7 different ways to arrange a sectional sofa

Sectional sofas can add super-comfy and spacious seating to your living room for lounging with family and friends. With so many different ways to arrange a sectional, you can create a variety of layouts depending on how you’ll use the seating area.

Sectional sofas come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and there’s an option for almost every home. So whether you’d like to turn your family room into a movie night paradise or a comfy spot to chat with friends, a sectional can make it happen.

This guide features seven different ways to arrange a sectional in your living room, so you can find an option that works for you. Get ready to create the space of your dreams.

7 different ways to arrange a sectional

You don’t have to be an interior designer to find the perfect way to arrange a sectional in your home. It’s fairly easy if you consider what you want from your seating arrangement, how you plan to use it, and the size of the room you’re designing.

Here are seven of our favorite sectional layout ideas to help you pick the perfect furniture arrangement for your family room, no matter your style.

1. Use a focal point

Of all the different ways to arrange a sectional, positioning it towards a focal point is probably the most popular and versatile. What do you plan to spend the most time looking at and doing in the space? Whether it’s your TV, a fireplace, or a beautiful horizon, position your sectional to give you a good view.

For example, since most family rooms center around a TV for streaming or gaming,, you’d find a spot that lets everyone easily see what’s on. Alternatively, you might place your sectional in front of a window that looks over a garden or mountain view.

2. Make the most of a small space

Contrary to popular belief, sectionals can work well in small spaces. A chaise sectional or a small L-shaped sectional sofa can help you make the most of a small living room or a studio apartment. The best position in spaces like this will likely be in a corner or against one wall.

If you’re working with an open concept space or a studio apartment, try using your sectional to divide your space. For example, your sectional might mark the end of the living room and provide a boundary for the dining room.

3. Create a conversation den

A U-shaped sectional paired with other seating options like a loveseat and armchairs can create a conversation den that everyone will enjoy. This works well for spaces with or without a TV as the focal point. Add a coffee table or ottoman to the center, and include plenty of throw pillows to make the room feel cozy.

If you don’t want a U-shaped sectional, an L-shaped sectional with armchairs or a loveseat can create a similar effect. Just make sure you include side tables for other pieces of furniture in your living room layout.

4. Center it on an area rug

If you have an open floor plan or a large living area, centering your sectional on an area rug can help create a welcoming and cozy seating area. As mentioned earlier, the sectional might separate your space from the dining area or it might become the focal point of the room.

You’ll want to pick your sectional first and then buy your area rug for this design. You can either buy an oversized rug and center the sectional on it or a large rug that sits under the front feet of the sectional, padding the area in front.

5. Divide the room

We’ve mentioned that sectionals can help divide your space, but you can base your whole living room around this concept. For example, if you’d like to divide the room to create a defined hallway space, play area, or dining room, an L-shaped or U-shaped sectional with one edge against the side of the room will do the trick.

You can use other living room furniture like bookcases and display cabinets to further differentiate your seating area from the rest of your living space.

6. Design a home theater

If you’ve always dreamed of having a home theater, now’s the time to make one. Grab an oversized sectional couch with reclining seats and add TV trays or end tables for snacks and drinks. Center the sectional around your screen, like the focal point sectional at the beginning of this list.

You could remodel the space with built-in speakers, dimming sconces for theater vibes, and maybe some DIY theater drapes to the mantel and walls. If you’re not sold on a sectional for your home theater, you might opt for one or two rows of theater-style seats instead.

7. Use opposing sectionals

If your living room design is just for conversation, hanging out, and relaxing, opposing sectionals will help you carve out the perfect spot. You’ll place two chaise or L-shaped sectionals across from each other, creating a rectangular (or square) seating arrangement. Alternatively, you can use two oversized sofas for this look.

Chaise lounge sectionals work well for doing this in a smaller space, as this layout tends to dominate the room. Try it in a spot with lots of natural light, large windows, and bright paint colors to keep the sectional from visually weighing down the area. 

Tips before you buy

Exploring different ways to arrange a sectional might have you ready to buy your favorite one right now. But making a purchase without proper planning can be costly, so use these tips before you hit the checkout.

• Consider a sleeper sofa: Any of these ideas can work with a sleeper sectional to create a guest room in your living area. This is perfect if a friend or family member needs somewhere to sleep after a late night.
• Don’t go too big: You’ll want a minimum of three feet between your sofa and the wall to leave enough room for people to walk. And you’ll want at least 18 inches between your sofa and the coffee table for legroom. Measure your living room and test the measurements of your sectional in masking tape on the floor before you buy.
• Use versatile furniture: Poufs and ottomans can double as seating or an impromptu side table when you have a full house. Look for furniture that can multitask, especially if you’re worried that your sectional won’t be large enough.
• Pay attention to details: Before you order your sectional, check out the fabric, seat height, and other details to ensure each option will work for your household. Also, pick a color that you can live with for several years, keeping in mind that your tastes and space might change before your sectional does.

Get ready to relax in style

The ultimate goal of getting a sectional is usually relaxation, whether it’s with family, friends, or a glass of good wine. So consider what you want from your space and let that guide you when choosing between the many different ways to arrange a sectional.

Remember to measure your space, test your sectional’s dimensions, and pay careful attention to the details so you can find a sofa you’ll love for years to come. Then, check out Coaster Furniture’s full selection of sectionals for more options when you’re ready to buy. Use our store locator to find a convenient outlet near you.

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