A sectional couch or sectional sofa is a piece of furniture that includes two or more sections. There are multi-piece sectionals with two to six pieces. Sectionals can be configured to create a comfortable, functional, and stylish living room. There are sectional sofas for small living rooms, sectional sofas for small rooms, sectional sofas for small spaces, media room sectional sofas, modern sectional sofas, sectional sofas with sleeper and many other types and terms.

Sectionals have enjoyed an upsurge in popularity recently. Part of this is due to their versatility. They come in a variety of shapes, such a L-shape or wraparound, that can be used to furnish a media room, living room or family room. While the word sofa and couch are often used interchangeably, sofas were originally considered more formal seating. Today, as families spend more time at home and the popularity of binge-watching rises, so does the desire for a modular couch or modular sectional. In addition, consumers like the fact that they can also choose a reclining sectional or sectional with chaise which increases comfort when sitting or lounging for extended periods. The variety of upholstery is also appealing. A fabric sectional with performance fabric can be a good choice for families with young children. A leather sectional (faux or real) is a good choice for rooms with a traditional or classic style. Finally, a sleeper sectional is appropriate if you have company and need additional space for overnight guests.

A 2-piece sectional is the smallest sectional option and includes two pieces. You often see this type of sectional in a L-shaped configuration. It can include two loveseats or a loveseat with a chaise. The 2-piece sectional is an appropriate choice for smaller spaces, such as apartments or smaller rooms.

A 3-piece sectional is a popular choice for many homes. It is considered a mid-sized sectional and can hold larger groups of three to six individuals. You often see an ottoman or coffee table in front of a 3-piece sectional.

A 4-piece sectional is considered a large sectional. This sectional is ideal for large families and large rooms. People who enjoy hosting big events, parties and movie nights often opt for this size. This size sectional can also provide additional sleeping space for guests.

A 5-piece sectional provides even more room for families to gather and sprawl out.

A 6-piece sectional requires a large room and is the preferred choice when you want seating and a relaxing spot for a crowd.

First, look at your space. There are multiple sectional sofa configurations that can work with your room. There are sectionals that can work with a variety of spaces. Sectionals are not just for large living rooms. Today’s sectionals come in many different configurations that can be arranged to provide optimum comfort for your room. A sectional is a good choice if you want to purchase one piece of furniture, instead of multiple pieces for the room.

Here are a few popular sectional configurations:

• Sofa chaise: The Sofa Chaise looks like a standard sofa with an extended chaise on one end. The sofa chaise is often referred to as a chaise lounge. The chaise end may be either movable or fixed to the right or left side. Chaise is a French term that means “long chair.” A chaise can come in a variety of styles, ranging from classic to Victorian to mid-century to modern. A chaise can be armless or have arms and be upholstered in a variety of fabrics. As part of a sectional sofa, a chaise makes a great spot to lounge, rest, relax, or nap.
• L-Shaped: The aptly named L-Shaped sectional looks like the letter "L" with one side longer than the other. This shape makes it a versatile fit for many spaces.
• U-Shaped: This sectional has two corner pieces with a configuration that resembles a letter “U.” This style is perfect for encouraging socializing and conversation.
• Symmetrical: This configuration is like a L-Shaped sofa, but with an equal amount of seating on either side of the corner. It is a good choice if you like the L-shape but are looking for a little more seating.

When researching sectional sofa configurations, it’s important to consider the space you have and how each choice would work in the space. If you have an open floor plan, the sectional will help create a distinct seating area. Many sectional sofas have multiple, customizable configuration options, so you can add pieces, such as a chaise or additional seating, to create a unique piece for the room. You also want to be aware of the traffic pattern in the room. Is there enough space to walk comfortably around the sectional? How does the piece fit with other furniture in the room? This could include an ottoman, cocktail table, end table, accent chair, etc.

You should measure the overall length, width, and height of the sofa to determine if it is the right fit for the space and the room. Measure the back of the sofa to get the width, and the longest side to get the length. This is often the side with the chaise. Typical sectional sofa width ranges 94” to 168” and typical sectional length ranges from 94” to 156.” Curved sectionals are measured as if they fit in a rectangle. This measurement gives you an idea of the space needed for a proper fit in the room. As far as sofa height, you may want to measure it to get a better idea of much room you have on your wall for artwork that hangs above the sofa. You may also want to measure the depth of a sectional seat so you can compare cushioning. Also, if you are looking at reclining sectionals, you should be aware of the length and width of the sofa when it’s fully reclined. Be sure to also measure the room where the sectional is going to be placed. Do this before shopping to ensure that the sectional can fit through the door and hallway. A simple tape measure is all you need.

Sectionals come in a variety of sizes. You can choose a small sectional (2-piece), mid-size sectional (3-piece) or large sectional (4-piece, 5-piece, and 6-piece). A 3-piece sectional can range from 78” to 88”, a mid-size sectional can range from 95” to 98” with a depth ranging from 36” to 40”. A small A L-shaped sectional measures 90” x 33” h. For comparison, a typical sofa measures 70”-84” long. A chaise is typically 73”-80” long. Some larger sectionals can have a longer side up to 118”. You will see a variety of dimensions, depending on the sectional size. The key is to pick a size that will work with the size of the room.

Read: How to Arrange Furniture https://www.raymourflanigan.com/articles/how-to-arrange-furniture-in-a-small-living-room-4-simple-steps for further guidance.

You can keep a sectional sofa together so it does not slide apart in a variety of ways. Sectional brackets are hardware that locks pieces together. Made of metal, there is a main and secondary bracket. These male and female brackets are on the separate sectional pieces and fit together. You can also purchase connecting brackets at a hardware store and set those up yourself. This process includes counting the joints to determine how many brackets you need, flipping the sofa to the underside, marking the area for the screws, and then drilling, attaching the hardware, and securing the brackets. Other methods for connecting sectional sofas include using a gate hook and eye mechanism. You can also use cable ties, sectional couch connectors, as well as side-locking and bottom-locking connectors.

A chaise sofa is a lounge type seating area which allows for reclining but also shares attributes of a chair. A sectional has multiple pieces but also has features you will find in a more traditional sofa. The chaise sofa accommodates fewer people and is meant as a place where you can stretch out. On a sectional, you can sit or rest for extended periods. A sectional typically has a backrest that provides support for sitting, watching TV, and gathering with family and friends. A chaise sofa is designed with the backrest on one end, providing less support for sitting for extended periods. Ultimately, each piece of furniture has its attributes and is appropriate for your room based on personal preference, style choice and desired functionality.

In placing a chaise in a room, you want to place the chaise on the side that receives the least amount of foot traffic. A chaise can be Right Arm Facing (RAF) or Left Arm Facing (LAF). A Right Arm Facing chaise has the arm on the right as you are looking at it. A Left Arm Facing chaise has the arm on the left as you are looking at it. A chaise can be placed in a corner, near a window or against a wall.