A sectional is often the biggest piece of furniture in a home, and the one your family uses every day. Buying the right one means more than picking a color you like. This guide covers everything we walk through with shoppers at our Corona, Queens showroom: what the sectional needs to do, how to measure, which shape and orientation to choose, how to judge comfort, fabric and construction, and how to budget for the whole living room.
Decide what the sectional has to do
Start with how you will use it. Is it the main spot for movie nights? Does the whole family need to sit together? Will guests sleep on it? Do kids and pets climb on it? A sectional for lounging needs deep seats and a chaise. A sectional for a busy family needs durable, easy-to-clean fabric. A sectional for a small apartment may need a compact shape or modular pieces that can move with you.
Measure before you fall in love
- Measure the length and width of the room, and mark the sectional's footprint on the floor with painter's tape.
- Leave about 30 inches for walkways and room for a coffee table in front.
- Check the distance to the TV so everyone can see the screen comfortably.
- Measure doorways, hallways, stairs and the elevator. Sectionals come in pieces, but each piece still has to fit. Read what furniture fits elevators before you buy for an apartment.
Pick the right shape
- L-shaped sectionals fit corners and most living rooms.
- U-shaped sectionals seat the most people but need a large room.
- Chaise sectionals add a spot to stretch out without taking as much space as a full L.
- Modular sectionals let you rearrange pieces as your space changes. See how to arrange modular sectionals.
- Reclining and sleeper sectionals add recliners or a pull-out bed.
Short on space? Compare sectionals for small spaces, or see whether a sofa vs sectional or a sectional vs loveseat setup works better for your room.
Left-facing or right-facing matters
Sectionals are labeled by which side the arm or chaise is on when you stand facing the sectional. A left-arm-facing (LAF) chaise is on your left as you face it, and a right-arm-facing (RAF) chaise is on your right. Look at your room's layout, the door, the windows and the TV before you choose, because the wrong orientation can block a walkway.
Comfort should match how you live
- Seat depth: about 21 to 22 inches suits people who sit upright, while 24 inches or more is better for lounging.
- Seat height: make sure it is easy to sit down and stand up, especially for older family members.
- Cushions: firmer foam keeps its shape longer, and softer blends feel plush but need more fluffing.
- Back style: loose back pillows are cozy, and fixed backs look neater and need less upkeep.
Sit on the sectional the way you will use it at home: lean back, put your feet up and try the corner seat.
Fabric, color and cleanup
Choose upholstery for real life, not just the showroom. Performance fabrics and microfiber resist stains and are easier to clean. Leather and faux leather wipe clean and suit homes with pets that do not scratch. Darker colors and subtle patterns hide everyday wear better than light solids. If you have kids, look for removable or washable cushion covers, and ask how to clean the fabric before delivery day.
Check the construction
- A solid hardwood or engineered wood frame resists wobbling and sagging.
- Good springs or webbing under the seats keep cushions from sinking.
- Strong connectors keep sections from sliding apart.
- Even stitching, tight upholstery and cushions that bounce back show care in the build.
Budget for the whole living room
Set a budget that includes the full purchase: the sectional, a coffee table, a rug and delivery. A cheaper sectional that wears out in two years costs more in the long run than a durable one. Living room sets can save money if you need several pieces at once. If spreading out the cost helps, ask about our No Credit Needed Financing with $0 down.
Online or in-store?
Shopping online is easy for comparing styles and prices, but comfort is personal. Sit on a few sectionals in person to learn which seat depth and cushion feel you like, then compare dimensions carefully before ordering. Ask whether the sectional ships in pieces and how it is assembled.
Delivery and timing
In-stock sectionals can be delivered the same day, and special orders take 2 to 3 weeks. We deliver up to 100 miles from our Corona showroom, including New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, and the fee depends on the distance. See our delivery page.
Frequently asked questions
What size sectional fits my living room?
Measure the room and leave about 30 inches for walkways plus space for a coffee table. Mark the footprint with tape on the floor to see how it fits before you buy.
How do I know if I need a left-facing or right-facing sectional?
Stand facing the sectional. If the chaise or arm is on your left, it is left-facing. Choose the side that keeps walkways and the view of the TV open.
What is the most durable sectional fabric for kids and pets?
Performance fabrics and microfiber resist stains and are easy to clean. Leather and faux leather wipe clean but can show scratches from pets.
Is a sectional better than a sofa and loveseat?
A sectional seats more people in one continuous piece and fits corners well. A sofa and loveseat are easier to rearrange and move.
Sit on Sectional Sofas in Person in Corona, Queens
Visit our showroom at 35-18 Junction Blvd in Corona, Queens, open Monday to Saturday from 10:30 AM to 8 PM and Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM, and compare our sectionals, sofas and loveseats side by side. Ask about No Credit Needed Financing and same-day delivery on in-stock pieces. Get directions on Google Maps or call (347) 808-0303. Hablamos español.