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The Spruce / Sabrina Jiang
Sectional sofas offer more room to spread out than traditional couches, making them an excellent choice for families with children, for hosting friends, and for movie nights. When browsing options, interior designer Amy Forshew recommends thinking about whether you want to sink "in" or sit "on" the couch. "Softer, more down-filled cushions will allow you to sink in," she says.
We researched and tested fixed and modular designs for every decor preference and budget. Our favorite is the Apt2B Melrose Reversible Chaise Sofa, a customizable L-shaped couch with a solid wood frame and your choice of over 60 upholstery options.
You can check out the best sectional sofas below.
Best Overall
Apt2B Melrose Reversible Chaise Sofa
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Customizable
Solid wood frame
Washable cushion covers
Lifetime guarantee
Takes weeks to ship
Our top choice is the Melrose Reversible Chaise Sofa from Apt2B. The medium-large size is 93 inches wide with a 66-inch chaise you can place on the left or right side. The other two seats are a generous 25 inches deep for comfy lounging in any position.
This L-shaped sectional boasts a solid wood frame in your choice of three finishes and comes in several easy-to-clean kid- and pet-friendly upholstery options. We're talking performance polyester, textured basketweave, ultra-soft microfiber, and versatile twill. And there are over 60 colors available, ranging from deep pewter to kelly green to mustard yellow.
The seat cushions feature a dense foam for a supportive yet plush feel that resists sagging for years to come. What's more, the zippered covers are removable and washable for easy cleaning. This made-to-order product does take a few weeks to ship. But considering the high-quality design, generous 100-day return policy, and lifetime guarantee, it's arguably the best online sectional sofa.
Price at time of publish: $2,948
Dimensions: 93 x 66 x 39 x 27 inches | Seating Capacity: 3 | Upholstery Material: Various | Chaise: Reversible
Best Budget
Mercury Row Merwin Reversible Sectional
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Affordable
Simple and sophisticated
Solid wood frame
Assembly required
Ottoman cushion slips forward
If you're looking for something more affordable, the Merwin 2-Piece Upholstered Sectional is a great choice. It earned a 4.2 out of 5 overall score from our tester, who appreciated the simple, sophisticated design, solid wood frame, and all-around comfortable feel. The understated silhouette works with most decor styles, while the layout easily accommodates group seating.
"It is nice to recline on a sectional, but I also love that the right-angle seating design promotes conversation since people can more comfortably face each other," our tester said. One thing to note is the ottoman cushion sometimes slips forward, which can be a little annoying. Also, although this sectional calls for at-home assembly, it's super easy to put together—all you do is screw on the legs and put the cushions on.
Price at time of publish: $930
Dimensions: 82 x 36 x 59 inches | Seating Capacity: 3 | Upholstery Material: Microfiber, microsuede | Chaise: Reversible
Best Splurge
Pottery Barn Dream Square Arm Upholstered Modular Sofa Chaise Sectional
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Pottery Barn
Customizable
Supportive cushions
Mortise-and-tenon joinery
Expensive
Takes weeks to ship
If you're open to shelling out more money for a higher-end piece, you can't go wrong with Pottery Barn. Available in two sizes, the Dream Square Wide Arm Upholstered Modular Sofa Chaise Sectional includes left and right armchairs, a center seat, and a reversible ottoman, plus two down-blend side pillows. As the name suggests, the modular design allows you to rearrange the pieces into different configurations.
This customizable couch comes in nearly 100 upholstery options, including performance fabrics that stand up to daily wear and tear. It features mortise-and-tenon joinery and fiber-wrapped memory foam cushions with sinuous springs for long-lasting support. Shipping is pricey, and since this sectional sofa is made to order, it'll take weeks to ship. But Pottery Barn offers white-glove delivery, meaning they'll unpack it and set it up in your room of choice.
Price at time of publish: From $5,596
Dimensions: 129 x 86 x 43 x 34 inches, 172 x 86 x 43 x 34 inches | Seating Capacity: Up to 4 | Upholstery Material: 12 options available | Chaise: Reversible
Best Leather
Article Sven Sectional Sofa
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Courtesy of Article
Midcentury modern design
Plush and comfortable
Bolsters included
Fixed chaise
Some assembly required
If you're partial to genuine leather, Article’s Sven sectional sofa is the way to go. The brand makes high-quality, reasonably priced furniture pieces inspired by midcentury modern design, and this sectional is no exception. Featuring a low profile, clean lines, plush back cushions, a tufted bench-style seat and chaise, and two bolster pillows, the Sven is just as comfortable as it is aesthetically pleasing.
The full-grain Oxford leather upholstery comes in your choice of warm camel, deep blue, black, or chocolate brown. One potential drawback is that the chaise is fixed, but you can order it on the left or right side. Partial at-home assembly is required, though Article says it's about a five-minute process.
Price at time of publish: $2,999
Dimensions: 100 x 67 x 34 inches | Seating Capacity: 3 | Upholstery Material: Leather | Chaise: Fixed
Best Performance Upholstery
West Elm Eddy Reversible Sectional (74"–90")
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85 fabrics available
Repels spills
Reinforced hardwood frame
Takes weeks to ship
Designer Forshew is a fan of performance fabrics for sectionals, as they stand up to stains and general wear and tear. West Elm's Eddy Sectional comes in 85 upholstery options, including dozens of colors of performance velvet, linen, washed canvas, and twill. The materials repel liquids, so blotting up spills is a breeze.
Available in two sizes, this L-shaped sofa flaunts a hardwood frame with reinforced joinery, ensuring it lasts several years under heavy daily use. As for the cushions, you're looking at fiber-wrapped foam with sinuous springs for comfy, sag-resistant support. Since this piece is made to order, it'll take weeks to ship, but West Elm offers full-service white-glove delivery.
Price at time of publish: From $1,599
Dimensions: 74 x 62 x 33 inches, 90 x 62 x 33 | Seating Capacity: 3 | Upholstery Material: Performance basketweave, twill, or velvet | Chaise: Reversible
Best U-Shaped
Room & Board York Three-Piece U-Shaped Sectional
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Ultra-plush cushions
Hundreds of upholstery options
Hardwood frame
Pricey
Cumbersome
Interested in a U-shaped sectional sofa? Check out the York Three-Piece Sectional. Room & Board has been making this sofa since 1997, and there's a reason it continues to be a fan favorite. While this dual-chaise couch doesn't skimp on seating, it features medium-depth seats to ensure it fits in most living rooms, family rooms, or dens.
The ultra-plush yet supportive cushions are made of eco-friendly and safe-for-humans CertiPUR-US certified foam, plus a blend of real down and poly fibers. This sizable sectional also has a durable hardwood frame and comes in hundreds of upholstery options, including performance and pet-friendly fabrics. The sheer size and weight make it a bit cumbersome to move around, but otherwise, this is an excellent furniture piece.
Price at time of publish: $5,500
Dimensions: 138 x 66 x 29 inches | Seating Capacity: 4 | Upholstery Material: Various fabrics or leather | Chaise: Fixed
Best for Small Spaces
Floyd The Sofa Three-Seater + Chaise
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Courtesy of West Elm
Fits through any doorway
Reversible chaise
Sturdy wood and steel frame
Assembly required
Lots of boxes/packing materials
If you're working with limited square footage, Floyd might be your best bet. The brand's Three-Seater Sofa and Chaise clocked an impressive 5 out of 5 overall score from our tester, who appreciated how effortlessly the compact design fit through narrow doorways.
This L-shaped couch features a solid wood and powder-coated steel frame. It also has a reversible chaise, allowing for more versatility in small spaces. The plush and dense double-layer foam cushions come in your choice of six fabric upholstery options. It arrives in multiple heavy boxes with lots of packing materials and you'll have to put it together at home, but our tester said it was ultimately easy to assemble.
Price at time of publish: From $1,180
Dimensions: 60 x 31 x 32 inches | Seating Capacity: 3 | Upholstery Material: Stain-resistant polyester-nylon blend | Chaise: Reversible
Best Modular
Albany Park Kova L-Shape Sofa + Ottoman
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Multiple configurations
Super-comfy cushions
Kiln-dried wood frame
Assembly required
Looking for a modular sectional? Albany Park's Kova sofa is definitely worth considering. With individual seats and a moveable ottoman, you can create multiple configurations, including an L-shaped or U-shaped couch with chaise longues for stretching out.
The Kova has an incredibly sturdy kiln-dried hardwood frame and mattress-quality foam cushions surrounded by a feather blend for a sink-in plush feel. It comes in seven upholstery options, including neutrals and statement hues. You'll have to put this sectional together at home, but the process is pretty simple—you don't even need any tools.
Price at time of publish: $3,595
Dimensions: 121 x 79 x 34 inches | Seating Capacity: 4 | Upholstery Material: Fabric or velvet | Chaise: Reversible
Best Deep-Seated
Inside Weather Modular Bondi 3-Seater Sofa
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Inside Weather
36-inch-deep seats
FSC-certified solid wood frame
Generous return policy
Expensive
Takes weeks to ship
Whether you're cuddling up for a movie night or stretching out for a nap, you'll appreciate the spaciousness of Inside Weather’s Modular Bondi Sofa. It has 36-inch-deep seat cushions (roughly 10 inches deeper than average) made of soft yet supportive foam and down-alternative fibers for some extra loft.
This generously sized three-seater has a solid ash wood frame sourced from timber grown in responsibly managed forests certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). The Bondi comes in several upholstery materials, including velvet, twill, and vegan leather, with tons of color options. You can even choose from multiple frame finishes. The price is steep, and since it's made to order, it'll take weeks to ship. But otherwise, we have no complaints.
Price at time of publish: $7,648
Dimensions: 118 x 77 x 36 x 33 inches | Seating Capacity: 3 | Upholstery Material: Vegan leather, velvet, satin, microsuede, or twill | Chaise: Reversible
Best with Bumper
BenchMade Modern Skinny Fat Sectional With Bumper
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Minimalist midcentury aesthetic
Soft yet supportive cushions
Frame has a lifetime warranty
Expensive
Fixed chaise/bumper
We also like the Skinny Fat Sectional With Bumper from BenchMade Modern. While the chaise longue isn't reversible, you can choose which side to have it on. It also features a bumper, meaning it extends a little farther into an open-back footrest. With a low profile, pared-down peg legs, and a simple silhouette, this L-shaped sofa has a midcentury aesthetic and minimalist appeal.
The thick cushions are soft yet supportive, while the slightly sloped back offers a relaxed feel. This customizable couch is one of the more expensive options we found, but the brand backs it with a 100-day return policy and a lifetime warranty. Also, unlike other made-to-order designs, it's ready to ship in just two weeks.
Price at time of publish: $8,712
Dimensions: 95 x 95 x 37 x 33 inches | Seating Capacity: 4 | Upholstery Material: Leather, velvet, or performance | Chaise: Fixed
Best Under $2,000
Greyleigh Anchoretta 6-Piece Upholstered Sectional
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Reasonably priced
Modular
Supportive cushions
Assembly required
Somewhat short backrests
Due to the large size, sectionals can be really expensive. If you're hoping to spend under $2,000, the Greyleigh Anchoretta is a stellar choice. The modular design features two moveable ottomans, allowing you to create various configurations with multiple chaise longues for stretching out.
This reasonably priced four-seater has a manufactured wood frame and foam-filled cushions for extra support. The soft microfiber upholstery comes in your choice of charcoal, beige, or ivory. Just a heads up, the 16-inch backrests are on the shorter side, and you'll have to assemble the couch at home. But in the end, it's still a great value.
Price at time of publish: $1,500
Dimensions: 134 x 65 x 33 inches | Seating Capacity: 4 | Upholstery Material: Microfiber | Chaise: Movable
Our top choice is the Apt2B Melrose Reversible Chaise Sofa. Backed by a lifetime guarantee, this customizable sectional boasts a solid wood frame and washable cushion covers in your choice of over 60 upholstery options. But if you're on a budget, you can't go wrong with the Mercury Row Merwin 2-Piece Upholstered Sectional, which was a hit with our home tester (view at Wayfair). And if you're open to shelling out the big bucks for an upscale design, Pottery Barn's Dream Square Wide Arm Chaise Sectional won't disappoint.
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What to Look for in Sectional Sofas
Size
You want your sectional sofa to be spacious enough to fit family and friends, but its size should also suit your available space and how you like to use your couch. "Sectionals are made for lounging and can pack in many people at a time," says Fisher. However, they aren't just for large families and folks who entertain frequently.
There are smaller versions that comfortably fit just a few people for easy conversation and lounging, like the Floyd Three-Seater Sofa and Chaise. If you do entertain often, you may want to look for a larger sectional with four or more seats and plenty of room for everyone to spread out, like the Room & Board York U-Shaped Sectional.
Shape
You'll also want to consider the shape. This affects a sectional's overall size and seating capacity as well as the design and where you're able to place it in the room. The biggest sectionals are typically U-shaped or corner-shaped, while medium and small models are often L-shaped, as with the Apt2B Melrose Reversible Chaise Sofa.
Material
Material is also crucial for a sectional, including both the frame and upholstery. Ideally, the frame will be made of solid wood—even better if it's kiln-dried—to ensure durability and likely a higher weight capacity.
Leather upholstery tends to hold up the longest, and it's generally easy to clean. But if you're on a budget or just prefer fabric, Forshew recommends a stain-repellent performance material. The West Elm Eddy 2-Piece Sectional and Room & Board York Sectional both come in many performance fabrics.
Modular design
"I love a sectional, but if you think you might be moving in a few years, then it's not a smart purchase," says Forshew. "Rarely do they work in the next house."
That said, modular designs do offer flexibility. They feature multiple pieces you can move around to create various configurations, as with the Albany Park Kova. And some of the best chaise sofas are reversible, like the Mercury Row Merwin 2-Piece Upholstered Sectional, meaning you can place the chaise on either side.
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How do you measure a sectional sofa?
Measuring for a sectional is about more than making sure it fits in your room—it’s about how you plan on arranging it (more tips on that below). First, determine where you intend to place your sofa and then measure the floor space; now you can take the dimensions of your top picks into consideration.
Look out for a few things: “In general, you want to avoid ‘pinch points’ where the clearance space between the sofa and anything else—such as a wall or a cabinet—is less than 36 inches,” says Courtney Sempliner, interior designer and founder of Courtney Sempliner Designs. “You want to allow enough space for someone to comfortably pass by. [The] only exception is for the coffee table, which should be roughly 18 inches from the sofa seat.”
Devin Shaffer, Lead Designer at Decorilla, adds a few other points on sizing. “If you want a sectional sofa with a chaise, then the chaise option should not extend more than halfway across the room. Leave 2 feet of open space around the sectional, unless it's placed against a wall. It is important to note that sectionals work well as room dividers.”
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How do you place a rug under a sectional?
Accent rugs can anchor an entire room, but correct placement and proportions are key. “When placing a rug under your sectional sofa, it should be large enough to unify and anchor all supporting accent pieces (accent chair, coffee table, side table, etc.),” says Jessica Harris, manager of product design at Living Spaces Furniture.
The rug should be positioned at least 12 inches behind the front legs of the sectional. If you plan on placing your furniture in the center of a larger rug, check that it creates an even border on all four sides—about 8 to 12 inches, according to the pros.
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How do you arrange a sectional sofa?
Think of arranging your furniture in a “vignette” so that every piece is centered on a common purpose (reading nook, entertainment center, office area, etc.). To that end, you’ll also want an area rug to act as a frame for your scene. If you plan on placing the sectional in the center of a room, Harris recommends placing another similar-sized piece opposite it to create balance. “A great example would be to create a 'moment,' like a reading area with two accent chairs,” she adds. “Maybe using a smaller settee or oversized chair would also work to balance the weight of the sectional.”
Whatever you do, make your seating area easily accessible from all open sides. “Floating furniture—the act of pulling your furniture away from the walls—is the ultimate layout hack,” says Shaffer. “It immediately transforms a room and establishes walkways that help direct traffic flow.” -
What is the best material for a sectional sofa?
"I always recommend a performance fabric," says Forshew. Performance upholstery is easy to clean, often stain-repellent, and resistant to wear and tear. This makes it an ideal choice for busy households, families with kids, and people with pets. Some of the best sectionals online come in various performance fabrics, like the options you'll find at West Elm, Apt2B, and Room & Board.
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How tall should your sofa be?
Ideally, your sofa should be 30 to 36 inches tall (the distance from the floor to the top of the backrest). The backrest should account for roughly half this distance to ensure proper support while sitting. "Back height is so important," says Forshew. "More contemporary designs tend to have a lower back, and you can't really lean back."
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What are the standard types of sectional sofas?
The standard types of sectional sofas include L-shaped and U-shaped designs. L-shaped couches typically have a chaise longue on one side, which may or may not be reversible. U-shaped sectionals feature either regular seats on three sides or a chaise on both sides. There are also modular models that allow you to create multiple configurations.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer specializing in lifestyle and home design. For this story, she interviewed interior designer Amy Forshew of Proximity Interiors, who offered insight into the best materials and styles of sectional sofas. Holland then looked at models reviewed by our at-home testers as well as dozens of options from various retailers. The chosen sectionals stood out in multiple ways, including versatility, durability, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic appeal. You can read more of Theresa's articles on Byrdie and Travel + Leisure.
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