Sofa, Sleeper, or Sectional: Which Living Room Seating is Right for You?

“The first question to ask yourself is, ‘How many people will be using my living room on a regular basis?’” Gonzales states. “And then, of course I suggest you measure your space in detail. This is the first step to determining the right seating, before considering the style or level of comfort you need.”

Below is a general guideline for measuring and scaling your living room:

Gather Measurements:

• • Measure the length and width of your living room in feet. Doing this in multiple spots will account for any differences.
  • Measure the width and height of any doorways and other entries to the room to determine what size of furniture you can fit through those spaces.
  • Measure the location and size of any windows, fireplaces, built-in shelves or any other fixed items that could affect furniture placement.

Consider Scaling:

• • Consider the potential traffic flow through your space – you need enough space to walk comfortably between furniture and doorways.
  • Leave extra room around major furniture pieces, like a sectional, so nothing is occupying the whole length of a wall.
  • Determine your type of floor plan – is your living room more open or narrow? Is it a simple square or does it have a less symmetrical shape?

We also suggest utilizing our online 3D models and AR feature to get a better feel for the size of your space and any potential furnishings you’re interested in. On over 1,500 product pages, use a phone or tablet and click “View in AR;” you’ll be able to view that item in your real-time surroundings, with accurate measurements and sizing. Once you’ve noted your measurements and played around with our 3D models, you can send the info to your salesperson, and they can draw up your room on Floorplanner – our room designer tool – giving you even more freedom to experiment with different modules.

Gonzales says, “You want to make sure you’re accounting for every fixed variable of your living room, from the doorways to the windows to a TV stand that has a set spot.” Once you’ve compiled your floor plan, finding the perfect seating is that much easier, because you’ll know the space you have available.

Sofas are upholstered seats that typically include three cushions (or two larger cushions), a back rest, and armrests; they usually provide enough seating space, comfort, and support for two to three people. Because sofas have a long-standing history, they come in a variety of sizes and styles, making them the most versatile seating choice for living spaces. “Sofas are a great option for smaller spaces, because many are offered in multiple sizes, such as the loveseat,” says Gonzales, “but longer ones also exist for those who can’t quite fit a sectional in their space.”

The Andria living collection includes both a loveseat-size sofa and traditional sofa; Smaller, compact spaces could benefit from the 64” length of the loveseat or, if the space has a more open floor plan, add an additional loveseat in a corner configuration. A larger space can utilize the larger 80” sofa or pair it with a loveseat for a more entertainment-inclined living room. For a classically sized sofa, March fits the bill, with an 86” length, three seat cushions, and angled arms that offer firm support for three sitters.

Key Sofa Tips:

• • Sofas are ideal for those prioritizing space and aesthetics over sleeping functionality.
  • A myriad of sofa sizes and styles exist, giving them a versatility that allows you to create your perfect configuration.
  • Using smaller-sized sofas like loveseats gives you freedom to make multiple seating areas with different functions.
  • “Both sofas with light-colored upholsteries and more minimalist styles, like mid-century modern designs, can make spaces look bigger and less cluttered,” Gonzales suggests.

Sleepers are a sofa form that unfolds into a bed – serving the dual purpose of providing seating and sleeping space. Because of their ability to seamlessly transition from a comfortable couch to a cozy bed, sleepers allow you to maximize space in smaller living rooms, such as those in apartments or studios. They’re also a great choice if you often entertain guests – a sleeper mitigates the need for an extra guest bedroom but can also serve as additional sleep space for a larger party.

If space is your biggest concern, the Monika sleeper line comes in a multitude of sizes, from a chair sleeper that can accommodate one person to loveseat, queen, and king sizes that can fit more. If you have a bigger living space that can accommodate a sectional but need it guest-ready, then the Halti sleeper sectional is the perfect fit, with a variety of adjustments that will ensure the comfort of everyone. If you’re seeking a more traditional “sofa look,” a thicker design like Haven has a more plush, deep feel, with two included bolster pillows that can be placed anywhere.

Quick Sleeper Tips:

• • Sleepers are ideal for those who need multifunctional seating and don’t mind a more limited style range.
  • Sleepers are easy to accessorize with throw pillows and blankets to appear more inviting and to blend seamlessly with the rest of your living room decor.
  • Positioning your sleeper against the wall will help create more space to unfold if you have a stricter floorplan. Alternatively, choosing other furnishings that are light and easily movable can allow you to place your sleeper anywhere.
  • Sleepers are available with a variety of mechanisms, from manual pulls to power buttons, so finding the one that suits your needs is easy.
  • If storage space is also a concern in your living room, some sleepers now come with hidden compartments to store blankets, pillows, and other necessities.

Sectionals are the largest seating option, typically made up of several individual units connected together. Though typically considered a less versatile option due to their size, sectionals come in various configurations, from L-shaped and U-shaped structures to rounded and modular designs, making them adaptable to your space. “Sectionals are great for those who enjoy gathering around for family movies or game nights,” Gonzales starts. “With the TV as your focal point, you can easily center your sectional and add in a coffee table for the optimal viewing experience. Alternatively, if you’re someone more interested in entertaining others, you can combine a sectional with a few recliners to create a conversation area.”

Of course, the biggest benefit of sectionals is they offer a variety of ways to relax, creating a living space designed to increase everyone’s comfort. Gonzales says, “Sectionals are available with different features to help customize your comfort. A large design like Bari just on its own has four seats, one corner piece, and a built-in chaise.” This allows multiple people to sit or spread out as they like. Similarly, Gonzales suggests a power motion sectional like Giana; “Three power motion seats all controlled by individual buttons can serve as recliners or even sleeping spots for you and your guests.”

Sectional Quick Takes:

• • Sectionals are ideal for those with larger spaces and/or larger families, creating a naturally inviting space.
  • For spaces with an open floor plan, sectionals can be used to define the living room and create a sense of separation from other areas.
  • Consider your coffee table or other occasional tables as you pick out your sectional; each seat of the sectional should be able to easily access items on nearby furniture.
  • Modular sectionals can be adapted daily to accommodate your changing entertainment and comfort needs.

Choosing the right living room seating is easier once you consider your space, needs, and style preferences – whether you’re prioritizing entertainment, comfort, flexibility, or a combination of all three. Luckily, with so many sofa, sleeper, and sectional options and features available, you’re sure to find the perfect seating solution for your living room. For more design and furniture tips, check out our other blog posts or visit in-store to work with one of our sales and design associates.