Home Decorating Living Room Decorating The 15 Best Sectional Sofas of 2023 for Every Space and Style Plus, interior design experts share exactly what you should consider before buying one. By Amina Lake Abdelrahman Amina Lake Abdelrahman Instagram Amina Lake Abdelrahman is the commerce editor for Real Simple. She has five years of experience writing product reviews, with bylines in over a dozen publications like Better Homes & Gardens, Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, InStyle, and Good Housekeeping. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Hannah Baker Hannah Baker Instagram Website Hannah has been writing for over 10 years and started her career in media as an assistant project manager for Henninger Media Services. She then worked for The Daily Muse as both an online community manager and columnist and later joined the Brides team in 2014. For five years, Hannah produced and pitched wedding style content for the bimonthly magazine. In 2019, she joined Rachael Ray in Season and Reveal Magazine as the home editor. Her other bylines include Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Muse, and Martha Stewart Weddings. She is currently the home editor at Rachael Ray in Season and Reveal Magazine. Hannah went to the University of Georgia and graduated in 2008 with a B.A. in sociology. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 6, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Real Simple / David Hattan A sectional sofa is one of the most versatile seating options because it’s available in so many different configurations. Sectionals are best known for their chaises that allow you to comfortably stretch out your legs (perfect for family movie nights), but there are plenty of other styles to choose from. To come up with the best sectional sofas, we spent hours researching products and considered factors like customization, size, materials, and return policy. We also received expert advice from Stephen Kuhl, co-founder and CEO of Burrow; Alexandra and Catherine Davin, a mother-daughter duo who co-founded Clairrow, a company that offers online interior design courses; and Michael Zhao, co-founder of modular sofa brand Homebody. They shared their insights on what to look for in a sectional sofa and how to find one that best fits your space. "For smaller apartments, a three-seat sofa with a chaise lounge might be just what you need, but for a larger home in the suburbs, a corner or 'U' sectional can maximize your seating area and serve as a strong centerpiece for all your lounging and entertaining needs," says Kuhl. Our Top Picks Best Overall Sectional: Castlery Adams Chaise Sectional at Castlery.com Jump to Review Best Budget Sectional: Andover Mills Campbelltown Sectional at Wayfair Jump to Review Best Modular Sectional: Burrow Block Nomad Sofa Sectional at Burrow Jump to Review Best Pet- and Kid-Friendly Sectional: Sabai The Essential Sectional at Sabai.design Jump to Review Best Leather Sectional: Poly & Bark Napa Sectional Sofa at Amazon Jump to Review Best Velvet Sectional: Maiden Home The Ludlow Chaise Sectional at Maidenhome.com Jump to Review Best Sleeper Sectional: Apt2B Catalina Chaise Sleeper Sofa at Apt2b.com Jump to Review Best Sectional With Storage: Joybird Holt Sectional With Storage at Joybird.com Jump to Review Best U-Shaped Sectional: Albany Park Kova U-Shape Sectional at Albanypark.com Jump to Review Best Corner Sectional: Article Corner Sectional at Article.com Jump to Review Best Overall Sectional Castlery Adams Chaise Sectional Sofa Castlery View On Castlery.com Who it’s for: People who want a sectional with customizable options and neutral fabric choices. Who it isn’t for: People looking for a transitional, inexpensive sectional. With four fabric and three leg finish options, this Castlery sectional is customizable but doesn’t have an overwhelming number of choices. Blue, black, beige, and gray fabrics are great options for people who want a neutral sofa, and the simple legs come in brass, silver, or black. If you’re looking for a statement-making fabric in a bright hue or pattern this may not be the right sectional for you. The silhouette is modern without being too trendy, comes in a left- or right-facing layout, and also has an ottoman you can add on if you want to be able to recline on either the left or the right, not just the side with the chaise. This sectional further stands out because of its timeless profile and relaxed, deep seats that are perfect for lounging. It even comes with two side pillows that really amp up the comfy factor. Casterly offers a two-week return policy in case you’re not in love with your new sectional, and shipping is fast, especially compared to most brands. Price at time of publish: $2,199 Dimensions: 102.4 x 65.7 x 33.1 inches | Upholstery: Polyester, acrylic | Frame: LVL & plywood | Seat Fill: Foam, fiber, and pocket springs Best Budget Sectional Andover Mills Campbelltown 2-Piece Upholstered Sectional 4.2 Wayfair View On Wayfair Who it's for: People who want a budget-friendly option that costs much less than other sectionals. Who it isn't for: People who frequently entertain or have large families—they'd likely find this pick too small. Sectional sofas typically cost well over $1,000, but this budget-friendly option from Wayfair is just a fraction of the price of many others. Even though it doesn't have most of the customization options that higher-priced sectionals have, the Andover Mills sofa still has features that impressed us. It has a movable chaise that can also be used as a separate ottoman, and there's a helpful video on the product page that shows you how to put it together both ways. The sectional has polyester upholstery that comes in four neutral colors, including beige and bluish-gray. It's 78.5 inches wide, so it's compact enough to fit in small homes and apartments. But because it's on the smaller side, large families and anyone who often has guests over might find that it's too small for their needs. We also appreciate that this sectional sofa is eligible for free shipping with fast delivery (just two days in some locations!)—especially since so many other pieces of furniture take months to arrive. This makes it a great choice for people who need a quick, temporary seating option while they wait for their made-to-order sectional to be delivered. Returns are generally accepted within 30 days as long as the item is disassembled and you have the original (or similar sized) packaging. Price at time of publish: $610 Dimensions: 78.5 x 53 x 35 inches | Upholstery: Polyester | Frame: Solid wood | Seat Fill: Foam, fiber, and sinuous springs Best Modular Sectional Burrow Block Nomad Sofa Sectional Burrow View On Burrow Who it's for: People who want a stylish sectional that's customizable and reasonably priced. Who it isn't for: People who don't like mid-century modern furniture. The Burrow Nomad sectional stands out because it has smart features and is customizable without being overwhelming. You can choose from five fabric colors, six leg finishes (wood or metal), and three arm styles—and there's even the option to get a matching ottoman for an additional cost. We love that the chaise is moveable, so you can switch it to the right, left, or middle seat whenever you want to rearrange your living room's layout. And since the back cushions have fabric on both sides, you can flip between tufted and untufted designs to switch up the look. Each sectional has a built-in USB charger that's hidden on the arm, so you can charge your devices even when you don't want to leave the couch. (There's a 72-inch power cord that you can plug into a wall outlet.) The Nomad sectional is made with olefin fabric, a synthetic material that's scratch- and stain-resistant, so it's a great choice for homes with children and pets. (The sectional also comes in velvet and leather versions, but those are on separate product listings). There are plenty of other sizes available in the collection, including corner and U-shaped versions that are great for people who frequently entertain. Burrow offers a one-year manufacturer's warranty that covers things like pet stains and broken frames. If you're not happy with your sectional, there's a 30-day return policy—but you'll have to pay a 10 percent shipping fee if you have the original packaging and a 20 percent shipping fee without the original packaging. Alternatively, you can exchange it for another item one time without being charged any fees. Bonus: Your sectional will arrive in multiple compact boxes that weigh about 40 pounds each (as opposed to one large and heavy box), so it's easier to fit through doorways and carry up stairs. Price at time of publish: $2,090 Dimensions: 85 x 61 x 33 inches | Upholstery: Olefin fabric | Frame: Baltic birch wood | Seat Fill: 3-layer foam and fiber blend Best Pet- and Kid-Friendly Sectional Sabai The Essential Sectional Sabai View On Sabai.design Who it’s for: People who have a busy household with kids or pets and want a sectional that will hold up to wear and tear. Who it isn’t for: People who want a leather sofa. If you’re looking for a sofa that is both eco-friendly and upholstered with material that will withstand muddy paws and spills, the Sabai Sectional is a good option for you. The upholstery is scratch-resistant and easy to clean—you get to choose between upcycled polyester and recycled velvet. All of the seat and back cushions have removable covers so you can easily throw them in the wash, plus the eco-friendly fabrics are inherently stain-resistant. That means you won’t have to hold your breath when your toddler approaches the sofa with a sippy cup of grape juice or a handful of sticky fruit. The site also includes specific and detailed instructions for taking care of all the fabrics. The upcycled polyester has five go-with-anything neutrals to choose from, and the velvet comes in more statement-making colors, like mustard and dusty rose, for people who like a sofa that stands out. Similar to other sectionals on this list, there is an option to add a matching ottoman so you have even more room to spread out and relax after a long day. Plus, the convertible chaise is designed so it can be switched to either side, making it more versatile especially if you rent an apartment or home and move every few years. Price at time of publish: $1,920 Dimensions: 85 x 61 x 32 inches | Upholstery: Upcycled polyester or recycled velvet | Frame: FSC-certified wood frame | Seat Fill: Recycled fiber fill Best Leather Sectional Poly & Bark Napa Right-Facing Sectional Sofa Poly & Bark View On Amazon View On Home Depot View On Overstock Who it's for: People who want a high-quality leather sectional with a generous return policy. Who it isn't for: People who aren't willing to regularly clean and treat the leather. The Poly & Bark Napa Sectional consists of full-grain leather that will develop a patina over time and solid wood legs. The cognac tan color is pure-aniline dyed, which means it shows more of the leather's natural imperfections but is more sensitive to light and sun. Other configurations are also available in three semi-aniline dyed options—brown, blue, and black—that are tinted so they appear evenly colored. These colors are more durable and easier to clean, so they're a better option for homes with pets or children who make messes. Poly & Bark's return policy of 100 days gives you ample time to make sure that you picked the right sectional for your space. Your first sofa return is free, but make sure to keep the original packaging to avoid the $99 repacking fee. The brand offers a 10-year limited warranty on its leather sofas, which covers structural aspects (like frames and legs), but there's also the option to purchase accidental damage protection for things like stains and tears. As for maintenance, the brand recommends using a damp cloth for deep cleans—but you should also treat your sectional with a leather conditioning oil every three to six months. Price at time of publish: $2,699 Dimensions: 104.5 x 67 x 34 inches | Upholstery: Full-grain leather | Frame: Kiln-dried solid wood | Seat Fill: High density foam with polyester and feather down Best Velvet Sectional Maiden Home The Ludlow Chaise Sectional Maiden Home View On Maidenhome.com Who it’s for: People looking for a luxe sofa with a traditional silhouette. Who it isn’t for: People looking for a more budget-friendly or contemporary sofa. If you’re in the market for a sectional that has the tufting and soft curves of a more traditional or vintage sofa but with the sturdy construction of a modern sofa, this Maiden Home might be the right one for you. While we think the velvet fabric really makes this sectional stand out, if you prefer other fabrics you have plenty of other options as well (like performance linen, merino, leather, and more). The seams are topstitched, which helps to give this sectional a more tailored look for when you’re feeling formal and entertaining. Still, it’s incredibly comfortable for lounging on a lazy day. While some pillows and cushions can easily lose their shape and require lots of care and fluffing to maintain their shape, this sofa uses a high-resiliency foam to deliver ultimate comfort and coziness and minimal maintenance. You can also choose the outer layer of the cushions (before they get their covers) to have either a plush microfiber or a down feather layer, depending on your preferences. Price at time of publish: From $4,425 Dimensions: 104 x 67 x 34 inches | Upholstery: Over 80 options, including performance velvet, performance linen, performance tweed, performance chenille, performance boucle, leather, mohair, merino | Frame: Kiln-dried hardwood | Seat Fill: High-resilience foam, springs Best Sleeper Sectional Apt2B Catalina Reversible Chaise Sleeper Sofa Apt2B View On Apt2b.com Who it’s for: People who host lots of house guests and want a durable, well-made sofa. Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want to spend a lot on a sectional. Anyone who has a revolving door of house guests knows how hard it can be to find a stylish sofa with a comfortable pull out bed. Luckily, this one checks all the boxes for both fashion and function; not only does it come in a huge number of upholstery options suitable for all decor styles, but it also has a comfy queen-sized mattress that easily folds out for a quick and easy resting spot for guests. We also love that this chaise can flip and be on either the left or the right side, depending on where you put it. The cushions have easily removable covers for cleaning, and they also pop off with ease for folding the mattress out. This sectional also comes with a one year manufacturer guarantee, as well as a lifetime guarantee for the frame and workmanship of the sofa. The legs come in three wood finishes, and the frame is made of solid wood. Plus, you can upgrade your foldout mattress to a more deluxe memory foam mattress. Price at time of publish: $4,198 Dimensions: 81 x 63 x 34 inches | Upholstery: Polyester | Frame: Solid wood | Seat Fill: High-density foam Best Sectional With Storage Joybird Holt Sectional With Storage Joybird View On Joybird.com Who it’s for: People low on space who want to maximize storage potential Who it isn’t for: People who want a sofa with a slim profile. Furniture with built-in storage can be a huge space saver, especially for people with small spaces or those who don’t have a ton of closet or storage space already. This sectional has hidden storage in the chaise, which is perfect for stashing throw blankets and extra pillows for easy access. Choose from a left or right side orientation, as well as 81 different upholstery weaves and colors. Wide and deep seats mean that it can comfortably fit up to four people. The frame is made from engineered wood and the cushions have a foam fill for ultimate comfort. In case this size isn’t quite right for you but you love everything else about it, it also comes in 10 other sizes in different configurations. And, while the vast number of upholstery options is tempting, a custom sofa leads to longer lead times. In case you need a sofa sooner than that, Joybird also has a few options that are ready to ship. Price at time of publish: $4,784 Dimensions: 121 x 68 x 34.5 inches | Upholstery: Over 80 options, including performance velvet and polyester | Frame: Engineered wood | Seat Fill: High-density foam Best U-Shaped Sectional Albany Park Kova U-Shape Sectional Albany Park View On Albanypark.com Who it’s for: People who want more sitting capacity versus a standard chaise sectional. Who it isn’t for: People with crowded layouts or smaller spaces. A U-shaped sectional offers lots of advantages if you have enough space. These sofas provide more sitting room for family or friends; the two ends face each other which is great for facilitating conversation, and they’re usually a little more oversized (depth-wise) than other sectionals, making them extra comfy for lounging. This one from Albany Park has cushions that are super soft thanks to a fiber-feather mix, and they’re also fully upholstered meaning you can flip them over to maintain their shape when one side gets misshapen. The frame is made from sturdy hardwood, and you can choose from four versatile upholstery options: gray, charcoal, olive, and deep blue. These upholstery options are all in stock so you can (currently) get your sofa around two weeks after you order—so no long waits for your new sectional. Albany Park offers returns within 30 days of delivery, with a return shipping fee of 10 percent of the total price of the sofa, which is capped at $200. Price at time of publish: $3,994 Dimensions: 158 x 121 x 34 inches | Upholstery: Polyester | Frame: Kiln-dried hardwood | Seat Fill: Feather fiber blend Best Corner Sectional Article Timber Corner Sectional Article View On Article.com Who it’s for: People who want a large sectional that isn’t U-shaped. Who it isn’t for: People looking for more color or upholstery options. This mid-century modern sectional seats up to five people and turns any corner of your home into a cozy retreat. The legs are solid wood with a honey finish, and the frame is a mix of solid wood and composite wood. Minimal assembly is required (Article says it will take about five minutes), and there’s an option to add a matching ottoman in any of the fabrics. The back and seat cushions are loose so you can rotate and fluff them easily, but the upholstery is dry clean only, so don’t throw the covers in the washing machine. The cushions are filled with a mix of foam and duck feathers to give them that extra cozy, sink-in-and-relax feel. Article offers free returns on your first returned product (as long as the sofa is in the original packaging) within 30 days. In case you already recycled the packaging, they charge a $50 repackaging fee. Price at time of publish: $2,199 Dimensions: 93 x 93 x 32 inches | Upholstery: Linen blend, leather | Frame: Mix of solid and composite wood | Seat Fill: Feather-fiber blend with foam padding Best Low-Profile Sectional Floyd Three-Piece Form Sectional Floyd Home View On Floydhome.com Who it's for: People who want the flexibility to choose each piece of their sectional sofa and the ability to add on extra seats in the future. Who it isn't for: People who want a sectional sofa with visible legs—this one sits low on the ground. Sectional sofas are an investment, so you probably plan to have the same one for years to come—but it's often hard to know exactly how your space will change in the future. That's what makes Floyd's modular sectionals stand out. The brand gives you plenty of flexibility to customize your sectional both before you buy it and in the future. You can choose from a wide assortment of pre-configured sectionals (ranging from two to five seats) or build your own from scratch, where you can hand-pick each piece. We like that there are options for traditional chaises as well as open-ended chaises that face the side. The most traditional option is the 3-piece sectional, which can be configured seven different ways. All of the sectionals are upholstered with stain-resistant polyester that comes in five neutral colors. No matter which sectional configuration you choose, there's always the option to add extra seats in the future. This is especially helpful if your family is growing or you plan to start having guests over more frequently. And you don't need any special tools or equipment for assembly—the bottom of each piece has clips that securely attach it to the next one. Floyd allows free returns within 30 days, but its policy requires the original packaging and states that original shipping fees are non-refundable. Price at time of publish: From $2,153 for 3-piece Dimensions: Varies; 3-piece is 124 x 62.5 x 27.4 inches | Upholstery Material: Polyester | Frame: Southern Yellow Pine | Seat Fill: Double-layer foam Best Sectional With Deep Seat Pottery Barn Big Sur Deep Seat Sofa with Chaise Sectional Pottery Barn View On Pottery Barn Who it’s for: People looking for a cozy, deep-seated sectional for ultimate lounging. Who it isn’t for: People looking for a sleeker sofa. This large sectional has extra deep cushions that are made for lounging and curling up. You can choose the more traditional three-cushion look, or opt for two bottom cushions instead: a chaise cushion and a bench cushion. All the cushions have a down-wrapped layer to make them super soft, and it’s suggested (like all the sofas on this list) to make sure you rotate and fluff them from time to time so they don’t sag or get misshapen. Choose from a huge selection of upholstery options for your sectional, from suede to Sunbrella performance weave, chenille, velvet, and more. Can’t decide? Order swatches and they’ll arrive in around a week, so you can see the fabric in person. The silhouette of this larger sofa is casual, with a low profile which may make cleaning under it a little more difficult. Keep this in mind if you have pets that shed often, as the hair and fur can easily collect under sofas. Price at time of publish: From $4,398 Dimensions: 114 x 74 x 37 inches | Upholstery: Over 100 options, including suede, linen, velvet, twill, boucle, and performance | Frame: Wood | Seat Fill: Soy-based foam with a down-blend layer, springs Best Extra-Large Sectional Crate & Barrel Oceanside 3-Piece Double Bumper Sectional Sofa Crate & Barrel View On Crate & Barrel Who it’s for: People who want to fill a large space with plenty of room to relax. Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want a U-shaped sectional. This extra-large sectional is also extra inviting, thanks to a generous amount of seating space; and with over 250 upholstery choices you can make this cozy sofa perfectly match your decor style. If you’re in a hurry to fill an empty living room or basement, this sofa comes in seven in-stock and ready-to-ship performance fabric options that will arrive faster than made-to-order upholstery. We love how deep and wide the seats are, giving everyone in your family space to cuddle up and watch a movie together—even your pets are welcome if you’re choosing a family-friendly, easy-to-clean performance fabric. Despite being easy to clean, Crate & Barrel suggests limiting the amount of direct sunlight the sofa gets to prevent UV fading—so take that into consideration when deciding where to put it. The seats are filled with a plant-based foam and then wrapped in a down blend, while the back cushions are filled with a blown-fiber. You can also choose from two depths for your sofa: the regular 39.5-inch or a super-deep 43-inch. Price at time of publish: $4,497 Dimensions: 151.5 x 84 x 23 inches | Upholstery: 248 options, including polyester, cotton, boucle, chenille, and velvet | Frame: FSC-certified engineered hardwood | Seat Fill: Plant-based polyfoam wrapped in fiber and feather-down blend Best Sectional for Small Spaces Crate & Barrel Axis 2-Piece Sectional Sofa Crate & Barrel View On Crate & Barrel Who it's for: People who live in small apartments and need a compact yet functional seating option. Who it isn't for: People who might change their mind after ordering—this sectional is custom-made and can't be returned. At only 72 inches wide, the Axis two-piece sectional from Crate & Barrel is the most compact option on this list. Even though it takes up less space in your home than many other sofas, the sectional still has deep seats that give you plenty of room to comfortably relax. The chaise opens up to reveal a storage area, which is ideal for people in small apartments who are limited on closets and cabinets. The Axis line is also available in other configurations and sizes in case you need a bigger sectional for your space. We love that the Axis sectional can be customized in so many ways—including fabric, color, leg finish, and chaise orientation. Many other small-space sectionals on the market are only available in limited colors and fabrics, so Crate & Barrel's 245 options ensure that you can find something that perfectly fits your space and style. When you hover over each fabric, you'll get a sneak peek at care instructions and whether it's listed as stain-resistant, highly durable, or family friendly. One thing to keep in mind: Because each sectional is made to order, it may take longer than expected to receive yours. (You can see the anticipated delivery date before you checkout, though.) This also means that these custom pieces aren't eligible for returns or exchanges, so it's important that you feel confident about your choices before you place an order. Price at time of publish: $3,298 Dimensions: 72 x 63 x 37 inches | Upholstery: 207 options, including boucle, canvas, chenille, linen weave, microfiber, plain weave, shearling, textured weave, twill, and velvet | Frame: Kiln-dried hardwood | Seat Fill: Soy- or plant-based polyfoam wrapped in fiber-down blend Best Outdoor Sectional Joss & Main Cleo Outdoor Sectional Joss & Main View On Wayfair View On Jossandmain.com Who it’s for: People looking for a roomy outdoor sofa that’s made with durable materials. Who it isn’t for: People with a small balcony or patio. Finding an outdoor sofa that will stand up to inclement weather and is comfy enough for outdoor entertaining can be a challenge. That’s why we love this spacious sectional—it’s constructed with a sturdy aluminum frame that’s wrapped in a weather- and rust-resistant resin wicker, for starters, to ensure it’ll withstand plenty of people lounging on it. It also has Sunbrella-covered cushions, which is the gold standard for outdoor fabrics. While it’s good practice to have a cover for an outdoor sectional to keep it in the best shape possible, the Sunbrella fabric is mildew- and water-resistant for longevity and comfort, even post-rain. Another plus is that this sectional is modular, so you can reconfigure it if you feel like changing the layout of your outdoor space. It also comes fully assembled so you don’t have to worry about any annoying setup before you get to relax and enjoy your new sectional. Price at time of publish: $2,500 Dimensions: 94 x 94 x 26 inches | Upholstery: Sunbrella | Frame: Wicker, aluminum | Seat Fill: Foam Final Verdict Castlery’s Adams Sectional earned the top spot on our list because it's customizable, stylish, and reasonably priced compared to others on the market. But if you're looking for something more affordable, then we recommend checking out this budget-friendly sectional from Wayfair. It comes in four neutral colors that can match the decor in most spaces, and it even has a reversible chaise. How to Shop for Sectionals Like a Pro Materials “To be sure your sectional has a long and comfort-inducing lifespan, craftsmanship is critical. The three key areas to think about include the cushions, fabric, and frame,” says Michael Zhao, co-founder of modular sofa brand Homebody. In terms of cushions, look into the type of fill a sectional has and think about what you want your lounging or entertaining experience to be when using your sofa. “If you like to sink in while also feeling a little bit of bounce and support, look for cushions that combine down and several types of foam,” he says. “The down provides softness while the foam provides longevity and support, working together to provide the best experience. Similarly, all-down cushions are very soft and need to be plumped regularly to prevent sagging and permanent indentation.” On the opposite end of the spectrum, Zhao explains, all-foam cushions are extremely firm and might not provide the most inviting experience. Zhao said to also make sure you check out what the frame is made from. “The core of a sectional is its frame and suspension system. Avoid frames made from particle board as they are inherently weak regardless of the joinery,” he says. “A solid wood frame joined with nails or staples is critical for durability!” Size One of the most important things to look for when shopping for a sectional sofa is size. "Your furniture and decor should always fit the scale and proportion of the room," says Alexandra Davin, interior design expert and co-founder of Clairrow. "Don't squeeze a massive sectional into a tiny room just to create more seats. The size of the sectional should complement the size of the room and the size of the other items in the room, like a side table, ottoman, etc. Also, make sure you account for walking space around items. Aim for about three feet between items for a comfortable passageway." Color and Upholstery The best color for your sectional sofa depends on your style preferences and your room's design, but it's also important to consider your lifestyle. Do you have pets who often leave muddy paw prints all over? Do your kids try to draw on practically every surface? "If you're planning to eat and drink on this piece, you may want to avoid a white or super-light neutral," says Davin. "A sectional sofa typically sees daily use, so avoid a color that will blatantly show dirt and spills." "In terms of the upholstery, we typically recommend a durable, cleanable fabric like a Crypton or other synthetic," she continues. You'll also find a ton of other fabric options that look and feel different, like leather, velvet, chenille, and microfiber. Just be sure to check the cleaning instructions—leather, for example, requires regular care and maintenance to keep it in good shape. Configuration Sectional sofas come in plenty of different configurations, but the most common are sofas with chaises, U-shaped sectionals, and corner sectionals—and many of the pieces on this list are available in multiple options. Chaises can occasionally be assembled on only the left or right side, but sometimes they're reversible so you can choose what works best for your space. There are even sleeper sectionals with pull-out mattresses for overnight guests and storage chaises for storing extra bedding. Shipping Time Many sectional sofas are made-to-order, so keep in mind that it can take weeks or even months for custom furniture to arrive at your doorstep. If you need something sooner, look for "ready to ship" or "available now" options when shopping. People who have their hearts set on a made-to-order piece can consider purchasing a cheaper sectional that ships quickly as a temporary seating option. Questions You Might Ask What's the difference between a sectional sofa and a regular sofa? The short answer? Size and versatility. "Sectionals are typically larger-scale pieces and have more of a casualness to them versus a standard sofa," says Catherine Davin, who adds that a sectional "joins two or more modular sofas together to create one larger upholstered piece." She said it's most common to find sectional pieces placed at 90-degree angles, but that they can be configured in various ways to fit all kinds of seating areas. How many seats should a sectional sofa have? Think about your room's layout (including existing seating options that you plan to keep) before deciding how many seats your sectional should have. "You always want to have enough seats in a seating arrangement for the total number of people living in the home—at least," says Davin. "So, a family of six would need at least six seats, but preferably eight or more to accommodate guests." How do I make sure my sectional sofa fits through the front door? Some companies specifically state the package dimensions so you can be prepared for how big it'll be before it's assembled. Others even take it a step further by shipping each seat in a separate box so you don't have to stress about a huge package potentially not fitting through your door. You might even find the number of people that the brand recommends hiring for assembly. How much does a good sectional sofa cost? “Informed shoppers pay for quality, not hype,” Zhao says. “With a sectional, paying a little bit more can ensure a significantly longer lifetime and, in the end, is definitely worth the investment.” For quality craftsmanship and materials, he explains, a 2-seat sectional will probably cost around $4,000 depending on the fabric. “One of the great things about purchasing a modular sectional is that you’re able to adapt and expand along with your ever-changing interior decor style and homes throughout your life.” Take Our Word for It This article was written by Amina Lake Abdelrahman, a commerce editor for Real Simple with nearly four years of experience writing about home products. To come up with this list, she spent hours researching sectional sofas and where to buy them online. She also received tips on how to pick the best sectional for your needs from Stephen Kuhl, co-founder and CEO of Burrow, and Alexandra and Catherine Davin, interior design experts and co-founders of Clairrow. Additional research and writing was done by Hannah Baker, who interviewed Michael Zhao, co-founder of modular sofa brand Homebody. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit