22 Sectional Living Room Ideas That Will Inspire You

By
Sarah Lyon
sarah lyon, writer for the spruce
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 10/07/22
gray sectional in living room

Marisa Vitale for Amy Peltier

If your living room is large enough in size to accommodate a sectional, you're in luck! Sectionals are great for hosting guests for game nights and movie marathons, and they're super comfy to plop down and nap on, too. If you've been wondering just how exactly to station a sectional in your space, you'll want to keep reading. These 22 sectional setups are worth exploring as you consider sectional layout, color, size, and much more.

  • 01 of 22

    Mix Furniture Shapes

    sectional with brown ottoman

    Marisa Vitale for Amy Peltier

    If your sectional has you not wanting to incorporate more rectangular-shaped furniture into the mix, a circular ottoman like this one is always an excellent way to shake things up. It's sizable enough to accommodate several trays when entertaining but is also a comfy spot for people to put their feet up when watching TV!

  • 02 of 22

    Ensure Your Coffee Table Is Substantial

    sectional sofa with white table

    Marisa Vitale for Amy Peltier

    If you crave a rectangular coffee table, pick a piece that's long enough to accommodate the length of your sectional. This will look more visually appealing and come in handy when guests come by—there will be enough room for everyone to set down their drink, plate, or other personal items.

  • 03 of 22

    Get Cozy in a Reading Nook

    sectional in reading nook

    Sarah Szwajkos

    Why not place a sectional in a petite reading nook? This setup is oh-so-snug and couldn't be more charming and welcoming. There's nothing better than kicking back and relaxing with a good book, so a situation like this one is perfect for people who just can't imagine sitting upright!

  • 04 of 22

    Take in a Stunning View

    sectional facing waterfront view

    Sarah Szwajkos

    If your property has an amazing waterfront view, you'll of course want to position your sofa so that you can admire the lake or ocean outside. This sectional is large enough to allow the whole family to do just that—and we bet it's a particularly popular place to sit come sunset.

    Continue to 5 of 22 below.
  • 05 of 22

    Make Use of the Space Behind Your Sectional

    sectional with console table behind

    Sarah Szwajkos for Jessie Tobias Design

    Placing a console table behind a sectional is a great storage solution and will also add more personality to your space. Fill the table with some favorite coffee table books or potted plants.

  • 06 of 22

    Fit a Sectional in a Tricky Corner

    sectional in corner of room

    Julie Mannell for Kirsten Conner

    A sectional is a perfect solution for a tricky corner like this one. Don't let your layout cramp your style if you want to be able to set a bunch of people; this room proves that a sectional can do no wrong.

  • 07 of 22

    Bring on a Cozy, Vintage Atmosphere

    green leather sectional

    Sarah Szwajkos for Margo Moore Interiors

    Why not have a little fun with color? We see so many neutral sofas, but green is always a fun, bold option. This green leather piece brings a major vintage atmosphere to the room and blends wonderfully with the exposed beams and wooden detailing in this cozy family space.

  • 08 of 22

    Tone Things Down Using Beige

    beige sectional in blue living room

    James Peck for JF Gardemal Designs

    If your living room walls are a bright color, consider going for a beige sectional to tone things down a bit. A sectional like this one can be an amazing blank canvas, given that it will match any shade of pillow or throw blanket. Don't be afraid to switch up these types of accents with the seasons.

    Continue to 9 of 22 below.
  • 09 of 22

    Make a Movie Room

    sectional in movie room

    Chad Mellon for Lindye Galloway

    This movie room sectional is super spacious and makes us want to cancel all of our plans for a day of binging our favorite shows. If you love hosting friends for football games or reality show marathons, a setup like this one may be calling your name.

  • 10 of 22

    Plop Down Plenty of Pillows

    white sofa with blue throw pillows

    Kern & Co for Susan Spath Interior Design

    Pillows add life to a sectional and you can never have too many! Whether you sew your own pillowcases or have a favorite department store brand, don't be shy about outfitting your sofa with cushions galore.

  • 11 of 22

    Be Bold With Blue

    blue sectional with wicker chairs

    Carina Skrobecki for Cohesively Curated

    If you're looking for a way to make a major splash in the living room, a bold sofa is a way to go. Here, the walls and accent pieces are nice and neutral, which allows this sectional to really stand out and become the star of the show.

  • 12 of 22

    Try Gray If You Can't Make White Work

    gray sectional in neutral living room

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    Gray sofas are super popular and are perfect for the neutral lover who is worried about stains or wear and tear. While a white sofa may sound amazing in theory, it isn't very practical for every lifestyle, of course.

    Continue to 13 of 22 below.
  • 13 of 22

    Keep Scale Top of Mind

    white sectional in front of tv

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    This sectional faces the joint fireplace/television area of the room and is an excellent scale for a larger living space. Keep in mind that bigger rooms call for bigger pieces of furniture; this is not the type of space for just a loveseat!

  • 14 of 22

    Work Around Those Built-Ins

    sectional in front of window

    Mary Patton Design

    If you have built-ins in your living room, you may need to get a bit creative with furniture arrangement. Here, a sectional fits into this cozy space and invites guests to plop down and relax.

  • 15 of 22

    Try a Multicolor Approach

    multicolor sectional

    Mary Patton Design

    Why not think outside the box with a multicolor sectional? This piece is so fun and features an unexpected pop of red. Artwork ties the color scheme together for a curated look.

  • 16 of 22

    Love That Leather

    leather sectional and burlwood table

    Mary Patton Design

    A leather sofa paired with a burlwood coffee table is such a handsome setup. These two timeless materials play so nicely together and are styled with modern accents, keeping this space from feeling at all dated.

    Continue to 17 of 22 below.
  • 17 of 22

    Go Geometric

    geometric shaped sectional

    Haylei Smith for Thomas Guy Interiors

    It's the sectional sofa that never ends! Perfect for a basement or more laid back space, this geometric sectional offers seating facing all directions. We're sure kids will get a kick out of a piece like this one.

  • 18 of 22

    Make It Black and White

    plush white sectional with black pillows

    Lifestyle Production Group for House of One

    A plush white sofa goes glam with the addition of black and white pillows and some sleek sconces overhead. This look is simple but super chic.

  • 19 of 22

    Pick Your Fave Aesthetic

    mid-century modern style sectional

    Cathie Hong Interiors

    There's truly a sectional for every interior style. This one features tapered mid-century modern style legs, but if your style is eclectic, traditional, or grand millennial, there's surely a sectional for you, too.

  • 20 of 22

    Let Guests Crash

    oversized white sectional

    Alvin Wayne

    This sectional is extremely long and features plenty of pillows, making it a viable guest bed option. If you frequently host but don't have a spare bedroom, a sectional can definitely double as a sleep space.

    Continue to 21 of 22 below.
  • 21 of 22

    Make It Serene

    black sectional with sheepskin throw

    Alvin Wayne

    Warm things up by placing a sheepskin throw on your sectional, no matter the season. The look is just so serene.

  • 22 of 22

    Set Your Sectional Outdoors

    outdoor sectional

    Mary Beth Christopher

    Sectionals are A-OK outdoors, too! Make your patio into a little oasis that you'll never want to leave during the warmer months. Top off a sectional like this one with some fun indoor/outdoor pillows so that you and your guests will be nice and comfy while sipping cocktails outside.