There’s nothing quite like sinking into a comfy sofa or sectional to relax and read a book, watch a favorite show or chat with family and friends. You can even reach the ultimate in relaxation by choosing a motion sofa or sectional that offers power adjustable headrest, lumbar support and power footrests, with features such as memory buttons to help you reach your ideal position at the push of a button. No matter your choice of activities, and how fully loaded with options your sofa or sectional is, the right set-up is critical. Of course, you want something that will fit well in the space you have available. However, you also want a sofa or sectional that will provide enough seats for your family and perhaps a guest or two.

There are two main options when it comes to your main seating space in your living room or family room: a sectional and a sofa. These options can be paired with other seating. For instance, a sofa may be paired with a matching loveseat and chair to complete the seating area in your living space. A sectional may be paired with a single chair, a set of chairs, or used alone to provide versatile seating for your family and guests.

How to choose between a sectional and a sofa for your living space:

Wondering what is a sectional sofa? In order to choose the best furniture and layout for your living room or family room, it’s important to define the types of furniture that are typically used for seating configurations: sofas, loveseats and sectionals.

Sofa: also called a couch, a sofa is a piece of upholstered furniture that typically consists of three cushions to comfortably seat up to three people. There are a wide variety of styles and even sizes available, including an oversized sofa. Types of sofas include simple mechanical sofas and motion sofas, with various power recline options.

Loveseat: smaller than a sofa, a loveseat typically consists of two cushions to comfortably seat up to two individuals. It is often paired with a matching or complementary sofa, or it can be used alone for seating in a smaller space, such as an apartment or condo. You can also select a motion loveseat for easier and more versatile reclining.

Sectional: also called a sectional sofa, these pieces are upholstered furniture that consists of two or more joined sections for sitting. Sectionals may include one or more power recline seats amongst stationary seats. Sectionals come in versatile configurations to suit different room layouts and preferences. You can choose from several configurations, including these three common types of sectionals.

• Chaise sectionals: _**Consists of a regular sofa with three seats and an attached chaise at the left or right side.
• L-shaped sectionals: _**Includes five or more cushions, with two or more on each side and a connecting seat in the middle.
• U-shaped sectionals: _**Consists of a center sofa and an equal number of seats on either side of the center sofa.

Sofa vs. sectional

There is no set of rules to determine whether a sectional or sofa is better for your space. In fact, whether you choose a sectional or a sofa may boil down to personal preference. However, there are some factors to consider if you need help making the choice. By thinking about the advantages of sectionals and sofas, you can choose the option that you’ll be happy to sit down on, or even relax into a full recline on, for years and years.

Here are some factors to consider when determining if a sectional or sofa is right for you.

Number of seats: If just two or three seats are needed, then a sofa is the choice for you. If you are looking for five or more seats, you may wonder whether a sectional or two sofas, or another seating combination is the right fit for your room. For this much seating, a sofa paired with a second sofa, a smaller loveseat or two chairs is one option. A sectional in a variety of configurations is your other choice. You should also consider how many, if any, power recline options you want in your seating arrangement.

Who will they be used by? Sectionals and two sofas (or another combination of furniture) can give you the same number of seats. Keep in mind, however, that not all seats are created equally. The sofa and loveseat or chairs combo will offer armrests for more guests as well as a more personal space, making it a good choice for people who entertain often. Sectionals contain more middle seats that may leave your guests feeling uncomfortably close. However, they can be a preferred option for families, providing cozy seating for movie nights and more.

Style preference: sofas and sectionals are both available in a wide range of styles from traditional to modern. Generally, sectionals are more oversized and casual looking; while sofas have more formal options available, as well as casual looks. A sofa paired with a loveseat or chairs can also provide more visual space in your room since there is empty space between the pieces; while a sectional helps fill and ground your room.

How will they be used: Do you want to sink into your sofa or sectional at the end of the day, or use it for formal entertaining? Perhaps something in between? Sofas and sectionals are both available in a wide range of styles, from traditional to modern. However, sofas often come in more formal designs, while sectionals are often more casual in style. Your activities and style of entertaining can help decide if a sectional or a sofa is better for your room.

Size of your room: If you have a small space, a traditional sofa typically works best. If you have a lot of space in your living or family room, you may opt for a sectional sofa. For medium sized spaces, the options are more open. You may actually find that a strategically placed sectional will make the room feel less cluttered than a tight grouping of a sofa and loveseat or chairs. Try to visualize how each piece would look in your space. Also, make sure to measure the space in your room before making your purchase.

Ability for change: If you are someone who loves rearranging their furniture every year or so, a sofa may be a better choice for you. Paired with a loveseat or chairs, you can gain the same amount of seating as provided by a sectional, with the ability to rearrange your furniture as needed or desired. While a sectional sofa offers versatile configurations, your ability to change the layout is more limited.

What’s your preference: While all of these considerations are noteworthy, there is no single determining factor on whether a sectional or sofa is better. Ask yourself, “which choice are you drawn to more?”. You may like an elegant sofa, be more drawn to a trendy couch, or like the cozy appeal of a large sectional sofa. Perhaps the functionality of the sofa or sectional is most important to you, making power recliners and even cinema seating options appealing. As long as the furniture fits in your room, there’s no wrong answer when considering a sectional vs sofa.

Once you’ve decided on a sectional vs a sofa, you can look at many other options to choose the right one for you. Do you want a traditional sofa or sectional? A trendy urban design? Something that’s casual and comfortable? You can also consider factors such as the depth and height of the furniture. Of course, there are many material options, including leather, a variety of performance fabrics, and many different colors and patterns. Make sure to consider how the piece will fit with your existing furniture and home décor, and you’ll be set for years of comfortable enjoyment—whether you are seated on a sofa with a friend or lounging with your feet up on a chaise sectional.