Designer FAQs: Custom Sectional Sofas & Couches
What is a sectional?
Some say sectional, others say sectional sofa or sectional couch—those are just different ways to refer to a large sofa with angles that comes in multiple pieces. The naming convention of three-piece, four-piece, and so on comes from how many pieces are assembled to create your sectional.
What types of sectionals are out there?
Chaise sectionals offer maximum seating with minimum form factor and enough space to lounge.
- Smallest and simplest: a two-seat chaise sectional with a chaise that can be on either side.
- If you don’t want go for a full-fledged chaise, choose a sectional with one open end.
L-shape sectionals look great in large or small living spaces, both in a corner or floated away from a wall. Configure as a two-seat sofa with an attached chaise or as two sofas joined at the corner.
Your L can be left-facing or right-facing. How do you decide?
- Face the direction you want your sectional to extend.
- If you want the piece that flows into the room to extend to the right, choose right facing.
- If you want it to extend to the left, choose left facing.
U-shape sectionals are visually grand and look great in the center of a space.
- Its total seating area is usually larger than that of its L-shape sibling, with plenty of seating for family or guests in a large room.
- This shape also adds extra seating in long, narrow rooms where two sofas might not fit.
At Ethan Allen, you can configure a living room sectional any way you want, whether it’s L-shaped or U-shaped. Speak with a designer to learn about crafting a custom sectional sofa.
What is the difference between a wedge and rounded corner?
- A wedge joins two pieces of a sectional couch together at a 90-degree angle and makes it easy to place a sectional right up against a corner wall.
- A rounded corner is an elegant curve that joins two pieces of a sectional. This shape adds more legroom, but cannot be against a room's corner and requires more floor space overall.
Are sectional sofas a good idea? How do I make sure a sectional will fit in my room?
Sectionals can work for small spaces just as well as they do in large rooms. A small sectional can add a lot of seating in a snug living room without taking away space for other furniture.
Our EA inHome® app can help you visualize the living room sectional you want in the space you have. In the app, you can customize your sectional with different fabrics and leathers. If you have questions while you're using the app, you can also connect with one of our designers for expert interior design help.
For more specific guidance on how to measure for sectionals, see our living room seating buying guide.
Will a coffee table fit with my sectional?
A coffee table is a great choice to complete your living room. Our coffee tables come in a variety of sizes that complement any configuration of sectional, whether you want a large square table to balance your L-shaped sectional or a smaller table in the center of your U-shaped sectional.
For tips on purchasing a coffee table to go with a sectional sofa, see our occasional table buying guide.
For more inspiration:
- Check out our Shop by Room living room hub.
- Try our 3D room planner tool to select your favorite coffee tables or cocktail ottomans and see how they look with your sectional.
Can you separate a living room sectional?
You can when it’s modular, and for that, see our Daydreamer modular sectional. Available with three pieces (a seat, a corner, and an ottoman); order any three- to six-piece combination that suits your space. You can create corner L-shaped configurations, a U-shape, even a chaise sectional or pit sectional, and switch things up whenever you feel like it.
Do you have more questions? Click the Designer Chat icon, or contact your local Design Center—we’re happy to help!
