Choosing the right sectional couch is a great way to improve the comfort and style of a room. While a regular couch can do the trick, a sectional couch adds extra flexibility to your interior design. This is because there are a wide variety of shapes and sizes to choose from. Additionally, you can configure the sections in any way you like.
However, the downside to a large number of options is that it can make your decision more difficult. So, how do you go about choosing the perfect sectional couch for your space? We’ve got some helpful tips and tricks for when it comes time to pick out your new sectional couch.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Sectional Couch
We all have our preferences for materials, and this could be the main factor in your decision. After all, you’re going to prefer a material that you find both beautiful and comfortable.
However, it’s also important to note that beyond personal preference, your preferred material may not be the best choice for the room.
For example, if you have young children that frequently play in the room then leather—or faux leather material—may be the best choice, as it will be easier to clean than other types of upholstery.
Don’t Go Too Large With Your Sectional Couch Choice
It’s tempting to choose the largest couch that will fit in your room. Not only does a large sectional allow you to entertain more people, but it also offers plenty of space to stretch out and relax by yourself. However, choosing too large of a sectional couch can lead to a space that feels overcrowded.
That’s not to say that you should go too small, either. The key is to choose a couch that has enough size, but without creating a claustrophobic atmosphere.
As a general rule, try to ensure that your sectional couch doesn’t cover an entire wall and that there’s a few feet of space on either side. This will provide plenty of room to move around your couch and make sure it doesn’t dominate the space.
Choose Your Sectional Couch Based on Shape
Sectional couches come in a variety of shapes and styles. Generally speaking, there are three popular options:
- L-shaped
- U-shaped
- Semi-circular shaped
The shape you choose is partly a personal preference. But a shape often works best with a particular room shape. For example, if you have a large and very open room, you may want to consider a semi-circular sectional in the center of the room.
If your room is on the smaller side, an L-shaped sectional couch may be an ideal choice. Consider putting it in the corner of the room and then you should still have sufficient space on either side. This will save some space while still providing a comfortable seating experience.
The U-shaped sectional couch is best for larger rooms. This type of sectional has more flexibility than the semi-circular sectionals as you can place them in the center of the room or with the back against a wall.
How to Keep Your Sectional Couch in Spotless Condition
After you’ve selected your ideal sectional couch and moved it into your space, you’ll want to make sure you properly care for it. After all, sectionals can be a large investment, so you want to keep them looking great.
A Cover Can Protect Your Sectional Couch
The first option is to put a cover on your sectional to protect it. There are some clear benefits of using a couch cover, such as:
- They protect against dirt and stains
- You can easily remove most covers and clean them in your washing machine
- You can choose a cover design that fits your taste
However, many people prefer to not cover their couch. If you’ve chosen your couch because you love the color and the overall aesthetic of the sectional couch then you may not want to cover it. If that’s the case, you’ll need to put additional effort into caring for your sectional.
Cleaning Your Sectional Couch
If you have pets, you may not allow them on your new couch. But even if you don’t let them sit on it, there’s a good chance your pet’s hair will make its way onto your sectional anyway.
The easiest solution to solve the pet hair issue is to keep a small handheld vacuum nearby, such as the Black+Decker Dustbuster Powerconnect.
Aside from pet hair, you’ll also have to contend with any other dirt and stains. For leather or faux leather sectional couches, a leather cleaner such as Leather Honey Leather Cleaner will make quick work of any dirt or stains that find their way onto your sectional.
Did you know that a quality carpet vacuum works well for other traditional fabric upholstered sectional couches, too? The Bissell Little Green Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner is highly rated for its ability to take out tough stains. While it’s designed for carpets, the long hose and attachment heads make it a flexible cleaner that can also work well on your sectional couch.
The Bottom Line: Choose a Sectional Couch That’s Practical & Beautiful
Everyone has their own taste in furniture, so the sectional couch you choose depends on what looks good to you. It’s also wise to think about whether one type of material may be best for your use and to keep in mind the ideal size for your space.
Once you make your decision, it’s also important to either protect your investment with a cover or to keep up on the cleaning so your sectional couch looks great for years to come.
