As part of our initiatives during this new decade, one of our goals is to share our family’s 100 years of furniture experience with the world, to help you navigate through one of the biggest decisions you can make. We’ll be breaking down home decor into components and giving you the run down on styles, shapes, and everything you would want to know before getting a new piece of furniture.
This time of year, we’re all looking for a super comfy sectional to cozy up on to watch the big games or just enjoy a movie night in during these colder months, so we figured we’d start our Furniture 101 Course with sectionals.
Sectional 101: Modular vs. Sectional
Sectionals come in all shapes and sizes, so there are lots of options to choose from. First, we should clarify between a particular in the furniture world: there are sectional sofas, and there are modular sofas, and they are not quite the same thing. While very similar in that they both are larger seating arrangements than your typical sofa, a sectional is typically a fixed seating arrangement, whereas a modular sofa is configurable in lots of different orientations. Most of the time, you’re likely buying a modular, but for the purposes of simplicity, we’re just going to call everything from now on sectionals.
First Steps when Picking out a Sectional
As with all decorating, you should always start with measuring your space to know what area you have to work with.
Next, think about how you want to use your sectional – is it for entertaining, lounging, a family of 5 or 2? Consider whether you want more space to lay out or more seats to fit as many people as possible. This also comes into play when thinking about the type of fabric application you want on your sofa. Do you need something more durable or something show-stopping?
How to pick the right sectional
Now that you know how much space you have to work with and what you want to do with your new seating set up, you get to dive into the nitty-gritty – finding the best sectional for you. You’ll want to be sure to look at frame and cushion construction and find a resource that provides a quality product.
Some resources have sectionals already made up in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your space, or you can get one customized to your exact preferences. With this option you get to find the frame shape you like best – maybe you like rolled arms, or maybe you prefer contemporary track arms – there’s something for everyone. Different feet shapes can often be applied as well. Lots of different components such as chaises, corner wedge seats, recliner seats, console cup holders, and more can be included to make your sectional work for you.
Customizing Your Sectional
If you work with a great resource, you’ll also get to choose the cushioning that comes in your sectional – from firmer options to super cozy down filled seating. Then comes the really fun part, picking out the cover. Depending on your resource, you’ll likely have a wide variety of colors and textures to choose from, including many options with performance applications.
Not sure where to start when getting your next sectional? Contact our styling team or come into the showroom for assistance with finding your perfect piece. We have multiple lines available to order from – whether you want already made up or want to customize exactly to you.
Or even better…choose to rent from our wonderful sectional selection and you don’t have to commit to a huge purchase! Our curated collection of rental items has pieces you’d want to buy for your home available to you without having to commit to them forever. Choose what works for you and your space for now, and when you’re ready for the next steps you can choose to buy, swap out, or move it!
