Homme lisant un magazine dans son salon, assis sur un sofa sectionnel gris en velours côtelé.Homme lisant un magazine dans son salon, assis sur un sofa sectionnel gris en velours côtelé.

With hundreds—if not thousands—of choices on the market, from leather sectional couches to modular sofa beds and reclining sectionals, the list can feel endless. It’s easy to get lost and overwhelmed.

Whether you’re looking for more seating for the family, a cozy spot to relax in front of the TV, or the perfect fit for a small apartment living room, a sectional sofa is the ultimate piece of furniture.

Here are 4 essential steps to keep in mind when choosing the best sectional sofa for your home and lifestyle.

01 Choose a Sectional Based on Your Needs

What’s your lifestyle like? Do you have a big family? Love hosting friends? Is your living room a daily hangout or reserved for special occasions?

Your answers will point you toward the right match—whether that’s a modular sectional sofa with storage, a cozy convertible sofa bed for guests, or a quality power reclining sectional with built-in features.

For Family and Friends Gatherings

If you love hosting, choose a modular sectional sofa with plenty of seating, customizable layouts, a chaise, hidden storage, or even an ottoman to create a warm, inviting space.

For Relaxing TV Nights

If your living room is your go-to spot after a long day, choose a comfy, functional sectional sofa with plush cushions, adjustable headrests, power reclining seats, and maybe even built-in USB ports. 

For Small Spaces

Apartment or condo living calls for creativity with larger pieces like sectional couches. Opt for a compact sectional sofa with a reversible chaise to make the most of every seat in a smaller living room.

For a Multi-Functional Space

Does your home office double as a guest room? Some sectionals can serve as your everyday couch during the week and transform into a comfy convertible sofa bed for guests. Convenient and versatile, this type of sectional is your best bet! 

02 Measure the Space for Your New Sectional Sofa

Your room’s layout is key to determining the right size and configuration.

A 10-seat sectional in a narrow room can feel cluttered, just like a 3-seat model could make a large living room look empty. Store showroom displays can also be misleading since their layouts are much larger than a typical living room. That’s why it’s essential to measure before you shop.

Plan Your Sectional’s Placement

Measure your room and sketch it on paper. Once you know the exact dimensions, it’s much easier to choose a sectional couch that fits just right. Bring your plan and a few photos when you shop—our team can help you find the perfect match.

Living room floor plan with furniture arrangement and dimensions for proper movement around the room.Living room floor plan with furniture arrangement and dimensions for proper movement around the room.

Choose the Right Configuration

Some sectional sofas are reversible, while others have a stationary chaise on the right or left. Pick the layout to avoid blocking doors, walkways, or key features in the room.

L-Shape

Ideal against one or two walls.

U-Shape

Perfect for large open spaces.

Chaise on the right or left

Great for optimizing a small living room.

Prepare for Delivery Access

Most sectionals come in separate pieces for easier delivery, but it’s still essential to measure doorways, staircases, and hallways to avoid any delivery issues.

03 Leather or Fabric: Pick the Best Upholstery for Your Sectional Sofa

Think about your daily habits before choosing the right material for your sectional sofa. Popular options include corduroy velvet, bouclé fabric, genuine leather, faux leather, leather blends, polyester, microfibre, and more.

Easy to clean, leather or faux leather sectional couches are best for families with young kids. Spills or marker mishaps? Just wipe them down, and you’re good to go.

Your dog loves curling up beside you? If so, fabric sectionals are best because leather can get scratched by pet claws.

However, if shedding hair is your main concern, leather is easier to clean since it doesn’t trap fur.

Tip

Get peace of mind with a protection plan. Extended coverage helps protect your investment, especially against stains. Ask your sales associate for details.  

Leather Sectionals

Pros

  • Durable

  • Low maintenance

  • High-quality look

  • Hypoallergenic 

Cons

  • Can feel sticky in warm weather

  • More expensive

  • Scratches easily

Fabric Sectionals

Pros

  • Wide variety of textures and patterns

  • Affordable

  • Breathable comfort

Cons

  • Requires more maintenance  

  • Less resistant than leather

  • Can pill or tear over time

04 Set Your Priorities: Budget, Comfort, Care, Durability

Everyone has different priorities. Whether your main goal is sticking to a budget or finding the comfiest sectional couch possible, this step will help you narrow down your choices.

The goal here is not to find a sofa that’s the best in every way, but to decide which features matter most for you. 

On a Tighter Budget?

Look for smaller sectionals or models in faux leather for a stylish, affordable option.

Comfort Comes First?

Your sectional should fit your body. When you sit back, your knees should be supported, your feet flat on the floor, and your back, especially your lumbar area, fully cushioned.

Need Easy Maintenance?

Go for microfibre, treated leather, or stain-resistant materials. Removable, machine-washable covers are also convenient.

Want Your Sectional to Last for the Next 10 Years?

Choose a high-quality sectional sofa with a solid wood frame, high-density foam cushions, and mechanisms tested for frequent use.

Ready to Choose?

Now that you’ve got a clearer picture, it’s time to pick the right sectional for your needs.

At RD Furniture, we offer a wide selection of sectional sofas to fit every style, budget, and space.

FAQ

  • What’s the difference between a sofa, a couch, and a sectional?

    In different regions, “sofa” and “couch” are two words for the same piece of furniture. A sectional, on the other hand, is made up of multiple sections and offers more seating and flexibility.

  • How to position a sectional sofa?

    Depending on its shape, a sectional can be placed against a wall, tucked into a corner, or set in the middle of the room. Models with a reversible chaise offer added flexibility.

  • Why choose a sectional?

    Some modular sectionals let you change the layout after purchase, while stationary models keep their original configuration.

  • Can you change a sectional’s configuration after purchase?

    Certains sectionnels modulaires permettent de modifier la configuration après l’achat, tandis que les modèles fixes conservent leur forme d’origine.

  • How to know if a sofa will fit in your living room?

    Sketch your room, take a few photos, and compare them with the sofa’s dimensions. Don’t forget to consider doorways, staircases, and other obstacles.

  • Is a sectional easy to maintain?

    Yes—whether fabric or leather, sectionals are easy to care for. There are cleaning products made for each type of material.

  • How can you tell if a sectional sofa is good quality?

    Look for a strong frame, comfortable cushions, and durable upholstery. Solid wood, high-density foam, and mechanisms tested for frequent use are key features to look for.

  • How to know if a left or right-sided sectional is needed?

    Choose based on your room’s layout—walls, windows, and traffic flow. The longer side of the sectional should leave enough room to move around and make the best use of your space.