. For us, with a young child, its not practical or safe right now to have one, and so we have end tables. But they are awkward if you are the person sitting in the middle of the sectional because you cant actually reach your drink! I have claimed the corner area and I like to cozy up with a book in the evenings, but given the choice, I would go back to having 2 sofas and an ottoman/chaise.
First, no “deep seating”. My daughter had deep-seating, soft cushion sofa with lounge on one end, corduroyed velvet. It required a huge effort to crawl into, onto or out of it. (I am 5’3″.) It required an armload of extra pillows behind you to sit upright.
My dream sofa is one with the power reclining foot and headrest on either end…but not the bulky, theater chair style. Modern, clean cut, on raised legs (open underneath). Look like a more traditional sofa. Even the one’s I see in Costco ads aren’t cheap. Feet up, curl up when you want, without the hassle or always the bulky extension into the floor space.
Start visiting some furniture stores with big selection of sofa styles, yry them out! And, get what you and Matt will enjoy.
So I think regular wrap around sectionals are a waste of space. No one ever sits in the corner space unless it is a bunch of small children with no need for leg room. BUT I have a small sectional with a chaise from Macy’s that I love (and it is teal! The color is richer in person than in the link: https://www.macys.com/shop/product/radley-3-piece-fabric-chaise-sectional-sofa-created-for-macys?ID=1101389&pla_country=US&CAGPSPN=pla&pla_country=US&trackingid=449×1057407462&m_sc=sem&m_sb=Google&m_tp=PLA&m_ac=Google_Furniture_PLA&m_ag=Furniture&m_cn=GS_Furniture_PLA_Restructure_High&m_pi=go_cmp-20415969494_adg-158742466944_ad-667715673993_pla-2174403163113_dev-c_ext-_prd-1512821USA&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAj_CrBhD-ARIsAIiMxT-Djsf8-wLv2n78DMtlIvjESBnhEJ3adD0jFUpNelimSIsl8PlCuYAaAu2MEALw_wcB)
I went into a Macy’s furniture store when ordering mine, and was able to order an extra sofa cushion. The chaise part on the couch is basically a movable ottoman base with a chaise cushion on top of the base and sofa. So, when you want to, you move the chaise cushion off, add the sofa cushion back on, and you have a regular sofa! You can probably order a cushion for the ottoman bit too and be able to use that for seating when necessary. I really love the flexibility because I use the chaise side ALL the time for movie watching, but it is less practical for hosting.
Sorry, this is actually the one i have (color Peacock!) https://www.macys.com/shop/product/jadison-fabric-2-pc.-sectional-with-reversible-chaise-created-for-macys?ID=13894823&pla_country=US&CAGPSPN=pla&pla_country=US&trackingid=449×1057407472&m_sc=sem&m_sb=Google&m_tp=PLA&m_ac=Google_Furniture_PLA&m_ag=Furniture&m_cn=GS_Furniture_PLA_Restructure_High&m_pi=go_cmp-20415969494_adg-158742466944_ad-667715673993_pla-2174403163873_dev-c_ext-_prd-92130USA&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAj_CrBhD-ARIsAIiMxT_Xjfkbg83WuXOB3Ap2xTBZFptMN0F6G13076XbPKA_lplHseddfOgaAlpYEALw_wcB
Wow. Lots of different opinions here! I feel like one of the biggest considerations needs to be Matt’s ability to maneuver his wheelchair through the room. Seems like a sectional would be more limiting in that respect.
The corners on a sectional are great for just the family and kids, but for regular group gatherings, they are, indeed, prohibitive for the knees and lower legs of those sitting adjacent to the corners.
The two sofas and two chairs is best for a group – one-seat cushion sofas are great for preventing anyone being stuck on a crack!
As far as your desire for a cozy chaise, have an upholstered ottoman on wheels for a coffee table and you can pull it up to whenever you’re sitting for that same feeling 😉
If the space in the center of the conversation area is large enough, you could have a coffee table and an ottoman on wheels – could be a storage ottoman at that! These pueces could be the same size and staged right up next to each other when there is a group. The ottoman could havs s large tray on it for folks to set a mug of cocoa, etc…
I’ve found that having a very narrow table behind the sofa works perfectly for setting a drink there when I want to lounge on the couch by myself. No real need for a designated chaise.
We have a narrow table behind our sofa as well and it is wonderful for keeping drinks and snacks
I tried to find the answer to this question the other day and my searching on your blog was failing, but since you posted tangentially posted about it – where did you get your sofa from again? 🙂
I actually assumed you were doing the two sofa furniture arrangement so you could just get another of your sofa. I really like your sofa!
We (husband and me) have had both arrangements – two identical couches + chairs, and a big sectional with a chaise (Interior Define Charlie). We really like our sectional because the chaise side has the higher back down it, so it does seat more people. Right now my husband really wants to get a new U sectional with two chaises and we would get the higher backs down both – that is important to us so that those sides provide actual seating with backs. We really, really like the sectional vs the couch for day to day since we feel like we’re closer together since we’re on one piece of furniture (although it’s a large sectional so we’re not ACTUALLY that close together LOL #married life).
However, we really don’t entertain more than 2 extra people at a time – so four total, and we’re a couple so okay with being closer together. For actual entertainment, two couches + chairs worked better.
We bought a very large sectional that can juuuuuuust squeeze into our very small living room earlier this year, and while it does take up most of the room, we finally have enough seating in our living room for our family of seven. It’s the type with seating on both sides, no chaise longue. The kids like curling up in the corner, and even I usually cuddle up with my feet up on the couch. It is super comfy. My only complaint is that the couch is covered in the stupidest, cheapest, most frayable fabric ever. I am definitely going to have to re-cover the cushions in the not-too distant future. But we didn’t have a lot of choice in what would fit and work, and it was on sale for a really good price.
I have a sectional in my living room and a sofa and loveseat in my sitting area (next to the entry). It is an open floor plan so the living room is connected to the sitting area. The sitting area is the preferred place to gather. Our friends and family prefer the sofa/loveseat arrangement over the sectional and so do we. I will not buy another sectional even though I have enjoyed curling up in the corner with a blanket to watch movies.
I abhor sectionals. As they age, the gap between the sections grows and it looks like crap and is uncomfortable. The cushioning also seems to break down and lose shape quickly and they get wobbly faster. Completely not worth it. Will never buy.
I have two 94” sofas in an L with two end tables on one sofa and a huge 42” square collectors table and Two swivel chairs. We love it. After the kids flew the coup we got rid of one sofa after fixing it twice and put a lounge chair with an ottoman. No one likes the lounge chair. And no one sits in it. We always have guests and everyone gravitates to the family room away from the smaller living room. Looking at sectionals recently, but then decided not to get one because we like to be on our ipads at night and it would be to difficult to have a cup of tea next to us and lighting was an issue, because I dont always like the can lights on even if they are dimmed. I like table lamps to read by and each of use likes our end table to put other stuff.
I used to be of the mind that they are a waste of space, particularly the corner seat, as you mentioned. But lately I’ve become a fan of a sectional with chaise at the end, like the one you posted. If I were at a gathering and had to sit on the chaise, give me a pillow to hug and I’d feel very lucky to get that seat! And still room for another person to sit at the end (like a teenager, child, or someone who doesn’t require normal back support). Imo, your general style leans formal; it would be so nice to see you include a relaxed sectional in your family room; something different from your living room.
We have a Navy blue velvet fabric “L” sectional from Lazy Boy we bought in 2016 and still love it. Our Den is not very big, and this was a great option that gave us plenty of room to seat 7. We do pile a lot of pillows into the corner for the person who gets that seat when having company, but we all love that seat to lounge back and watch a show. My husband wishes we hadn’t nixed the lounger at the other end facing the TV! But, we do have a nice big ottoman that can double as seating, a coffee table, and a nice place to prop feet when lounging. So, my vote would still be a sectional when this one wears out. It utilizes our space very well and is so comfortable for TV watching.
You already have plenty of people depositing their two cents, so I’ll keep mine short – loved having a sectional in our first two (small) homes with a young family. They were the best use of space for small living rooms with the sectional going tight in the corner, and we like to snuggle or sit cross legged, plus we RARELY have company and somehow always stay at the dining table when we do.
New, bigger house – we broke up the sectional with the 3 seater in the living room plus a few accent chairs, and the loveseat over by the dining area. I won’t use it as a sectional here, and when we need new seating I’ll buy separate pieces!
TL;DR: Really consider your purpose for the space and your personal habits when you decide either way.
If you want the ability to curl up get a sofa or chair with a matching very poufy foot stool. When they’re big enough, you can push them right up to the chair and it’s like a chaise, but flexible when you don’t need the chaise. Also, I found that as much as the corner chaise seemed like a good idea, in reality getting into that corner and out again was complicated/awkward and a mess.
I have a reclining sofa (they’re making them look a lot less poufy than before), and it’s great, we can sit on it, and when I want to go in curl up mode I just put the feet up and then plenty of room for the pets to join, but still easy to get out of.
Also, chair and 1/2s make great curl up in them chairs as well and will fit a pillow and floofy blanket quite well.
We have had 3 sectionals ( and many sofas) all different configurations. Modular is best for ability to rearrange. Macys has the Radley sofa with an angled corner section, deep but makes it so the corner is not useless in a group. If you want a sectional “feel” but opt for sofa layout choose a sofa with high arms(typically back& arm is same ht) it gives that nestle in feeling when you sit in the corner or sitting with your legs stretched out.
If you opt for a sectional MAKE SURE you choose a cushion that can be flipped over!! Chaise cushions are very difficult to fluff! Ask me how I know;)
The way something makes your brain feel good is the way to go. It’s who you are, so don’t fight your need for symmetry. Get the two sofas.
We purchased a sectional from Pottery Barn about 5 years ago, and everyone loves it, including our grown children and grandchildren. And my 6’5″ son can even stretch out with his wife on it to watch TV in the evening.
I had the Pottery Barn decorator come to my house to help me figure out what I needed (it’s a free service). She suggested the Pearce square arm sectional, which is incredibly comfortable, yet very supportive. It is also great when we have a ton of adult-sized relatives over, as everyone sits comfortably. Ours seats five adults, including one in the wedge corner seat. No one is slouching or without a seat back.
If I needed to have an extra bed for another stray houseguest, this sectional would even work for that. I know this, because I have stretched out and napped on it often! It is very comfortable.
https://www.potterybarn.com/products/pearce-square-slipcovered-3-piece-sectional-with-wedge/
The key to this sectional is the wedge-shaped corner seat. A real person can fit. I do put several throw pillows in the corner for back support, because my son is the only giant in the family.
You can have as many seats as you want on either side of the wedge corner, so decide on which configuration works best for you. We all love this one.
The wedge corner is the missing link to make this sectional really work, in my opinion.
I love A sectional. I have been saving for one with a chase for a couple of years. So Cozy !
I don’t have a sectional and don’t want one. I think your arrangement is perfect for people to converse with each other. I wish I had room for two sofas. Keep your plans.
We have a smaller living room footprint due to a walkway and fireplace with built ins, but the room is open to our dining room and kitchen. In my head, I was going to put a chaise couch and 2 chairs. I ended up getting a u-shaped sectional and it has been amazing. Our family of 5 has plenty of room to lounge for movies, but yet can easily fit 8 guests without touching.
I now have purchased a large modular sectional for both our basement and our cabin. I love that we can change the shape based on who is there and what we’re doing. I’d highly recommend looking into them for the best of both worlds.
The corner seat of a sectional is never comfortable, no matter how you are sitting or which direction you are facing. I love the symmetry of the layout you have depicted for your plans.
1) If you are trying to sit upright in the corner of a sectional with your feet on the floor, your knees are bunched in the corner. And your back support is further from the edge, requiring a pillow behind you so that the back of your knees clear the cushion edge. It is more difficult to then stand up from that position, because the pillow is less firm and you must first scoot yourself forward. And as you mentioned, if there are people seated close to you on either wing, it feels uncomfortably close and the direction is less conversational. This is not the seat for balancing a plate, drink, and book.
2) If you are trying to lay in the corner of a section with your legs outstretched or curled up, one of your shoulders will be uncomfortably trapped against the seat back. Your shoulder must curl inward promoting poor posture. Since the seat back in the corner is curved, your back will not be supported correctly for the direction you are facing, requiring a twist in your spine and again promoting poor posture.
I’m not the one to give advice because I’m 5’0 tall and there’s not one piece of furniture that is really comfortable in my house or anywhere I go. Things are so deep from the front of the seat to the back it doesn’t remotely fit. Good luck in your quest and if you find furniture for short people please send it to me. ☺️
It may just be me, but I’m really uncomfortable without and arm to lean/rest against. I can’t get comfortable and never know what to do with my arms/ drink, etc. We limit our choices to no more than 3 seats for that reason.
We have two couches and two chairs and I have the couches arranged like a sectional. In the corner, in place of the uncomfortable corner chair, I have an end table. It works beautifully. Everyone has a place to put their drinks, etc. Then, if you want to rearrange your room, you have the versatility to do so. We have a huge leather ottoman and everyone can put their feet up. Our two chairs are recliners. (cute ones) 🙂 Everyone can get super comfy at our house while watching movies or having a Bible study. Maybe you would like this idea and it could be the best of both worlds! 🙂
If you do get a sectional, consider one with recliners built in, since this is for a family room, where you will want to chill. I find them much more comfortable than a chaise.
Actually, I might do the couches perpendicular to each other, with two chairs on one side. (I love barrel chairs as you have illustrated!). That way, the couch facing the TV/fireplace/what-have-you could have built-in recliners. The couch on the side could be a straight couch. If you get the right couch and end-table-in-between combination, the assembly could have a sectional, cozy feel.
I get your need to seat guests, but daily family comfort should be paramount, IMHO. We recently bought a house that has a small living room and were confronted with sofa and chair choices. I kept thinking, “But if we get this or that, will guests have enough spaces to sit?” Then I realized—we are the ones sitting in the space all the time. We can pull chairs in if we need to. People will not be visiting that often. So, we bought two zero-gravity chairs and finished the space off with a small love seat on one side. (I also included two Alex drawer units to add storage for my artwork, or we could have fitted one more chair in.).
Recently, we had 10 of us for a week, with two sets of adult children visiting. It worked out fine! We pulled in dining chairs, my ergonomic desk chair, anything we had on the main floor. One son loved sitting on the fireplace hearth. We made do, everyone took turns sitting in the favored chairs, and there were no complaints.
You have a different issue in that you know you will be having gatherings more frequently. How about some nice, light folding chairs to even out your space when needed?
I just got rid of my sectional I had for a year. It just wasn’t comfortable for me when I used the electric leg rests. I have a sofa now and love it. It fits me better since I’m short. An idea for you would be two sofas with the leg rests that come out when you want them. That way, someone won’t get stuck sitting on the chaise lounge. It’s also easier to arrange sofas than a sectional. When I had the sectional, I could only put it in the room in one place, but the sofa can be moved easier and in more places.
I love sectionals! We had a Steelflex brand that had a rounded wedge in the corner so there was corner seating. We had it configured with one side longer so it sat 3 on one side, the corner and 2 more for a total of 6. It was also a very nicely constructed sofa with no back pillows so it always looked structured and not so mushy..
I have owned a sectional for almost 20 years and it does have it’s drawbacks. I like to rearrange the furniture based on the season, and to help with carpet wear. Ours does sit 5 people comfortably and even 6 if someone wants to tuck their feet up in the corner piece. But you are pretty much stuck with one set up, maybe two. Ours is an open floor plan to the kitchen, so we either have the short end backing up to that room, or we have it against the wall facing the fireplace. We have two chairs too. It limits one chair for tv viewing. If you didn’t have a fireplace it might be easier. I’m looking for new furniture and I’m going for 2 sofas.
Having “been there, done that”with sectionals: pros: that “corner spot” is fabulously comply cozy. Ours actually was big enough to use as two extra beds. Which we needed sometimes. Cons: Harder to rearrange furniture when sectionals are involved, when they go “out of style”, bigger expense to just get rid of. Thx for your blog!!!
I have two sofas just like in your drawing. It is nice for larger than just us two, and it looks balanced. However in the future I gave a new set-up, I want a sectional. (I think) because they appear so comfortable. I’m like you. I imagine sitting back in the corner only I’m sleeping! I have had a sectional many years ago. I don’t even remember what I liked or disliked about it. But my living room is large enough to accommodate a nice large sectional. But I don’t want all those pillows along the back of it. I personally think you should decorate your house for you and Matt. No reason to decorate for company. You are going to be living there. Visitors are visiting there. Draw out a sketch for yourself with a sectional to see how you like it.
You will make the right decision for you.
Hi Kristi. We had a similar dilemma when we retired and downsized to home with a very large and long great room from a home with a formal living and separate family room. We needed to be able to celebrate holidays and family get togethers with seating for everyone. We ended up with one long sofa, a love seat, and two recliners. When it is just my Hubby and I, our recliners are turned to face the end of the room with the large screen TV and when we have company they swivel to face into the room with the couch and love seat that face the fireplace. It has worked wonderfully for us with gatherings of up to 10 by using a pair of accent chairs that usually sit in a corner behind the love seat creating a reading area next to our bookshelves. We also chose to purchase a long leather bench for use in front of the sofa as a “coffee table” that can double as additional seating for two in a pinch! My Hubby likes to remind me that 90 percent of the time it is just the two of us and this has worked beautifully for the last three years! Good luck! I know you will think of something wonderful!
I believe a sectional would look really nice in the family room. Even for gatherings once a week or holidays. However I wouldn’t want one with chaise loungers at all. This is more what you need for your space. https://furnihq.com/shop/furniture/sofa-accessories/sectional-sofa-units/u-shape-modular-sectional-sofa-diy-combination-grey/?srsltid=AfmBOooOJW7OPvKAMfnLajNfaBTa0g8cjYGMtum9U1QU5NWDNYSOI_-bUJA
Two matching or complementary sofas (or a sofa and a loveseat) at 90 degrees to each other with a side table in between would accomplish much of what you like about the sectional without trapping people in the corner. IMHO that arrangement doesn’t feel as formal as couches across from each other. If you had to expand the circle, as it were, to accommodate a larger crowd it would be a lot easier to pull them outwards (and you could handle it alone) than dealing with a sectional.
I’d never personally consider a sectional because I don’t like people putting their feet where I sit. And echoing others, I dislike the lost space in the corner and find most sectionals too deep for comfort — I either have to perch on the edge, slouch back uncomfortably, or sit with my legs sticking straight out. For reading and lounging, my favorite is still a classic armchair and ottoman (which your recliners would seem to replicate quite nicely).
We’ve had a sectional and I don’t think it sits as many people comfortably as 2 sofas. The corner is great for 1 person to cozy up but when you have a crowd nobody wants the corner seat because there’s no place for your legs.
I always sat in the corner mainly so I could keep my legs up due to varicose veins. That corner wore out quicker than the rest of the sofa. A good recliner is more comfortable for me.
Also in our home the sectional interfered with access to the room. Basically it’s like a small corner wall that everyone has to go around. Would this be a problem for Matt?
Are you planning to move your recliners from your former breakfast room in here? If you feel cozy in your recliner now, you will still feel cozy in it if you move it to the new family room.
I loved our u-shaped sectional so much – a chaise on each end made it so the animals and I never fought over who got to spread out!
Have you looked at modular sectionals? Linsy Home sofas (and tons of other brands) have lots of storage and allow for multiple configurations – so you could have your loveseat and 2 chairs for guests/get togethers without sacrificing your comfy everyday sectional.
I have two couches in a corner with attached chaises on the ends away from the corner. The corner between couches has a table. I LOVE this for large crowds. People pile in and we can sit 8-10 without adding more chairs from the kitchen. When we were a family of four, all four of us could lay down and watch TV or the fireplace — on separate walls. Going clockwise around the room we had entry, fireplace, entry to kitchen, couch/chaise, corner table, couch/chaise, TV unit, entertainment wall. Both couch walls have huge windows.
We had an L shaped sectional and I miss it so much in our smaller home. With the L we didn’t need the chaise, but we could lounge in the corner to the shorter side.
I recently purchased a sectional sofa, where the corner piece was not designed to be awkward, but had leg room for whoever was sitting there. I also had it made with a higher back, and made from Crypton fabric. I couldn’t be any happier with my choice.
I hate it. Just got it this year. $9k later and I hate it. It has 4 recliners with an arm rest between them and a corner unit. When family comes, it is always for overnight stays. So there’s some tv time or hanging out and talking time between activities. It does serve the purpose we had in mind, and that’s everyone has comfy recliners for movies when they are here. 6-8 of us fit when some are grandkids. But for daily life, for hubby and me, hate it. I no longer have my side table and lamp. It’s way too big, my feet don’t touch the floor. Can’t move it to vacuum the hardwood floors under it; and all that metal framing makes it difficult to get under it and clean. It will definitely end up in the basement family room and I will get my sofa and chairs back!
Check out a sectional with a curved corner instead of the hard right angle. LaZBoy calls it a “cuddler” corner. That actually provides functional seating in the corner of the sectional. Otherwise, you’re right…the sectional you pictured would really only seat 3 or 4 adults. For family nights someone is happy to snuggle into the corner with their feet up but guests are not going to want to waller in to and out of the corner. I would think a more flexible layout of two couches and two chairs would be better for you guys. It would be easy to rearrange things, like if you were host a GIANT Thanksgiving (or whatever) and wanted extra tables or something. Moving the couches is much more feasible than moving a sectional. If I had the space you do I’d go with two couches at right angles before I’d go with a sectional.
we have a 20 x 20 family room with a huge sectional and two additional chairs. It’s perfect for a large group. We added an additional middle piece so the sectional is larger than most and we also have the chaise. One thing to note is if you put in a large tv you might end up backing your sectional closer to the wall without a cabinet behind it. We would be way too close to the tv if we followed your drawing since our tv is large. Can’t wait to see what you chose. I can send you a pic if you’d like to see how a 20 x 20 room looks with a sectional, etc. just email if so. Love your blog.