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How to Choose a Sectional Sofa

Lili Hu 2025-09-26

Choosing a new sofa is exciting! A couch is a big, important part of your living room. When you want lots of seating and a comfy place to spread out, a sectional sofa is a great choice. Sectionals are super popular because they give you tons of room and can be moved around in many ways. They can make your living room look stylish and be the perfect spot for resting or having friends over.

A sectional sofa is bigger than a regular sofa. It is made up of two or more pieces of furniture that are joined together for sitting. Because of this, you get lots of seats! But finding the best sectional sofa means thinking carefully about your home and how you live. If you are looking for a wonderful new piece, the helpful team at Atunus Home can show you lots of great options. Let’s look at some simple steps to help you pick the perfect sectional sofa!

Table of Contents

What is a Sectional Sofa and Why Do We Love It?

A sectional sofa is a piece of seating made from different parts that connect. Unlike a regular couch that is just one fixed piece, sectionals give you the chance to customize and change your seating area. This flexibility is why so many people choose them.

Sectionals Offer Lots of Seating

The main reason people love sectionals is that they provide lots of seating. They are perfect if you have a big family or if you often have friends and guests over. Depending on how big the sectional is, it can seat many more people than a standard sofa. They are ideal for cozy movie nights or for casual family rooms.

They Maximize Space and Flow

Did you know sectionals can work in almost any room size, even small ones?. In a smaller room, putting an L-shaped sectional right into a corner can help you use the space the best way and maximize seating. They take up less space than having a sofa and a separate accent chair.

If your home has a big open space (like a living room that is also a dining room), a sectional sofa can help break up that large area. It acts like a soft wall to show where the living room "zone" starts. Using a sectional in the center of a large, open room can make that spot feel like a social hub for talking.

Rule Number One: Measure Your Space Carefully!

Before you fall in love with any sectional sofa at Atunus Home, the very first thing you must do is measure your room. If you buy a sectional that is too big, it can make your whole room feel small and crowded. Measuring first will help you avoid an expensive mistake.

Measuring the Room Size

Take your tape measure and find the length and width of the entire room. You need to remember where doors, windows, and other big features are located. If the sectional has a high back, you should also check the ceiling height.

Checking Walkways and Flow

It is very important to make sure you can still walk easily around your furniture. You should always leave at least 30 to 36 inches of space for main walkways so people don't bump into things. You should also leave about 18 inches between the edge of your sectional and your coffee table so you have enough room for your legs.

Visualizing with Tape

A clever trick is to use painter's tape to mark the exact shape of the sectional right on your floor. This lets you really see how much space it will take up. You can test if you can still move comfortably around it before you buy it. Knowing the size and shape before you shop will help ensure your sectional sofa enhances your space.

Picking the Perfect Shape for Your Family

Sectional sofas come in different shapes, and the best one for you depends on how you plan to use it and the size of your room. Atunus Home offers many configurations to fit different needs.

L-Shape for Corners and Small Rooms

The L-shape design is the most common and often the best choice for saving space. It looks like two sofas joined to make a right angle, like the letter 'L'. This shape works wonderfully tucked into a room's corner. If your room is long and narrow, an L-shape might be better than a U-shape.

U-Shape for Big Families and Conversation

If you have a very large space or entertain often, a U-shaped sectional sofa is fantastic. It has three sections that make a cozy, enclosed nook. This design maximizes seating space. It is perfect for bringing people together because the seating arrangement encourages everyone to face each other, which makes intimate conversations easier.

Modular for Changing Needs

Modular sectionals are the most flexible type. They are made up of individual pieces that you can rearrange whenever you want to change the layout. This means if you move homes, you can adjust the pieces to fit your new space. Modular designs can be entirely customized to fit your room perfectly.

Sofa with a Chaise

A chaise sectional is basically a regular sofa with an extended ottoman (or foot lounger) attached to one side. This is a good option if you want to stretch out but don't want a huge, full L-shape. When choosing a chaise option from Atunus Home, pick one where you can switch the side the chaise is on, which gives you more flexibility.

Look for Quality: Comfort That Lasts

When you choose a sectional sofa, you want it to be comfortable and strong enough to last a long time, especially if your family uses it a lot. The truth is that the durability of any piece of furniture comes down to two things: the quality of how it was built and how well you take care of it.

Quality Construction Matters Most

Many designers agree that quality construction is key. A sofa that is built well will last much longer. If you want a sofa to last over ten years, look for things like solid, kiln-dried hardwood frames. The cushions should also use high-density foam, like 2.5 lb density, which is designed to hold up longer than cheaper foam.

Durability and Heavy Use

The idea that all sectionals are automatically "family friendly" and super durable is mostly just good marketing. True durability has less to do with fancy "performance fabric" and more to do with the people who sit on it. If you know your kids might be jumping on the furniture, or you expect frequent spills and overall heavy use, you should choose a price point that makes sense for your lifestyle.

Picking Cushion Depth and Height

Comfort is so important. When testing out a sectional sofa at Atunus Home, think about the seat depth. Taller people usually like seats that are longer, about 22 to 25 inches deep. Shorter people may prefer seats that are 20 to 23 inches deep. Also, check the seat height; usually, 17 to 19 inches is the most comfortable for long sitting times. Look for cushions that have a supportive foam core covered with softer material to balance support and softness.

Choosing the Right Fabric and Color

Your sectional sofa will likely be the biggest piece of furniture in the room. So, the color and material you choose should match your style and make sense for your daily life.

Matching Style to Your Home

The style of your sectional should fit well with the rest of your home. If your home is modern, pick a sectional with clean lines. If your home is more traditional, you might choose one with rounded arms or detailed legs.

The upholstery (the fabric) should also fit the style.

If you have a casual family room, look at strong performance fabrics.
For a more formal room, luxurious materials like velvet or silk can elevate the space.
Leather is great for a timeless, elegant look and is very durable.

If you are not sure, neutral-colored sectionals are the most versatile because they work well with many different design styles.

Practicality for Cleaning and Pets

If you have children or pets, choose your material wisely. Light colors, especially white, are lovely but are not practical because they show dirt and stains easily. Darker colors, or fabrics with patterns, are the easiest to keep clean because they hide spills well.

For a family-friendly layout, choose sturdy fabrics and consider options with washable, stain-resistant covers. If you love the look of a light sofa but worry about messes, a washable slipcover is a great solution.

Thinking About Color Choices

Your sectional color helps define the whole room.

Neutrals like gray, beige, brown, and cream are the most popular choices because they are practical and never go out of style. They let you easily change the rest of your decor without needing a new sofa.
Gray is flexible and works well with almost any other color.
Beige is warm, cozy, and versatile.
If you choose a darker sofa on a dark floor, you can make the couch stand out by adding a lighter-colored rug or a light wood coffee table.

Smart Placement Makes a Big Difference

Even the best sectional sofa needs to be placed well to look great and work perfectly. Sectionals can sometimes cause problems with how you move around the room and how people talk to each other.

Creating a Conversation Space

When guests come over, they usually prefer to sit across from one another so they can talk easily, rather than sitting side-by-side. Because of their L or U shape, sectionals naturally help create cozy "conversation areas". If you use two sofas instead of one large sectional, it can sometimes feel more formal and is great for talking.

Making Your Room Feel Bigger

It may seem strange, but a large sectional can sometimes make a room feel smaller. This often happens because they are pushed right up against the wall. To make your space feel more open, inviting, and bigger, pull the sectional out about 6 to 12 inches from the wall. If your sectional has a low profile (a shorter back), it will also help the room feel more spacious.

Where to Put Tables

One common issue with sectionals is that they can make it hard to reach side tables or coffee tables. If you frequently eat or drink while relaxing, you need easy access to tables.

Coffee Table: Choose a coffee table that is the right size and shape for your sectional. For a straight sectional, a rectangular table works well, but a curved sectional might need a round table. Make sure the table stays within the sectional's boundaries.
Side Tables: If you choose a sofa with a chaise, make sure you still have room for side tables on the non-chaise end so people sitting there can easily reach their drinks.

Adding Features for Extra Fun

Sectionals are known for being highly functional, and Atunus Home offers options with extra features that can make your life even easier and more comfortable.

Built-in Storage

Some sectional sofa designs include smart features like storage compartments hidden under the seats or inside the chaise pieces. This is wonderful for small homes or if you just want a handy place to store blankets, pillows, or toys and reduce clutter.

Extra Comfort Options

Many sectionals come with extra comfort features. You might find ones with powered recline seats, built-in cup holders, or even fold-out mattresses for sleeping. If you spend a lot of time lounging, these added features can make your couch truly special.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Sectional Sofa

Choosing the right sectional sofa is a big decision, but it should be a fun one! By thinking about your space, your family’s needs, and your personal style, you can find a sofa that is both practical and beautiful.

Remember the most important steps: measure your space carefully to ensure you have enough room for walkways. Decide on the best shape (L-shape, U-shape, or modular) to maximize seating and encourage conversation. Always choose quality construction and durable, easy-to-clean fabrics, especially if you have an active household.

If you follow these simple rules—measuring first, focusing on function, choosing quality, and making smart placement choices—you will create a cozy, well-working living room. Take your time, think ahead, and find the perfect sectional sofa from Atunus Home that will make your house feel like home for many years.

How to Choose a Sectional Sofa