How to style a leather sectional to create a comfy space

A sectional is one piece of furniture that will help you achieve ultimate comfort in your living room. But not all sectionals are created equal. If you want to take your lounging up a notch and love the luxe look, opt for a leather sectional (or faux leather version) rather than one with fabric upholstery.

The durability of top-grain leather and quality faux leather sectionals makes them worth the investment. Read on to find the best ways to incorporate these timeless pieces to add a stylish touch and warm up your living space.

Is a leather sectional right for you?

Although leather sectionals are comfortable and classic, they need some extra consideration to ensure they’re the best option for your living room or other lounging areas.

For instance, how much floor space will be leftover when the sectional is in the room? You don’t want to overlook the accessibility of your walking path, especially if the sectional is in a high-traffic area like a living room. Depending on the size of your space, they may be a better choice for a basement hangout area or a less used den.

While leather sectionals are durable, they also require special care. Different types of leather will need a different routine. For the most part, they require cleaning with a mild soap mixture. However, you might need to apply a leather conditioner after your routine maintenance.

All of these factors are important to keep in mind when considering if a leather sectional is right for you. If the maintenance seems too daunting, consider a faux leather sofa to get the same look without the hassle (and price tag). Options like breathable leatherette, faux suede, or a top-grain “leather match” in high-performance polyurethane upholstery are less high maintenance than a real leather sectional yet provide the luxurious feel you want.

How to choose the best leather sectional (or faux leather sectional) for your space

While the typical sectional requires a large room for a comfortable and accessible walking path, there are options for medium-sized spaces as well. If your sectional will be against a wall, you’ll need to know the exact measurement to ensure a good fit.

If you plan on placing a sectional in the middle of the room, be sure to allow plenty of walking space around the couch as well as enough room for any furniture that houses your television. You may also want to consider whether you have enough space for a fashionable and functional ottoman.

After getting the measurements, you can narrow down what type of leather (or leather-like) sectional sofa you want. There are several options to choose from, so read on to find out what suits your style and space.

Chaise sectional

A chaise sectional typically consists of a loveseat with either a left arm or right arm facing chaise lounge attached. Sometimes, these are modular and the chaise can be removed.

For a sectional option with a chaise, try the Beryl 4-piece sectional. The Beryl offers all the comfort of a leather sectional with a power reclining sectional and chaise in a sleek, modern package. The headrests and cup holders make the lounging experience even better.

A more traditional chaise sectional is the Darie cushion-back tufted sectional, which also has a matching ottoman. The Darie’s tufted accents and darker color make it ideal for a classic decor style.

Modular sectional

Modular leather sectionals have multiple pieces that can be used apart or put together to form a full sectional. Depending on the style you want, they offer ample back cushions, comfortable headrests, and recliners. There may be an armless section in the middle of the leather sectional that can be removed. Coaster’s chic and comfy faux suede Variel 6-piece modular sofa is an example of this style.

If you like the look of a modular leather sectional but want to keep the pieces intact, the Chester top-grain leather match sectional is another great option.

Piece sectional

If you have a small space, the piece sectional may be right for you. This option offers a few matching pieces that you can place close together to get the feel of a traditional sectional without the bulk. You control the layout of the pieces.

One example of a piece sectional is the Longport 2-piece sectional. It can be used as two separate loveseats or pushed together for a longer sofa.

The gorgeous Largo upholstered loveseat and recliner also work together to create a cohesive look, although they cannot be pushed together to create a traditional sectional.

Once you nail down which configuration works for your space, have fun with other elements like color and the leather itself. For instance, you may find that a faux leather option achieves the look and comfort level you want without the higher price tag or maintenance of a real leather sofa. Moreover, you may want to opt for a darker leather rather than a white or light upholstery to minimize visible stains and spills.

How to style your sectional

To make your sectional as cozy and comfy as possible, style it with throw pillows and blankets. Adding these easy decor pieces will also soften the overall look and warm up your space.

Leather sectionals often come in darker shades, so brighten them up with pillows and throws in lighter hues or fun patterns. Also, pay special attention to the artwork and paint colors in your living space to ensure there’s a nice balance of dark and light colors.

Depending on the type of leatherette or leather sectional you buy, it may look more mid-century modern than classic or traditional. Squared-off seat cushions and back cushions will give it the look of the era, while rounded cushions, tufting, and nailhead trim will read more traditional. The stylistic elements are up to you, so consider how they will look with the rest of your decor.

Sectionals are the centerpiece of any room you place them in. To create a cohesive look, consider placing smaller accent chairs in coordinating colors if the space allows. This is also an opportunity to introduce more textures with different fabrics like velvet, boucle, or linen into your space so the leather doesn’t feel too overwhelming.

A leather sectional may feel more masculine because of the upholstery, so a curved or brightly colored accent chair will help to balance it out in a more feminine way. You can amp up the luxe factor by adding a plush rug to go with your leather sectional.

Enjoy your sectional for many years to come

A leather or faux leather sectional is an investment in your own comfort. These classic pieces will faithfully serve your family for movie nights, get togethers, and everything in between. Once you determine how much space you have, you can decide which room is best for your new sectional.

These cozy centerpieces are great for basements or dens if your living room doesn’t offer the floor space they might require. However, there are options like a two-piece leather sectional that will give you the look without the bulk of a larger sofa.

There are also styles like a chaise sectional or a modular sectional to ensure that no matter what space you’re working with, you can find the right option. When styling your sectional, consider how it fits into the rest of your home decor. Whether you prefer traditional or modern, there are plenty of choices at Coaster.