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The Best Sectional Sofas, Tested and Reviewed by House Beautiful Editors
Upgrade your seating situation!
As design editors, we're always searching for the crème de la crème of furniture, and when it comes to living room essentials, we're hyper-focused on the best sectional sofa. After all, this specific type of sofa, which features two or more pieces that join together and offer more space, are space-saving hero of the home. So we chatted with Todd Howard Ezrin, principal interior designer at Washington, DC-based TOBE DesignGroup, to get his hot take on what makes the best sectional sofa and how to shop for one.
"Buying a sofa is deeply personal and depends on how you like to sit. If you like to slouch, then you may want to consider an extra deep sofa, but if you want to sit more upright, you should consider a standard depth sofa," he explains. He's not wrong. Among many other crucial factors to consider before investing in a sectional, seat depth is certainly one of them.
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Sectional
Just like, well, anything you buy, you'll be happier with your purchase if you research a bit first. Luckily, we've done that for you so that all you really have to do is measure and pick one you like.
What should I look for in a sectional?
"Don't just consider the overall depth; take into account the inside dimensions—like the inside seat depth, which is the measurement from the front of the seat cushion to the start of the back cushion," Ezrin explains. In fact, size is one of the most important factors to consider before you buy a sectional. Even though these are space-saving pieces, you'll still need to be sure it fits in your living room before you order it. If you're working within a small area, we wouldn't suggest going for anything wider than 76 inches. Plus, because the chaise extends forward, you won't really need something super wide.
Another element worth thinking about is the fill: Do you like to sit and sink or feel supported? There are no wrong answers, but your preference for cushion firmness will determine the type of fill that's right for you. Ezrin says, "Many made-to-order manufacturers have a number of fill options for the seat and back cushions that range from soft and cushy to firmer support. Again, this boils down to personal preference and how you like to sit." If you like something cozy and soft, go with down, feathers, or fiber-wrapped coils. If you prefer a sofa on the firmer end of the spectrum, opt for foam.
How do I measure a sectional?
The two most important measurements are the overall width (the space between both arms) and the length of the chaise (from the back to the end of the chaise). The height (from the floor to the top of the back) won't really be a determining factor in whether or not the sectional will fit in your space. If you're pushing the sofa against the wall, you can probably go a bit bigger on the chaise length because you'll have more space. Otherwise, play it safe and go with the smaller option.
Angela Belt is the contributing Assistant Shopping Editor at House Beautiful. She's also an interior designer and is the host of her own podcast, The Mood Board. When it comes to design, she's an esteemed expert with some of her work also appearing in HGTV, Better Homes & Gardens, The Washington Post, and more.
Jessica Cherner is House Beautiful’s associate shopping editor and knows where to find the best high-low pieces for any room.
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