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Today’s home design places emphasis on versatility and functionality, and a small sectional sofa offers both. With today’s variety of options, you can find sectionals to fit in rooms of all sizes, from tiny apartment living rooms to a full-sized den and everything in between.
A small sectional couch is generally easy to move and reconfigure, making it an ideal option for renters who might move around a lot. The reconfiguration options are also great for experimenting with different furniture layouts.
In this guide, we’ll help you decide if a small sectional couch is right for you and, if so, where to find a perfect fit.
Channa Alvarez, Production Designer at Living Spaces
First Up, Can Sectionals Fit in Small Spaces?
“Sectionals can definitely work in small rooms if you're willing to sacrifice the floor space,” Maggie Stephens of Maggie Stephens Interiors. told Living Cozy. “A sectional in a small living room can give a cozy den vibe—perfect for TV watching and reading. Just be sure that the pathways in and out of the room are easy to navigate.”
The trick is finding the best type of sectional for your living room. And for renters, you’ll also want to think about the kind of floorplans you usually rent.
“The right sectional configuration for your small space can provide abundant seating for large families," says Channa Alvarez, Production Designer at Living Spaces. Alvarez broke down some of the different types of sectionals that can work in small spaces:
L-shape Sectionals: “This sectional extends in an L-shape, either to the left (left-arm facing or LAF) or to the right (right-arm facing or RAF). Sections often have two to five seats.”
U-shape Sectionals: “This sofa features a shallow or deep U-shape, depending on the number of seats on each side.”
Chaise Sectionals: “Appearing on one or both sides of the L-shaped or U-shaped varieties, the chaise takes the place of several individual seats and allows for proper lounging,” Alvarez finished.
Picking the right sectional shape can make all the difference in ensuring a good fit. Whether you’d like a chaise lounge attached to your sectional, a U-shape for extra seating, a recliner, or a sectional that switches from left-facing to right-facing, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
The Allform 4-Seat Corner Sectional with Chaise features a modular design with a chaise that you can move to either side. If you're looking for a leather sectional, the Allform sofa is available in two leather options as well as various fabrics and also offers multiple hardwood leg finish options, excellent for adding luxurious textures and styling to your space.
We tested out the Allform sofa and it lived up to the hype. It was a little hard to put together than expected, but once it was built, it was sturdy and incredibly comfortable. "The seat depth was probably my favorite feature, says our reviewer Matthew Gattozzi. "The corner seat quickly became the most converted spot in our home."
Watch: We were able to test out the Allform sofa at our studio in Austin, Texas. Check out Bri Ussery's overview of the sofa below:
The Allform Corner Sectional allows you to add new sections at any time for extra seating, giving this corner sofa extra versatility. You can also add pillows, an ottoman, and even a weighted blanket to your order to complete your living room seating in one purchase.
"Allform sofa’s are great for small spaces because they’re shipped in boxes that can be easily maneuvered through tight hallways, doorways, etc. Our team is based in NYC and we know these issues all too well," says Allform co-founder and CEO, Adam Tishman. "They’re also great because even though our seats are 3” wider and 2” deeper than most major competitors, you aren’t restricted by certain configurations. You can customize your sofa to fit a smaller space - instead of a 3-seat sofa, opt for a 2-seat sofa and chaise."
The Block Nomad 4-Seat Corner Sectional from Burrow features the brand’s durable, life- and pet-friendly fabric and an eye-catching mid-century modern design. You’ll get to customize the fabric color, leg finish, arm style, and back cushion style on checkout. In addition, this beauty includes an optional ottoman and a sleep kit that converts this sofa into a sleeper sectional.
The Nomad uses Burrow’s patented modular system of latches and levers to make it easy to move around and rearrange — perfect for small apartments and living spaces. You can set it up however you’d like and add another corner to transform it from an L-shape to a U-shape as your space changes. And as a bonus, it’s delivered in easy-to-move boxes to make small-space living simpler.
"An extra plus to the sofa is that it is stain resistant, especially for those with little ones running around or those who like to entertain and can’t resist a good get together with friends and family," explained Yoselin Castro an interior designer who reviewed the Nomad for Living Cozy.
The Melrose Reversible Chaise Sectional from Apt2B is custom-made in Los Angeles, California, using eco-friendly construction and a 100% solid wood frame for maximum durability. It features wide track arms and a low-rise silhouette for a definite designer flair. The cushions are made using breathable, cleanable hypoallergenic fabrics with reversible, flippable detached cushions with removable, zippered covers. In addition, the frame and workmanship come with a lifetime guarantee.
The Melrose Reversible Sectional Sofa can make any space more inviting. It’s designed like a traditional sectional with the option to reverse the chaise ottoman to either side. In addition, you can customize it with over 60 fabric color options and three different leg finishes so it'll fit in with any space.
The Essential Sectional from Sabai is designed for maximum comfort, with wide, cushioned arms that invite both lounging and perching. Sabai is known for eco-friendly furniture, and The Essential Sofa is no exception with its FSC-certified wood frame. Furthermore, the Essential Sofa comes in multiple upcycled and recycled fabric options in addition to the leg finish options.
The l-shaped couches convertible chaise extension can easily switch to either side, and it assembles in minutes with straightforward instructions. You can also add an ottoman at checkout for extra versatility and functionality. And thanks to Sabai’s focus on being eco-friendly, you can replace or upgrade parts at any time with their Repair Don’t Replace program.
The Abisko sectional sofa is the perfect excuse to lounge and unwind after a long day. With its plush and cozy design, you'll be able to sink in and say goodbye to all your worries. Whether you're reading a good book, binge-watching your favorite show or just enjoying some alone time, the Abisko will be your new best friend.
The Quartz White fabric and titanium-finished legs will add an air of sophistication and style to any living room. It's also built to last with its sinuous spring and rubber webbing suspension, tight seat and back cushion with loose throw pillows, and high-density foam filled with polyester fiber and feathers.
This mid-century modern sectional can effortlessly adapt to your ever-changing lounge style, with the ability to switch the chaise from left to right with ease.
The Isaac is built to last, with a solid rubber wood frame, metal legs, and foam, fiber and pocket spring filled seats. The comfortable and supportive sinuous spring suspension and fiber filled back ensure you can lounge in comfort for hours on end.
The Floyd Sectional is a beautiful modular sectional sofa. It boasts deep, comfy seats, clean lines, and high-performance fabric to protect seat and back cushions. In addition, this sofa has options ranging from two-piece sectional to five seats with multiple colors and add-on options.
You might start with a two-seater and add new corner or armless units to expand the size as your needs change. You can also add a modular coffee table to your sofa for a sleek, modern appeal in any living room or an ottoman for extra versatility.
The Doheny Reversible Sectional has a modern style, perfect for adding flexible function to any space. With a reversible sofa chaise and reversible seat cushions, it’s easy to switch things up when the situation calls for it. "This sectional is great for small spaces because it also has storage built-in," adds Channa Alvarez, Production Designer at Living Spaces.
With a low price point, hidden storage, and the option to switch from left-facing to right-facing configurations, the Doheny is ideal for apartments and smaller homes. In addition, the storage ottoman is the perfect size for storing extra throw blankets, toss pillows, and living room accessories.
The Kova Sofa and Ottoman from Albany Park is designed to add luxury comfort to small spaces. It arrives quickly in convenient boxes intended to be easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and it features a simple, tool-free assembly. You can choose from various fabric colors for customization, and the ottoman adds a chaise that can switch to either side of the sofa.
The Kova is made with a sturdy, kiln-dried hardwood frame, reversible back cushions, removable seat cushions, and a comfortable spring suspension system. The cushions feature a cozy feather blend filling with mattress-quality foam for premium, cloud-soft comfort. Add some throw pillows and a blanket and you'll have the perfect movie night den for your family.
Discount: Use code COZY10 code to be 10% off sitewide on all Albany Park purchases $1,000+.
The Eddy Reversible Sectional from West Elm features low arms and wide back cushions for a comfortable seat. It features stylish trestle-style legs and a modern form, ideal for today's spaces, and you can choose between 74” and 90” width, depending on your square footage. You also have multiple fabrics and colors to choose from for a style that matches your living room or den.
With a medium seat firmness and high-gauge sinuous springs for cushion support, the Eddy is built for comfort. In addition, it boasts a solid hardwood frame with reinforced joinery, reversible cushions with zip covers, and made-to-order quality. The Eddy is also available in a range of materials and colors from beige to eye-catching yellows and oranges.
The Geo 2 - Piece Upholstered Sectional from AllModern offers a clean-lined silhouette, track arms, and tapered legs for modern styling. It is available in a range of fabric and leg finish options to ensure it fits your space and button-tufted seat cushions for added style. The cushions are removable, and the sectional comes with bolster cushions to provide an appealing contrast.
With a reversible chaise and removable seat cushions, the Geo Sectional can transform to fit your space. It’s built on a solid wood frame and wrapped in luxe velvet upholstery with comfy cushions for a relaxing experience.
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How to Ensure a Sectional Will Fit in Your Living Space
The best way to ensure a sectional will fit in your living space is through carefully measuring your space and checking the dimensions of the sectional you're looking to buy. “A good rule of thumb is to have 18 inches on either side of your sofa and to ensure there are clear pathways to walk around the room,” says Channa Alvarez.
“Measure carefully and even tape out the dimensions of the sectional on your floor with painter's tape,” suggests Maggie Stephens. “Also, double-check that your doorways are wide enough to get your new sofa into the room! Call the store to double-check if you're not sure.”
“For a small space, choose a sectional with a slim frame and arms to maximize the amount of seating. Choosing a style with exposed legs will make your floor (and therefore the room) look bigger."
“For a small space, choose a sectional with a slim frame and arms to maximize the amount of seating,” Stephens continues. “Choosing a style with exposed legs will make your floor (and therefore the room) look bigger. And make sure you leave enough space for side tables or a round coffee table for easy access to drinks and remote controls.”
“It’s more important than ever to measure when trying to fit a sectional in a small space,” Alvarez told Living Cozy. “From the actual design itself to the space you plan to put it in, you want to get that measuring tape and ensure you record accurate numbers for the overall width, depth, and height. This will ensure you get a sectional that has the correct depth and length for your space. It will also help you know how you can arrange your sectional to best fit the space.”
If you're looking at a sleeper sofa/futon or reclining sectional, then it's also important to measure how they'll fit when either laid out as a sofa bed or fully reclined.
“Also, before you browse sectionals, measure the width of your doorway along with any narrow hallways or nooks in which you must pass through in order to get to the area where you plan to place your sectional. Write down the measurements and have them on hand to reference when you start shopping for sectionals,” adds Alvarez.
Shelby Golding is a Colorado-based writer/editor with over a decade of experience. She has a college education in interior design and enjoys woodworking in her free time.
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