Cutting Corners with Sectional Sofas
Manage most of your seating needs in one fell swoop with this surprisingly manageable furniture style
Shawn Gauthier
February 17, 2012
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected,... More
Sectionals tend to be large, bulky pieces of furniture, and balancing them within an arrangement can be intimidating. But their size is their strength: Because they tend to dominate the space and offer the majority of the seating, they generally do not need to be accompanied by too many other pieces. The end result depends on a number of factors: the size of the room, the needs of your situation, your design preferences and so on. Whether you’re determining how to edit existing pieces or researching what to buy in addition to your sectional, here are some layout ideas for inspiration.
The key to any effective layout is balance. Placing a single chair across from the shorter end of the sectional strikes that balance.
Choose the right chair
Choose the right chair
Consider facing a chair across from the internal corner of the sectional. Draw imaginary lines from the sectional’s arms; where they meet is ideally where you should place the chair, as if it’s completing an invisible square. This sectional itself supplies plenty of seating; the one opposing seat rounds out the space for optimal conversation.
If you have a narrower space and it’s the longer end of the sectional that you need to balance, consider facing it with two individual chairs. Using only one chair would be visually off-kilter. If you choose two fairly minimal chairs, like in this example, you will likely have room to include a coffee table.
If your sectional is equally long on both sides, you could balance it with two fairly minimal chairs or one bulky one. Place the chair on a diagonal close to the plane of the sectional’s back to keep the layout feeling open.
This is an interesting layout, but it works. If you have both a sectional and a two-seater sofa, consider placing the sofa across from the shorter end of the sectional. The three poufs in front of the coffee table are key here: Because the two-seater is longer than the shorter end of the sectional, they create equilibrium.
If you have a large, open space that is divided into different areas, keep the sight lines open by accessorizing your sectional with a low-profile piece of furniture, like a chaise. It balances the arrangement while maintaining visual openness.
If a chaise is out of your budget, you can re-create the same idea with backless seats or benches.
If you’re working in a smaller space and want extra seating but don’t want to block, say, the television, ottomans placed across from the lengthwise portion will do the trick. A coffee table could hide the ottomans when they’re not in use.
Add seating and storage to your living room with these ottomans
Add seating and storage to your living room with these ottomans
Long, narrow spaces can be tricky. Your instinct might have been to place the longer back end of the sectional parallel to the wall across from the fireplace here, with the two chairs across from the chaise end. However, grounding the space with a rug and facing the sectional and the chairs across from each other results in a much airier arrangement.
This shot proves that sectionals can work in small spaces too. Just be sure to measure carefully! In this example, one chair and a small ottoman provide extra seating without causing the space to feel overcrowded.
Consult an interior designer for more small space strategies
Consult an interior designer for more small space strategies
Have a sizeable space and aren't sure how to fill it? Consider facing two sectionals across from each other. You’ll create a cozy atmosphere with a ton of seating.
Or, consider creating an almost circular seating arrangement by adding a couch and several chairs, organized around one or two coffee tables. This is a great setup for entertaining, as it takes advantage of the large space by creating separate areas ideal for conversation.
Love the openness of your large space? Keep it that way by allowing the sectional to fly solo. It’s best to include tables for drinks, books or lamps, but if the sectional provides enough seating and you’re happy with the look, then feel free to let it be.
More: Browse sectionals
Your Perfect Lounge Space: Great Ways With Sectionals
The Sectional Sofa Gets a Modern Makeover
More: Browse sectionals
Your Perfect Lounge Space: Great Ways With Sectionals
The Sectional Sofa Gets a Modern Makeover
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