Our Sofa + Sectional Guide

sit back, and stay awhile

Seating is where you can put your feet up, connect with loved ones, and enjoy the time together. Whether a sofa or sectional, these pieces make room for meaningful moments to unfold. Read on to learn about size, function, and style to discover the best seat in the house.

Key Considerations for Sofas + Sectionals

  • Size

    How would different pieces fit and impact flow?

  • Function

    What practical or visual purpose do you want it to serve?

  • Style

    Which design details, like a certain fabric, draw you in?

SIZE

Depending on the available space, you might lean towards a particular size. To begin, measure the area you’re working with and choose the furniture type that will host the greatest number of people—without restricting the flow of traffic.

Note: If you’re unsure about how a piece would fit, test it by taping out dimensions
on the ground. Click here for more guidance on styling and spacing.
  • Green sofa with patterned cushions in a living room setting

    Why We Love Sofas:
    Smaller, sleeker, and easy to move around.

  • A white upholstered sectional sofa in a bright, modern living room, styled with neutral throw pillows, a cream knit blanket, a woven rug, and a wooden coffee table.

    Why We Love Sectionals:
    Larger, cozier, and made for lounging.

FUNCTION

Furniture pieces can support your family’s rhythms, serving a variety of purposes at home. Thinking about function helps determine what is needed most and which practical features will accomplish your goals.

To get your wheels turning, our team pulled together a few examples below...

  • A large cream sectional sofa in a bright, modern living room with black-framed windows, a rustic wooden coffee table, and neutral-toned decor.

    If your goal is to foster conversation, try engaging formats, like corner sectionals, or setups that encourage interaction, such as two sofas facing each other.

  • A cozy living room scene featuring a light beige textured throw blanket draped over a white sofa, styled with neutral-toned pillows and a striped area rug.

    If your goal is primarily decorative (maybe to highlight a color or texture), get creative and make a statement with our
    made-to-order furniture collection.

  • A beige slipcovered sofa in a styled living room, decorated with two throw pillows, a wooden coffee table, a two-tier side table with a lamp, and a patterned area rug.

    If your goal is to carve out a spot that welcomes kids and pets and all the rest, opt for performance fabrics or even washable slipcovers for peace of mind.

STYLE

Take inventory of your existing decor, textiles, and other furniture, defining the designs you want to play up or tone down. The overall style will come together through details and decisions that nod to your personal taste (think: forms, fabrics, and more).

Elements of Style: Shape + Silhouette

What makes a piece appear vintage, modern, or somewhere in between.
  • white pillow back sofa

    Pillow-Back Sofa
    Casual + soft with loose cushions that aren’t integrated into the back.

  • green velvet tuxedo sofa

    Tuxedo Sofa
    Traditional + tailored with a boxy form as the arms and backrest are the same height.

  • gray slipcover sofa

    Slipcover Sofa
    Classic + versatile with a removable cover you can toss in the wash.

  • dark brown tight back sofa

    Tight-Back Sofa
    Elegant + formal with cushions that are permanently attached to the frame.

  • green chaise sectional

    Chaise Sectional
    Relaxed + functional with one extended seat to stretch out in.

  • ivory corner sectional

    Corner Sectional
    Spacious + approachable with a L-shaped arrangement for entertaining.

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Elements of Style: Materials + Texture

What gives a piece its tactile depth and provides a sensory experience.
  • navy blue velvet fabric swatch

    Velvet
    Woven to add contrast and saturated color with a rich feel.

  • Close-up of a brown leather sofa with wooden legs on a white background

    Leather
    Meant to develop a natural patina over time for long-lasting character.

  • neutral linen fabric swatch

    Linen
    Crafted to be breathable and effortless with a lived-in look.

  • green cotton fabric swatch

    Cotton
    Curated to be timeless and durable for an inviting place to land.

  • ivory performance heathered fabric swatch

    Performance Fabric
    Engineered to resist stains, moisture, and fading for everyday use.

  • dark brown boucle fabric swatch

    Novelty Fabric
    Designed to bring visual interest and dimension with distinct personality.

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Note: Check the care code of specific items you’re considering to confirm how to clean.

Shop Our Sofas + Sectionals

Ready to create spaces you love? See what’s tried, true, and new in our assortment...

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Additional Information + Inspiration

For some more guidance on styling and spacing, find tips from our team below. Reminder: These are not hard-and-fast rules, and it’s good to trust your instincts.

  • Leave a minimum of 18 inches between your couch and the coffee table—or nearby accent chairs.

  • Go for a chaise orientation (left or right, when looking at the piece) that doesn’t interrupt any walkways.

  • Keep sofa arms within about 6 inches of your side table’s height to ensure it's simple to reach.

Ways to Cue the Comfort

  • A cream-colored upholstered armchair in a rustic living room setting, styled with a brown textured throw blanket, a matching brown pillow, and a small side table.

    Loose, pillow-back cushions allow you to rearrange, adjust, and sink in.

  • A styled living room scene featuring a cream upholstered ottoman with a chunky knit throw blanket draped over it, alongside a round wooden coffee table, patterned rug, and neutral-toned furniture.

    Extra seat depth gives even the taller folks ample room to curl up.

  • A dark gray upholstered loveseat or recliner chair shown in a styled interior setting, with a cream throw blanket draped over the seat and back.

    Low arms accommodate plenty of pillows for an ideal napping spot.

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About Our Sofa + Sectional Guide

When it comes to furniture, just one piece can make the whole room feel new. All the more reason to invest in something beautifully tried and true. In this guide, we share tips to pick out a new sofa or sectional for your home. Find what fits—your space, your taste, and the season of life you’re in—and rest assured, these are high-quality items that will last for years to come.