Good morning. Welcome to the Great Sectional Debate. It’s gotten a bit heated in our home. Which to be honest, I NEVER thought would happen. So I thought I would lay it all out there and see what you all think. Before I jump in, I want to make it very clear that I love both options and have had styled rooms in my home with sofas and sectionals. Both can look amazing in a space. Here are some beautiful examples.
Brooke Wagner is one of my very favorite designers. This room is beautiful styled with two matching sofas and chairs. I love the wood tones in the room and how the pillows tie it all together.
This gorgeous room by Studio McGee is a really pretty example incorporating two different sofas and chairs. There is plenty of room to walk around but the room has plenty of seating.
This pretty great room is easy on the eyes. Such pretty soft tones and I want to curl up on that sectional.
Studio McGee just launched a video yesterday about styling sectionals. Perfect timing in light of what we are thinking about over here. I love the light tone of this sofa and how the pillows take center stage. So beautiful.
OUR FAMILY ROOM
In our previous home, we had a sectional for over ten years. We LOVED it. It was a very small space and having the sofa custom-made worked really well. When we moved into this home, the larger footprint lent itself to varying the seating and having two different sofas. It’s a look I have always really liked. The minute I found this blue sofa I was hooked. It’s actually everyone’s favorite spot to sit because it is that comfortable.
Here is another view. When we gather together to watch football or a movie, we obviously all spread out on these sofas and chairs. Entertaining has always been very comfortable because there are plenty of places to sit.
HOW IT ALL CONNECTS
This shows you the flow of our great room. It all opens directly into the kitchen and breakfast nook.
WHAT’S THE DEBATE
So why am I brining this all of this up? Well, mama wants a sectional. I miss the days of everyone flopping down on one couch and cuddling. Am I crazy? I also miss being able to switch up my pillows. Even for the holidays. It is much more challenging when you are dealing with patterns and two different color sofas. Here is a list of pros and cons.
PROS
- More cuddling – easier to be connected with a sectional
- One color unifies the room
- Much easier to switch up pillows for the seasons. A blue sofa locks us in to many design decisions.
- Straight up more comfortable.
CONS
- I would need to sell these sofas to make it all feasible
- My family LOVES the blue sofa. Who knew they would be that passionate about a HomeGoods couch?
- Scared of making the wrong decision when choosing a new sectional.
- Can appear like a very large piece of furniture in a space.
While the debate continues in our household, I am starting to keep my eyes open at my options.
This beauty is stunning. Out of our budget, but stunning. I am already dreaming about choosing throw pillows for this baby.
This is a pretty style and it is currently on sale. I like the clean lines but it still looks so comfy.
With a more casual, feel this sectional is a classic. Although I don’t think it’s large enough for our space.
If you are team sectional, can you leave a comment below on why you love it so much. Mama needs some back up! Of course I am happy to hear why a sectional isn’t a great choice, too. I really want to make the right decision for our family.
In renovation news, it has been a minute since I’ve update you all. That’s largely because we are at a standstill. Our painter swooped in at the last minute to paint our teen space today. He is saving the day as the carpet is being installed next week. I’ll share a bit on stories very soon. Have a great day.
Great topic. I’m team Sectional. We have a custom modular sectional that is extra long. My family loves it, but I really struggle to style it because it seats 8 people. In our prior home it we configured it in a corner shape with the same amount of pieces in each direction. In our current home it is configured in a more pronounce L shape because our fireplace is at an angle (similar to this https://www.getbeautified.com/corner-fireplace-ideas/). I need to watch the Studio McGee video for tips on styling my sectional.
I’ve admired your family room for a long time. You still keep the Home Goods sofa in your new teen room.
Thank you for the input. Love hearing from you. Hoping we make the right decision!
We have a sectional and I love it! I forget the brand name but it fits everyone and it draws you in for a movie night or a nap or whatever.. love it! Could you put the blue couches up in the kids new rec room?
We might be able to although the kids are dreaming of open space. Thank you for letting me know you love yours so much.
I know you’re down in the OC but I had a place in Torrance (Sofas Tables & More) make our sofa (a mix between a pottery barn and restoration hardware sofa) and it’s SO comfortable I love it. Getting a custom sofa would probably be better, you can make sure it’s super comfy.
Excellent point. I think we would have to do that because of the dimensions, too. Thank you for the resource.
I am team sectional as well! We have had ours for about 4-5 years and it’s a family favorite …we all love that corner cozy spot. And I agree on the pillow trouble- I had a colored couch prior to this one and it was always a struggle decorating. My sister had a solid color neutral couch and I remember being at her house once after a trip to home goods for new pillows and honestly the room looked completely new/changed. That was the moment I knew my next sofa would be neutral and have never looked back. We change the pillows/throws for seasons/holidays and it instantly freshens up the space.
Oh that sounds dreamy, to be honest. Love that you can easily switch it up. I see my sister doing the same and it’s awesome. I remember everyone wnated the corner spot with our last sectional. Too funny!
Go with a sectional! Maybe put the blue sofa in the new bonus room upstairs. I never used to like sectionals but love them now. The trick to making them look good is to have bench cushions for the seating portion. Too many cushions make a sectional look messy. That’s why Restoration Hardware sectionals are so popular. Your first option, the pricy one, has bench cushions. Go with something like that and fun pillows. It will be perfect!
Oh I do love a good bench cushion. Great point. I think the design of the sectionals have really come a long way. Thank you for your input, Susan.
Sorry, I am not team sectional. Maybe great for your family, but not for entertaining. Nobody wants to sit that close to someone else on a sectional. Have you ever noticed that even with a 3 seater sofa only two people will sit on it. Just my two cents worth. I want the room comfortable and cozy for us but also for my guests to feel comfortable and not fight over a chair because they don’t want to all cram onto a sectional.
It may be true that sofas are better for entertaining, but her family is probably going to use the room so much more than guests. It doesn’t make sense to me to make decisions based on the times you entertain when your family is more than likely using the space the most. Unless you entertain literally every single week, what works for your family should be the priority in my opinion. We just switched from a sofa and two chairs to a sectional with one chair and it’s SO much better for how WE use the room. Yes, our guests will not be able to have their individual chairs, but that’s for such a short amount of time compared to how often we are using the sectional.
I voted sectional but agree with your point too. Maybe two identical sofas and a chair would give almost the same feeling as a sectional. I like the long sofas that match.
Love that, too. Issue we have is that two sofas the same size would never work for us. But I adore when rooms lend themselves to that. The symmetry is so my thing.
Very valid point when it comes to adults and entertaining. People would rather not sit in a corner or on top of someone else in these types of situations. Family/movie night is team sectional all day 🙁
Excellent point. Yes for sectional for family space but no for more formal entertaining spaces.
I have a sectional with a chaise lounge at one end. I wish I had done that at both ends but the other end we did a deep corner piece which is almost too deep. Kids like it as they sit cross legged but it’s awkward for adults. However if my room fit two sofas like yours does, I might be tempted to go that route. But matching to deal with your pillow conundrum 🥰
I must be the weirdo because as long as I know the hosts pretty well, I am all about that corner seat whether I’m a guest or not! Favorite place to cozy up. We are team sectional for our living room — we love the Pottery Barn slipcovered one in warm white denim — and then we have a couch, loveseat and chair situation in the basement. We have a two-year-old so I’m all about those cuddles together.
Great points, Marty. So much to think about. Hope you are doing well. Love that we have connected for so many years.
Just thought I would comment as we have been on the hunt for the perfect sectional for our teen space for many many months. The depth of the seat, height of the back and the overall comfort were of upmost importance, as was the clean lines look of the piece. After exhausting all of our options, we ended up with the Pottery Barn Comfort sectional which we built to suit our space. We actually considered that West Elm one you linked, but it was too short for our 10′ ceilings and we also really wanted head support on our necks when we relaxed for a show which the urban was too low to provide.
We have PB sofas in our living room and have had them hold up well for 2 years and even though I didn’t want to spend so much money on a teen room sofa, we didn’t find anything else that fit the bill for the comfort and look we wanted. I did not go with the down filled as most of those looked messy without smoothing and I just know we wont get to doing that very often.
If you win the sectional debate, look into PB Comfort Build Sectional. Really great reviews and lots of fabric options. The only thing I liked more was a Restoration Hardware sofa, but that was way out of my budget! Also, pottery barn has the York sofa as well that is a single cushion type like mentioned above…it was also very comfortable, but more expensive so we didn’t go that route.
One more piece of advice…take the fabric swatch home and put stuff on it and see how it responds. I put soda and red sauce/ketchup on ours to see if an accident would ruin it. The soda beaded up and came right off and the other stuff was not a problem either. It was super helpful to know if the fabric would hold up in the long run.
Amazing advice. Thank you for all of this. And so smart to bring the fabric home and test it out.
You are not alone. We are having the same heated conversation at our house
Have you made a decision yet?
Love our sectional! We had it custom made in San Clemente – http://www.sofasbydesign.co/home.html
Thank you so much!
We have a sectional and live it. My husband actually suggested it . At first I was not sure, but I would not change it .(well, I would change the color) We kept our leather chair and ottoman in the same room to give some contrast. Ours is by King Hickory. It’s is so comfy that you may end up napping!
Great thought about the contrast. And so important when designing a room. Thank you for the input.
We have a PB microfiber sectional in our basement family/tv room that I love. It’s chocolate brown so matches our dogs’ fur, and it looks nice with lighter colored (cream, blue, green) floral patterned pillows and a couple of throws. But you should know that when our family of 4 settles in to watch a movie it only really works for 3 of us. 2 on the side facing the tv and one with legs stretched out to face the tv on the other side. Husband is happy to sit in a nearby upholstered chair with ottoman. We have a large leather tufted ottoman in lieu of a coffee table, in front of the sectional, which is nice for stretching out legs. Sectionals don’t lend themselves well to end tables so having a place to put a drink down is tricky (and which is why hubby prefers upholstered chair with drinks table vs sectional where you have to clutch your glass the whole time).
Ahhhh. So many good things to think about. This is why I asked. Love all of these points. Thank you, Holly.
I always wanted a navy sectional in our renovated family room and I got it 🙂 We picked it out from Macy’s (Astra – https://www.macys.com/shop/product/astra-fabric-sectional-collection-created-for-macys?ID=3061020) and the quality is great, they will price adjusted any time until it is delivered, and we could get exactly the size we wanted. My advice on a sectional is do not get the typical sectional that has two seats on each side. That’s too small for four people. We are a family of five and there are three larger seats on one side and two on the other and the middle nook. (I ordered it smaller and the first night we all gathered, it was clearly too small and we ordered an extra middle piece). A sectional works great when it is big enough, otherwise it is worth getting two sofas. I actually think a sectional would look great it your space!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share. Love the input and the thought about the size. So cool that you could just add another section.
Team sectional here, but I also understand that entertaining can be tricky as well. Though you have your living room that may work better for that? Could you use the coveted blue sofa in your new teen space? Could you still use the two chairs in the space with the sectional, for extra seating? I think you should go with what you feel is best for your time of life with your kids. We got a sectional for the first time a couple years ago, and we have LOVED it (and I have loved cuddling with my teens). And even though we chose a dark blue, I think I can find enough different pillows and throws to change it up through the seasons/years. You’ve got a lot going on…good luck!
Thank you, Shannon. “I have loved cuddling with my teens.” That is music to my ears. Sounds like it was the perfect decision for you guys. And a dark blue sofa is gorgeous. Good choice.
I think sectionals are the COMFIEST! I don’t know if someone already mentioned it, but if the family’s biggest con is losing the blue sofa, could it be added to the teen hangout room instead?
We are definitely considering that! Great idea.
I’ve never had a true sectional – just a couch with a chaise on one end – so I don’t have much to add to the debate. But I did want to pop in and recommend the sectional version of our current sofa since—it’s very similar to the McGee & Co. option above.
It’s the Sylvie from Robin Bruce: https://www.robinbruce.com/products/detail/sylvie-bench-seat-slip-sectional
You can get it upholstered or slipcovered, with a bench cushion or individual cushions, and in a few different size options. It is hands-down the most comfortable sofa I’ve ever had, and much more affordable than the one I was dreaming of from Restoration Hardware.
No matter what you do, I’m sure it will be stunning!!
Eeeeek. That is gorgeous. Yes, that RH sofa is might pricey. Holy smokes. Thank you for taking the time to send. Have a great day.
I actually have both. We have a large sectional at our lake house, and we have sofas and a chair at our home, and …………………………. I am team sectional. It promotes togetherness, snuggling for movies, ease of board games, and the list goes on. I agree that it is easier to accessorize as well. We have a couple of poufs in the room as well, and when we all want to climb on the sectional for whatever, we move the poufs for extra leg comfort or game seating. A win-win!!
Love hearing your thoughts. Thank you. And a lake house is my dream come true. Enjoy the holidays there this year. So much fun.
I’m also team sectional. Check out The Sofa Shop in San Juan. They make custom sofas and sections in any fabric, any size. I love our sectional from there! https://www.thesofashop.net/
We LOVE The Sofa Shop. In fact we have used them before. They would be a great option because we may need a custom size if we go the route of the sectional.
I agree there is better connectivity with a sectional, and it does make cuddling a lot easier! Have you checked out Macy’s? They make SUPER comfy sectionals and at a good price point too! https://www.macys.com/shop/product/radley-5-piece-fabric-chaise-sectional-sofa-created-for-macys?ID=1101386&tdp=cm_app~zMCOM-NAVAPP~xcm_zone~zPDP_ZONE_B~xcm_choiceId~zcidM06MAU-145b9fa9-8219-4040-947c-f17d5d2771c1%40H8%40customers%2Balso%2Bloved%2429391%241101386~xcm_pos~zPos7~xcm_srcCatID~z29391
Yes!!! Love that one. In fact it reminds me of the one we had in our last house. Still remember that fun Christmas you visited! Love you, girl.
I can see how sectionals would encourage cuddling and naps but I’ve never liked the look. I bought two sofas that have reclining footrests (Lazyboy) that look just like regular sofas when not adjusted. I find this way you’re sitting forward for watching tv and still in a completely comfortable position. It gives me more options for furniture arrangement and comfortable space for company. They also have stain resistant fabric options. I bought the cream color, so I could change up my neutral space with the seasons. Sofas have room for end tables and a coffee table. Where do you put your popcorn/chips & drink while watching a movie if sitting anywhere but on the end of a sectional? Every time you want a bite or a sip you have to reach forward to your coffee table. I’m far too relaxed to do that.
I’m sure whatever you pick will function well for your family and lifestyle. Good luck with family consensus.
Thank you so much. That sounds epic. And so convenient. I agree, that the look of a sectional isn’t for everyone. But love the idea of cream so you can change up the pillows.
I never thought I’d be a “sectional” kind of gal – I bought mine about five years ago and have never turned back. Absolutely love it and it most definitely feels like it pulls us all together in a cozy way. Purchased at Macy’s on sale. Light grey and beautiful.
Our first sectional was from Macys. Absolutely loved. In fact my sister and parents had the same one for years. Thank you for the thoughts. Much appreciated.
I had a dark blue sofa for years and years and it was basically a neutral. I change my cushions and throws seasonally and it worked with so many colours.
I am team sectional for you though because when I saw your living room I thought sectional straight away. What you have is lovely and of course, it may feel differently when you’re actually in the space, but there’s an awful lot going on with the nook, island and stools etc. I think a sectional would ground the other end in a similar way to your wall of kitchen cabinets. Neutral, but maybe with a blue throw over the back.
Fun idea with the throw. Thank you for weighing in. I really appreciate it. We certainly have enjoyed this blue sofa.
Sorry, but I LOVE your room the way it is. I love that pop of blue from the sofa, but that’s probably because I’ve always wanted a blue couch for myself. I also like to see a side table in the room; you can put your creativity to work with table top vignettes rather than pillows! 🙂 I don’t think I’ve ever commented on your blog, but I love it and read regularly. Your home is just gorgeous, exactly what I would envision a home in California would look like with all the neutrals and textures. Good luck with the sectional debate!
You are so so sweet. Thank you for sticking with us on the blog and I am so happy you took a moment to comment. I hope I hear more from you. I have to admit I LOVE the pop of blue, too. Ahhhh. So hard. I do have an end table that I switch up. Great point there, too. Every time I make up my mind something else comes into play. Thank you again for taking the time.
We have a sectional in our family room and love it, although, it’s funny because I have thought of switching it out for two different sofas like you have in your home and putting my sectional in the basement. I’ve always loved how your family room looks, but I think my family would be disappointed if we didn’t have the sectional. We love to curl up on it for a movie or even just reading. The downside for me is there is no rearranging the furniture in that room. You make a good point about styling with pillows, which I never thought of. Good luck!
Totally hear you on not rearranging the furniture. Although we really can’t with our sofas either. You are so sweet. Thank you for the compliment. Go with what your family enjoys the most. That is always the most important. If we switch I will definitely miss the look of two sofas but snuggles may trump that.
We are team sectional! My husband and I prefer a regular couch in a more traditional living room but for a media room we love our sectional couch. Can’t beat it for binge watching! The sectional is smaller as it is just the two of us and it has a chaise lounge section which can be switched to the other side of we ever move the sectional. Fabulous!!
Love the idea of a chaise lounge. Genius. I agree that a sofa is definitely nice in a more formal space.
Maybe I missed this, but is your Great Room your sole living room, or is it more of a family room off the kitchen? Regardless, I agree that a sectional would look amazing in there. Get the biggest one that makes sense for the size room you have, so that people (both family and guests) will have plenty of personal space. As others have said (unless you really need to sell the cute blue couch to help make a case for buying the sectional) find a different use in your home for that, either in the new teen room or maybe you can fit it into the master, or in your daughter’s room … or your office (kinda lost track with all the changes – do you still have an office, LOL?)
Yes, this is our main hang out. Although we do have a living room that we use daily as well. But this is our movie and football watching room. Thank you for weighing in.
How often do you have company? If it’s more than 3-5 times a year I’d stick with the dual sofas. They are more comfortable for seating more people WITHOUT snuggling. Family movie night on the master bed makes for some good snuggling opportunities. 🙂 I don’t remember the purpose of all the newly renovated spaces…but if there’s a lounge area maybe that’s your place for a snuggly sectional.
I suggest getting a sectional, maybe a small one and removing rattan chairs. Move the blue sofa to where the chairs currently are and put a console/sofa table behind it. Add some navy pillows to your sectional to tie it all together. 🙂
Such fun ideas. Love it.
I have spent the past two days researching sectional options as well. We have a sofa that our family loves but it needs to be reupholstered and we would need two….not happening! Love the Macy sofa from SM (it was on sale yesterday). Check out Driven by Decor–Kris swears by Lee Industries products and Crate and Barrel carries sectionals by Lee Industries. Kris selected a model that Crate and Barrel does not carry, but I have heard great things about the construction quality of Crate and Barrel. I’m shopping now and if I go with the Crate and Barrel option I would wait for a sale. I am also intrigued by Maiden Home— https://maidenhome.com/ . They seem to be all over my Instagram lately. I have a West Elm sectional in our basement and I am not pleased with the quality of the cushions. This is a hang out space for my teens and I did not upgrade the cushions, but if I were to buy from them again I would.
Adore their selection. Such beautiful pieces!
We have sofas in our family room and a sectional in our bonus room (which is really like another family room for us) and I have to say that sectional is so much cozier and altogether better for snuggles. I know you said you have to sell both sofas to buy the sectional, but would it be possible to sell only the lighter one and move the blue one into the teen room (thus saving you money in buying a sofa for that room, if you have not already)? Just a thought that might give everyone a little bit of what they want.
No question they are cozy. We have definitely thought about that. Might try to keep the space as open as possible for the kids. So much to think about. Thank you for letting me know about your two rooms.
Hi Courtney!
1 more vote for team sectional. I think it’s the right choice for your family’s lifestyle. you should check out a new furniture company called Maiden Home (.com) The company kept popping up in my Pinterest fee…lol! I’m actually considering their “Warren” sectional . it’s competitively priced and made in the 🇺🇸
Looking forward to seeing your ultimate choice!
Comfort for your family overrides guest comfort any day! A sectional will look better in your space, especially one made with long bench seating. I would aim for neutral if wanting to keep things light and have the ability to change pillow cover colors often, otherwise a beautiful indigo blue linen sectional with neutral colored or blue and white pillows would be fabulous. Plus indigo works well with all other colors when you need a periodic change. If it’s slip-covered…even better , but not everyone likes slip-covered furniture.
I am team sofa (but two matching) if the space is big and open. Smaller space- would go for a sectional.
I’m not a fan of two mis matched sofas, most of the time.