If you’re looking for new living room furniture, you may be torn between buying a new sofa or a sectional. These two seating pieces have several similarities, but they’re also quite different in many ways, too. At our living room furniture store in Green Bay, you’ll find a wide range of options in both styles. Check out this living room furniture buying guide that will help you determine whether a classic sofa or a roomy sectional is the right choice for you.
Sofa vs. Sectional: What’s the Difference?
There are some pretty big differences between living room sofas and sectionals. A sofa typically consists of enough room for three to four people to sit comfortably and has either one single cushion across the seat, two cushions, or up to four separate cushions. Sofas are generally designed to seat just a few people, although they can have additional features like a built-in mattress or reclining seats. Living room sectionals are typically much larger and can seat a lot more people together on the same piece of furniture. While sofas tend to be linear in shape, sectionals are either curved or featured in an L-shaped design.
The biggest differentiating factor in this living room furniture buying guide is the size difference between these two types of furniture. A sofa is smaller by default, while sectionals tend to be much larger in size. To determine which option is right for you, you’ll need to start by measuring and recording the dimensions of your living room. If the room is small, then a sofa will likely be your best choice. However, if you have an extremely large living room or you enjoy entertaining a lot of people, sectionals may be a better option. Whichever route you choose, always make sure that you get the dimensions of the furniture so that you’re absolutely sure it will fit in your space.
Living Room Sectionals Defined
Sectionals are also commonly called sectional sofas, and they are made of two or more joined sections. Some sectionals include power recliners, and others feature a chaise on one end so you can lie all the way down and take a nap or relax. You’ll find living room sectionals in a wide range of styles and configurations to suit your individual needs. Chaise sectionals tend to include a regular sofa with three or four seats with the chaise attached to either the right or the left side. An L-shaped sectional has five or more cushions with two or more on each side and a connecting seat located right in the middle. U-shaped or curved sectionals have a center sofa with the same number of seats on either side. This option is great if you enjoy engaging in intimate conversations or love to have game nights gathered around the coffee table. Modular sectionals come in separate pieces that you can move around to change the look or the configuration as you choose.
Living Room Furniture Buying Guide: Which Option is Right for You?
Even if your living room is big enough to accommodate a sectional, it might not be the best choice for you. Think about the number of seats that you need and how many people you tend to have in your living room at any given time. You can always add matching living room chairs to sit next to a sofa if you need more seating. If you don’t have kids or you don’t entertain a lot, then a sofa could be all you really need. On the other hand, if you have a large family, or you enjoy having lots of people over to hang out, then a sectional could be the best choice. Remember that you can always add living room chairs or loveseats later on if you choose to buy a sofa.
Another important thing to keep in mind is how often you plan to use this furniture, and what you plan to use it for. If you only entertain every once in a while, you might not really need a massive sectional that takes up lots of living room floor space. People who only sit on the sofa when guests are over won’t really need to worry about the bells and whistles like reclining seats and center consoles, either. Look at the way that you plan to use this furniture and how often you plan to use it to help you determine which option is best for your living space. A sleeper sofa can be a great choice if you don’t have a guest bedroom, but sectionals are large enough that guests can sleep on them comfortably, too.
Style and Design
Of course, one of the biggest factors in determining which furniture you like best is the style. Sofas come in a myriad of designs that can range from sleek and modern to comfy and rustic. You can find sofas made in a huge range of materials, colors, and silhouettes, but sectionals tend to be a little bit less flexible in terms of their designs. Explore the variety of sofas and sectionals available at our living room furniture store in Green Bay. You’ll find options in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. What really matters most is which piece of furniture you’re drawn to. If you have the room, it’s always best to go with your instinct when you shop for new furniture. The look of the furniture is what really matters since this is something you’ll look at every single day. A sectional is comfortable, but it won’t allow much room to make other changes or bring in new pieces if you’re short on space. Sofas are more accommodating when it comes to adding extra accent pieces like side tables and ottomans. Whether it’s the amount of seating space, the flexibility, or the design, take all of these factors into account before you decide whether a sofa or a sectional is the right choice for your living room.