Sofa vs Sectional: Which Is Right for Your Living Room?

Est. Reading Time: 10 Mins

Choosing between a sofa and a sectional can transform the way your living room looks and functions. Both provide comfort and style, but each serves a different purpose depending on your space, lifestyle, and seating needs.

Quick Answer: Sofas are best for smaller, formal spaces where flexibility and balance are key. Sectionals work better in large, open rooms where you want plenty of seating and a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Mary Lee Smyth, Interior Designer at La-Z-Boy Kingston, explains, “Sofas are a more traditional and formal piece, while sectionals have become a living room staple in recent years, making them more contemporary.”

In this guide, you’ll learn the main differences, similarities, costs, and design factors to help you decide whether a sofa or a sectional is right for your home.

Key Takeaways:

• Sofas offer a classic, structured look that suits smaller or formal spaces.
• Sectionals are larger, more casual, and perfect for family gatherings or open layouts.
• Sectionals usually cost more due to their modular designs and added features.
• Both sofas and sectionals can be customized in fabric or leather at La-Z-Boy.
• Your choice depends on factors such as room size, layout, lifestyle, and personal comfort preferences.

In This Article...

1. What Is the Difference Between a Sofa and a Sectional?
2. Key Similarities Between Sofas and Sectionals
3. How Sofas and Sectionals Differ
4. Cost Comparison
5. Sofa versus Sectional: Pros and Cons
6. Who Is Each Best For?
7. Examples of Sofas and Sectionals at La-Z-Boy

What is the Difference between a Sofa and a Sectional?

A sofa is a classic three-cushion design built for comfort and simplicity. It typically seats two to three people and works well in compact spaces or formal layouts.

A sectional, on the other hand, is made up of multiple pieces that form a connected seating arrangement, such as an L-shape, U-shape, or curved layout. Sectionals provide more seating and a casual, lounge-style feel that suits open-concept homes.

If you live in an Ottawa condo, a sofa keeps the space balanced and functional. In a Gatineau or Kingston family home, a sectional can anchor the room and create a welcoming area for gatherings.

To learn more about How to Arrange Furniture in Your Home, take a look at this article.

Quick Comparison

Key Similarities Between Sofas and Sectionals

Despite their visual differences, both sofas and sectionals share many of the same design and comfort qualities. Whether you’re furnishing a small apartment or a large home, both offer the craftsmanship and comfort that La-Z-Boy is known for.

Comfort and Construction:
Every La-Z-Boy sofa and sectional is built with a reinforced hardwood frame, ComfortCore® cushions, and high-resiliency foam designed for long-lasting support and comfort. To learn more about the Quality at La-Z-Boy, take a look at this article.

Customization Options:
Choose from hundreds of fabric and leather options, including pet- and stain-resistant performance fabrics, so your furniture fits your lifestyle. To see what La-Z-Boy has to offer with Custom Furniture, take a look at this article.

Matching Collections:
Many La-Z-Boy lines include coordinating loveseats, accent chairs, and ottomans, allowing you to create a cohesive living room design.

Functionality and Features:
Both furniture types can include manual or power reclining, sofa beds, or adjustable headrests, giving you the flexibility to personalize your comfort.

Mini Summary:
Both sofas and sectionals deliver equal levels of comfort and quality. The main difference comes down to your space and how you want to use it. Sofas are best for smaller layouts, while sectionals suit large, social rooms.

How Sofas and Sectionals Differ

Understanding what sets sofas and sectionals apart will help you choose the right fit for your home.

1. Size and Layout

Sofas are ideal for smaller or symmetrical rooms, often serving as the main seating piece in apartments or cozy living rooms. They can be easily rearranged or paired with accent chairs.
Sectionals are larger and more modular, designed to define open spaces or family rooms. They create a single focal point that naturally draws people together.

2. Style and Mood

Sofas tend to feel formal and balanced, ideal for those who appreciate a timeless look. They fit well with classic, transitional, or minimalist decor styles.
Sectionals create a more casual and inviting environment, perfect for families or homeowners who value relaxation and togetherness.

3. Flexibility and Function

Sofas are lightweight and easy to move, which makes them practical for renters or frequent movers.
Sectionals are more permanent fixtures that offer versatility through multiple pieces, such as chaises, recliners, or storage consoles, that can be customized for your layout.

Expert Insight: “If you live in a smaller home or want flexibility, a sofa works beautifully,” says Mary Lee. “But for open-concept spaces or families who entertain, a sectional creates warmth and connection.”

Cost Comparison

At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston, prices vary depending on configuration, size, and materials.

Sofas generally range from $2,000 to $5,000 CAD, depending on design and upholstery.
Sectionals start around $4,000 CAD and can exceed $20,000 CAD, especially for leather or multi-piece configurations.

The higher cost of sectionals comes from their size, modular construction, and added customization options. While sofas are more affordable upfront, sectionals often provide more value for families seeking long-term comfort and versatility.

To learn more about the Cost of a Sofa or the Cost of a Sectional, take a look at these articles.

Sofa vs Sectional: Pros and Cons

Sofas:
Sofas are compact, easy to move, and suit both traditional and contemporary spaces. They are great for small rooms or homeowners who like to change their furniture layout. However, they seat fewer people and can feel less relaxed compared to sectionals.

Sectionals:
Sectionals provide maximum seating, a cozy feel, and a natural social hub for family and guests. The tradeoff is their size and cost because they take up more space and are harder to reposition once set up.

Who is Each Best For?

Your lifestyle and home layout are the biggest factors in determining which piece works best for you.

Sofas are best for:
Homeowners who prefer structure and flexibility. Sofas fit beautifully in small or medium living rooms, apartments, and condos. They are ideal for those who value simplicity, easy rearrangement, and a classic look.

Sectionals are best for:
Families or homeowners who love to entertain. Sectionals create a cozy, casual space that encourages conversation and togetherness. They work best in large, open living rooms where comfort and community matter most.

Expert Tip: “Sofas and sectionals serve different lifestyles,” says Mary Lee. “For couples or small homes, a sofa is perfect. For families and open spaces, a sectional is the heart of the room.”

Examples of Furniture Families at La-Z-Boy

Now that you’re familiar with the pros and cons of a sofa vs a sectional, here are some examples at La-Z-Boy…

1. Paxton Sofa & Sectional: Casual and relaxed with clean lines, deep cushions, and modular options like cuddlers and chaise seats. Learn more about the Paxton Sofa & Sectional with this article.
2. Meyer Sofa & Sectional: Comfortable with deep seat cushions, a wide stance, and modular pieces for customizable configurations. Learn more about the Meyer Sofa & Sectional with this article.
3. Trouper Sofa & Sectional: Reclining options with sculpted bucket seats and a unique faux leather finish, perfect for cozy family nights. Learn more about the Trouper Sofa & Sectional with this article.

What's Next?

Now that you understand the differences between sofas and sectionals, you can make a more informed decision. 

Visit La-Z-Boy's showrooms in Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston or schedule an online appointment. Our sales consultants are ready to help you with anything. Take advantage of our interior design services to see how a sofa or sectional can fit in your home. To get more comprehensive information about our La-Z-Boy Sofas or La-Z-Boy Sectionals, take a look at our buyer’s guides on these frames.

For more options, check out our best-selling sofas and sectionals:

• Top 5 Sofas at La-Z-Boy 
• Top 5 Sectionals at La-Z-Boy