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Sofas and sectionals are popular choices for living room seating, but they differ significantly in size, shape, style, and functionality.
Mary Lee Smyth, an interior designer at La-Z-Boy Kingston, says, “Sofas are a more traditional and formal piece, while sectionals have only become a living room staple in recent years, making them more contemporary.”
But which is right for your space? Let's explore the differences to help you decide.
In This Article …
First and foremost, it is important to understand the true difference between a sofa and a sectional.
Sofa: A sofa is a long upholstered furniture piece with two or three cushions. Typically seating about three people, sofas are available in various styles, including stationary, reclining, power reclining, and sofa beds.
Sectional: A sectional is a versatile seating option that comes in different configurations, seating more than three people. It can be customized with various modular pieces like chaise lounges, sofa beds, recliners, and corner units, offering endless possibilities for large or small spaces.
While sofas and sectionals differ in design, their primary purpose is the same: to provide comfortable seating. Both are great for family-friendly environments and social gatherings. The main difference lies in their complexity—sofas are straightforward, while sectionals offer various shapes and configurations.
Sofas have a consistent shape—a straight line of cushions—while sectionals come in various shapes and configurations, such as L-shaped, U-shaped, or even curved designs. Sectionals can range from compact three-piece setups to expansive ten-piece configurations, allowing for tailored sizing to fit any room.
Sofas typically seat fewer people and encourage an upright seating position. In contrast, sectionals provide more seating and flexibility, allowing for lounging and varied seating positions. At La-Z-Boy, both options come with customizable features such as reclining mechanisms, power upgrades, adjustable headrests, and more.
Sofas are traditionally more formal and have evolved to include various styles like modern, transitional, and traditional. Sectionals, often seen as more casual and contemporary, can be customized to fit any decor style, from modern to traditional.
Generally, sectionals are more expensive than sofas due to their larger size and additional pieces. Even a small sectional at La-Z-Boy can cost over $2,000 more than a sofa, with prices reaching up to $20,000 depending on the configuration and customizations.
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Sofas |
Sectionals |
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Pros: Easier to move, takes up less space, less expensive. |
Pros: More social and casual seating experience, more seats, more versatility. |
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Cons: Fewer seats, less casual seating arrangement, less versatile. |
Cons: Covers more room, more difficult to move, more expensive. |
Now that you’re familiar with the pros and cons of a sofa vs a sectional, here are some examples at La-Z-Boy…
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.
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.
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.\
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 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: