The best sectional sofas have it all: lots of room for you and a crew to comfortably stretch out, plus the kind of chameleonic style that can adapt just as easily to a basement movie room or the family den where you invite guests into your home. As former AD editor Benjamin Reynaert puts it, sectionals allow for “a level of customization akin to bespoke furniture, but without the high costs that come with building a piece from the ground—or sofa leg—up.” But deciding between just the right sectional versus a regular sofa can be tough. If you’re worried that sectionals can lean a bit stodgy or will have trouble squeezing into tight spaces, we’re here to ease your mind with some of our own first-hand findings.
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In an era where retailers are all about customization and tailoring, we’ve assembled plenty of editor-vetted new sofas that combine style and durability. It’s one thing to talk about the virtues of a piece of furniture and quite another to actually put it to a sit test, especially for a splurge that might set you back a few thousand dollars. So we sat—and lay, and jumped, and sprawled—to test dozens of different couches in apartments and homes, from the California suburbs to rural farmhouses in the Northeast. AD testers ensured that all the details, from ordering to assembly to nap potential, lived up to our high expectations. Here, several superlative sectionals that earned high marks in all sorts of sit tests.
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Overall couch rating: A
Interior Define’s Sloan sectional offers more customization options than the traditional furniture brand. Choose from dozens of upholstery materials (and colors!), various seat depths, cushion fills, and even leg styles. The personalization is largely why contributor Malia Griggs chose this sofa for her living room. “I really do love this couch. If you enjoy tailoring your décor to your taste, are willing to pay a bit more for quality, and have the patience for a made-to-order process, this is a wonderful sectional—especially for a smaller space (and even with cats),” she says. Having stretched out on the chaise for movie nights, naps, and even one full night, Griggs touts the sofa’s firm yet cozy seat and durable upholstery.
Even with two rambunctious cats, the sofa has held up against spills, stains, claws, and even one poorly timed hairball. “The sectional has held up surprisingly well against their havoc—wrestling on the chaise, treating its sides like a scratching post, and near-constant shedding absolutely everywhere,” Griggs elaborates. She also says that a soft-bristle brush helps maintain the velvet texture and disguises any aggressively clawed areas. “While I wouldn’t call velvet a low-maintenance upholstery choice (it definitely attracts lint and pet hair), it has performed better than I expected,” she says. “Velvet has a short, dense pile that doesn’t snag the same way as my previous chenille sofa—so even when my cats do go to town with their claws, the fabric doesn’t show damage as obviously.”
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Overall couch rating: A
Albany Park is a relative newcomer to the direct-to-consumer furniture scene—founded in by former NFL player Darryl Sharpton and his wife, Jessica—but the brand has quickly become one of the names to know in stylish, but approachable seating. They offer several styles of quick-shipping, easy-to-assemble sofas-in-a-box, from the midcentury Park style seen here to more adaptable options like the Lido sofa we reviewed last year.
Contributor Terri Williams, described the Park style as a family-friendly sofa with just the right amount of elegance, one that hasn’t shown any signs of wear and tear in the months she’s been testing it. “The cushions are shallow, as opposed to being deep, making the sofa perfect for people who want to sit on the sofa, as opposed to being swallowed by it,” she says, noting that the new couch’s quintessentially midcentury angled legs blend into a variety of decor styles.
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Overall couch rating: A
The Jonathan Chaise Sectional from Castlery is a modular option with size versatility starting at a two-seater option and extending to a much lengthier configuration that fits five to six. Comfy and cushy enough for any modern home, this minimalist, low-slung modular sofa is easy to assemble and ideal for homes with pets and children thanks to its soft-edged makeup. Plush foam and spring-filled cushions ensure a medium-firm yet cozy place to unwind after a long day.
Commerce director Rachel Fletcher says that although the sectional was originally an aesthetic purchase, the comfort level matches its looks. “I’d actually say it’s closer to my mattress in terms of firmness—medium firm to firm—which I very much appreciate,” she says. “It’s not the kind of sofa you’re going to sink into quicksand style, and there’s absolutely no sagging on this one.” Delivery was speedy, though she notes that since the modular couch ships from overseas in individual packages, the unboxing process was a little tedious.
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Overall couch rating: A-
Deep-pocketed shoppers might turn to an interior designer to custom-make their own bespoke couch, but for those who don’t have that kind of budget quite yet, Interior Define can fill that gap. Pretty much every element of an ID couch can be customized to your liking. Deeper seats? You betcha. Longer chaise? Yes, that too. And it can be ordered in four lengths, ranging from 91 to 123 inches. Plus, if any part of the process feels overwhelming, Interior Define also provides free design consultations online or in its showrooms located throughout the US so it’s almost like having your own interior designer on call.
To outfit her flexible live-work space during lockdown, contributor Rachel Kalichman turned to this Gaby sectional in a leather material which she calls “a sturdy, beautiful, and snug couch that will be the centerpiece of any living space.” While the slimmer profile and elegant shape means it’s not necessarily a sprawl-out-and-watch-movies kind of couch, the 90-inch length is ideal for Kalichman and her mini schnoodle to cuddle on. “The cushions are the perfect combination of soft and firm, and the leather is cool to touch,” she says. “If you’re looking for an elegant and neutral piece that can fit any type of decor style, this couch fits the bill.”
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Overall couch rating: A-
The Burrow is a family-friendly addition to your living spaces no matter what kind of square footage you’re working with. This three-piece sectional that’s just slightly larger than a loveseat is especially accommodating for smaller layouts and thoughtfully designed with the flexibility to tack on more seating (an ottoman, chaise, or extension here or there) as your family or space changes. The sofa’s stain-resistant upholstery, solid plywood frame, and CertiPUR-US–certified foam base also ensures lasting durability and high-quality comfort. The brand also offers a one-year warranty to give you a bit more peace of mind.
Contributor David Kaufman placed it an entryway area of his home and called it “a great starter sofa for a first home or apartment that you won’t have to send to a landfill when you’re ready to move.” He noted that it falls on the firmer end, but vouches that it’s still a comfy crowd-pleaser among the family. “It’s especially well sized for the twins to curl up in with a friend.”
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Overall couch rating: B
You may be tired of hearing us drone on about how adaptable a modular couch can be, but this one may be the most versatile of them all. Lovesac’s Sactionals, pun very much intended, offer three different base pieces (the Sectional Seat, Wedge Seat, and Storage Seat) that can be configured into just about any seating arrangement—from a U-shaped sectional to a traditional L-shaped one. Each Sactionals piece also has a removable and machine-washable cover that’s available in more than 200 color options, making it easy to replace when it’s lost the battle against your cat’s claws or to update your look when you’re ready for a change.
Contributor Bailey Berg tested it for us and says that, “Between working from it and snuggling up with my partner to watch a movie at the end of the day, I spend more time on the couch than I’d care to admit.” She notes that the modular configuration amounts to an extraordinary amount of cardboard and individual boxes during the shipping process, but once every piece finally gets unboxed, you can expect an “outrageously comfortable” couch.
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Overall couch rating: A
It’s easy to see what makes Sven a best-seller for Canadian retailer Article. Available in fabric upholstery (including velvet) or leather, the tufted, midcentury–inspired silhouette checks all the boxes if you’re looking for a classic sectional couch. Not too soft, not too deep seated, not too small (or too big!) for a family of three, the Sven is what commerce editor Audrey Lee calls the “Golidlocks of couches.” Because of its solid construction, it might take a minute or two to get the lived-in look of a well-worn leather sofa, but we have a feeling it will be worth the wait. “After a year of post-workday naps, movie nights, and lazy days binge watching whatever streaming show TikTok influenced me to watch, the Sven sectional is still in top-notch condition,” Lee says.
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Overall couch rating: A
Sabai Design is known for its sustainable approach to furniture—you won’t find chemically-treated upholstery here. In fact, the Essential Corner Sectional seen here uses exclusively recycled velvet or upcycled poly. The mid-size L-shaped couch is ideal for creating a wraparound seating situation where people can converse in a group. Our tester, commerce producer Lauren Arzbaecher, was influenced by the resurgence of the earth-tone in the color of the year and went with the dark chocolate hue because it also has a grounding effect on the overall room design.
She noted that the seat cushions do feel firm at first, but soften with use. (Unlike couches that can sag or feel like a sinking sand pit.) “Even if I drop my whole body weight onto it, it doesn’t feel like it’s going to collapse on me—it’s just a nice place to land,” Arzbaecher says.
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Overall couch rating: A
After a disappointing experience with a sectional in a similar size and color—one that was overly stiff, uninviting, and required near-constant cleaning—contributor Shoko Wanger and her husband wondered whether it was possible to find a truly comfortable couch that also managed to be attractive, kid-friendly, and made using materials we felt good about.
This Sundays sectional was the upgrade they were looking for. Designed with clean lines, deep cushions, and just-right balance of softness and structure, it never appears slouchy or sloppy—even with a three-year-old who has taken to practicing high dives and somersaults on it. It’s even been easy to clean smaller messes and the fabric hasn’t pilled or dulled. The Wind Down’s generously sized, moveable ottoman doubles as a handy surface for trays or toys (just double-check measurements in advance to make sure it’ll fit comfortably!).
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Though we don’t have the liberty, or the New York real estate, to try out all the sectionals in the world, we’d really, really like to. Here’s our wish list of some of the dreamiest sectionals we’ve seen thus far that we like (and think you will, too), but haven’t gotten a chance to check out in person.
You can find almost anything on Amazon—Le Cruset skillets, eerily quiet air purifiers, and yes, sectionals. Boasting cloud-like cushion fill and performance chenille upholstery, this sofa is a budget-friendly alternative to the influencer-touted options oversaturating our algorithms. Well worth the low price tag, reviews praise the sectional’s durability and soft (but not quicksand-like) seat feel.
For those seeking a status sectional, we recommend the Pastille option from Design Within Reach. Named for an equally saccharine British candy (or for some, a cough drop), the striking blue sofa is both friendly in small spaces and low-ceilinged areas. The seat is just 19 inches high, so while it’s not ideal for those whose joints prefer a true 90-degree angle, we still love this couch for its playful shape.
A Decadent Sectional: Help! We have fallen (on the sectional) and can’t get up…Well, more like won’t get up. The Monterey modular L-shaped sectional is like its own oasis that can work just as well for family game night as it would for a book club gathering. The cushions are a comfy perch and you’ll likely find yourself using the included lumbar and throw pillows to make your lounging nest. It comes in more than 200 customizable options, but you can’t go wrong with the deep blue Night upholstery.
A Cushy Sectional: This moss textured corduroy corner sectional is essentially two loveseats and an ottoman, which you can tack on at the end or use in the center as a makeshift coffee table. While a budget-friendly pick, the cushions are padded by foam that covers coil springs so you’ll get plenty of support. But if you need even more padding, the four throw pillows are also included.
A Curvy Sectional: One of our top picks for sectionals you can squeeze into small spaces, this AllModern is all about gentle rounded edges. Its sloping ends draw you in like an embrace, while the blocky modular configuration allows you to pull the pieces apart in halves.
A Durable Sectional: For under $2,000, you could do a lot worse than this velveteen couch in a palette cleansing blue-green. The tapered legs are subtly midcentury, while the performance velvet, abrasion-tested fabric (a 50,000 rub count) ensures that your couch will still be good to go many years from now.
A Sexy Sectional: If you’re big on curves and beefy cushions, we’d love to introduce you to Carson (maybe we can say hello together?) Carson, from afar, seems like the kind of couch that would make any living room look like a heavenly hotel. Not quite a conversation pit, but a cushy sofa that has the same sink-in-able feel, it’s made up of four modular components that you can Tetris together or draw apart so people can sit on them in various areas of the room.
A Sleeper Sectional: This mid-century-esque sectional is secretly a sleeper sofa. But unlike other pullout models that boast a mechanized internal system, this L-shaped unit simply slides together to create a full-sized mattress. There’s even a built-in side table when the couch is in its sleeping position to keep devices and water close by. Over 150 reviews give this sofa nearly five stars for comfort and upholstery quality.
One of Pottery Barn’s best-selling sectionals, the Carmel Lounge model offers design versatility and a family-friendly layout. The bumper sectional can fit comfortably in the corner, but thanks to an elongated last cushion, it feels less bulky than a traditional L-shaped unit. There’s no fear of sinking too far into the cushions (or losing a remote in the cracks), because the steel-spring support and minimal, bench-style seat cushions ensure a firm (but cozy) experience.
There are many factors we considered in each of our reviews to give you the insight you need to select the best sectional sofa for your home, including:
Ordering and customization process: Shallow seats or deep seats, armrests or armless, right-facing chaise or left-facing chaise, down seat cushions or foam cushioning, upholstery or leather, L-shape or U-shape—each of the sectionals we tested has possibilities. We also documented the lead times and expected delivery timelines for each model.
Couch delivery and assembly: Curbside or white-glove, fully assembled or DIY. And, if DIY, how many pieces did the sofa arrive in and how difficult was the assembly?
After installation: Here we asked some tough functionality questions of each sectional: Is it practical for a modern home? Is the couch kid- and/or pet-friendly? What are the care and cleaning instructions? And did it look better IRL than in the photos?
Durability and longevity: When possible, we followed up with testers to see if they still stood by their original reviews months or years down the line. Some of the questions we asked included:
Above all else, we prioritized picks during testing that were stylish, comfortable, reasonably easy to assemble, and durable enough to not stain or tear even when pets and children are present. Only picks that earned at least a B grade in our testing (which was appointed according to the factors outlined above) made the cut. After a few years of putting these sectionals to the test, we also retired a few models from retailers like Ashley Jarreau and AllModern that are now discontinued. We also recently added another section of runner-up styles at lower (and much higher) price points, that we haven’t had the opportunity to test quite yet but hope will round out your search for a beautiful, comfortable sofa no matter what budget may be.
Unfamiliar with furniture vernacular? Here are some of the terms you’ll likely come across on your shopping journey and what they mean—along with some topics you should definitely consider before buying.
Types
Deciding what sectional shape you’re in the market for will help you streamline your decision making. Landing on a choice you won’t regret six months from now requires taking into account exactly how much square footage you have to fill, along with what kind of space it will occupy (a family-friendly space with lots of foot traffic will require different kinds of materials than a rarely used guest room, for example). From there, comes the nitty gritty details like materials, colors, etc. Below, we’ve outlined the main sectional shapes you’ll come across in your search, as well as AD-approved pointers and styling tips from our archives.
L-shape Sectional: Arguably the most traditional sectional shape, and the one you’ll come across most on this list, L-shaped sectionals are suitable for just about any space. What are some of the advantages of an L-shape sectional? Firstly, they’re space maximizers—as their name would suggest, L-shaped furniture can fit snugly into a corner areas, making the most out of your square footage. They lay a great foundation for seating that can easily be upgraded with the addition of a few accent chairs or a statement making armchair (something like an Eames lounger). If you’re looking for styling inspiration, we’d point you in the direction of this Parisian apartment which coordinates the sectional and wall color to create the illusion of a bigger room. We also like the way the L-shaped sofa in this Gramercy Park apartment sections off part of the room to create designated space in an otherwise open layout.
U-shaped sectional: These designs are traditionally favored in larger spaces, though they can be adapted to more modest room sizes as well. U-shaped sectionals are ideal for larger families looking for lots of seating as well as the perpetual hosts and hostesses, who want party guests to have a spot to kick back. While we don’t have any true U-shaped sofas on our list, the very modular Lovesac Sactional can be adapted into multiple configurations—including a U-shape. For true U-shape inspiration, look to Stacey Bendet's Upper West Side abode, where a green velvet U-shape sectional with pink piping from Designers Guild serves as the centerpiece in the designer's colorful living room.
Curved Sectional: A cousin of the L-shaped and U-shaped sectional, the curved sectional isn’t bound by static lines. At times it takes on a true "U" design, while we’ve also seen configurations take on a snake-like S-shape. Like an L-shaped sectional, some curved sectionals work nicely in corner spots like this one in Pierre Yovanovitch’s Paris office. Curved sofas and sectionals are also unique because they don't necessarily feel out of place in the center of a room, whereas a more angular couch may create an awkward flow. If you think this type of sectional might be your vibe, we'd use the curvaceous seating arrangements in Chrissy Teigen and John Legend's home designed by AD100 designer Jake Arnold as your style inspiration.
Modular Sectional: We consider modular sectionals to be the jack-of-all-trades of the seating world. With a modular arrangement the world is your oyster—want to add more seating to your L-shaped sectional by making it into a U? No problem. Not happy with a sectional all together? Lots of modular designs actually allow you to re-configure your furniture into single and loveseats. Brands like Lovesac and Sundays Furniture allow you to purchase individual pieces to build your own bespoke arrangement, which also allows you to explore different designs down the line should you want an even bigger design. Think: Colman Domingo’s impressive Ligne Roset Togo configuration or the Mario Bellini velvet number in this Los Feliz home.
Sofa With Chaise: If you’re not completely sold on the idea of a sectional, a sofa with a chaise is the perfect middle ground. What's great about this option is that there’s no need to agonize over whether a left or right facing chaise works with your space—the detachable chaise allows you to switch to either or whenever you please. If you decide down the line the chaise isn't for you altogether, simply nix it (though we’ve seen it turned into a makeshift coffee table as well). The Sundays Wind Down Modular Sectional is the perfect example of a sofa with chaise that'll allow you freedom when it comes to your sofa. Since it’s also modular and pieces can be purchased separately, you can even build out the design, making it an especially good option for growing families.
Length
Determining the right size sectional for your space is a crucial first step in navigating your shopping excursions. Falling in love with a piece of furniture that feels miniature or will ultimately overwhelm your space can happen to the best of us. In scouring the web in search of the best sectional sofas out there, we’ve determined three size classifications to make shopping a little easier on you:
Seat Depth
Seat depth is another factor that you’ll want to consider—it’s the distance between the backrest and the outer edge of the seat cushion. There’s no right seat depth, per se, but a deeper-seated sofa is better suited for kicking up your feet or sprawling out, while something more narrow is great if you’re just looking to sit upright. If you’re on the hunt for something extremely specific when it comes to depth, look to brands like Interior Define, who custom make sectionals to your exact preference—with varying options for seat depths, sectional length, and more.
Color Match
While we’d all like to champion the white couch lifestyle, it’s not always practical if you’re sharing a home with little ones or pets. Thankfully advancements in upholstery tech have developed performance fabrics that promise resistance to spills and durability against everyday wear and tear. Still, landing on a color choice for your next sectional can be a tough decision, and one that you’ll have to live with for a long time. You could easily add a luxurious feel to your space with a jewel-toned velvet à la John Legend and Chrissy Teigen or Vanessa Hudgens. But if you’re a traditionalist, you might find inspiration from neutral picks like Ashley Tisdale’s Sixpenny (a contender on our list) or Taylor Hill’s cloud sofa. Want to know what colors are having a moment this year? Check out AD PRO’s design expert-curated color trend reports to help you navigate the right hue to brighten up or tone down your living room.
Materials
Bouclé: Our AD Pro editors first tracked the rise of bouclé fabrics back in , but the trend isn’t going anywhere soon. AD PRO editor Mel Studach noted that the word is of French origin, meaning ‘curled’ or ‘ringed,’ and can refer to a yarn or the fabric made from it. Wool is the most common fiber associated with the fabric, though cotton, linen, and silk have also been used to achieve the soft texture bouclé is known for.
Cotton: Cotton is an all-season fabric, a true chameleon. It can come in thinner and thicker canvases as well as bouclé, chenille, and more. It’s one of the easier to maintain options on this list, cleaning-wise, and especially great if you’re prone to any allergies associated with synthetic materials or wool.
Chenille: Typically made of woven cotton, silk, rayon, or wool yarn, chenille is a textured material with a fluffy, velvet-like appearance—the name even comes from the French word for caterpillar.
Linen: You’ll find one exceptional linen option on our list—the Sixpenny Neva—which received a rave review from our tester. Linen won’t cling to odors the way synthetic fabrics might, and lends an airy quality to your space, especially if you’re aiming for a coastal aesthetic.
Leather: Leather will show wear over time, but that distressed look is all part of the charm, in our opinion. The material is also less forgiving to spills and stains so we suggest addressing accidents ASAP or seeking help from a professional for serious messes. (You may also want to invest in a furniture-safe leather conditioner to keep your seats looking hydrated and extending their longevity.)
Performance Fabric: When it comes to the rough and tumble of everyday life, performance fabric is the support system you’re looking for in an upholstery. With an emphasis on durability, performance materials are built to withstand the toughest of stains and can include polyester, nylon, acrylics, and more.
Polyester: Polyester (or performance polyester or poly-blends) is a classic option for both indoor and outdoor since it’s got water resistant qualities and doesn’t fade. It may collect dust and debris more easily than other options on this list, but that’s nothing a quick cushion fluff or regular vacuuming can’t shake.
Velvet: Anything upholstered in velvet will give your space a regal vibe—that said, it’s one of the more high-maintenance materials. Velvet attracts dust, and if any scratches or abrasions occur they’re likely to show.
Wool: Wool is a naturally biodegradable and sustainable upholstery option that eco-conscious shoppers gravitate towards. Appreciated by furniture brands for its smooth, crease-resistant surface, it might not be a suitable option if you have allergies. Any stains that can’t immediately be wiped away should also be addressed by a professional cleaner since excess moisture could ruin the fabric.
Over the past few years, our editors have observed the popularity of chubbier, low-to-the-ground silhouettes with stubby legs, puffy cushions, and an overall oversized aesthetic—a departure from the streamlined shapes of more minimalist sofas like the classic Knoll Florence couch. If you’re a fan of Herman Miller’s “Chiclet” these may be more your speed: See the Castlery Jonathan sofa or the Lulu & Georgia Carson sofa above as examples of the style. These also tend to feel more artful and laid-back than traditional styles, but they can also skimp on lumbar support depending on the shape of the framework.
Long, blocky, and puffy sofas with rounded edges (à la Mario Bellini’s infamous Camaleonda sofa) are also big these days. These bulbous styles owe a lot to the popularity of conversation pits, encouraging banter between seated guests and a comfy, closed-in feel. The Lovesac Sactional, which comes in five pieces for a generous sprawl, is the closest in concept.
Coastal-leaning sofas that incorporate lighter fabrics and slipcovers are another popular choice for people who like the quiet, subdued look of a farmhouse aesthetic and prefer their home to be bathed in neutrals (see Adriene Mishler’s understated Austin abode for inspiration). If that sounds like you, any of Sunday’s simple, white sectionals or sofas, like the Wind Down model featured above, may be up your alley.
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Join the experts at Couch.com as they plunge into the world of sectional sofas in search of the perfect seating accomplice. These tips will have you snuggling up to your ideal sofa in no time, all while avoiding any awkward seating misadventures. So, get ready to solve the mystery of sectional sofa selection and unlock the doors to a cozy and stylish living space.
Creating an inviting and versatile living space is the dream! So, the placement of your sectional can make all the difference:
Separation, they say, makes the heart grow fonder – and your room more stylish:
Let's chat about the fine art of space etiquette:
Remember, it's not just about fitting the sectional; it's about creating a harmonious, inviting space where both you and your guests can lounge, relax, and maybe even waltz a little. Finally, looking for the perfect sectional? Try a quick search 'sectionals near me' for convenient options.
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