Easily one of the most important gathering spaces in your home, the living room is a hub of activity. It's where you come together with family in the evenings and entertain guests during the weekends. A living room can even be a comforting retreat when you need a break from the outside world. The question is: How do you make your living room as appealing as possible for you and your guests? For people who enjoy entertaining, the standard option tends to be a sofa and a few comfy chairs. Unfortunately, sofas aren't designed for groups. Often, the setup can feel clunky and stuffy — mainly when you need multiple seating points. A sectional, on the other hand, can be a much better option.
Why are Sectionals Great for Entertainment?
The broad, customizable nature of the sectional is ideal when you need space for multiple people to gather and relax together. When you have guests visiting, everyone can sit together in the same area. This means no awkwardly standing around or pulling chairs in from the dining room. And when it's just you and your family, your sectional delivers an aesthetic of effortless opulence. You can spread out with ease, stretching your legs across the cushions for exceptional comfort, or snuggle up with loved ones. Sectional sofas are designed to give you that all-important sense of relaxation when you need it most. Now, how do you design your room to suit a sectional?
Step 1: Get the Sizing Right
The bigger your sofa, the more people you can comfortably accommodate in your home. However, it's essential to ensure that your sectional will fit correctly in your living space. You don't want people struggling to get in and out of the room. For particularly tight spaces, a good option may be to choose a sectional with an L-shaped or corner design. This way you can tuck your chairs into the corner of the room and still leave plenty of space in the center. The Catnapper Nolan recliner is an indulgent sofa with manual recliners, so you can keep your footrests safely tucked out of the way when they're not in use. Alternatively, you can try a 2-seater instead of a 3-seater, like this option from the Stressless E-200 line. Start by measuring your room and try drawing quick sketches to see what your sectional will look once in place.
Step 2: Balance Convenience and Comfort
The ultimate sectional needs to look good and feel great. However, it's important not to overlook practicality. When you're searching for the perfect purchase, try to strike a balance between something that encourages your guests to sit together and something that won't crowd your living room. For instance, the Stressless E-300 line is both cozy and minimalistic. If there's enough space, consider placing your sectional in the center of the room, so that it's accessible from all sides. This is also ideal for manual recliner sofas, as you won't hit the wall when you choose to stretch out. Placing a table in the center of your sectional is also a great way to keep everything neatly organized, so there's a clear path around the room. A sectional without arms is particularly appealing for smaller spaces, as it won't make your guests feel "hemmed in" by their seating. For example, the Stressless Arion provides a modern and open design.
Step 3: Balance Large Furniture with Smaller Pieces
A sectional is an ideal sofa to have when you love to entertain. However, it's important to remember that it will be the biggest and most significant part of your room. If you have a sofa with enough space for 6 people to lounge comfortably, then it's unlikely you'll be able to also use a big dining table and some comfy armchairs, too. If you choose a recliner like the Catnapper Nolan, keep furniture out of the way of the recliner points and to the sides of the chair. Nesting furniture and small coffee tables are ideal for this purpose. Additionally, try to make the most of all the wall space you can with shelves and mounted cabinets. This will help to stop the room from looking overly crowded. If you do need to add any extra seating, use streamlined dining or office-style chairs to balance the size of your sectional.
Maintaining a Comfortable Flow with Sectionals
A sectional sofa is an excellent and versatile piece of furniture for entertainers. However, it's important to make sure you pick the right option in order to make the most of your space. Resist the temptation to just push your chairs against the wall and hope for the best. In areas built for socializing, a sectional can work just as well in the center of the room, combined with a table or ottoman. Measure your room carefully and envision what your space would look like with people milling around your new sectional. As you add accompanying furniture and accessories, remember to start small, simple, and practical. Wherever you are in your design journey, browse through the options at the Back Store for inspiration today!
Easily one of the most important gathering spaces in your home, the living room is a hub of activity. It's where you come together with family in the evenings and entertain guests during the weekends. A living room can even be a comforting retreat when you need a break from the outside world.
The question is: How do you make your living room as appealing as possible for you and your guests?
For people who enjoy entertaining, the standard option tends to be a sofa and a few comfy chairs. Unfortunately, sofas aren't designed for groups. Often, the setup can feel clunky and stuffy — mainly when you need multiple seating points. A sectional, on the other hand, can be a much better option.