Sectional sofas are a time honored classic in the modern American household. They provide ample seating in a way that is useful and design friendly. Whether you’re a fan of modular and clean-lined sectionals, the classic leather sectional, or a kid-friendly and movie-night approved sleep sectionals, there’s a good reason to add one to your living area.

However, the shape and size of the sectional sofa leaves many wondering how to arrange a sectional sofa in a living room. Sectionals tend to be bigger and differently shaped than a lot of other pieces. Fear not, for as useful as this classic piece of furniture is, it is also just as versatile. We’re here to answer your main question:

How do you properly arrange a sectional sofa in a living space?

First, think about the type of sectional. Most sectional sofas come in three different varieties: L-shaped sectional, U-Shaped sectional and chaise sectional.

• L-shaped sectionals are comprised of two sides, typically equal in length. They join together to form a right angle and are a great solution to a lot of spaces.

• U-shaped sectionals are made of three sides that form a “U.” These sides can either be equal or different sizes, depending on the requirements of the space. Many of these feature chaise lounges.

• Chaise sectionals are often sectionals comprised of a longer couch and a sofa. These are used frequently in smaller spaces, as their versatility and smaller size are easy to work a room around.

Okay, so you know the basic lingo. Let’s talk about how to properly arrange a sectional couch in a living room.

Where do I place a sectional, and what do I place around it?

Consider the flow of a room and the walking pattern. A large sectional sofa in a closed off room may constrict the ability of guests to walk around the entire room. Sticking the chaise of your sectional where people tend to stand when entering and gathering inside a room may be inconvenient. Think about all of your sectional features as well. If you have a power recline sectional or a sectional with moving parts, make sure that when those parts are extended and out, they aren’t blocking a door or walkway. Closing someone in a room because you want to put your feet up may cause tension rather than relaxation.

With that in mind, avoid the temptation to throw the sectional up against the wall or in a corner. Putting any large piece against a wall can actually reduce the visual space that your room may have, which goes double for a sectional. Instead, pulling a sectional couch away from the wall increases the flow of a room by giving you space to move around and by making the sectional a visual focal piece, helping to ground your room.

Another great tip to arranging a sectional sofa is to position it opposite another focal point of a room. Placing it kitty corner to a gorgeous accent chair will make the space feel symmetrical, even without matching pieces. This works especially well with L-shaped sectionals. Additionally, you can use a coffee table or ottoman as a focal point to position your sectional sofa opposite of. An occasional table or ottoman can also fill the visual space that seems to exist with sectionals, especially with U-shaped sectionals.

Nervous about pulling a sectional away from a wall into the center of your space? Ground your sectional sofa with a great area rug in order to create a sectioned off or dedicated space. Make sure the rug is big enough to include the sectional’s feet as well as the feet of any other piece around the sofa that you’d like to include in your new visual space. This tip makes it easy to create an easily recognized conversation area in your living room.

Sectionals are great additions to a living room in need of plenty of seating. Even smaller chaise sectionals give you a plethora of seating options in less space. Don’t be afraid of their size and utilize their versatility by following these tips, as well as finding what fits your space.