fThe best sectional sofas have it all: lots of room for you and a crew to comfortably stretch out, plus the kind of chameleonic style that can adapt just as easily to a basement movie room or the family den where you invite guests into your home. As former AD editor Benjamin Reynaert puts it, sectionals allow for “a level of customization akin to bespoke furniture, but without the high costs that come with building a piece from the ground—or sofa leg—up.” But deciding between just the right sectional versus a regular sofa can be tough. If you’re worried that sectionals can lean a bit stodgy or will have trouble squeezing into tight spaces, we’re here to ease your mind with some of our own first-hand findings.
Our Top Picks For the Best Sectional Sofas
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In an era where retailers are all about customization and tailoring, we’ve assembled plenty of editor-vetted new sofas that combine style and durability. It’s one thing to talk about the virtues of a piece of furniture and quite another to actually put it to a sit test, especially for a splurge that might set you back a few thousand dollars. So we sat—and lay, and jumped, and sprawled—to test dozens of different couches in apartments and homes, from the California suburbs to rural farmhouses in the Northeast. AD testers ensured that all the details, from ordering to assembly to nap potential, lived up to our high expectations. Here, several superlative sectionals that earned high marks in all sorts of sit tests.
Best Sectional Sofas, Overall
Best Customizable Sectional
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Specs
- Dimensions (standard size without any customizations): 92”W x 63”D x 35”H
- Materials: Wooden frame, fabric upholstery (velvet, chenille, linen, tweed, woven, texture), wooden or metal legs, down or down alternative cushion fill
Shipping & Returns
- Shipping: Because of the custom nature, sofas from Interior Define ship between eight and 12 weeks after ordering.
- Return policy: In-stock items must be returned within 30 days and will incur a 15% processing and shipping fee deducted from the total amount paid. Sale and made-to-order items must be returned within 60 days of delivery and will incur a 50% processing fee.
Overall couch rating: A
Interior Define’s Sloan sectional offers more customization options than the traditional furniture brand. Choose from dozens of upholstery materials (and colors!), various seat depths, cushion fills, and even leg styles. The personalization is largely why contributor Malia Griggs chose this sofa for her living room. “I really do love this couch. If you enjoy tailoring your décor to your taste, are willing to pay a bit more for quality, and have the patience for a made-to-order process, this is a wonderful sectional—especially for a smaller space (and even with cats),” she says. Having stretched out on the chaise for movie nights, naps, and even one full night, Griggs touts the sofa’s firm yet cozy seat and durable upholstery.
Even with two rambunctious cats, the sofa has held up against spills, stains, claws, and even one poorly timed hairball. “The sectional has held up surprisingly well against their havoc—wrestling on the chaise, treating its sides like a scratching post, and near-constant shedding absolutely everywhere,” Griggs elaborates. She also says that a soft-bristle brush helps maintain the velvet texture and disguises any aggressively clawed areas. “While I wouldn’t call velvet a low-maintenance upholstery choice (it definitely attracts lint and pet hair), it has performed better than I expected,” she says. “Velvet has a short, dense pile that doesn’t snag the same way as my previous chenille sofa—so even when my cats do go to town with their claws, the fabric doesn’t show damage as obviously.”
Best Midcentury-Modern Sectional
Specs
- Dimensions: 114" wide, 63" deep, 35" tall
- Materials: Vegan leather, velvet, performance fabric, bouclé
Shipping & Returns
- Shipping: Free shipping to the front door of your building, delivery in 3–5 weeks
- Return Policy: 30-day return policy for items in original condition with original packaging (10% restocking fee applies, 20% repackaging fee applies)
Overall couch rating: A
Albany Park is a relative newcomer to the direct-to-consumer furniture scene—founded in 2019 by former NFL player Darryl Sharpton and his wife, Jessica—but the brand has quickly become one of the names to know in stylish, but approachable seating. They offer several styles of quick-shipping, easy-to-assemble sofas-in-a-box, from the midcentury Park style seen here to more adaptable options like the Lido sofa we reviewed last year.
Contributor Terri Williams, described the Park style as a family-friendly sofa with just the right amount of elegance, one that hasn’t shown any signs of wear and tear in the months she’s been testing it. “The cushions are shallow, as opposed to being deep, making the sofa perfect for people who want to sit on the sofa, as opposed to being swallowed by it,” she says, noting that the new couch’s quintessentially midcentury angled legs blend into a variety of decor styles.
Best Low-Profile Sectional
Specs
- Dimensions: 117" wide, 72" deep, 28" tall
- Materials: Polyester, cotton, and nylon blend upholstery, LVL and plywood, foam, metal springs
Shipping & Returns
- Shipping: Free shipping for orders over $999 for selected cities and free cancellation before dispatch. White-glove delivery flat rate fee of $100-$150, 2–4 week estimated delivery time on made-to-order products
- Return Policy: 14-day return policy for items in original condition with original packaging (20% purchase price return fee applies). An additional $50 repackaging fee applies
Overall couch rating: A
The Jonathan Chaise Sectional from Castlery is a modular option with size versatility starting at a two-seater option and extending to a much lengthier configuration that fits five to six. Comfy and cushy enough for any modern home, this minimalist, low-slung modular sofa is easy to assemble and ideal for homes with pets and children thanks to its soft-edged makeup. Plush foam and spring-filled cushions ensure a medium-firm yet cozy place to unwind after a long day.
Commerce director Rachel Fletcher says that although the sectional was originally an aesthetic purchase, the comfort level matches its looks. “I’d actually say it’s closer to my mattress in terms of firmness—medium firm to firm—which I very much appreciate,” she says. “It’s not the kind of sofa you’re going to sink into quicksand style, and there’s absolutely no sagging on this one.” Delivery was speedy, though she notes that since the modular couch ships from overseas in individual packages, the unboxing process was a little tedious.
Best Budget Sectional
Specs
- Dimensions: 61" wide, 61" deep, 28" tall
- Materials: Stain resistant fabric, plywood, foam, shredded fill, and fiber wadding
Shipping & Returns
- Shipping: Free delivery, 5–10 business days
- Return Policy: 30-day return policy for items in original condition with original packaging (10% restocking fee applies, 20% repackaging fee applies)
Overall couch rating: A-
The Burrow is a family-friendly addition to your living spaces no matter what kind of square footage you’re working with. This three-piece sectional that’s just slightly larger than a loveseat is especially accommodating for smaller layouts and thoughtfully designed with the flexibility to tack on more seating (an ottoman, chaise, or extension here or there) as your family or space changes. The sofa’s stain-resistant upholstery, solid plywood frame, and CertiPUR-US–certified foam base also ensures lasting durability and high-quality comfort. The brand also offers a one-year warranty to give you a bit more peace of mind.
Contributor David Kaufman placed it an entryway area of his home and called it “a great starter sofa for a first home or apartment that you won’t have to send to a landfill when you’re ready to move.” He noted that it falls on the firmer end, but vouches that it’s still a comfy crowd-pleaser among the family. “It’s especially well sized for the twins to curl up in with a friend.”
Best Leather Sectional
Specs
- Dimensions: 100" wide, 67" deep, 34" tall
- Materials: Natural leather, solid and composite wood, foam, fiber, and feather fill cushions
Shipping & Returns
- Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $999, in-room delivery available ($99), in-room delivery and assembly available ($169). Delivery in 2+ weeks depending on inventory
- Return Policy: 30-day return policy for items in original condition with original packaging ($49 return fee applies). Additional $50 fee applies for items without original packaging
Overall couch rating: A
It’s easy to see what makes Sven a best-seller for Canadian retailer Article. Available in fabric upholstery (including velvet) or leather, the tufted, midcentury–inspired silhouette checks all the boxes if you’re looking for a classic sectional couch. Not too soft, not too deep seated, not too small (or too big!) for a family of three, the Sven is what commerce editor Audrey Lee calls the “Golidlocks of couches.” Because of its solid construction, it might take a minute or two to get the lived-in look of a well-worn leather sofa, but we have a feeling it will be worth the wait. “After a year of post-workday naps, movie nights, and lazy days binge watching whatever streaming show TikTok influenced me to watch, the Sven sectional is still in top-notch condition,” Lee says.
Best Modular Sectional
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Specs
- Dimensions: 121" W x 43" D x 32.25" H
- Materials: Engineered wood frame; steel connection system; foam, feather, and polyfiber cushions; steel pocket springs
Shipping & Returns
- Shipping: White glove delivery available for a flat fee, couch arrives in two separate boxes
- Return policy: 100-day trial, during which returns are complimentary
Overall couch rating: A
Thuma made a name for themselves with easy-to-build bed frames which lock into place via well-crafted Japanese joinery, though they quickly followed that up with bedroom furniture like nightstands and other modular shelving arrangements. Their most recent launches have positioned Thuma as a brand to know for beautiful furnishings in every room of the house, starting with their new modular sofas. Enhanced with additional lumber support and enforced with liquid-coated steel, these pieces are sturdy and also elegant, with commerce partnerships manager Evan Russum giving them top marks for style and design alone.
“This couch stood out to me because it avoids the bulky, overstuffed look a lot of sectionals lean into,” Russum says. “Instead, it feels streamlined and modern, with modular pieces that clip together in a seamless way that echoes the bed frame’s design ethos.” He noted that there is plenty of room to sprawl out for his lanky 6’5 frame and that despite its delicate ivory color, the couch hasn’t seen any scratches from his cat, snags, or noticeable wear from daily use.
Best Reclining Sectional
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Specs
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Shipping & Returns
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Overall couch rating: A
The Arhaus Coburn reclining sectional is a blocky, yet modernized option (we love the exaggerated seams) for anyone looking for a comfortable recliner that’s trimmed of all the bulk of the Lay-Z-Boys from the early aughts. “The couch is exceptionally comfortable and plush, especially when you use the reclining feature,” says AD contributor Blake Bakkila, who cautions that when you’re not using it in recliner mode, it doesn’t provide as much shoulder or neck support. Another perk of the sofa is its kid-friendly surface, put to the test by Bakkila’s toddler. “The kitchen (and his beloved berries) are a quick sprint from the couch, and we’ve never noticed any stains,” Bakkila adds. It does need ample inches of clearance at the back in order to recline, so it would be better suited for floating furniture layouts rather than a room where it would need to be placed against a wall. Note that this sofa also needs to be plugged into a power source or equipped with battery packs to use the reclining features.
Other AD-Approved Picks
Though we don’t have the liberty, or the New York real estate, to try out all the sectionals in the world, we’d really, really like to. Here’s our wish list of some of the dreamiest sectionals we’ve seen thus far that we like (and think you will, too), but haven’t gotten a chance to check out in person.
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Crate & Barrel Monterey Modular 3-Piece L-Shaped Sectional Sofa
Help! We have fallen (on the sectional) and can’t get up…Well, more like won’t get up. The Monterey modular L-shaped sectional is like its own oasis that can work just as well for family game night as it would for a book club gathering. The cushions are a comfy perch and you’ll likely find yourself using the included lumbar and throw pillows to make your lounging nest. It comes in more than 200 customizable options, but you can’t go wrong with the deep blue Night upholstery.
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Article Abisko Velvet Sectional
For under $2,000, you could do a lot worse than this velveteen couch in a palette cleansing blue-green. The tapered legs are subtly midcentury, while the performance velvet, abrasion-tested fabric (a 50,000 rub count) ensures that your couch will still be good to go many years from now.
Lulu and Georgia Carson Sectional Sofa
If you’re big on oversized silhouettes, we’d love to introduce you to Carson (maybe we can say hello together?) Carson, from afar, seems like the kind of couch that would make any living room look like a heavenly hotel. Not quite a conversation pit, but a cushy sofa that has the same sink-in-able feel, it’s made up of four modular components that you can Tetris together or draw apart so people can sit on them in various areas of the room.
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West Elm Laurent Wedge Chaise Sectional
Sectionals have a reputation for being blocky (helps them adapt to all those Tetris-y formations), but this one’s all about long, sloping curves that offer a visual embrace of sorts. The Laurent is a chaise sectional that encourages putting your feet up, getting cozy with your seatmates, and staying grounded—many thanks to its low-lying legs.
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Ellison Studios Muse Corner Sectional
If you loved Ellison Studios’ original Muse Sofa, as our contributor Sydney Gore did, chances are you’re going to appreciate the same overstuffed silhouette in corner sectional form. This four-seater looks cuddly enough to squeeze and comes in a very now, very rich shade of chocolate brown that everyone will be clamoring to take a seat on.
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Quince Sierra Curved Arm L Sectional
Quince’s well-established reputation for high-quality basics now extends to their line of furniture, which includes this handcrafted sectional in a velvet performance fabric. The L-shape formation is ideal for arranging in a corner to carve out space for conversation, while the supportive cushion fill encourages lounging for a while.
How We Tested
There are many factors we considered in each of our reviews to give you the insight you need to select the best sectional sofa for your home, including:
Ordering and customization process: Shallow seats or deep seats, armrests or armless, right-facing chaise or left-facing chaise, down seat cushions or foam cushioning, upholstery or leather, L-shape or U-shape—each of the sectionals we tested has possibilities. We also documented the lead times and expected delivery timelines for each model.
Couch delivery and assembly: Curbside or white-glove, fully assembled or DIY. And, if DIY, how many pieces did the sofa arrive in and how difficult was the assembly?
After installation: Here we asked some tough functionality questions of each sectional: Is it practical for a modern home? Is the couch kid- and/or pet-friendly? What are the care and cleaning instructions? And did it look better IRL than in the photos?
Durability and longevity: When possible, we followed up with testers to see if they still stood by their original reviews months or years down the line.
How We Chose These Sectionals
We recently updated this story for Seat Week 2025 with couches that AD staffers and contributors spent the summer vetting, including a new reclining sofa. Above all else, we prioritized picks during testing that were stylish, comfortable, reasonably easy to assemble, and durable enough not to stain or tear even when pets and children are present. Only picks that earned at least a B grade in our testing (which was appointed according to the factors outlined above) made the cut. Over the last successive updates, we’ve delisted picks from Lovesac and Sundays that felt less elevated than their peers for the price point.
Of course, our homes and apartments can only fit so much seating, so we added a section of runner-up styles that we hope will round out your search for a beautiful, comfortable sofa, no matter what your budget may be. We haven’t tested these models firsthand, but we made sure to choose design-forward styles that are sold at reliable retailers. Most even include customer reviews that offer a glimpse at how these sectionals would hold up in your own home.
What Kinds of Sectionals Are Out There?
Deciding what sectional shape you’re in the market for will help you streamline your decision making. Take into account exactly how much square footage you have to fill, along with what kind of space it will occupy (a family-friendly space with lots of foot traffic will require different kinds of materials than a rarely used guest room, for example).
L-Shaped Sectional: Arguably the most traditional sectional shape, and the one you’ll come across most on this list, L-shaped sectionals are suitable for just about any space. They’re space maximizers—snugly fitting into corner areas and making the most out of your square footage. They also create a shape that can be corralled around a few accent chairs or a statement-making armchair (something like an Eames lounger). If you’re looking for styling inspiration, we’d point you in the direction of this Parisian apartment which coordinates the sectional and wall color to create the illusion of a bigger room, or this Gramercy Park apartment where a sectional sits back in an otherwise open layout.
U-Shaped Sectional: U-shaped sectionals are ideal for larger families looking for lots of seating as well as the perpetual hosts and hostesses, who want party guests to have a spot to kick back. For true U-shape inspiration, look to Stacey Bendet’s Upper West Side abode, where a green velvet U-shape sectional serves as the centerpiece in the designer’s colorful living room.
Curved Sectional: A cousin of the L-shaped and U-shaped sectional, the curved sectional isn’t bound by static lines. At times it takes on a true "U" design, while we’ve also seen configurations take on a snake-like S-shape. Like an L-shaped sectional, some curved sectionals work nicely in corner spots like this one in Pierre Yovanovitch’s Paris office. Curved sofas and sectionals are also unique because they don't necessarily feel out of place in the center of a room, whereas a more angular couch may create an awkward flow. If you think this type of sectional might be your vibe, we'd use the curvaceous seating arrangements in Chrissy Teigen and John Legend's home designed by AD100 designer Jake Arnold as your style inspiration.
Modular Sectional: We consider modular sectionals to be the jack-of-all-trades of the seating world. With a modular arrangement the world is your oyster—want to add more seating to your L-shaped sectional by making it into a U? No problem. Not happy with a sectional all together? Lots of modular designs actually allow you to re-configure your furniture into single and loveseats. Think: Colman Domingo’s impressive Ligne Roset Togo configuration or the Mario Bellini velvet number in this Los Feliz home.
Sofa With Chaise: If you’re not completely sold on the idea of a sectional, a sofa chaise is the perfect middle ground. With this option, there’s no need to agonize over whether a left or right facing chaise works with your space—the detachable chaise allows you to switch it up.
What Features Should I Look for in the Best Sectional Sofas?
Determining the right size sectional for your space is key to a) getting it in the door and b) ensuring that the arrangement doesn’t overwhelm your living room. We would classify three size categories to help you narrow down which to make shopping a little easier on you:
- Petite: Less than 80 inches long
- Average: 80 to110 inches long
- Large: Larger than 110 inches long
Seat depth—or the distance between the backrest and the outer edge of the seat cushion—is another factor that you’ll want to consider for the ultimate comfort to match your height. There’s no right seat depth, per se, but a deeper-seated sofa is better suited for someone leggier or simply sprawling out, while something more narrow is ideal if you’re looking to sit more upright. Brands like Interior Define also custom make sectionals to your exact depth preference if you have a specific number in mind.
While we’d all like to champion the white couch lifestyle, it’s not always practical if you’re sharing a home with little ones or pets. Thankfully advancements in upholstery tech have developed performance fabrics that promise resistance to spills and durability against everyday wear and tear. You could easily add a luxurious feel to your space with a jewel-toned velvet à la John Legend and Chrissy Teigen or Vanessa Hudgens. But if you’re a traditionalist, you might find inspiration from neutral picks like Ashley Tisdale’s Sixpenny or Taylor Hill’s cloud sofa.
What’s Trending in Statement Seating?
Over the past few years, our editors have observed the popularity of chubbier, low-to-the-ground silhouettes with stubby legs, puffy cushions, and an overall oversized aesthetic—a departure from the streamlined shapes of more minimalist sofas like the classic Knoll Florence couch. If you’re a fan of Herman Miller’s “Chiclet” these may be more your speed: See the Castlery Jonathan sofa or the Lulu & Georgia Carson sofa above as examples of the style. These also tend to feel more artful and laid-back than traditional styles, but they can also skimp on lumbar support depending on the shape of the framework.
Long, blocky, and puffy sofas with rounded edges (à la Mario Bellini’s infamous Camaleonda sofa) are also big these days. These bulbous styles owe a lot to the popularity of conversation pits, encouraging banter between seated guests and a comfy, closed-in feel.
Coastal-leaning sofas that incorporate lighter fabrics and slipcovers are another popular choice for people who like the quiet, subdued look of a farmhouse aesthetic and prefer their home to be bathed in neutrals (see Adriene Mishler’s understated Austin abode for inspiration).
