Our Deputy Editor Loves This Cozy Sectional for Her Small Space

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Sectionals are the like workhorse of your living room. Not only do they offer more seating space and cushions for lounging, but they also command a room with their size. That said, because they often take up slightly more real estate in the home, they tend to not work in tiny rooms. That's about to change though, because we found 15 stylish sectionals for small spaces that don't compromise on comfort or style.

That's right, there's no need to opt out of owning a sectional sofa just because your living room isn't quite as massive as you'd like. The styles we found for small spaces work just as hard as bigger ones do: They can accommodate overnight guests, offer plenty of lounge space, and some even seat up to three people. So if you want to upgrade your current option, allow us to help out. Ahead, you'll find plenty of cool picks at a variety of affordable price points. Likewise, if you want to splurge on a worthy investment piece, you'll discover a few elegant options here. One of our favorite sectionals has dreamy cushions that are filled with polyfiber and a feather blend. Others remind us why memory foam is one of our favorite materials for all things relaxation. If you want the extra bells and whistles, too, we even found models with recliners and sleeper functions you'll love to nap on.

To guide your shopping even more, we tapped our favorite designers for expert tips on measuring, styling, and finding the best upholstery for your needs. "When it comes to smaller spaces, I always advise fewer, bigger pieces," Havenly Design Director Heather Goerzen says. "I find this creates more visual calm while simultaneously giving the illusion of a much-larger space. And know I speak from experience! I lived in a 700-square foot condo and we opted for a very simple living room layout of a sectional and a single accent chair alongside an oversized sideboard. In fact, I would argue one of the greatest small space decorating mistakes is filling it with too many small pieces—it feels chaotic and disjointed."

With this advice in mind, know that all the sectionals below are appropriate for small dwellings. Still, measure your space carefully before snagging your new sectional. Every inch counts, and making sure the furniture fits is key to your guests' comfort. "The benefit of having a sectional is you can ultimately sit more people on it," interior designer Alison Damonte adds. "It's also a bit more versatile because you can have two people stretched out watching a movie together or you can have more people seated close together while entertaining. If you have a really small space, tucking a sectional into the corner works a little better than chairs and ottomans." Without further ado, shop our favorite sectionals ahead.

Three-Seat Modular Chaise Sectional

Everyone is comparing this sectional to Restoration Hardware's Cloud Sofa, but at a fraction of the price, you can get the look for less. Deputy Digital Editor Katelyn Lunders was on the hunt for a sectional that felt spacious, but didn't take over her NYC apartment, and 7th Avenue's three-seat option fit the bill. "It's perfect if you're working with limited space but don't want to sacrifice comfort and style," she says. "In addition to being super easy to clean (an absolute must for this dog mom), one of my favorite features is actually the movable ottoman. It makes movie nights with my friends so much cozier." Another huge bonus? 7th Avenue is offering House Beautiful readers an exclusive discount to shop: Use code HB10 for 10 percent off any purchase until February 10. A word to the wise? Add your favorite piece into the cart ASAP.

Material: Custom | Assembly: Yes (or white glove for an additional fee)

Hamilton Round Chaise Sectional Sofa

Clean lines in a sofa's silhouette will make any room feel more elegant, but pair it with the curve of a round chaise and it's a statement piece in the living room. The chaise on this sectional makes for a unique way to stretch out, welcoming a variety of seating positions and allowing even more family members to cuddle up for movie night. It also gives even more room for customization—get the throw pillows of your dreams and pile them up. "First, the shape of the couch is great and the height opens gives the living space a nice flow," writes a five-star reviewer. "Second, the color and texture of the fabric is very versatile. Third, it’s the perfect depth and provides the perfect amount of cushion. Can easily fit a few people on here comfortably! Lastly, it was so easy to assemble!"

Material: Polyester-acrylic blend | Assembly: Yes

Jones Upholstered Chaise L-Sectional

"My partner and I found this couch five months ago and fell in love with it," says Associate Shopping Editor Janae McKenzie. "The velvet is so gentle on your skin and the chaise is so comfy to collapse into at the end of a long day. Every guest that comes over compliments it and it's easily my favorite part about our living room. We found it in a vibrant green color that's unfortunately out of stock, but we love it so much that every colorway is sure to be gorgeous. As a bonus, it was so easy to assemble. You'll need some extra hands to lift the different pieces, but it quite literally clicks together in seconds."

Material: Performance velvet | Assembly: Yes

Jonathan Side Chaise Sectional Sofa

This modular sectional with an extra long side chaise is perfect for a midday nap. Its low-profile silhouette conveys a relaxed design style and would be well at home in a conversation pit. Choose between creamy white, granite gray, and relaxing blue hues. Reviewers love the warmth it adds to a space and its modern shape.

Material: Polyester-nylon-cotton blend | Assembly: Yes

Revolve Reversible Chaise Sectional

Don't miss out on Amazon's furniture line Rivet. It features tons of affordable finds, including this sectional that takes only 15 minutes to assemble. The ease of it all makes it a top pick in our book. "The cushions are firm and comfortable," shares a five-star reviewer. "The assembly is simply putting the legs on, no tools are needed." It also comes in three other colors, so if this gentle ivory shade doesn't work in your space, you have a few other options to consider. The chaise can be moved to either end to accommodate your room's layout, which we consider a plus.

Material: Linen | Assembly: Yes

Kova Sofa

If you live in a small space, you can always use extra storage. Thanks to this Albany Park piece, you'll be able to find a spot for the random stuff that doesn't fit in your closet: Just stick it in the side console of this sectional. Oh, and not to mention, it's also super soft! "Love the versatility," raves a five-star reviewer. "We got two armless and two corners and arranged them several ways. Love that we can add to this later if we get a bigger space too."

Material: Velvet | Assembly: Yes

Patio Lounge Sectional

If you're in need of a sectional for a small outdoor space, take a peek at this Wayfair pick, which just sold out in the lighter shade—grab the darker one while it's still available. Before you get a cleaning-induced headache, rest assured that the zippered cushion covers are removable and washable. As for the ottoman on the left, feel free to move it into the sectional's corner and use it as a coffee table. One reviewer says, "Nice furniture. Easy to put together."

Material: Polyester blend | Assembly: Yes

Buchanan Square Arm Sofa

If you're on the hunt for a timeless silhouette that you can easily personalize with accent pillows and throw blankets, this is it. The chaise can be positioned on the left or right side, so it can quite literally fit in any space. If you're eager to go the extra mile with your decorating, you may want to consider positioning a few nesting tables within the sectional's frame instead of a traditional coffee table. Back to the sofa: It comes in tons (more than 40) fabrics, so if white isn't your thing, worry not.

Material: Performance fabric | Assembly: No

Block Nomad Leather Loveseat With Chaise

"I've had the Nomad for over four years now and it still looks brand new despite all the guests who have sat, and slept, on this chaise sectional. This is a true testament to the quality," says Senior Commerce Editor Marina Liao. "Since it's designed for smaller spaces, it fits nicely in my living room slash kitchen area (that's NYC apartments for you). I opted for the camel leather shade with brass legs for that mid-century modern look. It's easy to wipe down and clean, plus the seat height is neither too low nor high for me (who is 5'4) and my husband (who's 6'2). The seat cushions do lose their 'pillowy' look after awhile, but then you get more of that lived-in leather seat feel, which isn't so bad."

Material: Leather | Assembly: Yes

Anyan Two-Piece Sleeper Sectional

The Anyan sectional can work double duty as a sectional and sleeper for overnight guests. We'd even go so far as to say it works triple duty because you can lift the seats to store anything your closets can't accommodate. Our suggestion? Use it for bedding! "The cushions are very firm and the sizable storage for blankets pillows or games," notes a five-star review.

Material: Linen blend | Assembly: Yes

Katina Petite Chaise Sectional

Need a cozy sectional that you can sink into (and hide) while you binge your favorite shows or flicks? Check out Anthropologie's Katina chaise sectional, which is one of the most affordable pieces of custom furniture on the market. You can order it in any of the in-stock and ready-to-ship options or you can meet with an Anthropologie design specialist who can help you completely customize this small-space sectional. Personally, we're into the custom blue-green velvet pictured.

No matter which fabric and color you choose, you'll certainly love the couch, which has cushions with a high-resiliency foam core that's wrapped in soft fiber padding and a hypoallergenic blend of down and feathers. Try to imagine how cushy this thing is! One happy customer says, "Took a chance because this couch screamed to me. It arrived & is LOVELY!…I highly recommend as a mid tier quality sectional that I think most people (including myself) would be very happy with!"

Material: Custom | Assembly: No

Geo Two-Piece Sectional

It's our personal belief that everything feels a bit more luxe when it's upholstered in velvet, which explains our obsession with this AllModern two-piece sectional. "It's just the right size for stretching out for a nap and its surprisingly compact," notes a five-star review. "The tufting of the cushions and velvet make it look and feel very luxurious!" Feel free to get it in any of the other 15 colors, some of which are just as sunny and welcoming as this blush pink if not quite as feminine. If you don't feel like putting it together, opt for white-glove delivery for an extra $150.

Material: Velvet | Assembly: Yes (or white glove for additional fee)

Faux Leather Convertible Sectional

We'll never try to persuade anyone not to get a leather furniture piece, but if you want to pinch a few pennies opt for faux leather. The right piece, like this sectional, makes it impossible to tell it's not the real thing. Of course, we love this one because it feels soft and is just under $400. "Perfect size couch for my small townhouse with a mini family room. Needed something that wouldn’t clutter or overtake my small space," notes a five-star review. You do have to assemble it, but you won't need any tools.

Material: Faux leather | Assembly: Yes

Remi Three-Piece Sectional

If you have limited wall space, consider floating this modular sectional in your living room. It comes in more than 30 fabrics and colors, so feel free to customize this unique and plush piece to suit your space. What's more, it's as cozy as it looks courtesy of the memory foam fill that's on both the seat and the back. Our advice? Keep it simple with just one throw pillow and maybe a blanket draped across the floating ottoman.

Material: Custom | Assembly: No

Minnich Reclining Sectional

Even city dwellers without much floor space to spare don't need to give up on owning a stylish sectional. Just be sure to get one that can serve multiple purposes, like this Wayfair find with a reclining back and moving footrests. "The recliner is smooth with the controls in a good place on the handle. The best part of this set is that both major components came assembled," shares a five-star reviewer. Choose from six colors, including this buttery shade that's as soft as it looks. Did we mention it includes a built-in USB port?

Material: Leather | Assembly: Yes

What Should You Look for in a Small Sectional?

When buying a small sectional, there are several important elements to think about before actually making your purchase.

First and foremost is quality. "Even a smaller scale sectional is a significant investment, so make sure you’re opting for something that will stand up to how you actually live in your space," Goerzen says. "Look for durable craftsmanship, like solid kiln-dried wood frame, steel spring seat suspension, and high-resiliency foam; and/or down blend cushions; as well as performance fabrics for exceptionally sturdy, long-lasting pieces." It's worth paying a little more if the material will last longer than, say, two years, especially if you live in a home with children and pets.

Comfort is another important factor when buying a small sectional. The extra seating of a sectional is a great benefit, but if it's not cozy enough to snuggle into, what's the point? "This should be a supremely comfortable piece that begs you to lounge in it for hours as you catch up on your latest binge-worthy series," says Goerzen. Meaning? Look for pieces with back support (if you need it) and an overall sturdy frame. Since comfort is slightly subjective—you may find the seating too soft while your partner thinks it's just right—we suggest having more than one person in your household test it out before purchase. If you can't sit on the furniture though, make sure to read through the online reviews and the materials to make an informed decision. Most companies offer swatches, so you can at least feel the fabric and see if it's compatible with your skin.

Another feature to look out for is seating. The thing to keep an eye out for is the number of people it says it can seat in the product description. If it seats only two or three, then you're likely in the clear, but it's imperative to measure your space first. Goerzen suggests opting for a sectional that both maximizes seating (and flow) as well as works for your preferred method of lounging.

What Materials Are Best for a Small Sectional?

Just because your sectional is small doesn't mean it can't be your favorite place to relax and lounge, so scrutinize the fill almost as seriously as you do the size. Any cushions filled with down, feathers, or memory foam will be a piece you'll be able to fall asleep on. Traditional foam works too, though it won't provide that extra sink-in feeling.

In Goerzen's experience, sectionals sofas for small spaces need to be livable because it'll get a lot of tush traffic. The furniture piece will be the spot for guests to sit on during your monthly book club sessions, wine evenings with girlfriends, or when you're simply hanging out with the pup. "Thus, I would opt for a durable performance fabric to provide essential peace of mind," Goerzen says. "There are so many options on the market these days that are stain-resistant, easy-to-clean, and machine washable—among them velvets, chenilles, and classic weaves, pending your style and needs."

Damonte echoes the need for durability in your sectional's fabric choice, adding that mohair is a great pet-friendly option. "Mohair is indestructible, so it's perfect if you have kids and dogs or if you entertain a lot," Damonte says. "Cotton velvet is also a great fabric. It's a little more affordable, but a little less forgiving, which you need to consider with any seating piece that's going to get a lot of love."

How Do You Arrange a Room With a Small Sectional?

This is probably the most important element because when you're working with a small space, the fit is key. The best place for a small sectional is always going to depend on the room itself.

Both Damonte and Goerzen prefer having a lounge chair or two opposite the sectional, as it creates a more conversational space. Goerzen suggests either placing one opposite the corner of the sectional, or two smaller chairs parallel to the sectional. When in doubt, you can always tap the expertise of a professional designer to perfect your layout.

"If you're shopping for a small sectional sofa and you think you might change the room that it will go in, it's nice if you can find one that has an armless chaise," Damonte says. "That allows you to use it on either side of the sofa, which is helpful if you move or if your space is reconfigured."

Modularity is a huge help when organizing a room with any size sectional. Damonte says it "gives you the ability to move around and reconfigure an otherwise large piece of furniture for long-term changes, or even on a whim for party." For even more flexibility, try having a few small coffee tables rather than a one large table, further extending the modular setup.

How Do You Measure for a Small Sectional?

Before you buy your sectional, be sure to measure the width—the space from the outer edge of armrest to the other—to ensure it will fit in the room. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with a product you have to figure out how to return (and that can be expensive).

Width isn't the only important metric though. Make sure you check the depth. Damonte also notes that your plans for the sectional will affect the optimal depth. If you plan on lots of movie nights, go deeper. If you want a more upright seating for a formal setting, go for something more shallow.

"It's not only the length of the two legs, but also how deep the seat is," Damonte says. "The smaller the length of the legs, the less deep you should go because you'll eventually have no space for a coffee table. I think that keeping the depth anywhere between 36 inches to 41 inches is pretty standard."

To better visualize your setup, Goerzen suggests taping out where your sectional will go before it comes home. "Seriously, get a roll of tape and physically map out the footprint on your floor," Goerzen says. "This will give you the best sense of how it will fit in your space. As a rule of thumb, you want to maintain about three feet in major walkways around the piece, and around 12 to 18 inches breathing room to your coffee table." It's also not a bad idea to stack chairs or even cardboard boxes here to get a full, three-dimensional sense of how much space you will need.

What Are Easy Ways to Style a Small Sectional?

You might've guessed this one, but throw pillows are your best friends here. Goerzen says a size of 20 to 22 inches is best for comfort and scale, and varying colors and patterns will add dimension and layers to your look. Don't overdo it though: less is more.

"I usually do two on each arm and then maybe three in the corner, but this really depends on the type of sectional—modular '70s styles sofas look better with fewer pillows and more standard sectionals can handle a few more," Damonte says. Pro tip: use pillows in the same fabric as the sectional to avoid that busy look. For leather seating though, you can add in a textured pillow or two that'll contrast nicely against the smoothness of the furniture piece.

For another styling arrangement idea, go with Goerzen's favorite: put two contrasting accent pillows in the corner, one pillow on the other side, and a throw blanket over the chaise corner.

Why Trust Us?

House Beautiful is dedicated to finding the best pieces for your home, no matter your budget or design preference. We love to combine our own expertise with thorough research and consult with the design experts we trust on stories. When we set out to find the best sectionals for small spaces, we considered everything from the style to the price, ensuring there's an option for everyone. We also paid close attention to the smaller details like cushion fill and included only the most comfortable sectionals on our carefully curated list.

For this story in particular, we consulted San Francisco-based interior designer Alison Damonte and Design Director at Havenly, Heather Goerzen, for expert insight into what makes for a great sectional in small spaces. We even asked them for styling and buying advice that are applicable to you. Damonte runs alisondamonte, a residential interior design studio focused on authentic personal expressions, with a design approach that centers on color and bold shape. Meanwhile, Goerzen specializes in traditional, contemporary, and eclectic interior design; and applies this to her work directing design at Havenly. Therefore, you get the many different perspectives from people in the industry in order to make the most informed purchase decision.

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