The 4 Best Sectionals and Couches for Small Spaces, Tested and Reviewed
Lovesac Sactional
Pros:
- Modular style allows for endless configurations
- Made from durable performance fabric
- Covers are machine washable
- Easily add sections or accessories
- Piecemeal assembly is convenient for small spaces
Cons:
- Expensive
- Assembly is easy but takes time
If you’re ready to invest in a couch and have that investment pay off for years to come, then the Lovesac Sactional is worthy of your consideration—and more than worthy of the overall pick on our best sectionals list.
“I’m a big proponent of forever furniture,” says Deputy Editor Katie Bandurski. “Meaning—I want to buy quality products that will last a lifetime. And after ordering, building and testing a Lovesac Sactional, I’m confident this couch fits the bill.”
There’s more than just the fun name that makes a Sactional sectional special. (Say that three times fast!) For starters, we’re all about the modular assembly. Every furniture component, from seats to sides, is able to snap together in an unlimited number of arrangements. Katie started off with a classic chaise with a one-armed sofa configuration, but soon realized that she could switch it around to a huge L-shaped sectional, or push the seats together for a bed for overnight guests.
Aside from the endless options for arranging this couch, Katie was impressed that every piece of fabric could be removed and tossed into the wash. That bodes well for folks who like to eat and drink on the couch, or have their furry companions join them to watch TV or a movie. It also bodes well if you thought you had to choose a dark upholstery color to hide stains, like Katie.
“I’ll admit—I always loved the idea of a lightly-colored couch. But the thought of accidental spills leaving a huge stain turned me off,” she says. “But with the Sactional, I can relax knowing it’s easy to simply remove the cover and toss it in the wash when I need a refresh. Plus, if I ever move or redecorate, I can just order new covers for a fresh style rather than buying an entire new couch.”
We do need to talk about the price, though. The Sactional is an investment, although you can buy some components now and buy some later. For example, you could build a mini loveseat with just two seats and four sides, then build out your sectional as your budget permits. Then, there’s the matter of assembly. It’s not that it’s difficult to put together a Sactional; it’s just going to take you some time. Katie’s delivery included over 20 boxes, which added up to more than six hours of assembly. But there is a silver lining. “At least I didn’t have to worry if the couch would fit through the doorframe!” Katie says.
Although the price might give you pause, there’s good reason to hit play on your purchase: Lovesac maintains a “designed for life” philosophy, which is reflected in their guarantee. The company promises that the hard inserts for their Sactionals will last a lifetime, or customers can replace them for free. The framing and hardware are also backed by a lifetime warranty. The company also allows customers to test their furniture for 60 days at home and will offer a full refund if they’re not satisfied in that time.
We circled back with Katie after a year to see if she still loved her Lovesac Sactional. “After a year of daily use, the Lovesac couch still looks brand new. It’s the first thing you notice when entering our home, and guests always comment on its style and comfort,” Katie says. “The seashell poly linen fabric does require weekly upkeep, as the fabric likes to cling to debris. I typically just go over it a few times with the vacuum cleaner to pick up lint and hair.”
Seat Depth: 29 or 35 inches | Upholstery: Velvet, bouclé, chenille, crossweave, polylinen, leather or reversible | Color: 180+ options | Features: Fully customizable, with reclining seat, storage, wireless charging, built-in speakers, tables and power hub addon options
Wade Logan Barrientez Upholstered Sleeper Sofa
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Good under-seat storage
- Easy to assemble
- Repels pet hair
- Converts to bed
Cons:
- Short warranty
- Lacking in back support
- Some reports of customer service issues
Pet parents, rejoice! We’ve found a budget-friendly upholstered sectional that won’t put fur on display: The Wade Logan Barrientez Upholstered Sleeper Sofa. It’s also a sleeper sofa with plenty of under-seat storage, making it an ideal addition to small spaces.
Associate Editor Miranda Manier tested this couch with the help of her cat. The couch assembled easily because of the hook-and-eye connectors. It’s not the softest or most padded of couches, but it’s perfect for small spaces, especially if you have overnight guests. “This couch is a great fit for a small apartment, not only because it can double as a guest bed, but it also has really significant under-seat storage,” she says.
Miranda’s cat seemed pleased. “My cat likes to walk along the top of the couch or crawl underneath when the bed is pulled out,” she says. “She loves to curl up in the corners by the armrests, and she’s a big fan of scratching up the arms.”
That last part is a bit problematic, as Miranda says the scratches do show on the linen blend upholstery. But hair and stains are nothing to worry about. “The couch is pretty good about not clinging to cat hair. I’m able to brush it off easily,” she says. Miranda did have to deal with food and drink spills—hers, not her cat’s—and reports that stain removal is also quite simple with this sectional.
Aside from the scratched-up arms, the couch is holding up well. “I would say it’s a decent value. It’s not a huge couch, and it’s not extraordinarily comfy, but it’s big enough for me and a couple of guests,” says Manier. “It’s a great guest bed option for small spaces, and the storage is unmatched.” It’s not something to sleep on as a regular bed, but it’ll do just fine for occasional use.
Although Miranda had a positive experience with this couch, there are reports of customer service issues, notably having trouble contacting the brand for assistance. Wayfair is apparently not always the most helpful with this, either. Since the warranty covers manufacturer defects only and lasts for just 30 days, it’s probably a good move to purchase the five-year protection plan from Wayfair.
Seat Depth: 19 inches | Material: Linen upholstery | Color: Almond, blue, gray or ginger | Features: Comes with 2 toss pillows
Medley Dekayess Bumper Sectional in Latex + Wool
Pros:
- Durably made in the US from sustainable and natural materials
- Customizable
- White-glove delivery and assembly
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Excellent warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
- Long wait for delivery
Medley is a custom design furniture company with a wealth of sectional options. Content Director Nicole Doster had her pick from over 20 types of sectionals and went with the Dekayess Bumper Sectional “for its casual but modern design,” she says. “Medley allows you to customize almost every material on the couch—from filling to fabric to color to leg shape and material.”
The price for this couch was a little more than $6,800 (tax and shipping included), but the company’s attention to detail and fine craftsmanship make this sectional worth the splurge. “For my couch’s filling, for example, I opted for their natural latex foam and wool, which is touted as their most sustainable and eco-friendly options, certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS),” Nicole says. “As much of the new furniture on the market is made with toxic materials, it made me feel good that I was bringing something cleaner and safer into my home.”
Medley’s easy online ordering process will take away any reluctance you have about ordering a couch online. The site’s augmented reality (AR) feature allows you to “see” the couch in your space with your smartphone camera.
The couches are custom-made to your specifications, so expect to wait longer than you would for a standard couch in stock. Nicole’s couch took just under 60 days to be delivered. The sectional was worth the wait. Nicole says, “We’ve had pricey couches from Restoration Hardware, budget-friendly from IKEA—and even a few vintage brands found on Facebook Marketplace—and when I tell you that this seems like the sturdiest, most well-designed couch, I mean it.”
The couch was delivered in two parts, which were delivered and assembled quickly via “white glove” delivery through a third-party service. The team was courteous and considerate—they even wore booties over their shoes to protect Nicole’s floors. All she had to do was make sure there was enough floor space for her new couch.
Nicole could definitely tell the difference between this custom couch and one from a big box store. “With a durable frame and no stitch out of place, it feels like how furniture is supposed to be made vs. slapped together in a big box store,” she says. It’s also quite comfortable, too. “The natural latex cushion gave a level of comfort and structured support that has kept its shape, while the wool topper gives it a soft extra padding. While I don’t feel like I’m necessarily sinking into the couch, it’s comfortable. It feels like something that can withstand the rough-and-tumble of our dog when he has the zoomies or a visit from our four young nieces, who notoriously like to climb and jump on everything.”
A year later, we asked Nicole to report back on how she and her sectional are doing. “I was worried that this sectional would start to squeak or sag as we have used it for hours nearly every day since getting it—and that’s not the case at all,” she says. “The Medley sectional has held up very well and now has a cozier, more broken-in look and feel.”
It seems like the sectional will continue to hold up, too. “My favorite thing about it is how easy to clean the cloth material is. It’s stood up to pet hair, Diet Coke spills, pasta nights and more,” Nicole says. The downside? Redecorating the living room could be a hassle. “The only flaw is that it is very heavy when fully assembled and will be difficult to move if we ever rearrange the room.”
Seat Depth: 22 inches | Upholstery: Flat weave, leather, linen, textured weave, velvet or chenille | Color: 100+ options | Features: Fully customizable
Sabai Design The Elevate Sectional
Pros:
- Components are replaceable
- Sustainably made
- Easy to assemble
- Available in over a dozen colors and two fabrics
- Online assembly instructions
Cons:
- Expensive
- Lower profile might not be for everyone
Fast furniture might be having a moment, but it’s not having it at Sabai Design. The furniture company’s couches are meant to be repaired, not replaced. In fact, if—emphasis on “if”—you are ready to part with your couch, Sabai offers a resell program so that it gets a second life. It’s no surprise, then, that The Elevate Sectional made the list as our pick for sustainability.
Associate Shopping Editor Andrea Carrillo got to experience The Elevate at home. “For $2,595, it’s pretty pricey, but the quality and care are amazing,” Andrea says. The sectional is available in recycled velvet, upcycled polyester fabric or hemp, and there are more than a dozen colors to choose from. It’s got a lower profile than Sabai Design’s Essential series.
Seven large boxes arrived on Andrea’s doorstep. “The task at hand seemed daunting, but with the help of my lovely husband, it only took about two hours to assemble,” she says. “I loved that the assembly directions were online, so we didn’t have to flip through a paper manual.”
Sabai Design backs up this sectional and others with a one-year warranty. It will also replace any parts that arrive damaged, broken or simply not as advertised. Customers can submit returns and exchanges within 30 days of furniture delivery, but there is a 10% return and exchange fee and the original shipping fees will not be refunded.
Andrea selected her couch in an off-white oat color, made of upcycled polyester fabric that she says is mostly easy to clean and maintain. “I will say that I’m constantly having to pick off hair and fuzz that get trapped in the woven fibers,” she says. But the comfort makes up for it. “Still, the sectional is super comfy, bouncy and spacious, and I get compliments on it every time I have guests over!”
Seat Depth: 23 inches | Upholstery: Recycled velvet, upcycled poly or hemp | Color: 19 options | Features: Modular design
How We Found the Best Small Sectionals
It’s one thing to browse furniture on the internet or even shop for a couch in person at a physical store. But it’s an entirely different matter to test a sectional in your home—and that’s exactly what we did to compile this best small sectionals list.
We considered more than 40 of the best sectional sofas on the market when compiling our list of the best sectionals for small spaces. After conducting in-depth market research and comparing and discussing selections with the Family Handyman team, we created a short list of sofas for in-home testing. In narrowing down the options, we noted things like price, style, durability, comfort, warranties and returns/exchanges. We also noted customer reviews and how easy (or difficult) it was to order and have the sofas delivered.
The sectional sofas were shipped to our at-home testers, who noted ease (or lack thereof) of assembly. Then, they began a year of testing the couches, alongside any partners, pets, children, family and house guests. It was through this real-world testing that we are able to bring you such carefully developed insights regarding each small sectional sofa’s details, such as style, configuration, durability, comfort, ease of cleaning and maintenance, and overall value. Ultimately, your furniture choices are up to you, but you can shop with confidence knowing that we’ve done the hard work of resting and relaxing on some of the best sectionals for small spaces.
Others We Tested
We tested other sectionals that could still work well for small spaces, but they ultimately didn’t make our list of best small sectionals.
Best Choice Products Upholstered Sectional Sofa: This small sectional is super affordable and arrives at your doorstep easily in just two (heavy) boxes. Shopping Editor Mary Henn says, “The fabric is standard—it’s not overly soft, but it’s a comfortable linen blend.” Assembly was quick, easy and only needed one person to do it. We liked that the cushions attached to the base with Velcro so they didn’t slide around. The cushions are vacuum-sealed, though, so they take a few days to puff up and take their intended shape. “I also immediately noticed a chemical-like smell, which lingered for weeks,” Mary says. “Vacuuming the sofa and opening a window helped the smell begin to fade.” She noted that the sofa is spacious for three people, and the ottoman is reversible for easier configuration in a small living room. It’s got a budget-friendly price tag, plus there’s a 30-day window during which you can return or exchange it.
Burrow Block Nomad Sofa Sectional: Despite the thin cushions, our tester Annamarie Higley found this couch to be comfortable with good back support—a good thing for those whose living rooms double as home offices. Before the couch arrived, Annamarie would have to lug extra chairs or an ottoman to her living room, but this sectional has definitely upgraded her seating. “With just seven additional inches of length (compared to the last couch) and a chaise, this couch can easily fit a third person, which makes a huge difference in the scheme of things,” she says. This small sectional is mostly pet-friendly, although cat parents should beware that the arms will show evidence of scratches over time. Annamarie did think it was overpriced for the quality, but it’s worth considering if it goes on sale.
What to Look for When Buying a Small Sectional
There’s a lot to consider about buying a sectional, especially if you’re shopping for one for a small space. Isfira Jensen, CEO and Principal Designer of Jensen & Co. Interiors, based in New York City, says, “When looking to use a sectional in a smaller space, keep in mind scale and visual balance. Specifically, look for sleek silhouettes, raised legs and low-profile designs. This visually opens up the room and allows light to flow underneath.” Here are some additional things to consider when buying a small sectional.
Measurements
“The number one thing is to understand the size and to make sure it fits the space,” says Isabella Patrick, Principal, Isabella Patrick Interiors, Inc. It’s also important to know where the “return” side is—that’s the side that juts out for the chaise—so you’re aware of how much floorspace your entire sofa will take up.
Fabric and Color
Once you know the sofa will fit in your space, it’s time to consider the aesthetic. What color do you want your sectional to be? Do you like a luxurious fabric or do you need a performance fabric that can stand up to paws and little feet jumping all over it? It’s not a bad thing to look for a sofa that’s made from sturdy framing and high-quality fabric that’s easy to clean, regardless of who is sharing it with you.
Ease of Assembly
Unless you opt for white glove delivery (if it’s available), you’ll want to inquire about ease of assembly—or lack thereof. While some sectionals arrive in a couple of boxes, some arrive in a dozen or more. Be sure to read the details or talk to a customer service associate to avoid any unpleasant surprises on delivery day.
Configuration
Sectionals are often L-shaped, and like Patrick says, you’ll need to figure out how long the chaise part extends and on what side. If you’re tight on space or just like having options, then choose one of the more customizable, modular sectionals on our list. Another good thing about having an easy-to-configure couch? You can add on components as you need them. This is especially important to remember if you choose a pricier option on our list and want to start small, then add on as your budget allows.
Price and Comfort
These are last on our list, but they are probably first on yours when shopping for small sectionals. If you’re like many people who are on a budget, don’t worry—we’ve got some budget-friendly options on our list. But when it comes to comfort, that’s priceless. It’s also quite subjective. That’s why we focused on things like cushion thickness, back support and pullout bed comfort, where applicable. Whether you want firm support or cloud-like comfort, be sure to consider things like seat depth, upholstery fabric and cushion fill.
FAQ
How do you place a sectional in a small living room?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, of course. But if you’ve got an L-shaped sectional, you may want to consider placing the extension up against a wall so that it doesn’t jut out into the open space. When space is at a premium, it helps to have a flexible configuration, so consider a modular sectional with components that you can add, subtract or move depending on your space.
Can you put a sectional in a small space?
Yes, especially if you choose a modular one that allows you to configure it to your space and add/subtract components. A moveable ottoman rather than an attached chaise might make arranging furniture easier, but ultimately the arrangement of your sectional depends on your space and who, if anyone, you share it with.
Do sectionals make a room look small?
Not if you choose the right size for your small space and arrange it properly. “A sectional can make a space look bigger, just like any well-designed, well-selected items,” says Patrick. “The right furniture, the right overall design should enhance the space, help to anchor zones and be easy to understand.”
Why You Should Trust Us
We take relaxing at home seriously. Our team of experienced shopping editors and product testers tried out a variety of sofa sectionals so you can order furniture online with confidence.
We purchased the sofas, scheduled delivery to our homes, assembled them (or, in the case of white-glove delivery, stepped aside for assembly) and arranged them in our spaces. Some were easy deliveries in just one or two boxes while others required numerous trips to carry things in from the doorstep.
Then, we got to sitting, lounging and otherwise enjoying our new couches. We took notes on our experiences—everything from the ordering and delivery to assembly to an assessment of the sofa’s quality and durability. Some of our editors were brave enough to purposely stain and spill food and beverages—notably coffee and pasta sauce—to put those performance fabrics to the test.
Even better? We checked back with the new sofa owners after a year for an update on how things were going with their new sectional. We asked questions about comfort, durability and maintenance—the latter was an especially important query of pet owners.
Of course, the Family Handyman team is no stranger to furniture testing. We’ve sunk into other seating options like reading chairs, and we’ve also evaluated bed frames, coffee tables and box mattresses.
But don’t just take our word for it. We also connected with interior design experts to get their advice on what to look for when choosing the best sectionals for small spaces, notably Isfira Jensen, CEO and Principal Designer of Jensen & Co. Interiors, based in New York City, and Isabella Patrick, Principal, Isabella Patrick Interiors, Inc. Their professional insight combined with our in-home testing is how we were able to compile our list of stylish and comfortable sectionals suitable for small spaces.
The post The 4 Best Sectionals and Couches for Small Spaces, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Family Handyman.
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