Sofa vs. Sectional: Choosing the Right Option for Your Living Room

The living room is arguably one of the most important spaces in your home. After all, it’s the place you relax with family, gather with friends and host memorable events. 

It’s important to have seating that meets your needs in a stylish and comfortable way.  A sofa and a couple of chairs is the traditional choice, providing symmetry and style to your living room, but the setup can feel a bit formal and stuffy. A sectional sofa is great for casual lounging but can feel bulky and limit a room’s versatility. 

So how do you decide?

Ultimately, the decision of whether to purchase a standard sofa or sectional will be determined by three things: the space and layout of your room, the number of people you’re hoping to accommodate, and the overall vibe of your space.

Space

The layout and size of your room will be the biggest determining factor in deciding sofa vs. sectional. If you’re working with a small space a sectional could feel overpowering, while a sofa and a couple of chairs may fill the space perfectly. And opting for smaller pieces will make it easy to occasionally move furniture around when you want to give the room a fresh feel.

If space is not an issue, a sectional may be your best bet. They come in such a wide variety of options that it’s easy to find one that fills the space and matches your style. One downside though, if you choose a large sectional, is once it is placed it may have to remain in that position.  

Seating

A standard sofa seats three guests, while a sectional can seat many more, depending on the configuration you choose. A sofa allows space between pieces to pull up chairs or stools for extra seating, while a sectional typically fills the space entirely.

A lot of people love the cozy, snuggle together feel of a sectional. This works great for a close family or group of friends. However, it might not be your best bet when entertaining guests who want a little personal space.

Aesthetic

Choosing between a sofa and sectional depends on the mood and atmosphere you want to create in your living space. While both choices offer comfortable inviting options, a sofa lends a more formal, polished look to a space, while a sectional creates a more relaxed and informal vibe.

Questions to ask yourself: is your style more formal or relaxed?  Do you want to have space for large family gatherings where you can all pile in together to watch a movie? Or would you rather have a more refined space with a little breathing room between seats? 

Choosing between a sofa and sectional is an important investment for your home. Luckily, both sofas and sectionals come in many sizes, shapes, colors, construction, fabric and custom options, giving you almost unlimited options to choose from

By keeping in mind the dictates of the available space and asking yourself the right questions, you’re sure to find the one that meets your needs.

Brent Simon is an owner at Colorado Style Home Furnishings, a Highlands Ranch-based furniture showroom that offers a diverse collection of top quality comfortable, sophisticated furniture and accessories. View their profile or contact Brent at (303) 741-4240.

Content for this article provided by Colorado Style Home Furnishings.