As we have noted above, there are several different designs as far as sectionals go. Each design is designed to suit certain space needs. Understanding these designs and how they work will ultimately help you pick a sectional that will easily work for you.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

L-Shaped: The L-shaped sectional is the most popular choice due to its versatility. As the name suggests, the sectional is shaped like the letter L. It can easily fit into any standard square or rectangular room. The L-shaped sectionals are usually placed along the walls of the room in one single corner. But they can also be put at the center if you have enough space.

Curved: In case you want something that brings a lot of sculptural appeal into your space, choosing a curved sectional is highly recommended. Curved sectionals are artful and they bring an elegant silhouette that will blend into your contemporary décor. They are ideal in oddly shaped rooms but can also be placed at the center for maximum effect.

Chaise: The chaise is a relatively smaller and less complicated version of the L-shaped sectional. Its main distinguishing factor is the fact that it comes with an additional ottoman for storage. Chaise sectionals come in a compact design and would be ideal for smaller rooms.

Recliner: Sectionals that recline, with up to three individually reclining seats, can easily become your family’s favorite spot to watch TV, read books or take a nap after a long day at school or work. As far as the reclining mechanism goes, you have the choice of power reclining and manual reclining:

• Manual reclining relies on a lever that you pull when you want to kick your feet up. It’s usually a cheaper option but might be less convenient for kids and people with mobility isues.
• Power reclining is easy to operate for just about anyone and can be further divided into dual power or triple power. Dual-power allows you to adjust the headrest and footrest, while triple-power has the additional benefit of allowing you to adjust lumbar support at the touch of a single button.

Other common designs that you can consider include U-shaped sectionals, which will be perfect for large spaces. You may also go for a modular design that features different independent pieces that can be arranged to meet your design tastes.

Finally, you may also consider a sleeper. This is a highly functional sectional that doubles up as an extra sleeping area.

In addition to different sectional shape designs, sectionals also vary according to the back style and armrests, which can completely change the look of your sofa and how it works with the style of your home. Some of the most popular styles of sofa include:

Cushion Back

A cushion or pillow back style sectional is among the most popular as it features plush removable cushions placed directly against the back frame offering maximum comfort and easy maintenance when cleaning the cushion covers. You can also easily rearrange the cushions to customize the sofa to suit your needs.

As this type of sectional is more casual, it is best suited to living areas and dens rather than a formal sitting room. However, you can give a pillow back sectional a more refined appearance by choosing tightly upholstered cushions with a firm touch.

Split Back

Split back sofas have a similar appearance to a cushion back. However, the cushions are typically less plush and often attached to the back of the sofa, making it a less flexible seating option.

Split backs are the perfect choice for a formal sitting room where you still want guests to enjoy a comfortable seat. However, they are also an excellent option for the living room if you prefer a firmer seat as the tightly upholstered cushions offer better support.

Tight Back

A tight back sofa has cushions directly attached to the back frame, which gives them clean, sleek lines that make them a great addition to a modern home. The firmness of the cushion varies according to the filling, but the streamlined back makes for a very comfortable seat. Suitable for any room in the house, you can style your tight back sofa with oversized cushions to create a cozy nest, or leave it bare for an urban minimal aesthetic.

Tufted Back

Tufted back sofa feature upholstery that is pulled and folded to create a geometric pattern that is secured to the cushion using buttons or stitching. The tufts give the sofa an elegant formal appeal ideal for traditionally styled homes. However, you can also find tufted back sofas in clean neutral tones which at texture and interest to Scandi, boho, and transitional living areas.

Camel Back

A camel back sofa is ideally suited to traditional homes or formal living areas in farmhouse, French country or shabby chic homes. The back is characterized by a humped back that has multiple curves along the edge. This style back is highly unusual for modular furniture, such as a sectional but could make a striking statement piece for your living room.

Different sectionals come in different sizes. However, a standard sectional will range between 94 and 156 inches in length. This is roughly between 8 to 13 feet long. The width, on the other hand, will typically range between 94 and 168 inches.

The width here refers to all the components along the back of the sofa. Length, on the other hand, refers to the entire size of the sectional, including the right arm and the corner chair as well.

Sectionals are stunning but they will only work if there’s enough space in the room for them. The last thing you want is to clutter your small living room with a five or seven-seater sectional.

So, how do you decide the right size?

There are two steps involved. First, you need to measure the size of the room. Take all the measurements carefully and after that, measure the size of the sectional you intend to buy. Ultimately, you want to place the sectional at least two feet away from the walls of the living room and still leave enough space for a coffee table or a rug.

However, if you want to place the sectional against the wall, take note of where interior doors are located. The sectional should be placed along two continuous walls. Make sure there’s enough space left between the sofa and the living room doors for ease of movement.

Also, for best visual effect, remember that the longest side of the sectional should never occupy the entire length of a wall. Ideally, you should leave at least 18” on either side. If you are getting a sectional with a chaise, the chaise part shouldn’t protrude more than halfway across the room.