“They’re a family-friendly, conversation-friendly seating arrangement,” says Maureen Smithe, a buyer with Walter E. Smithe furniture stores, of the sectional sofa. “You are bringing people together, pulling everyone into one group” and around the same focal point. You also might be messing with family dynamics — or blocking an entryway. Smithe offers some things to think about before throwing the sofa and chairs overboard.
1. The fit. Unlike a sofa and chairs or a sofa-and-loveseat combination, the sectional is a solid mass of furniture with no “pass-throughs.” Make sure your room can accommodate it. Make sure you’re not blocking an entryway or anything else.
2. Count happy people. Is there a place for everyone in your family? And will everyone like sharing the same piece of furniture?
3. The look. “Typically we’ve seen sectionals fit in more casual rooms,” says Smithe. “But [by] using the right fabrics or leather, you can bring it up a notch or two.””
4. Quality concerns.
CUSHIONS: Look for ones “made of a soft foam with polyester fibers and polyurethane.” Cushions with down feathers and coils are an upgrade. The core of a quality cushion is wrapped in muslin to keep the casing in place and the fabric from slipping.
CONSTRUCTION: As with a sofa, eight-way-hand-tied coil construction is one of those buzzwords of a high-quality seat.
UPHOLSTERY: Families looking for durability should consider a cotton/rayon/polyester blend fabric (or any combination of them) or a full-grain or top-grain leather. Microfiber is another durable, easy-clean fabric. Stay away from silk and suede.
5. Money matters. Figure out how much more or less a sofa/chairs or sofa/loveseat arrangement would cost you. Are you getting more bang for your buck with a sectional?
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