Sectional Sofas vs. Traditional Sofas: Which is Better for Your Living Room?
TABLE OF CONTENT
- What Are Traditional Sofas?
- What Are Sectional Sofas?
- Types Of Sectional Sofas
- Factors To Consider Before Choosing A Sectional Sofa And A Traditional Sofa
- When To Go For A Traditional Sofa?
- When To Go For Sectional Sofas?
- Final Words
What is the number one furniture choice for your living room? It's obviously the sofa. But when picking the perfect sofa, you have two major players in the game, such as sectionals and traditional sofas.
Traditional or standard sofas are mostly 3-seater sofas and are classic and versatile, fit in smaller spaces, and easily blend with any décor style. As for the sectional sofa, there is all big, comfy seating with a modular design that can easily fill up a larger room and give a laid-back vibe.
If you are too confused about what to pick for your living room, keep reading this article that elaborates on both types of furniture so you can make the best decision.
What Are Traditional Sofas?
Traditional sofas are those 3-seater sofas that you find in any typical living room. Gone are the days when you had to stick only to a classic design. Now, you can grab traditional sofas in a variety of styles, with beautiful craftsmanship, minuscule details, and curves and upholstery options, occupying a significant amount of space yet showing their presence with their comfort and looks.
Usually, when you buy a living room set, you opt for sofas that are available in configurations of 3+1+1 or 3+2+1, which can be customized based on our requirements.
What Are Sectional Sofas?
Also called modular sofas, sectional sofas are big sofas which are made of multiple sections that can be rearranged as per your wish.
It can be either purchased as a separate predesigned set of modules or as separate pieces that can be assembled together. They usually come in an “L” or “U” shape and are super versatile. This means you can split up the sections or push them together to fit your space.
The advantage is it allows the user to customize the size and shape of the sofa based on their requirements.
Types Of Sectional Sofas
Sectional sofas come in different types and sizes. Some common ones are:
1) Chaise Sectional
This is the most common and widely used sectional type sofa, which, as the name indicates, has a chaise attached to one end, which provides a comfortable space to lean back and relax. The chaise is more of an extended version, which gives additional seating room. The advantage of these types is that the chaise can be removed and fitted in the other end based on our requirements.
2) L-Shaped Sectional
A L-shaped sectional is that fancy shape that most people go crazy for. This furniture has one end of the seating area longer than the other, forming an L shape & a customizable layout. This sectional sofa can be used to fit in a corner of the living room where the available space can be used efficiently.
3) U-Shaped Sectional
A U-shaped sectional sofa is a larger style of sectional that's designed to form a U-shape. You get a main seating area with two extensions on either side, creating a cozy and enclosed feel that's perfect for big gatherings or just spreading out on your own. They can accommodate a lot of people and are perfect for a large family.
If you have a spacious living room and want to maximize seating, it lets everyone sit across from each other and makes the conversation feel natural.
4) Modular Sectional
A modular sectional is made up of separate, movable pieces that you can arrange in a bunch of different ways. You can think each “module” is like a mini section. And think of the corner piece, an armless chair, or an ottoman that can be added, moved around, or even separated to create your ideal setup.
It's easy to dismantle and assemble, making it favorable for people who shift places frequently.
5) Reclining Sectional
They are used in large spaces when the main priority is comfort. They can feature manual and power reclining options, but they are often influenced by the cost. Again, more options are available, including cup holders, USB charging, built-in lighting & storage spaces. They are more suitable for a private audience who tends to recline and relax and is not worried about the space occupied.
Factors To Consider Before Choosing Between A Sectional Sofa And A Traditional Sofa
1. What's Your Living Room Size And Layout?
The basic thing to consider is the space, especially if you are opting for a sectional sofa. Because sectionals are larger in size and are ideal for bigger spaces or open floor design.
Meanwhile, traditional sofas are more compact and ideal for smaller living areas where they don't overwhelm the space.
2. How Many People Do You Want To Accommodate?
A traditional sofa can easily accommodate 2 to 3 people. While a sectional sofa can seat 4 or more people. But this depends on the configuration.
If you are often hosting people, sectionals promise a relaxed vibe with more seating. Because the traditional sofas might be best for formal settings or homes that entertain fewer guests.
3. Do You Prefer Flexibility?
Traditional sofas are all about fixed designs that have less flexibility in arrangement. But when it comes to sectionals, you can enjoy a lot of flexibility because they are highly flexible and can be reconfigured.
4. What's Your Budget?
Sectionals are generally more expensive upfront due to their size and structure, while traditional sofas can offer more affordable options depending on materials and style. If you are a first-time buyer or, let’s say, you are buying a sofa for your new home but are tight on budget, go for the traditional one, and with time, you will eventually upgrade to a larger one.
5. Consider Maintenance Too
Sectionals are often the bigger side and sometimes modular, which can mean more pieces to clean individually. Some have intricate designs too. So, you should take extra steps to care for it.
They may also be harder to move for deep cleaning. Traditional sofas are usually easier to handle and rearrange, simplifying cleaning and upkeep.
When To Go For A Traditional Sofa?
Traditional sofas are preferred in living places that have a considerable amount of space. These sofas cannot be customized, and so they tend to occupy the space required for them. Like you can’t dismantle or squeeze the sofa as per your wish into a place.
So when buying a traditional sofa, it's important to consider the dimensions of the living room first. Traditional sofas, as the name indicates, are old-school yet the standard sofa that you initially opt for in any living room or literally any space. It is perfect for people who prioritize a balance of comfort and good ambience.
When To Go For Sectional Sofas?
If you are planning for an upgrade from your traditional sofa, we highly recommend you to pick sectional sofas. Because they are highly customizable and so can be availed based on any living space layout.
The main priority here is comfort as well as ease of usability. If the user is a person who shifts places frequently and is not sure about the space of this future living room, sectional sofas are wonderful options.
Because these sectional sofas are versatile and can be fitted into any shape by dismantling it. But again, they should consider your space, and budget before deciding on this.
Final Words
In the end, choosing between the sectional sofa and a traditional sofa is all about finding what floats your boat and suits your space. If you have a big living room and you love to lounge, a sectional could be just what you need. But if you are working with a smaller space or want something more standard you can move around on a whim, a traditional sofa might be the way to go.
Therefore, consider your requirements, your available space, and the atmosphere you want to create. Either way, you are making your living room feel like home.
At Leahyco, you can find both traditional and contemporary sectionals available at some exciting prices. Plus, we often offer cool furniture sales which literally slashes the OG prices into almost half. So, go through the collection, pick your favorite and take advantage of the sales we offer.
