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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. These roomy couches offer plenty of space to relax, but their biggest benefit is their customized design and versatility. With a sectional, you can combine different "sections," or sofa components, to build one that suits your space, your seating needs, and your preferred configuration.
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. While plenty of sectionals offer deep, plush seating, others offer more structure and support. To help you find the right fit for your home, we researched and tested fixed and modular designs for every decor preference and budget.
Testing Stats | |
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Products Tested | 6 |
Hours Spent Testing | 598 |
Tests Performed | 5 |
Unique Testers | 6 |
Best Overall
Floyd The Sofa Three-Seater + Chaise
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The Spruce / Karen Tietjen
Fits through any doorway
Reversible chaise
Sturdy wood and steel frame
Assembly required
Lots of boxes/packing materials
With its sleek design and versatile construction, the Floyd Three-Seater Sofa and Chaise is our top option for most spaces. This L-shaped couch features a solid wood and powder-coated steel frame, with a reversible chaise that allows for more versatility in small spaces.
The plush and dense double-layer foam cushions come in your choice of six fabric upholstery options, all of which are stain-resistant and performance-rated. You can opt for a two-seater, a three-seater, or a three-seater plus a chaise, along with an upholstered, birch, or walnut base. We chose the three-seater plus a chaise with an upholstered base in Ocean Dive, a surprisingly versatile dark blue. While the fabric held up well to wear from our tester's 60-pound dog, it still maintained a soft, cozy feel. The couch's feel is pleasantly plush, though we did find the back cushions to be a bit overstuffed.
One of the best features of this option is just how quickly it arrived: unlike the months-long shipping window of other competitors, the Floyd couch took just seven days to be delivered to our tester's home, though this may vary based on location. As with other pieces of Floyd furniture, assembly was a cinch, taking a little over an hour from start to finish. The most time-consuming part was organizing and disposing of the multiple heavy boxes, which came stuffed with more packing materials than we would've liked—especially considering the fact that Floyd is a sustainable brand.
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
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The Spruce / Karen Tietjen
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The Spruce / Karen Tietjen
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The Spruce / Karen Tietjen
Best Budget
Mercury Row Merwin Reversible Sectional
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Wayfair
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. During home testing, we 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.
This sofa has a simple design and is on the more compact side; this makes it great for apartment living, especially since the chaise is also reversible. That being said, it might not work the best for larger entertaining spaces—or for those who really want to sink into a large, cozy sectional. Another thing to note is the ottoman cushion sometimes slips forward, which can be a little annoying. And 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
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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
Best Splurge
West Elm Harmony Modular 2-Piece Sleeper Sectional With Storage Chaise
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West Elm
Dozens of upholstery options
Supportive cushions
Minimal assembly required
Expensive
Too many pillows for some
If you're open to shelling out more money for a higher-end piece, you can't go wrong with the West Elm Harmony Modular Sleeper Sectional. After a month of at-home use, we found this versatile sectional to be plush, cozy, and easy to convert into a sleeper. We love that the two-piece modular design allows you to rearrange the pieces into different configurations, while the added storage compartment keeps blankets, sheets, and other necessities on hand.
This handcrafted sectional comes in dozens of upholstery options, ranging from chenille tweed and boucle to performance twill and canvas. We chose one of the performance options and weren’t disappointed with how well it held up to wear. Professional cleaning is recommended for larger messes, but after a coffee spill, we took the risk and threw the affected cushion cover in the wash with zero issues.
In terms of comfort, the sectional has an extra-plush feel that most will love and some will hate; in addition to the big back cushions, it comes with three small rectangular pillows and two big square throw pillows—too many pillows for one of our testers, who opted to store two of them in the storage compartment. The cushions themselves are pliable and springy, so they won’t require any fluffing after guests leave. And while the sofa bed wasn't anything to write home about, it’s comfy enough to do the job.
Price at time of publish: From $4,598
Dimensions: 123 x 69 x 37 inches | Seating Capacity: 3-4 | Upholstery Material: Varies | Chaise: Left or right
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The Spruce / Elena Garcia
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The Spruce / Elena Garcia
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The Spruce / Elena Garcia
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The Spruce / Elena Garcia
Best Sleeper Sectional
Apt2B Tuxedo 2-Piece Sleeper Sectional
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Durable construction
Customizable
Pet- and kid-friendly performance upholstery
Expensive
Delivery delays likely
Mattress might be too small for some
Larger than your traditional sleeper sofa, sleeper sectionals combine the best of both worlds—the cozy yet spacious orientation of a sectional with a sleeper's overnight-hosting capabilities. And while this two-piece pick from Apt2B is undeniably a splurge, we found it to be spacious, comfy, and sturdy.
This American-made sectional boasts a solid wood frame in your choice of three finishes and comes in 50+ high-performance upholstery options and colors, ranging from bold jewel tones to muted neutrals. Filled with high-density foam, the seat cushions are firm and supportive, with zippered covers that you can remove for convenient cleaning. The overall quality was noticeably different from other lower-priced sofas we've tried; it held its own in a household with two cats and two young children, with any pet hair easily coming off with a lint roller.
It took just two minutes to convert this sofa into a bed and the process was fairly seamless, though we wouldn't recommend doing it in the dark (hello, stubbed toe!). When purchasing your sofa, you'll have the choice between a memory foam and an innerspring option. We opted for the memory foam option, which was quite soft but still supportive; crucially, we also couldn't feel the mattress frame underneath, which is common for converted sleeper sofas. Just note that the mattress might be a bit too short for taller users; our two testers, who are 5'11" and 6'3", had to sleep on it diagonally for it to fit them.
Beyond the small mattress, our main complaint with this sofa was the delivery time. Each order has a 3-5 week production window with an estimated delivery wait of up to 14 days, but delivery ended up taking two months longer than expected. Hopefully, this won't be the case for other orders. But considering the high-quality design, generous 100-day return policy, and lifetime guarantee, we'd say it's worth the wait.
Price at time of publish: From $5,598
Dimensions: 121 x 88 x 36 inches | Seating Capacity: Not listed | Upholstery Material: Varies | Chaise: Left or right
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Best Leather
Article Sven Leather Sectional Sofa
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Article
Midcentury modern design
Plush and comfortable
Bolsters included
Fixed chaise
Some assembly required
Genuine leather sectionals add visual interest to your space and (generally) only get better with time—and in this category, Article's Sven Sectional Sofa is our favorite option. The brand is known for its 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: $3,000
Dimensions: 100 x 67 x 34 inches | Seating Capacity: 3 | Upholstery Material: Leather | Chaise: Fixed
Best U-Shaped
Room & Board York Three-Piece U-Shaped Sectional
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Room & Board
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 with eco-friendly 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, it's an excellent furniture piece that's worth the splurge.
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 Reversible
Apt2B Melrose Reversible Chaise Sofa
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Apt2B
Customizable
Solid wood frame
Washable cushion covers
Lifetime guarantee
Takes weeks to ship
Reversible sectionals are an ideal option for those who frequently move (or just like to switch up their living room layouts). The chaise can be placed on either side of the sofa, allowing greater flexibility than a traditional sectional. In this category, our top choice is the Melrose Reversible Chaise Sofa from Apt2B. Cozy and sturdy, it's ideal for hosting game nights and sleepovers.
This L-shaped sofa 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. It 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. Plus, 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. Our main complaint is that 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 a great option for many.
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 Modular
Albany Park Kova L-Shape Sofa + Ottoman
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Albany Park
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: $3,169
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 Under-$2,000
Greyleigh Anchoretta 6-Piece Upholstered Sectional
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Wayfair
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
Best with Bumper
BenchMade Modern Skinny Fat Sectional With Bumper
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BenchMade Modern
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: From $8,712
Dimensions: 95 x 95 x 37 x 33 inches | Seating Capacity: 4 | Upholstery Material: Leather, velvet, or performance | Chaise: Fixed
Our top choice is the Floyd Three-Seater Sofa and Chaise. With a versatile, easy-to-move design, we found this customizable sectional to be ideal for all sorts of spaces. If you're on a budget, we also had luck with the Mercury Row Merwin 2-Piece Upholstered Sectional, which boasts a sleek, simple design and sturdy feel that's impressive given the low pricepoint.
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How We Tested the Sofas
To see how these sectionals would hold up to real-life use, we purchased a number of options to try in our very own homes. After using the sofas over the course of six weeks, we asked testers to consider the ease of assembly, comfort, durability, quality, and value. Testers took note of each product’s sturdiness, firmness, and upholstery texture. Additionally, they observed whether or not the couch changed in shape or texture over the course of the testing period. We will keep this article updates as long-term insights filter in.
What to Look for in a Sectional Sofa
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 interior designer Amy Forshew. 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 Apt2B Tuxedo Sleeper Sectional, which is also great for hosting overnight guests.
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 Mercury Row Merwin 2-Piece Upholstered Sectional.
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
When buying a sectional, be forewarned that it might not work in all types of spaces: "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 for 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. Michelle Castagna, President of Muse Design Studio, agrees, saying that these fabrics have gotten a lot softer and more comfortable to use over the past few years. 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?
This depends largely on the heights and body sizes of the members in your household, or of guests who are going to be using it frequently. Ideally, your sofa should be 30 to 36 inches tall (the distance from the floor to the top of the backrest). Chiropractor Robert A. Hayden, DC, PhD, FICC, emphasizes that the couch should allow one to be able to sit with their feet on the floor. "The height from the floor to the cushion that supports a thigh should be roughly the height from the heel to the knee," he adds. 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 Holland's articles on Byrdie and Travel + Leisure.
The Spruce's Lily Sperry updated this article in May 2023, following additional product testing and insights. She added the West Elm Harmony Sectional and Apt2B Tuxedo Sleeper Sectional, two top-rated options that also double as sleeper sofas. She also incorporated expert insight from chiropractor Robert A. Hayden, DC, PhD, FICC, and Michelle Castagna, President of Muse Design Studio.
Courtney Sempliner, interior designer and founder of Courtney Sempliner Designs, Devin Shaffer, Lead Designer at Decorilla, and Jessica Harris, manager of product design at Living Spaces Furniture, contributed additional insight.
What Is The Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut.