A sectional sofa is one of the biggest furniture purchases you’ll make — and one of the most visible. Get it right and it transforms your living room. Get it wrong and you’re looking at an awkward piece that doesn’t quite fit, doesn’t seat your family comfortably, or clashes with your existing décor.
This guide walks you through every decision you’ll need to make, from layout to fabric to size.
Step 1: Measure Your Space First
Before you fall in love with a sectional online, measure your room. Specifically:
- Room dimensions — length and width of the space
- Doorway and hallway width — the sectional needs to get into your home. Most sectionals ship in sections, but it’s worth confirming.
- How much clearance you need — Leave at least 18” between the sofa and a coffee table, and at least 30”–36” of walking clearance around the room.
A good rule of thumb: your sectional should take up about two-thirds of the wall it sits against.
Step 2: Choose Your Configuration
Sectionals come in several layouts, each suited to different spaces and lifestyles:
L-Shape (Chaise Sectional)
The most common configuration. One long sofa with a chaise extending from one end. Great for rooms with a clear corner or against a wall. Available in left-facing or right-facing chaise — choose based on which direction your room opens up.
Revel picks: Browse our chaise sectionals
Corner Sectional
Symmetrical pieces that meet at a 90° corner. More formal and structured than a chaise sectional, great for open-plan spaces where you want to define a seating zone.
Revel picks: Browse corner sectionals
U-Shape (Horseshoe)
Faces inward on three sides for maximum seating and a conversation-friendly layout. Best for large rooms and families that entertain often. Requires at least a 12’ x 12’ room to look proportional.
Revel picks: Browse U-shape sectionals
Modular
Individual pieces that clip or sit together in any configuration. The most flexible option — great if you move often or want to reconfigure your room. Can grow or shrink with your needs.
Revel picks: Browse modular sectionals
Step 3: Pick Your Fabric
Velvet
Rich, luxurious, and available in the widest range of colors. Velvet reads formal but can be made casual with the right styling. Watch out: velvet can show pet hair and is sensitive to moisture.
Boucle
The trending choice for 2025–2026. Cozy, textured, and neutral-toned. Works beautifully in MCM and minimalist interiors. Slightly harder to clean than performance fabrics.
Genuine Leather
The classic choice. Durable, easy to wipe clean, and gets better with age. Higher price point but a worthwhile investment. Great for households with kids or dogs.
Browse our leather sectional collection.
Performance Fabric
The practical choice. Stain-resistant, moisture-repellent, and easy to clean. Looks great in high-traffic households. Available in linen and boucle-inspired textures.
Browse our performance fabric sectionals.
Step 4: Think About Lifestyle
- Kids and pets? Go leather or performance fabric. Avoid cream boucle if you have a toddler.
- Entertain often? U-shape or corner configuration seats the most people.
- Watch a lot of TV? Make sure the chaise faces the screen. A reversible chaise gives you flexibility.
- Small apartment? A right or left-facing chaise sectional in the 90”–105” range is your sweet spot.
- Large open-plan space? A U-shape or modular sectional defines the space without making it feel cramped.
Step 5: Consider the Details
Leg Style
Tapered wood legs give an MCM feel. Metal legs read more contemporary. Sofas with no exposed legs (floor-length skirts or platform bases) look more casual and modern.
Cushion Configuration
Attached back cushions are lower maintenance. Loose back cushions need fluffing but look more relaxed and luxurious. Reversible seat cushions extend the life of the sofa significantly.
Delivery
All Revel Sofa sectionals include free shipping and insurance. Most ship in multiple sections for easier delivery into your home.
Find Your Perfect Sectional
Browse our full sectional sofa collection or take our Sofa Quiz for a personalized recommendation based on your room size, lifestyle, and style preferences.