As you delve into the inviting and diverse realm of sectional sofas, we understand that choosing the perfect one can be both exciting and overwhelming. From contemplating the ideal size to suit your living space, to selecting the right fabric that reflects your style, and understanding the functionality that best meets your needs - there's a lot to consider. But fear not! Our Star Furniture design pros are here to guide you every step of the way. In this blog, we'll explore the various aspects of sectional sofas, ensuring you have all the information you need. So, sit back, relax, and let our team provide you with expert insights into all things sectional sofa.

Understanding Sectional Sofas

A sectional sofa is a type of seating that is composed of multiple sections that are joined together to create one large piece. Many sectional sofas can be taken apart and rearranged to complement the shape of a room or meet certain needs. Many sectionals include a chaise component, perfect for lounging. 

A Brief History of Sectional Sofas

The sectional sofa, a staple in modern homes, has a history that dates back to the Victorian era. Initially, these sofas emerged as multipart units known as "conversation sofas," designed to facilitate face-to-face interactions among guests in a drawing room. Their modular design allowed for a variety of configurations, catering to both intimate gatherings and larger social settings. 

As the 20th century progressed, the concept of sectional sofas evolved in response to changing interior design trends and the increasing demand for functional, versatile furniture. In the mid-20th century, particularly during the postwar era, sectional sofas gained immense popularity as they aligned with the era's emphasis on comfort, practicality, and a move towards more casual living spaces. The versatility of these sofas made them an ideal choice for the growing trend of open-plan living areas. 

Over time, designers have continuously experimented with styles, sizes, and materials, leading to the wide range of sectional sofas available today, which blend functionality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal.

The Importance of Size and Scale

Because sectional sofas come in a variety of shapes and sizes, it's critical to choose one that works well in your living room. Rather than assuming the sectional sofa you want will fit in the space as it should, it's a good idea to know precisely how much room you're working with from the beginning. Start by assessing the room's size and layout. Measure each side of the space, being sure to make note of any architectural features that could impact where you position the sectional sofa. These could include windows, doorways, a fireplace, etc.

The amount of space that's available within your living room isn't the only factor to consider when searching for a new sectional sofa. You should also consider how the sectional sofa might impact the dynamics of the room overall. For instance, will bringing in a large sectional sofa leave enough space to walk around the room comfortably? Will you be able to include other essential pieces, such as side tables?

How to Choose the Perfect Size Sectional Sofa

Selecting the right size sectional sofa for a room is a crucial decision that balances space, comfort, and aesthetics. With the measurements of your room as a guide, next take into account how traffic will flow around your sectional sofa. It's essential to maintain a harmonious scale; a large sectional can overpower a small room, while a too-small piece might look lost in a spacious area. Consider the room's layout, including doorways, windows, and other furniture, to ensure the sectional won't obstruct movement or views. 

Additionally, think about the sofa's purpose: Do you need a large sectional for family gatherings or a smaller one for a cozy reading nook? When in doubt, use painter's tape to outline the dimensions of the potential sofa on your floor, providing a visual aid to imagine how the sectional will fit in your space. Remember, the right sectional should complement your living area, offering comfort without compromising on style or functionality.

Diving into Fabric Choices

Your sectional sofa journey doesn't end once you determine the shape and size your living room needs. The fabric of your sectional sofa is also an important element that will affect not only the way it looks but also how it feels. Consider the following factors when diving into the wide variety of sectional sofa fabric choices:

  • Types of sofa fabrics: Natural materials, such as cotton and linen, are known for their softness and breathability, however, they're not very stain-resistant. On the other hand, synthetic materials, such as polyester, wear well over time and are easy to clean. Leather combines the best of both worlds, providing a chic aesthetic while also being easy to maintain. Before committing to any material, be sure to consider its durability, maintenance requirements, and comfort factors.
  • Choosing the right fabric for your lifestyle: What goes on in your home should influence the type of sectional sofa materials you choose. For instance, if you have pets or young children at home, choosing a fabric that's delicate or difficult to clean probably isn't the best idea. Likewise, it's important to choose a fabric type that blends seamlessly with the surrounding home decor style.
  • Fabric care and maintenance: Regardless of what type of sectional sofa fabric you choose, providing routine maintenance for your sectional sofa will help it look its best for years to come. Be sure to treat spills as quickly as possible, following the manufacturer's instructions. Hiring a professional cleaner to address difficult stains or for an annual deep cleaning can also keep your sectional sofa looking good as new for the long haul.

Exploring Motion Functionality

In the past, sectional sofas offered limited options regarding their design and practicality. However, in recent years, there has been a significant evolution in these furniture pieces. Today's sectional sofas are designed to cater to a diverse range of sizes, styles, and even incorporate motion features. When selecting a sectional sofa, it's no longer just about finding one that fits your style and comfort needs. It's worth considering what additional functionalities could elevate your sectional sofa experience. Think about the various features that could enhance your sectional sofa, such as:

  • Power reclining: Incorporating recliners into one or two seats of the sectional sofa elevates the comfort level, allowing several people to relax simultaneously. Certain sectional sofas are ingeniously designed to recline smoothly, even when placed close to a wall.
  • Sleepers: Choosing a sleeper sectional sofa can allow your overnight guests to sleep in comfort without requiring an additional guest room in your home.
  • Built-in USB ports and charging stations: Provide added convenience for those who like to stay connected.
  • Modular pieces: To accommodate your family's ever-changing needs, consider investing in a modular sectional sofa that can easily be arranged in different shapes and sizes as you like.
  • Storage: Take functionality to the next level with under-seat storage or go with a storage ottoman. Pro tip: Ottomans offer an unmatched versatility in a living room, acting as added space to put your feet up, display a decorative tray and/or store blankets. 

With so many innovative design features that can maximize the style, comfort, and functionality of your home, it's worth considering which elements could benefit your family's needs and preferences. Rather than focusing exclusively on the present, be sure to think about which sectional sofa would be most useful in the future as well. For instance, if you're planning to move in a year or two, choosing a modular sectional sofa could give you the option to change up its shape to complement your new living room.

Making the Right Choice

There's a lot that goes into purchasing a new sectional sofa. Identifying what features are important to your family and what specific requirements your home has in advance can help streamline the process of finding the one that's right for you. Remember, a sectional sofa that's stylish and complements its surrounding decor is nice, but aesthetics aren't the only factor to focus on when furniture shopping. Selecting a sectional sofa that's comfortable and practical for your family's needs is equally as essential to help you maximize the comfort and functionality of your home. 

With this in mind, it's always a good idea to test out the sectional sofas you have in mind before choosing one to bring home. Reading online reviews from verified customers can be helpful in pointing you in the right direction for specific features, such as deep cushions, but nothing compares to trying the piece out for yourself. Likewise, working with a trusted design expert like the ones at Star Furniture can help you find the sectional sofas that have the design elements that are important to you. Additionally, experienced interior designers can provide recommendations and invaluable knowledge that you wouldn't otherwise have access to if you were shopping on your own.

Sectional Sofa Success Stories

At Star Furniture, our customers' satisfaction is always our top priority. That's why we pride ourselves on providing quality furnishings and exceptional service from experienced interior designers. A sectional sofa isn't merely an accessory that homeowners replace with the seasons; it's a staple piece that often acts as the primary focal point of your living room. Because of this, it can be helpful to hear what other customers have to say about their sectional sofa purchases from Star Furniture. Check them out:

  • A customer who purchased Star Furniture’s Ponce 2PC Sectional with RAF Sofa that features an L-shape design and classic brown leather writes, "It's the perfect color brown and very comfortable. It's ideal for seating our family and/or guests. We have received many compliments. Dress it up with pillows and throws. It will definitely complete your space!"
  • Another happy Star Furniture customer who purchased our Noah 5-Piece Sectional that includes deep seating and an armless chaise writes, "This sectional is so deep it can fit my family of 4 plus some. We love it so much. We have it in our living (a.k.a. movie) room, it's actually one of my favorite spots in my home to relax in now."
  • This Star Furniture customer who purchased our Penthouse Leather 6 Piece Modular Sectional in chic cream leather writes, "This sofa fits us perfectly. We don't have a lot of space so we got the ends without the arms too and it works perfectly!! Very modern and very comfortable and so far (2 1/2 years later) has held up wonderfully."

Find Your Perfect Sectional Sofa with the Help of a Star Furniture Designer

Few home furnishings can have an impact on the way your living room looks and feels as much as a sectional sofa. From giving it a stylish and cozy aesthetic to providing a comfortable place to relax, the right sectional sofa can help you make the most of your home. With so many different styles of sectional sofas to choose from, not to mention special technological features, finding the right one for your family's needs can be a challenge. This is especially true if your living room is overly large, small, or an unusual shape.

When you're ready to enhance the appearance and functionality of your living room with a new sectional sofa, the trusted design team at Star Furniture is here to help make the process simple and fun. We can help point you in the right direction of shapes, sizes, fabrics, and features to ensure your family's every need and preference is met. Visit us online today to shop sectionals and check out the reviews of some of our most popular sectional sofas, then stop by our showroom location to try them out for yourself! We can't wait to help you take your home to the next level with your perfect sectional sofa.