Photo: crateandbarrel.com
Though studio apartments, lofts, and other small living spaces are abundant in urban areas, the trend toward smaller homes isn’t limited to just the city. As more people live in tighter quarters, the demand for small furniture has increased as well.
A sofa anchors a living space, whether indoors or outdoors, but choosing a model that’s suitable for a smaller home can be tricky. The search becomes even more difficult when shoppers are looking to maximize their seating options by choosing a sectional instead of a standard sofa. This article breaks down the types and features to look for when shopping for the best sectional couches for small spaces and discusses the key factors to consider when evaluating products. Use this guide for tips on choosing the ideal option, and explore our curated picks for small sectional sofas.
- BEST OVERALL: Wade Logan Adoram Reversible Sleeper Sofa and Chaise
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Andover Mills Campbelltown Reversible Sofa and Chaise
- UPGRADE PICK: Crate & Barrel Barrett II Reversible Sectional
- BEST MIDCENTURY: AllModern Luo 2-Piece Chaise Sectional
- BEST MODERN: West Elm Eddy Reversible Sectional
- BEST CLOUD: Crate & Barrel Plush 3-Piece Sectional
- BEST MODULAR: Mercury Row Roeder Modular Corner Sectional
- BEST SLEEPER: Mercury Row Anyan Linen Reversible Sleeper Sofa
- BEST COMPACT: Honbay Sectional Loveseat Sofa with Chaise
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Sectional for Small Spaces
Although it’s easy to assume that all sofas offer similar performance, several factors affect their functionality and impact whether they’re right for your home. We also reviewed the best couches overall, and this guide provides further details on how to choose the best option. Keep reading to learn about the important features to consider when choosing a sectional sofa for a small space.
Size and Seating Capacity
When beginning to shop for a sofa for a small space, the first thing to determine is how much space is available. Take measurements of the room and consider the layout to establish the ideal sofa size. Shoppers will want to take into consideration the other furniture that needs to fit in the space as well as the room required between the sofa and television or sofa and coffee table.
Sectional sofas that are intended for small spaces can still vary in size, with lengths ranging approximately from 80 to 100 inches. Shoppers will want to consider the seating capacity that is required for the household. Some ultracompact sectionals seat only two people, but others can seat up to six people.
Configuration
Sectional couches come in several different configurations. Below are some of the most popular:
- L-shaped sectionals are shaped like the letter “L.” They work well for small spaces because they can be placed in a corner.
- U-shaped sectionals tend to be large and aren’t typically recommended for small spaces. There are, however, some models that are designed to be ultracompact.
- Chaise sectionals look like standard sofas, but they feature a chaise on one side that’s comfortable for lounging. Some chaise sectionals are convertible, meaning the longer side can be placed on either the right-hand or left-hand side.
Upholstery
After establishing the size and configuration of the sectional that’s best for a particular space, it’s time to think about upholstery.
Before choosing a fabric, consumers will want to consider their lifestyles and whether they live with pets or young children. Fabrics with tighter weaves are generally more durable and are better for pet owners because they’re less likely to trap pet hair. Although natural fabrics may seem more appealing, they don’t hold up to everyday wear and tear as well as synthetic fabrics like microfiber and polyester.
Some sectionals come with removable slipcovers that can be either machine washed or dry cleaned, while others require professional upholstery cleaning.
Style
Because the sofa often acts as the visual centerpiece of a living space, its aesthetics are a key consideration. There are many sofa styles on the market, and the right one for shoppers will depend on their existing furniture, the style of their homes, and, of course, their personal tastes.
- Transitional-style sofas mix old and new, making for a classic option that provides a timeless look.
- Modern sofas look sleek and contemporary, and they are well suited to spaces featuring clean lines and minimalistic color schemes.
- Midcentury modern sectionals typically feature tapered wooden legs and evoke pieces from the 1950s and ’60s.
- Traditional sofas are often oversize and can include such features as rolled arms, making for an ultracozy look.
- Cloud sofas are plush and overstuffed, giving them a luxurious look that’s warm and inviting.
Our Top Picks
With all that we’ve just learned about sofas, it’s time to start shopping. The following are the top picks for the best sectionals for a small home.
Photo: wayfair.com
The Wade Logan Adoram sectional has a chaise-style design and is reversible for optimal versatility. It’s upholstered in polyester, which is durable and easy to maintain, and has a classic aesthetic that will suit almost any living space. The three-seater sofa converts into a full-size bed, making it particularly handy in smaller homes that lack a guest bedroom.
The sofa measures 90 inches long by 60 inches wide by 36.5 inches high when accounting for the length of the chaise. Because this is a compact sofa, it’s important to note that the seats aren’t very deep, measuring just 20.5 inches, which may impact the sofa’s comfort level.
Product Specs
- Seats: 3
- Length: 90 inches
- Fabric: Polyester
Pros
- Converts into a full-size sleeper
- Upholstered with durable polyester
- Features reversible chaise
Cons
- Shallow seats
- Only 1 color available
Get the Wade Logan sectional for small spaces on Wayfair.
Photo: wayfair.com
This small and affordable sectional has a unique convertible design and can be used as a sectional with a chaise or transformed into a standard three-seater sofa with an ottoman. The cushions have removable polyester-blend covers that can withstand plenty of wear and tear and are easy to clean. The upholstery is available in four colors: gray, light gray, bluish gray, and beige.
This sectional measures 77.6 inches long by 35.1 inches wide by 52.4 inches deep. Like many compact sofas, it has shallow seats, which measure 20.87 inches in depth.
Product Specs
- Seats: 3
- Length: 77.6 inches
- Fabric: Polyester blend
Pros
- Available in 4 colors
- Includes removable cushion covers
- Features convertible design
Cons
Get the Andover Mills sectional for small spaces on Wayfair.
Photo: crateandbarrel.com
Crate & Barrel is known for making high-quality furniture, and its Barrett II sectional for small spaces is no exception. This compact sectional can be upholstered in one of the brand’s 109 fabric options, making it completely customizable. It’s additionally sold in five configurations, either with a reversible chaise or as a four-seater L-shaped sofa.
The reversible version measures 91 inches long by 35.5 inches wide by 63.25 inches deep. The seat depth measures 20 inches. As with most higher-end sofas, the cushion covers of this model are not reversible, so although they can be spot cleaned with a mild detergent, they will require a professional upholstery cleaning service for more in-depth cleaning.
Product Specs
- Seats: 3 to 4
- Length: 91 inches
- Fabric: Varies
Pros
- Available in 5 configurations
- Includes 109 fabric options
- Features reversible chaise
Cons
- Shallow seats
- Cushion covers are not removable
Get the Crate & Barrel Barrett II sectional for small spaces at Crate & Barrel.
Photo: allmodern.com
Midcentury modern style may have originated decades ago, but it recently came back in vogue and doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. This sectional from AllModern perfectly fits the midcentury aesthetic, with tapered wooden legs and tufted seat cushions. It has an L-shaped design, and the chaise is reversible, adding additional flexibility.
Shoppers can choose from 10 color options—all made with velvet-style polyester—as well as two leg colors. The cushion covers are removable, so they can be washed. It includes two cylindrical throw pillows, which add to the retro appeal.
Product Specs
- Seats: 3
- Length: 84 inches
- Fabric: Velvet polyester
Pros
- Available in 10 colors
- Upholstered with durable polyester
- Seat cushion covers are removable
- Features reversible chaise
Cons
- Firm cushions may not appeal to all users
Get the AllModern sectional for small spaces on AllModern.
Photo: westelm.com
West Elm is one of the top sofa brands, and its Eddy Reversible Sectional has a sleek, tailored aesthetic with trestle-style legs that will lend a modern look to any space. The configuration can be switched from left to right because the chaise is reversible, and the sofa can also be rearranged to include a freestanding ottoman. This larger version of this sectional is 90 inches long by 33 inches wide by 62 inches deep, making it a great choice for those looking for a sofa with a lower profile. Unlike many compact sofas, this one features deep seat cushions, which each measure 23 inches from front to back.
Product Specs
- Seats: 3
- Length: 74 and 90 inches
- Fabric: Varies
Pros
- Includes deep seat cushions
- Many upholstery options available
- Features reversible chaise
Cons
Get the West Elm sectional for small spaces at West Elm.
Photo: crateandbarrel.com
Cloud sofas offer ultraplush seat cushions for a luxurious and inviting addition to any living space. This model from Crate & Barrel is a two-seater sectional with a chaise that measures 82.5 inches long, making it perfect for small spaces. The three-piece sectional includes two corner chairs and an ottoman and comes with four throw pillows for an even more comfortable seating experience.
One downside is that there’s only one upholstery option—an ivory-toned polyester blend—that may not be the ideal choice for households with shedding pets or young children. That said, the linenlike material is durable and stain-resistant.
Product Specs
- Seats: 2
- Length: 82.5 inches
- Fabric: Polyester, cotton
Pros
- Constructed with high-quality materials
- Includes 4 throw pillows
- Ottoman can be used on either side
Cons
- High price
- Available in only 1 color
Get the Crate & Barrel Plush sectional for small spaces at Crate & Barrel.
Photo: wayfair.com
Larger families or households that entertain frequently will appreciate the seating options offered by this sectional from Mercury Row. Though it is larger than the other options we recommend for small spaces, with a total length of 120 inches, it offers a significant amount of flexibility because of its modular design. It comes with four components—a chair, an ottoman, a corner chair, and an armless chair—that can be configured in a variety of ways to best suit the space.
It’s offered in up to nine colors (though availability may vary), all of which use durable polyester that’s easy to clean and maintain. The firm seating is comfortable and supportive and is crafted to avoid sagging over time.
Product Specs
- Seats: 5
- Length: 120 inches
- Fabric: Polyester
Pros
- Seats up to 5 people
- Upholstered with durable polyester
- Features a convertible design
Cons
- Large size compared to other compact sectionals
Get the Mercury Row Roeder sectional for small spaces on Wayfair.
Photo: wayfair.com
A sleeper sofa comes in handy in a small space, especially if a home isn’t large enough to accommodate a guest bedroom. This sleeper sectional from Mercury Row measures just 83 inches long and converts into a twin-size bed. It features blocky arms and short legs, making for a universally appealing style that will suit many decor schemes.
It’s important to note that this sofa is upholstered with a linen-blend fabric, which may feel more luxurious than synthetics such as polyester but will be more difficult to keep clean. The cushion covers are not removable, and the manufacturer recommends washing them with a gentle, water-based detergent.
Product Specs
- Seats: 3
- Length: 83 inches
- Fabric: Linen blend
Pros
- Converts into a twin sleeper
- Designed with a universally appealing aesthetic
- Features reversible chaise
Cons
- Limited color availability
- Cushion covers are not removable
Get the Mercury Row Anyan sectional for small spaces on Wayfair.
Photo: amazon.com
Two-seater sectionals may be rare on the market, but this ultracompact option is perfect for smaller households. It measures just 61 inches in length, making it ideal for those with very limited square footage with which to work. It includes a love seat as well as two ottomans that can be used independently or as chaises, allowing both users to be equally comfortable.
Its upholstery is polyester, making it easy to keep clean, and it is available in three colors: gray, blue, and bluish gray. The cushions are filled with high-density sponge, making for a comfortable and supportive user experience.
Product Specs
- Seats: 2
- Length: 61 inches
- Fabric: Polyester
Pros
- Ultracompact design
- Upholstered with durable polyester
- Features a convertible design
Cons
Get the Honbay sectional for small spaces on Amazon.
Our Verdict
After reviewing this guide, buyers now know more about shopping for a sectional sofa for their homes. We recommend the Wade Logan sectional for small spaces overall for its universally appealing design and reversibility. Those on a budget may appreciate the Andover Mills sectional for small spaces, which offers great performance at a lower price point.
How We Chose the Best Sectionals for Small Spaces
Years of experience covering home goods and furniture as well as extensive product research went into creating this guide. We explored more than 25 sectional options and weighed several practical considerations before making our recommendations.
Type: In an effort to provide a suitable array of options for different shoppers, we aimed to include sectionals of varying types and configurations in this guide.
Reviews: We relied on reviews to ensure that the products we recommend receive positive feedback from users.
Value: Sectional sofas range widely in price depending on their size, type, and the materials from which they’re constructed. We ensured that all the sofas we recommend offer excellent value regardless of price.
FAQs
Though you now know more about sectional sofas, you may still have questions about choosing and decorating with them. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about sectional couches.
Q. What is considered a small sectional?
Whereas standard sectionals measure between 94 and 170 inches long, a small sectional typically measures from 80 to 100 inches long and from 36 to 40 inches deep.
Q. How do I place a sectional in a small living room?
Take advantage of your available floor space by placing an L-shaped sectional in the corner where it will offer the best space efficiency.
Q. How high should my sectional be?
Small sectionals aren’t necessarily much shorter than an average sofa, which measures between 30 and 36 inches in height.
Q. How long will my sectional last?
Expect a high-quality sofa to last for between 7 and 15 years.
