Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Sectional Sofas

Updated May 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Flash Furniture Signature Design
Flash Furniture
Signature Design
Check Price
Bottom Line

A lot to offer for the price: comfort, spaciousness, and an attractive appearance.

Pros

Soft material, nice padding, stylish design. A large model that provides several seating areas, including a chaise. Pretty throw pillows included.

Cons

Expensive. When it arrives, it may have a chemical odor. After months of use, some users have noted that the cushions lose support.

Best Bang for the Buck
Homelegance Phelps Contemporary
Homelegance
Phelps Contemporary
Check Price
Bottom Line

An affordable model with nice features and style at a price that won't break your budget. Choose it if you want a compact sectional at a low price.

Pros

A practical model at a value price. Chaise can be positioned right or left. Neutral color and modern appearance complement most decor.

Cons

Arm rests feel flimsy, and the padding is somewhat hard. It's less spacious than costlier models.

Coaster Home Furnishings Casual Sectional
Coaster Home Furnishings
Casual Sectional
Check Price
Bottom Line

If you need a pull-out bed for guests, this model's convenient features make it a good choice.

Pros

Stands out for its multi-functional design. Pull-out bed and chaise with storage space. Bed is spacious and comfortable.

Cons

Fabric has a tendency to snag. Seating is too firm for some individuals.

Flash Furniture Benchcraft Maier
Flash Furniture
Benchcraft Maier
Check Price
Bottom Line

Though not the most versatile choice, it's a nice sofa with some attractive features.

Pros

Soft microfiber material is easy to wipe clean. Durable construction includes attached back cushions. Stitching lends an attractive accent.

Cons

Some complain that the material has a strange smell. The color is a bit darker in person.

Dorel Living Small Spaces Configurable Sectional Sofa
Dorel Living
Small Spaces Configurable Sectional Sofa
Check Price
Bottom Line

If size is your main concern due to limited space, it's an acceptable option.

Pros

Sleek and small. Ideal if you don't have lots of space. Basic, handsome design. Affordable price.

Cons

Cushions may sag and lose their shape over time. The backrest is short and not very supportive.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

52
Models
Considered
114
Consumers
Consulted
16
Hours
Researched
Category cover

Buying guide for best sectional sofas

While the predecessor of the sectional sofa first appeared in the Victorian era, the first true sectionals came on the scene in the 1950s with mid-century modern furniture design. Today, the popularity of the open floor plan has brought sectional sofas to new heights of style and comfort, with options to fit any room and décor, from farmhouse to urban apartments.

Make sure to measure carefully, since photos can be deceptive. You don’t want to be edging around the furniture to move around or crammed on to a too-small sofa. Also, think about your household when choosing the material, especially if pets and kids are going to result in spills and scratches. Removable and washable covers can be a boon.

We’ve curated a range of versatile pieces that won’t break the bank. They come covered in everything from leather to denim and in a variety of configurations, including sofa beds and reversible options.

Content Image
You will see left-facing and right-facing sectional sofas. Left-facing means the arm of the sofa is on the left when you face the sofa and right-facing means the arm of the sofa is on the right.

Sectional sofa configurations

One of the main selling points of sectional sofas is the variety of configurations. With so many to choose from, you’re sure to find one that fits comfortably in your space.

L-shaped: There’s plenty of room for other furniture around an L-shaped sectional. These sofas have one side that’s longer than the other. This configuration is one of the most popular for its traditional look and feel, but it can be updated with the right fabrics and design choices. The smallest sectionals, those with two cushions and a chaise, have this configuration because it maximizes the use of space. However, L-shaped sectional sofas come in all sizes, with many being customizable to fit your home.

U-shaped: U-shaped sectional sofas provide more seating space than the L-shaped design and work well for anyone with a large living room. These models might have a reclining section, chaise, and/or extra storage space. Sofas with this configuration vary in size but, in general, are larger than L-shaped sectionals.

Curved: These semi-circular sectionals provide ample seating space but eliminate the corner pieces that some people dislike. With a modern look and feel, these sectionals add sophistication to the right design and room layout.

Symmetrical: A symmetrical configuration looks similar to an L-shaped sectional in that it has two sides, but in this case the two sides are of equal length, making it look like half a square. This configuration works well in a corner or square room.

Pit: Pit sectionals have an ottoman that fills the space between all sides of the sofa, creating one large seating area. These are commonly used in rec rooms because they’re good for lounging or serious movie watching. Many are sleepers or convertible into beds, which means they also provide extra sleep space.

Modular: Modular sectionals come in individual pieces that can be rearranged into any number of configurations. This type of sectional works well if you need an extra-long sofa or have an unusual room shape or furniture arrangement in your home.

Sectional sofa features to consider

Size

You’ll need to carefully measure the size of both your room and the sectional sofa before purchasing. Sofas can look much smaller in a showroom than in your home. A sofa that’s too large can dominate a room and make it look crowded. Also consider the other furniture in the room, such as end tables, and be sure to leave enough space to walk around the sofa. Keep in mind that sofas with a larger or smaller footprint can provide the same amount of seating space.

Style

The design and fabric determine the style of the sofa. Sectionals come in every style, including Chesterfield with its distinct tufted look and English with its low profile and rolled arms. You want your sofa to enhance the style of the room, not detract from it. If you want to add some sophistication, you might consider a leather sectional with brass nailhead trim. If you’re looking for something casual and fun, an overstuffed denim sectional might be a better choice.

Fabric

Your choice of fabric can make all the difference in the look, feel, and durability of a sectional sofa. There are many different types of upholstery fabric. The key to finding the right one for you is determining how and where the sofa will be used in your home. If you have young children, you’re probably going to want a fabric that’s easy to clean, like microfiber or duck cotton. If the sofa will be in a formal area and seldom used, velveteen or brocade can lend a luxurious and sophisticated appearance.

Reclining

Some models, including most customizable sectionals, include one or more recliner sections. A recliner provides extra comfort and more seating space because you don’t take up the length of the sofa if you want to lie down. Recliners can be either manual or electric. If you opt for an electric recliner, the sofa will need to be positioned near an outlet.

Sleeper

A sleeper sectional sofa has a pull-out, folding bed frame and mattress within the sofa. A sleeper works well in a rec room, guest house, or apartment without a guest bedroom.

Convertible

Convertible sectional sofas have back cushions that lie flat to create a bed. The difference between a convertible and a sleeper is that the sofa cushions – rather than a mattress – act as the bed.

Chaise longue

A chaise longue is one long cushion for putting up your feet (rather than a sofa section plus ottoman). The smallest sectional sofas have two sections plus a chaise, creating an L-shaped sofa. However, you’ll find a chaise in many other configurations because of the extra comfort it provides.

Built-in storage

Some sectional sofas provide movie seating in which each section is separated by a cup holder and storage area. Many of these sofas also have recliners. Other sectionals have built-in storage beneath the cushions.

Content Image
Expert Tip
Top-grain leather, made from the strongest part of the hide, softens and wears well with use. In fact, many people find that it looks more beautiful after a few years.
STAFF
BestReviews

Sectional sofa prices

Sectional sofas range in price from less than $300 to more than $2,000, depending on size, features, and quality.

Inexpensive: For under $300, you can find a simple sectional sofa with two cushions and a chaise. At this price, most fabrics are microfiber or some kind of synthetic like vinyl. Some may include accent pillows.

Mid-range: If you spend $300 to $1,000, you’ll see a big jump in size, design options, and quality. You can find U-shaped, L-shaped, curved, and symmetrical models at this price, and everything from mid-century modern to classic tufted options. Some might come with an ottoman, too.

Expensive: Between $1,000 and $2,000, you’ll find sectional sofas upholstered in velvet or bonded leather. You’ll also see some pit and curved sectional sofas at this price.

Premium: The price of sectional sofas keeps going up well beyond $2,000. Models in the premium range are made of top-grain leather and could have ten or more sections. Some might have built-in cup holders and storage bins, too.

Tips

  • Consider a slipcover. Sectional sofas that come with a slipcover are easy to clean and maintain. Families with children might want to order an extra slipcover so you can use one while washing the other.

  • Measure before buying a sofa. Measure your doorways, stairways, and any hallways through which the sofa sections will need to pass. After all your research and careful planning, you don’t want to discover that your sectional won’t fit through the front door.

  • Customize your configuration. With some models, you can choose how many sections you want and other features like a chaise or recliner. This can help you fit the shape and size of the sofa to your room.

  • Decide how you’ll use the sofa. Do you want it for lounging on a daily basis or occasional movie marathons? You’ll choose a different model if it will be in constant use as opposed to one you need as a guest bed once a year. Determining the purpose of the sectional can help you narrow your options.

  • Consider leather. Sectional sofas upholstered in leather cost more but have some great benefits. Leather is easy to clean and works well for people with allergies. However, not all leather is high quality. Bonded leather, a composite of fabric and leather, can peel or crack if not well made, but high-quality bonded leather strikes a balance between durability and price. Top-grain leather, made from the strongest part of the hide, softens and wears well with time.
Content Image
Reversible sectionals give you the freedom to change the position of the chaise at any time. This feature can also be handy if you move the sectional to a different room or house.

FAQ

Q. I want to buy a sectional sofa, but I know I won’t be living in my current home long term. What kind of sectional fits into different room layouts?

A. Modular designs provide the most flexibility when it comes to layout. These sofas can be arranged into a single long sofa or a U- or L-shaped sofa, depending on the number of sections you purchase. However, if you want something a little more traditional, L-shaped sectionals work well in many layouts. If you get a reversible model, it can be either right or left facing.

Q. Do sectionals come already assembled?

A. There will always be some assembly required with a sectional sofa, though how much depends on the size and style of the sofa. Some models have sections that will already be attached upon delivery.

Q. There are so many different styles. How can I decide which sectional sofa is right for me?

A. First and foremost, a sofa should be comfortable. The cushion and fabric quality can make a big difference in comfort. Many people like a pillow or cushion back because it gives them some extra flexibility. Arm style can also make a big difference in comfort. If you use end tables, an armless sofa gives you easy access to your drinks or magazines. Flared arms are more comfortable to lie on than others styles. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at the other furniture in your home and pick a sofa that complements your design aesthetic but still provides a comfortable place to sit.