SECTIONALS ARE SENSATIONAL
If you're shopping for a sofa that the entire family can enjoy together, you might want to go to pieces. Sectional pieces, that is!
Sectional sofas are a sensational way to furnish larger rooms, creating an impressive visual centerpiece, while at the same time providing extra seating capacity. (A typical sectional sofa has seating for six, whereas a normal sofa seats three.) And just as valuable as the extra space is the decorating flexibility that sectional seating offers. You can literally invent the sofa shape you want!
As the name implies, this type of upholstery consists of individual sofa sections that are combined to create the seating arrangement you’re after. You can create sectional groupings that are “U” shaped, “L” shaped, “S” shaped and virtually any combination in between.
Sectional Pieces and Features
Let’s look at the “building blocks” of a sectional sofa. A sectional group usually has at three basic pieces:
Chair – With an arm on either the left or right, a this piece becomes the end of a sofa or loveseat. A chair section with no arms usually goes between a pair of armed chairs. Adding more armless chair sections lets you extend the overall sofa length and seating capacity.
Corner – This is a special chair section that lets your sectional arrangement turn a 90º angle. The shape of the seat back can be squared or curved.
Sofa– A sectional sofa unit is typically a two- or three-seat “bench” with an arm at one end. If you’re expecting overnight guests, you can purchase a sofa section with a pullout sleeper.
You can do a lot with chair, corner and sofa sections. But some sectional manufacturers also give you the option of adding other pieces like a chaise or an ottoman, to create a dramatic and functional grouping. A chaise lets you stretch out, and also offers extra space to play board games and do homework. By the same token, ottomans provide additional seating for guests as well as a comfortable way to put your feet up.
For extra comfort and convenience, consider a chair or sofa section with a recliner mechanism. Some styles even have features like hidden storage, pull-down table surfaces and built in massage and heat functions.
Sectional Styles
Originally, sectionals were only available in modern and contemporary styles. But today there’s a wide range of looks to choose from. Some are casual and overstuffed. Others are rather traditional in feel and flavor. And the clean, crisp look of “classic contemporary” styling is still very popular.
Sectionals tend to have straight backs, which makes it easy to coordinate pieces. One key styling point is the design of the arm. The four most common arms including the straight (or square) arm, the Charles of London (or English traditional), the roll arm, and the pillow-style arm.
Sectional Decorating Strategies
Sectionals are very “sociable” sofas. Not only can they be arranged to seat more people, they’re great for conversation because guests can more easily face each other. Sectionals can be ideal for home theaters and media rooms, or function as a room divider for a floor plan that’s large and open.
If your home has high ceilings, a large sectional might have the perfect balance to complement the “tall” feel of the room.
Today’s sectionals are built for durability as well as flexibility and
beauty. A big leather sectional is the perfect gathering place for the whole family, including kids and pets.
And not to get ahead of ourselves, many sectional pieces also work beautifully on their own. For instance, a chaise section can be moved to the bedroom, and an armless chair can stand alone in the living room.
Sectional Shopping Tips
Shop for comfort, style and functionality. But keep in mind that sectional sofas tend to be bigger – and take up more floor space – than traditional sofas. So be sure to measure carefully. A room-planning grid is often helpful for working out an arrangement that fits the space at hand.
Ready To Go Pieces?
Sure, the old standby sofa-chair-loveseat arrangement works fine for many rooms. But for a look that’s a bit more up to date, choosing pieces for a sectional is a terrific option.
And if you get tired of one arrangement, you can always change it!
