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The 13 Best Sectional Sofas of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Cozy options for entertaining, family movie nights, and more

Apt2b Tuxedo Sleeper Sofa on a rug in a living room

The Spruce / Ashleigh Morley

Casual, oversized, and with countless configuration options, sectional sofas offer plenty of room to spread out and cozy up. Over the past two years, we’ve spent nearly 600 hours trying out sectional sofas––and we’ve found that these roomy sofas make an excellent choice for families, hosting friends, and lounging thanks to their extra-spacious sizing. We put a variety of different sectionals to the test in everyday settings, testing their comfort as we relaxed, napped, sat, and even climbed and jumped on their cushions (and yes, we included some roughhousing from kids and pets, too!)  

With a sectional, you can combine different “sections,” or sofa components, to suit your needs. You can build the perfect sofa for your space, seating needs, and preferred configuration. There’s a sectional for every need–including fixed sections in smaller sizes. 

Amy Forshew, principal designer at Proximity Interior Design, recommends thinking about whether you want to sink "in" or sit "on" the couch as you shop for a sectional. "Softer, more down-filled cushions will allow you to sink in," she says. While plenty of sectionals offer deep, plush seating, others offer more structure and support. To help you find the right fit for your home, we researched and tested fixed and modular designs for every decor preference and budget.

Testing Stats
Products Tested  6
Hours Spent Testing  598 
Tests Performed 
Unique Testers  6
Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Floyd The Sofa + Chaise

Floyd Three-Seater Sofa and Chaise

Floyd

What We Like
  • Fits through any doorway

  • Reversible chaise

  • Sturdy wood and steel frame

What We Don't Like
  • Assembly required

  • Lots of boxes/packing materials

With its sleek design and versatile construction, the Floyd Three-Seater Sofa and Chaise is our top option for most spaces. This L-shaped couch features a solid wood and powder-coated steel frame, with a reversible chaise that allows for more versatility in small spaces.

The plush and dense double-layer foam cushions come in your choice of six fabric upholstery options, all of which are stain-resistant and performance-rated. You can opt for a two-seater, a three-seater, or a three-seater plus a chaise, along with an upholstered, birch, or walnut base. We chose the three-seater plus a chaise with an upholstered base in Ocean Dive, a surprisingly versatile dark blue. The fabric held up well to wear from our 60-pound dog, and it still maintained a soft, cozy feel. The couch's feel is pleasantly plush, though we did find the back cushions to be a bit overstuffed.

One of the best features of this option is just how quickly it arrived: unlike the months-long shipping window of other competitors, the Floyd couch took just seven days to be delivered to our team member's home, though this may vary based on location. As with other pieces of Floyd furniture, assembly was a cinch, taking a little over an hour from start to finish. The most time-consuming part was organizing and disposing of the multiple heavy boxes, which came stuffed with more packing materials than we would've liked—especially considering the fact that Floyd is a sustainable brand.

Dimensions: 87 x 61 x 32 inches | Seating Capacity: 3 | Upholstery Material: Stain-resistant polyester-nylon blend | Chaise: Reversible | Return Policy: 30 days, subject to 30% restocking fee

How to Measure for a Sectional

Measuring for a sectional is about more than making sure it fits in your room; it’s about how you plan on arranging it. “You want to avoid ‘pinch points’ where the clearance space between the sofa and anything else—such as a wall or a cabinet—is less than 36 inches,” says Courtney Sempliner, interior designer and founder of Courtney Sempliner Designs.

Devin Shaffer, lead designer at Decorilla, adds: “If you want a sectional sofa with a chaise, then the chaise option should not extend more than halfway across the room. Leave 2 feet of open space around the sectional, unless it's placed against a wall.”

Best Under $2,000

Greyleigh Anchoretta 6-Piece Sectional

Greyleigh Anchoretta 6-Piece Upholstered Sectiona

Wayfair

What We Like
  • Modular assembly

  • Supportive cushions

  • Includes ottomans

What We Don't Like
  • Assembly required

  • Somewhat short backrests

Due to their larger dimensions, sectionals can range in price as high as $7,000. If you're hoping to spend under $2,000, the Greyleigh Anchoretta is a stellar choice. We love the modular design, which makes assembly a breeze and offers different configuration choices. This sectional also features two moveable ottomans, allowing you to create various configurations with multiple chaise lounges for stretching out and some additional length.

This reasonably priced four-seater has a manufactured wood frame and foam-filled cushions for extra support. Its lower-profile cushions may not look overly plush or stuffed, but they’re soft and comfortable to sit on. Beneath the cushions, springs in the sofa frame offer an extra layer of durability. The soft microfiber upholstery comes in three neutral hues, making it easy to suit any space or color scheme. Plus, two throw pillows are included for easy styling––we like that you can change the pillow covers for customization down the line, too. 

Just a heads up: The 16-inch backrests are on the shorter side, and you'll have to assemble the couch at home. But in the end, we think this sectional is still a great value.

Dimensions: 134 x 65 x 33 inches | Seating Capacity: 4 | Upholstery Material: Microfiber | Chaise: Movable | Return Policy: 30-day window

Best Splurge

BenchMade Modern Skinny Fat Sectional With Bumper

BenchMade Modern Skinny Fat Sectional With Bumper

BenchMade Modern

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.8/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Minimalist midcentury aesthetic

  • Soft yet supportive cushions

  • Frame has a lifetime warranty

What We Don't Like
  • Fixed chaise/bumper

We tested the Skinny Fat Sectional With Bumper from BenchMade Modern, and it was a standout pick. While this sectional sofa is certainly an investment, and the chaise lounge isn't reversible, we love that there are features and some flexibility––plus plenty of comfortable cushioning. We particularly loved the balance of firmness and plushness in the couch’s cushions, which were comfortable enough to flop down onto and nap on, yet supportive for our backs for longer periods of sitting.

You can choose which side you'd like the chaise on, and the sofa also features a bumper, which is an open-back footrest that extends past the normal back of the couch. With a low profile, pared-down peg legs, and a simple silhouette, this L-shaped sofa has a midcentury aesthetic and minimalist appeal. Plus, while it’s definitely an investment, we were impressed with its durability in the face of wear and stains. A red pasta sauce spill on the upholstery cleaned up effortlessly, leaving no trace of its coloring (and the fabric wasn’t damaged by our scrubbing, either).

This customizable couch is one of the more expensive options in our list, but the brand backs it with a 100-day return policy and a lifetime warranty. Also, unlike other made-to-order designs, it's ready to ship in just two weeks.

Dimensions: 95 x 95 x 37 x 33 inches | Seating Capacity: 4 | Upholstery Material: Leather, velvet, or performance | Chaise: Fixed | Return Policy: 14 days for full refund, minus shipping fee; 100 days for a refund minus shipping fee and a 10% processing fee

Best with Storage

West Elm Harmony Modular Sleeper Sectional

West Elm Harmony Modular 2-Piece Sleeper Sectional With Storage Chaise

West Elm

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    3.5/5
What We Like
  • Dozens of upholstery options

  • Supportive cushions

  • Minimal assembly required

What We Don't Like
  • Too many pillows for some

After a month of at-home use, we found the West Elm Harmony Modular Sleeper Sectional to be plush, cozy, and easy to convert into a sleeper. We love that the two-piece modular design allows you to rearrange the pieces into different configurations, while the added storage compartment keeps blankets, sheets, and other necessities on hand.

This handcrafted sectional comes in dozens of upholstery options, ranging from chenille tweed and boucle to performance twill and canvas. We chose one of the performance options and weren’t disappointed with how well it held up to wear. Professional cleaning is recommended for larger messes, but after a coffee spill, we took the risk and threw the affected cushion cover in the wash with zero issues. 

In terms of comfort, the sectional has an extra-plush feel that most will love and some will hate; in addition to the big back cushions, it comes with three small rectangular pillows and two big square throw pillows, which may be too many pillows for some users. During our testing, we opted to store two of them in the storage compartment. The cushions themselves are pliable and springy, so they won’t require any fluffing after guests leave. And while the sofa bed wasn't anything to write home about, it’s comfy enough to do the job. 

Dimensions: 123 x 69 x 37 inches | Seating Capacity: 3-4 | Upholstery Material: Varies | Chaise: Left or right | Return Policy: 30 days for many items; 7 days for quick-ship upholstery items; made-to-order sofas not eligible for return

Best Sleeper Sectional

Apt2B Tuxedo Sleeper Sectional

Apt2B Tuxedo 2-Piece Sleeper Sectional

Apt2B

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    4.8/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.8/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Durable construction

  • Customizable

  • Pet- and kid-friendly performance upholstery

What We Don't Like
  • Delivery delays possible

  • Mattress might be too small for some

We found this two-piece sleeper sectional to be spacious, comfy, and sturdy when we tried it at home—that's why it won our best sleeper sectional title. Larger than your traditional sleeper sofa, sleeper sectionals combine the best of both worlds, delivering the cozy yet spacious orientation of a sectional with a sleeper's overnight-hosting capabilities.

This American-made sectional boasts a solid wood frame in your choice of three finishes and comes in over 50 high-performance upholstery options and colors, ranging from bold jewel tones to muted neutrals. The high-density foam seat cushions are firm and supportive, with zippered covers you can remove for convenient cleaning. The overall quality was noticeably different from other lower-priced sofas we've tried; it held its own in a household with two cats and two young children, with pet hair easily removed by a lint roller.

It took just two minutes to convert this sofa into a bed and the process was fairly seamless, though we wouldn't recommend doing it in the dark (hello, stubbed toe!) When purchasing your sofa, you'll have the choice between a memory foam and an innerspring option. We opted for the memory foam, which was soft but still supportive; crucially, we also couldn't feel the mattress frame underneath, which is common for converted sleeper sofas. Just note that the mattress might be a bit too short for taller users; our testers, who are 5'11" and 6'3", had to sleep on it diagonally for it to fit them.

Beyond the small mattress, our main complaint with this sofa was the delivery time. Each order has a three- to five-week production window with an estimated delivery wait of up to 14 days, but delivery ended up taking two months longer than expected. Hopefully, this won't be the case for other orders. But considering the high-quality design, generous 100-day return policy, and lifetime guarantee, we'd say it's worth the wait.

Dimensions: 121 x 88 x 36 inches | Seating Capacity: Not listed | Upholstery Material: Varies | Chaise: Left or right | Return Policy: 100 days, hassle-free for all products

Best Leather

Simpli Home Morrison Sectional in Genuine Leather

Simpli Home Morrison Sectional in Genuine Leather

Simpli Home

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    3/5
  • Durability
    4.2/5
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Comfortable for lounging and napping

  • Firm, bounce-free seat cushions

  • Durable for kids and pets

  • Quick assembly process

  • Back cushions may be too soft for some

  • Leather can show scratches

With sleek leather upholstery and comfort that’s as welcoming for evening hangouts as it is for lounging and sleeping on the weekends, the Simpli Home Morrison Sectional was a standout in our testing. We loved this leather sectional’s firm cushions, which didn’t bounce when plopped on by adults and kids alike. We were also impressed with the overall quality of the sofa, as it held up well with the wear and tear of everyday family use (including pets!)

With modern styling that suits a wide range of different decor styles, this leather sofa also fits in easily. We like that it doesn’t look or feel dated, thanks to its lower profile and practical L-shaped chaise. In our testing, we also liked how deep the seats are; the depth allowed for great comfort, especially when leaning back and pulling our legs up. 

In our lounging, sitting, and even sleeping on this Simpli Home sectional sofa, we loved its comfort across the board–but we did note that the back cushions are quite soft. For those with issues that require extra back or neck support, they may be too soft. However, we think this would be easily remedied with a throw pillow or extra support pillow. Additionally, while we loved how durable this sofa was overall, we did find the leather upholstery started to show little scratches over time, though it’s likely a good leather conditioner can cover these.

Dimensions: 102.2 x 65.6 x 35.4 inches | Seating Capacity: 4 | Upholstery Material: Brazilian bovine leather | Chaise: Left or right | Return Policy: 30 days, with original packaging intact

Best U-Shaped

Room & Board York U-Shaped Sectional

Room & Board York Three-Piece U-Shaped Sectional

Room & Board

What We Like
  • Ultra-plush cushions

  • Hundreds of upholstery options

  • Hardwood frame

What We Don't Like
  • Cumbersome to move

Interested in a U-shaped sectional sofa? We recommend the York Three-Piece Sectional. Room & Board has been making this sofa since 1997, and there's a reason it continues to be a customer favorite. While this dual-chaise couch doesn't skimp on seating, we love its medium-depth seats to ensure it fits in most living rooms, family rooms, or dens. Though it has a softer, sink-in plushness, the seat height is high enough that everyone should find it easy to climb onto or out of.

The ultra-plush yet supportive cushions are made with eco-friendly CertiPUR-US certified foam, plus a blend of real down and poly fibers. This sizable sectional also has a durable hardwood frame and comes in hundreds of upholstery options, including performance and pet-friendly fabrics. The sheer size and weight make it a bit cumbersome to move around, but otherwise, it's an excellent furniture piece.

Dimensions: 138 x 66 x 29 inches | Seating Capacity: 4 | Upholstery Material: Various fabrics or leather | Chaise: Fixed | Return Policy: Free (timeframe varies, depending on product)

Best Reversible

Apt2B Melrose Chaise Sofa

Apt2B Melrose Reversible Chaise Sofa

Apt2B

What We Like
  • Customizable upholstery and leg options

  • Solid wood frame

  • Washable cushion covers

  • Lifetime guarantee

What We Don't Like
  • Takes weeks to ship

The ​​Melrose Reversible Chaise Sofa from Apt2B is cozy and sturdy, plus it's ideal for hosting game nights and sleepovers. Reversible sectionals are an ideal option for those who frequently move (or just like to switch up their living room layouts). The chaise can be placed on either side of the sofa, allowing greater flexibility than a traditional sectional.

This L-shaped sofa is 93 inches wide with a 66-inch chaise you can place on the left or right side. The other two seats are a generous 25 inches deep for comfy lounging in any position. It boasts a solid wood frame in your choice of three finishes and comes in several easy-to-clean, kid- and pet-friendly upholstery options. We're talking performance polyester, textured basketweave, ultra-soft microfiber, and versatile twill. Plus, there are over 60 colors available, ranging from deep pewter to Kelly green to mustard yellow.

The seat cushions feature a dense foam for a supportive yet plush feel that resists sagging for years to come. What's more, the zippered covers are removable and washable for easy cleaning. Our main complaint is that this made-to-order product does take a few weeks to ship. But considering the high-quality design, generous 100-day return policy, and lifetime guarantee, it's a great option for many households.

Dimensions: 93 x 66 x 39 x 27 inches | Seating Capacity: 3 | Upholstery Material: Various | Chaise: Reversible | Return Policy: 100 days, hassle-free for all products

Best Modular

Albany Park L-Shape + Ottoman

Albany Park Kova L-Shape Sofa + Ottoman

Albany Park

What We Like
  • Multiple configurations

  • Super-comfy cushions

  • Kiln-dried wood frame

What We Don't Like
  • Assembly required

Albany Park's Kova sofa is a modular sofa well worth considering. With individual seats and a moveable ottoman, you can create multiple configurations, including an L-shaped or U-shaped couch with chaise lounges for stretching out. Thanks to its flexible design, you can adapt and adjust its layout over time to suit your needs.

While we tested a  different version of the Kova––we tried the Pit––the L-Shape sectional is made with the same materials, just bigger in size and with a different configuration. We love that the Kova is cozy and comfortable for lounging, with nicely deep seat cushions that offer plenty of room. In fact, we had a slumber party on this sofa and slept on it overnight, and we were so comfortable we slept as soundly as we did in bed!

We also love the Kova's incredibly sturdy kiln-dried hardwood frame, which offers long-term durability you can trust. The mattress-quality foam cushions are surrounded by a feather blend for a sink-in plush feel. It comes in seven upholstery options, including neutrals and statement hues. We opted for the rust velvet option, which was wonderfully soft to the touch and surprisingly durable. Our dog’s muddy paws got on the upholstery multiple times, and we’re pleased to report the mud wiped right off, with no stains left behind.

Just note you will have to assemble this sectional together at home yourself, but the process is pretty simple—you don't even need any tools.

Dimensions: 120 x 39 x 78 inches | Seating Capacity: 4 | Upholstery Material: Fabric or velvet | Chaise: Reversible | Return Policy: 30 days, with return shipping fees up to 10%

How to Arrange a Sectional

If you plan on placing your sectional in the center of a room, Jessica Harris, manager of production design at Living Spaces Furniture recommends placing another similar-sized piece opposite it to create balance. “A great example would be to create a 'moment,' like a reading area with two accent chairs,” she adds. “Using a smaller settee or oversized chair would also work to balance the weight of the sectional.” 

Whatever you do, make your seating area easily accessible. “Floating furniture—the act of pulling your furniture away from the walls—is the ultimate layout hack,” says Shaffer. “It immediately transforms a room and establishes walkways that help direct traffic flow.”

Best Deep-Seated

7th Avenue 4-Seat Modular Chaise Sectional with Ottoman

7th Avenue 4-Seat Modular Chaise Sectional with Ottoman (Extra-Deep)

7th Avenue

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Durability
    4.3/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Plush, body-conforming cushions

  • Durable, cushioned frame

  • Optional extra fill available

What We Don’t Like
  • Though easy, assembly is time consuming

If you’re looking for a sectional you can sink right into and lounge comfortably on, we loved the inviting deep cushions of 7th Avenue’s 4-Seat Modular Chaise Sectional. It’s an extra-deep sofa, which means there’s plenty of space to sit, lean back, and lounge. When it arrived at our house, we instantly fell in love with it––this sofa is incredibly comfortable, with soft, well-cushioned seat and back cushions that conform to every body. We were able to get comfortable in every possible position (in fact, we even camped out on this sectional for a few days of work with our laptop!)

We particularly liked the cushions on this sofa, which are adjustable. You can choose between Medium Soft and Medium Firm firmness, and the cushions arrive with extra fill so you can add more or remove fill to reach your desired level of comfort. We also liked that its deep-seated design is spacious enough for naps and plenty of people; it seats four adults. We found that it’s got room for four plus a large dog, meaning you can easily squeeze more people onto its cushions. 

Additionally, we loved the high-quality and highly durable materials used to create this sofa. Its frame never bowed under any amount of weight, and we loved that the framing is cushioned and covered in upholstery so there are no sharp or unsightly edges. Even with constant use and activity (and pet use), the cushions and frame continue to look brand new. 

Although we had no issue assembling this sectional sofa once it arrived (although there was a lot of packaging!), we did note that the process is time consuming. It took two people about three hours to assemble, making it the most tedious pick on our list––though it’s worth noting the process was straightforward and relatively easy to accomplish. Plus, we got an up-close look at all of the components during the assembly process, so we definitely know it’s a quality piece of furniture from the inside out.

Dimensions: 132 x 85 x 24 inches | Seating Capacity: 4 | Upholstery Material: OEKO-TEX certified fabrics | Chaise: Left or right | Return Policy: 10-day free returns or refunds, 30-day free exchanges on fabrics

Best Durable

Sixpenny Devyn L Shape Sectional

Sixpenny Devyn L Shape Sectional

Sixpenny

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • 29 colors, 7 upholstery fabrics

  • Sturdy, low-profile frame

  • Deep, roomy seating

  • Durable upholstery

What We Don’t Like
  • Low, deep seating may be challenging for some

Extra spacious and impressively plush, Sixpenny’s Devyn Sectional offers plenty of room for families, friends, and more. When this couch arrived at our home, we immediately noticed its huge size–it’s wide and deep, providing plenty of space for multiple people to sit, lounge, and relax. In fact, we found it so roomy that people could both sit and lay down comfortably at the same time. It felt almost like having a twin-size bed in our living room.

This sectional sofa was wonderfully comfortable, no matter which position we used it in. The lofty down-filled cushions provided plenty of plushness. 

We also loved the upholstery fabric; although we were initially worried about dirt and wear showing on one of the lighter hues, we were impressed by how heavy-duty it was in reality. With adults, dogs, and kids on this sectional daily, it held up without any wear (and should stains occur, we love that the slipcovers are easy to remove and wash.) With 29 color choices and seven fabric options, there’s an option that’ll suit your living room decor as well as your family’s needs.  

While we love the durable and sturdy frame of this sofa, which we found held up well over our long-term testing, its low profile may make it difficult to get onto or off of for some. The extra-deep seats may also contribute to a sink-in feeling that those with mobility concerns may find tricky. For most, though, the height should be perfectly lounge-worthy.

Dimensions: 145 x 98 x 33 inches | Seating Capacity: Not listed | Upholstery Material: Cotton linen, cotton canvas, washed cotton velvet, washed cotton linen, thread-dyed cotton linen, medium weight linen, and light weight linen | Chaise: No | Return Policy: Free within 30 days; subject to 10% restocking fee if returned without original packaging

Best for Large Spaces

Crate & Barrel Lounge Deep Sectional Sofa

Crate & Barrel Lounge Deep 2-Piece Left Arm Double Chaise Sectional Sofa

Crate & Barrel

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    4.8/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Supportive yet comfortable cushions

  • Customizable configuration, frame, and depth

  • Roomy enough for lounging and sleeping

What We Don’t Like
  • Some fabrics can snag

If it’s an endless customizable sectional with plenty of choices to fill a large living space, Crate & Barrel’s Lounge Deep Double Chaise Sectional Sofa is a perfect fit. This spacious sectional is deep-seated and comes with a double chaise, offering extra room to lounge. In our testing, we found it roomy enough to lay on, and we even felt it could double as an overnight sleeping spot in a pinch.

One of our favorite features of the Lounge sectional is its ability to be customized and configured in many different ways. You can choose from over 200 upholstery fabric options (including performance fabrics for extra durability), two sofa depth options, and 16 different configurations and component combinations. We love how flexible this sectional is to adapt to any space and any preference.

While we also liked how supportive the cushions were and the easy-care, durable nature of most of the upholstery choices for this sofa, we did notice that some fabrics may be prone to snagging. Slight snags can develop with wear, so if that’s a concern more so than dirt, stains, or spills, be mindful of the material you choose.

Dimensions: Varies, depending on configuration | Seating Capacity: 4 or more | Upholstery Material: Varies | Chaise: Left or right | Return Policy: Custom or made-to-order furniture not eligible for returns

Best for Families

Crate & Barrel Peyton 3-Piece Sectional Sofa

Crate & Barrel Peyton 3-Piece Sectional Sofa

Crate & Barrel

Our Ratings
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Firm yet plush cushions

  • Over 200 material choices

  • Durable fabric

What We Don’t Like
  • A bit bouncy

If you’re searching for a sectional that’s able to withstand active kids, pets, adults, and a whole family’s worth of daily activity, we like Crate & Barrel’s Peyton Sectional Sofa. With three different configuration choices–including one with no chaise and one with a double chaise on each end–you can make this large couch as big or small as you’d like for your space. In our testing, we loved how firm and plush the back and seat cushions felt, offering a balance of support with comfort.

We’re also fans of the many color and material customization options available for this sofa. You can choose from one of Crate & Barrel’s family-friendly fabrics, which we found nicely durable and easy to care for (and clean.) The frame of the sofa is durable and well-made, able to hold up to the frequent wear and tear families of every size might put it through.

We did note that due to their firmer foam composition, the seat cushions on this couch are somewhat bouncier than softer alternatives. This may change as they’re broken in, but if you’re someone who prefers less bounce and more softness, the cushions are likely too firm for your preferences.

Dimensions: Varies, depending on configuration | Seating Capacity: 4 or more | Upholstery Material: Varies | Chaise: Optional; left, right, or both | Return Policy: Custom or made-to-order furniture not eligible for returns

The Crate&Barrel Peyton 3-Piece Sectional Sofa in a showroom

The Spruce / Jamie Weissman

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is the Floyd Three-Seater Sofa and Chaise. With a versatile, easy-to-move design, we found this customizable sectional to be ideal for all sorts of spaces. If you're looking for a sectional couch that's on the lower end of the price scale, our best under $2,000 pick, the Greyleigh Anchoretta 6-Piece Upholstered Sectional is a great modular design.

Illustration of how to choose a sectional sofa
Lara Antal / The Spruce

How We Tested the Sectional Sofas

To see how these sectionals would hold up to real-life use, we purchased a number of options to try in our very own homes. After using the sofas over the course of six weeks, we considered the ease of assembly and delivery, comfort, durability, quality, and value. We also noted each product’s sturdiness, firmness, and upholstery texture.

When it came to assembly and delivery, we found that most sectional sofa retailers offer convenient options. Many of the sofas were delivered and placed right in the rooms in which they’d be used, and very few required assembly upon arrival. Those that did require assembly––like Floyd’s The Sofa + Chaise, our best overall pick––made the process simple and straightforward. 

While pretty much all of the sectional sofas we tested were comfortable, we got into the nitty gritty of their comfort by putting their cushions through their paces. We used these sectionals day in and day out, in homes with families of all sizes and with a mix of children of various ages. We also tested how durable the sectionals were in the face of day-to-day use, whether that meant frequent sitting and lounging, climbing kids, users flopping onto the chaise or cushions, or pets putting their fur and nails on the upholstery material. We were pleasantly surprised that many of the materials we tested, including higher-end options like the Simpli Home Morrison Sectional (our best leather pick) could handle wear well.

We continued testing the sectional sofas well beyond the six-week period, extending our testing to the two-, four-, and six-month marks to see how they performed over the long term and to better assess their quality and value. We observed whether or not the couch changed in shape or texture with regular, repeated use. We also looked for signs of wear, such as sagging, loose threads or snags on the upholstery, or stains and dirt that were difficult to wash out. Throughout the testing period, we also cared for the sectionals, cleaning spots and stains as suggested by the manufacturer to see how well the upholstery wore.

What to Look for in a Sectional Sofa

Size

You want your sectional sofa to be spacious enough to fit family and friends, but its size should also suit your available space and how you like to use your couch. "Sectionals are made for lounging and can pack in many people at a time," says interior designer Amy Forshew. However, they aren't just for large families and folks who entertain frequently.

There are smaller versions that comfortably fit just a few people for easy conversation and lounging, like our best overall pick, the Floyd Three-Seater Sofa and Chaise. If you do entertain often, you may want to look for a larger sectional with four or more seats and plenty of room for everyone to spread out, like on our best sleeper sectional, the Apt2B Tuxedo Sleeper Sectional, which is also great for hosting overnight guests.

Shape

You'll want to consider the shape of the sectional you want. The shape affects a sectional's overall size and seating capacity. The biggest sectionals are typically U-shaped or corner-shaped, while medium and small models are often L-shaped.

Unlike a traditional couch which might be a bit more flexible in terms of placement, when buying a sectional, be forewarned that it might not work in all types of spaces: "I love a sectional, but if you think you might be moving in a few years, then it's not a smart purchase," says Forshew. "Rarely do they work in the next house."

That said, modular designs do offer flexibility. They feature multiple pieces you can move around to create various configurations, as with our best modular pick, the Albany Park Kova. And some of the best chaise sofas are reversible, like the Apt2B Melrose Reversible Chaise Sofa (best reversible).

Material

Material is also crucial for a sectional, including both the frame and upholstery. Ideally, the frame will be made of solid wood—even better if it's kiln-dried—to ensure durability and likely a higher weight capacity.

Leather upholstery tends to hold up the longest, and it's generally easy to clean. But if you're on a budget or just prefer fabric, Forshew recommends a stain-repellent performance material. The Room & Board York Sectional, our best u-shaped pick, is sold with many performance fabric options. Performance upholstery is easy to clean, often stain-repellent, and resistant to wear and tear.

Michelle Castagna, president of Muse Design Studio, agrees, saying that these fabrics have gotten a lot softer and more comfortable to use over the past few years. This makes it an ideal choice for busy households, families with kids, and people with pets. Some of the best sectionals online come in various performance fabrics, like the options you'll find at West Elm, Apt2B, and Room & Board.

West Elm Harmony Modular 2-Piece Sleeper Sectional With Storage Chaise displayed in home with chaise storage opened

The Spruce / Elena Garcia

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Heather Adams, senior editor at The Spruce who specializes in all things bedding, bath, and home decor. She’s been writing professionally since 2010 and covering home goods since 2013. As the owner of a sectional sofa herself, she used her firsthand experience in the category, along with product research, to select the products on this list. In writing this article, she used testing insights from The Spruce's at-home testing, along with insight from experts on sectional sofas, sofa shopping, and furniture construction.

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The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Miller K. The best sectionals: stylish and comfortable sofas for Next-Level lounging. Forbes.

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