Sofa and Sectional Buying Guide

When shopping for new seating for your living or family room, you may consider a sectional or a sofa and loveseat combo. These tips will help you decide between the two, and know what to look for when making your purchase.

(Pictured: Navi Sofa & Recliner)

Which One is Right for You?

Depending on your family size, amount of available space, and room configuration, most rooms can work with either a sofa or a sectional, so the decision is ultimately up to your preference. Even in a small living or family room, a sectional made up of a loveseat and chaise adds extra seating without taking up much space. If you want versatility, a sofa can be paired with a loveseat and/or chairs and arranged however you wish.

(Pictured: Modmax Sectional)

Things to Know When Buying a Sofa or a Sectional

1. Measure First

Before you even begin shopping, take measurements of the room you’ll be using the sofa or sectional in. As you’re measuring, consider the depth of the seats, and the length of the entire piece, including the arms. Keep in mind, a curved-corner sectional will take up more room than a square corner one.

2. Seat and Back Cushions

For seat cushions, low-density foam cushions are soft and inexpensive, but high-density foam is firmer and will hold its shape longer. Hybrid and coil cushions offer even more support and durability.

For the back cushions, pillow backs have removable cushions, and tight back styles have the cushions attached to the frame. Pillow back cushions can be cleaned or moved for sleeping, but can lose their shape over time if you don’t fluff them. Attached cushions won’t shift around, but can eventually become worn.

3. Upholstery

One of the most important decisions for buying a sofa or sectional is the upholstery type since it not only impacts the look and feel but the durability, comfort and if it’s easy to maintain. Here are a few of the different types of upholstery and what they might be best for:

• Leather: A classic and luxurious option, while it is more expensive it is the most durable since it’s resistant to spills and can last for many, many years.
• Faux Leather: Made to have the look of leather but the feel of fabric, Faux leather is an affordable alternative to leather, it’s easy to clean, durable, and pet-friendly!
• Performance Fabric: If you have a home with children or pets, this is the best option for you. This type of upholstery is made to be stain-resistant and fade-resistant.
• Fabric: Soft, comfortable and versatile, fabric is the most affordable option and can come in any color or pattern you can imagine.

4. Designs

Stationary sofas and sectionals don’t move, while reclining or motion furniture reclines. Sleeper models have pull-out beds.

(Pictured: Dunleith Power Reclining Sectional)

Sectional Specifics:

Terminology 

As the name implies, if a section has the arm on your right when you’re facing it, that’s called right arm facing (RAF). If it’s on your left, that’s called left arm facing (LAF). This is important, because you need to ensure your pieces will fit together correctly in your room.

Components

There are several types of sections you may see, including chair, corner chair, loveseat, chaise, and sofa. They may be armless or have left-facing or right-facing arms.

Price

Generally, sectionals with fewer pieces are priced lower. Of course, this means you’re also more limited in layout and configuration options.

Shapes

Sectional sofas come in a variety of shapes, each offering unique benefits and design possibilities to suit different living spaces and needs. Here are the different options so you can choose which might be best for you:

• L-shaped Sectional: Looks like two sofas, loveseats, or one of each that have been put together to form a corner. They work well for watching TV, especially if the L-shape is formed with a sofa or loveseat and a chaise.
• Curved Sectional: A similar option to the standard L-shape, but the corner section has a curved back instead of square. Keep in mind, this style doesn’t leave much leg room for whoever sits in the corner, and they work best floating in the room instead of against walls.
• U-shaped Sectional: Looks like three sofas connected at the corners, but can also be formed with a chaise at one or both ends. This is a great choice for conversation areas, because everyone can see each other.

(Pictured: Evansley Sofa & Loveseat)

Whether you choose a sectional, sofa, loveseat, or chairs, Wichita Furniture can help you find the perfect pieces to fit your room, lifestyle and budget. You can view our wide selection of different sofas and sectionals online or you can come visit us in-store at 4200 W Kellogg Dr in Wichita, KS.