Pick a seat, any seat! When it comes to your living space, you’ve got to offer your family and friends a variety of seating options…but which to choose? When you’re deciding on sectional vs sofa and everything in between, there is a world of options to choose from. Are you looking for something elegant and formal, or for a chance to cut loose a little more in your design style? Remember, the more pieces in your space — a sofa and an assortment of chairs, say — the more opportunity you have to play with color and pattern. By contrast, a sectional is a great way to showcase one special fabric that you’re truly in love with over a larger area. Think of how you use your living/entertaining spaces the most: do you throw lively parties or intimate book club gatherings? Is your living room the family entertaining hub? Thinking about how your space will be used will help determine what size, shape and style will best suit the room.
The original sofas and couches were just simple wooden benches piled high with cushions and blankets, but home furnishings have come a long, long way since then! Let’s walk through three simple scenarios to help work out the sectional vs sofa question once and for all…
Ethan Sofa | Design: @stjamesdesign
Sofa & Chairs Combo
An absolute classic is born! Perfect for those who entertain, and designed around conversation and physical flow, this combo provides lots more walking-around space for all those cocktail party moments. When it comes to the decision of sectional vs sofa, this is possibly the most flexible design, since it allows you to easily rearrange the space to fit the occasion — especially if those chairs swivel! This is also one of the best looks for a small space, since the chairs can cozy up to the sofa from an intimate distance…but it can also be customized for the largest living or family room, just add a few more chairs, swap chairs for loveseats, or even add an additional sofa!
Ethan Sofa
The beauty is always in the details, and Ethan’s crisp button tufting and wooden base are the kind of details that make this piece stand out like a well-tailored suit. The Ethan Sofa is the star of any room it is placed in, and would make an attractive centerpiece in your own living space!
Horizon Sofa
The Horizon Sofa’s rounded cushions and arms are both a welcoming and uniquely attention-getting look. Guests will long to relax in comfort on this curvaceous option!
Ellice Sofa
The simple contours of our Robin Bruce Ellice Sofa provide comfort and style in equal measure, from the long bench cushion seat to the high, modern-style arms softened by a pair of supportive cushions. Ellice is a versatile option that pairs well with just about any style of chair.
Maddox Sofa | Design: @avagrayinteriors
A Perfect Pair
Similar to the sofa & chairs arrangement but more formal, this creates a sense of symmetry that offers a more “designed” look that is less casual overall. A pair of sofas or loveseats facing each other creates a structured conversation area that is a somewhat less flexible, though more elegant, arrangement than one involving easily-moved chairs. When debating “sectional vs sofa” options, this is one is strictly for sofa lovers. This is another great option for frequent entertainers — think of your next wine evening or book club taking place in this space!
Margot Sofa
It’s hard to overlook the Margot Sofa’s deeply tufted back and sides — but we’d forgive you for being distracted by those gracefully curved arms as well. The only thing better than one of these beauties is two of them!
Berlin Sofa
A high back, elegantly curved arms and a double row of nailhead trim that’s as pretty as a string of pearls makes the Berlin Sofa by Robin Bruce an eye-catching addition to your space.
Brady Sofa
With a smooth, bench-style back, square contours and mod tapered legs, the Brady gives off vibes that can only be described as midcentury style cool. A pair of Brady Sofas gives your living room an upscale, Mad Men quality that will have you pouring a round of perfectly chilled martinis in no time.
Derby Sectional Sofa | Design: @sitamontgomeryinteriors
Sectional Sofa Centerpiece
These sofas are large and in charge (although some modern versions are becoming more compact), and are generally more casual and welcoming than other options. The L or U-shape of a sectional, combined with deep soft cushions, practically begs you to throw yourself down and have a perfect nap or an epic movie-watching night. They can be placed in a corner to save square footage, or extending out into the space if there’s room to spare, creating a “room within a room” that can help define a living space if you have a very open plan layout. These are the most difficult pieces to rearrange since they are the largest — although you can always go for a modular option like our Asher Sectional Sofa and rearrange to your heart’s content. Sectionals were practically designed with family movie nights in mind, so get cozy with your nearest and dearest!
My Style II Sofa
Bigger isn’t always better for everyone. Experiment with sectionals with this diminutive option, featuring a four cushion sofa extended by a chaise (also, enjoy many more customizable options in the My Style line so that you can make this piece your own!).
Sylvie Slipcover Sofa
Combining the comfort of a sectional with the ease of care of a slipcover, this is the ultimate in family friendly design.
Neval Sectional Sofa
Set the question of sectional vs sofa to rest once and for all with Neval. Our largest sectional, this U-shaped sofa has room for family & friends…and then some! Movie and game nights will never be the same again.
Neval Sectional Sofa | Design: @lisamendedesign
Pro-Tip! Hybrid Design
Not all spaces are created equal, so why should your design sense fit the mold either? Some of the most impressive spaces we’ve seen have been the ones that cross the “genres” described in the examples above. For instance, though a layout featuring two sofas facing inwards can feel the most formal, choosing a super casual or ultra-modern silhouette helps liven things up, for a look that straddles the design line. A sectional sofa is cozy and family-friendly, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice elegance for comfort if that’s more your speed — our Brooke Sectional Sofa features lovely detailing like turned wood legs and classic rolled arms that are sure to turn heads. Need to take things a little further? Add a pair of chairs, an upholstered ottoman and a bench to a room featuring a sectional; there are no rules when it comes to your own space.
Shake things up and discover your own personal sofa style!
Visit Rowe Furniture & Robin Bruce today!