Have a problem with choosing the sofa for your room? Why don’t you try to use a sectional sofa with chaise? Among the many types of sofa you can find on the store, this one is maybe the best choice. The design and its functionality will help you to arrange and design your room easily. If this is your first time buying this type of sofa, below we have a beginner guide to sectional sofa with chaise.
What is the Sectional Sofa with Chaise?
The sectional sofa is a sofa that consists of several part/section that you can arrange and place individually. Unlike the old standard sofa that only has one big part of the sofa, the sectional sofa comes with much more versatility. This feature allows you to create any placement or looks that you want in your room with your sofa. Moreover, it is also perfect for any room size.
The chaise here is another good addition. Basically, the chaise is the sofa part that has a different shape with similar type and style to the main part of a sectional sofa. Unlike the other parts that have a limitation on how you put it, the chaise part is the freedom of this type of sofa. You can use it as part of the main sofa. Or, if you want, you also can even place it in front of your sofa and make it a leg rest.
Things to Consider When You Buy Sectional Sofa with Chaise
Now, after you know what sectional sofa with chaise is, the next thing you must understand is several factors you need to consider when you want to buy it. Here they are.
- The direction where the sofa will face
Many people make a mistake when they buy a sectional sofa because they don’t consider where they want their sofa direction. The result is the sofa takes the space that isn’t supposed to be used for sofa placement. Therefore, you need to plan it carefully. It’s easy, actually. Just stand in the room where you want to put that sofa. Now, imagine the direction where you want to that sofa face. It helps you to find out the left-facing or right-facing style sectional sofa.
The next thing to consider is the chaise part. Actually, it’s much easier. The chaise part usually has a smaller size than the main parts. Therefore, you can place it freely. As long you have the right facing style for the main sofa, you don’t need to worry about chaise.
- Measure the area
Another thing you must do is measuring the area where you want to place the sofa. The first thing you must do is finding the sofa that you want to buy. This is the reason why you should find a store that has an official website or online store. On that website, you can easily find the product image, shape and sizes. From that information, you can measure the space in your room to match that size and shape.
Measuring the area also help you to decide where the sofa will be facing later. So, these two things that you need to consider first have a strong relation to each other. And, it is important to do them before you buy the sectional sofa.
- Float the sofa
When you consider the area to place the sofa, you don’t need to always use the old method. A soda must close to the wall. The sectional sofa with chaise is also perfect if you place it far from the wall or even in the middle of the room. This is what we usually called as the float placement. Consider using this placement, if you have more spaces in your room.
Match the Sofa with Others
After you make preparation for buying the sectional sofa, the next thing you need to do is planning how you will match other objects with your sectional sofa. Here are basic things that you can do to create a good combination.
- The rug size
Choose the rug that has a bigger size than the sectional sofa that you are going to buy. Or, if you already have the rug, you can choose the sofa that has matched size with the rug. Why we should do it? If you choose the bigger rug, it also makes your room feels and looks bigger.
On the other hand, if you can only find a sectional sofa with chaise that has bigger size than your rug, you don’t need to worry. In order to make the smaller rug match your sofa, try to combine the rug with natural-fiber style surface or texture under it. Make this layer placement and it matches perfectly with your sofa.
- Coffee table
Next is the coffee table. Make sure that you have a big enough coffee table that everyone that sits on the sofa can reach it. Moreover, if you use a large rug, place the coffee table inside the rug area. Do not make the part of the table go out of the area.
- Pillow
Choose big size pillow for your sofa that can stand when you place on your sofa. Moreover, you also need to place it in each corner of the sectional sofa. It will give your sofa bigger and softy looks that make you feel more comfortable when you sit on it.
- Console table
For floating type sectional sofa, considering a console table that will fill the area between the sofa and the wall. Then, use this table to place decoration, such as a plant or flower. It can create a beautiful view and guide the views to the main focal point of your room, your sectional sofa with chaise.
Conclusion
Sectional sofa with chaise isn’t a simple sofa or furniture for your room. With proper preparation and planning, this furniture becomes one of the most important things in your room design. It becomes the focal point and the part that improve your room appearance. Now, find the store where you can buy the sectional sofa that you want.
All the Information You Need Before Purchasing a Sectional Couch
As a larger option compared to regular sofas, the sectional is definitely worth considering if you have a big family or frequently entertain a crowd—or even if your preferred sofa style is more about lounging than sitting. While previous options may have been old-fashioned or unwieldy, today’s sectionals are much more elegant, ranging from streamlined versions upholstered in velvet to slipcovered linen styles. Moreover, sectionals can be more versatile than they seem, working just as well in a small study as they do in a spacious living room. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about sectionals and why they are the ultimate in functional seating.
Reasons for Choosing a Sectional
It offers more space. The primary reason for getting a sectional is simple: It provides a generous amount of seating and is ideal for lounging and putting your feet up. Depending on their size, sectionals can offer seating for several more people than a regular sofa can.
It is adaptable. Most people think that sectionals only work in large rooms—but that’s not the case. Sectionals can actually help maximize seating options in smaller spaces, especially when placed in a corner.
It divides an open floor plan. While an open floor plan creates an airy feel, arranging the space can be challenging. This is where the sectional comes in, as its broad size and structural shape can help create distinct “rooms” within a larger area.
Exploring Different Styles
There are numerous options available when it comes to sectional sofas, ensuring that you can find exactly what you want. Explore the various styles below to get a head start.
L-shaped: As the name suggests, this sectional takes on an L shape, resembling two sofas merged together at the end to form a right angle. You are likely to find a three-cushion style connected to a two-cushion style, although larger four- with three-cushion styles are also popular. The L-shaped design is the most versatile of sectionals, working well wedged into a corner or positioned in the middle of a room.
Chaise: The chaise sectional is essentially a sofa with an extended ottoman attached to one side. Think of it as the simplified cousin of the L-shaped style that can be placed just about anywhere a regular sofa might go.
Curved: The curved sectional adds sculptural appeal to a space, acting almost as a piece of art with its elegant silhouette. Keep in mind that it is not the best option for small spaces, as it does not sit flush against a wall and needs to be positioned farther out into the room.
U-shaped: If you have a large space to fill—or if you want to make the most out of your sectional seating—the U-shaped style is the way to go. Moreover, it is perfect for fostering intimate conversation due to its two extended arms that face each other.
Modular sectionals typically consist of multiple pieces meant to be stationary and only connect in a specific configuration. The modular style, however, can comprise up to five pieces that you can rearrange as you please.
Additionally, sectional sofas can offer more functionality by providing extra sleeping space. Sleeper sofa additions are commonly found with chaise-style sectionals.
When deciding on a larger piece of furniture, it’s important to consider certain factors. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a sectional.
It’s crucial to distinguish between left-facing and right-facing styles when purchasing an L-shaped or chaise sectional. The decision is straightforward, but it’s important to visualize standing in front of the sofa, facing it directly (rather than sitting on it facing outward). If you want the sectional to extend out on the right side, opt for a right-facing sofa. If you prefer it to extend on the left side, choose a left-facing sofa.
Do your homework. Unsure how the sofa will fit in your home? Try taping out its exact shape and dimensions onto your floor to ensure that you’ll have enough space to move around it and that it won’t disrupt traffic flow. In fact, it’s always a good idea to sketch out a floor plan with any new piece of furniture you’re considering.
Consider the corner seat. For L- and U-shaped sectionals, be aware that the seat in the corner will likely be boxed in on both sides, leaving little room for stretching out your legs when the rest of the sofa is occupied. If this doesn’t suit your needs, try a rounder style that allows extra legroom.
Embrace the idea of floating. Although a regular sofa is typically placed against the wall, this is not a necessity for a sectional. If space allows, positioning the extended arm or the entire piece in the middle of the room can add visual interest.
When styling a sectional with other furniture, the approach is similar to styling a regular sofa, but there are some differences.
In terms of rug selection, it’s recommended to choose a larger rug that extends beyond the sectional, as this can create a sense of spaciousness in the room. Alternatively, if you have a smaller rug, layering it on top of a larger natural-fiber style can be an appealing option.
For selecting a coffee table, if the rug extends beyond the sectional, the coffee table should remain within the rug’s boundaries. Additionally, ensure that it’s large enough to be accessible for everyone seated on the sofa.
Regarding pillow arrangements, decorative pillows should be placed at the left, right, and center (i.e., in each of the corners) of the sectional, and they should be substantial enough to complement the sofa’s substantial size.
When working with a free-floating sectional, consider adding a console table against its back for an extra decorative touch. This can also help visually anchor the sofa in its position.
Deciding Between a Sofa and Sectional
Choosing the right seating for your living room is crucial.
Whether you opt for a large sectional sofa or a more traditional sofa, it’s a significant investment that will likely remain a central piece of your living room for years. Sofas often serve as the main focal point in a living area and influence how the space is utilized, so it’s essential to make an informed decision.
What is a sofa?
Although it’s common knowledge, a sofa is defined as a single piece of furniture with an upholstered seat, arms, and a back, offering comfortable seating for more than one person. Typically, it accommodates seating for two or three individuals.
What is a Sectional?
Contrastingly, a sectional consists of multiple pieces that can be combined to form a unified piece of furniture. Some sectionals offer a chaise element for elongation, while others include a corner unit and components to create an L-shape or U-shape. Sectionals generally provide seating or lounging space for three or more people.
There are various types of sectional sofas, such as:
L-Shaped: Takes the form of an L, with a chaise or extra seating on one side.
U-Shaped: Features a chaise or additional seating on both sides.
Chaise: Resembles a regular sofa with a chaise on one side, similar to an L-shaped sectional.
Modular: Offers versatility with multiple configuration options, featuring various pieces like armless seats, corner sections, and chaises.
Sleeper sectional: Functions as a sofa bed with a chaise on either side.
When to choose a sectional
A sectional is ideal when additional seating is needed for a young family where more than two individuals regularly sit. Alternatively, it can be used to fill visual space in a room where two sofas would seem inadequate. Sectionals can also be effective in defining traffic flow within a room.
Key differences between sofas and sectionals
The primary distinction between a sofa and a sectional lies in the number of pieces: a sofa is a single unit, whereas a sectional often consists of multiple pieces, allowing for customizable layouts based on the homeowner’s preferences and space. Additionally, it’s worth noting that sofas featuring a chaise or attached ottoman are categorized as sectionals by most furniture manufacturers, as they incorporate more than one unit to form a single piece of furniture.
Factors to think about when selecting seating for your living area
How you’ll use the seating
It’s important to consider who will use the seating in a living space when debating your seating options, as this will inform the best route forward.
Room layout
The layout of your room is a critical factor in deciding whether you need a sectional or a regular sofa, whether you have a large space or small one. You want to avoid cramming a sectional into a space that doesn’t naturally fit or might feel too big for the room or obstructed walkways or doors from fully opening. Consider the layout you hope to achieve with all of your furniture in place before buying the first sofa you fall in love with.
Room size
Most people picture a large or rather bulky piece of furniture when they think of a sectional. These types of sectionals are best suited for larger living rooms, open-concept spaces, and spaces with tall ceilings because the visual weight of the sectional helps to balance the room’s proportions.
When most people picture a sectional, they think of a large or rather bulky piece of furniture. These types of sectionals are best suited for larger living rooms, open-concept spaces, and spaces with tall ceilings because the visual weight of the sectional helps to balance the room’s proportions.
However, just because a living space is small, it doesn’t mean you can only fit a loveseat or small sofa if you have your heart set on a super comfy sectional. A sectional can still be a good choice in a small room. While the perfect sectional couch for a small space is more difficult to source, some sectionals are lighter in scale. For example, a small space sectional may not be as deep and have taller legs and slimmer arms. These types of sectionals are more appropriate for smaller spaces because they will work with the proportions of a smaller room without overpowering it.
Your personal preference
When deciding if a sofa or sectional is right for your family, no one will force the issue. I always remind my clients they need to love their homes! If you’re adamant that a sectional is right for you, then go for it! And if you’re adamant that a sofa is the best option, that’s ok too.
Your other living room furniture
I don’t recommend using a sectional if it will be the only piece of furniture in the room. Sectional sofas work best in part of a seating arrangement with accent chairs or a regular sofa.
Sofa vs. Sectional: Examples from real living rooms
A sectional with an accent chair
For this basement remodel, a smaller sectional with a chaise was utilized for lounging so the family could curl up by the fire while enjoying movies and watching television together.
A singular sofa with chairs
When entertaining, this family had such a challenge accommodating their extended family. Their existing sectional created barriers to the space and all the seats weren’t being used. When I designed their new family room, the seating layout stayed similar, but I broke up the space using color and various seating pieces (a sofa and two chairs), and now the space is much more inviting, and their family gatherings are more comfortable. They can now accommodate more people more comfortably!
Sofa with accent chairs opposite
When creating a warm and welcoming space, it’s essential to look at how people are moving through the space and the flow of traffic. This open living room and dining room has two entrances and a large wall of windows — a sectional would completely cut off traffic flow or natural light. Instead of a sectional, I selected a comfortable down-filled custom sofa that grounds the room and provides a focal point for the space while being functional. Chairs across from the coffee table allow for intimate conversation when entertaining or spending time together as a family. The sofa and chairs combo keeps the space open and airy, like a warm summer day in a way a sectional never could.