How to Design Around a Sectional

Sectional sofas offer ample and comfortable seating in a living room or family room. Available in leather or upholstery fabrics and a variety of styles, these are a popular choice for casual living spaces. They can, however, be difficult to design a space around, as they do not lend themselves to traditionally styled furniture arrangements. Work with your sectional to create a comfortable, welcoming and functional family space.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Graph paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Colored pencils

How to Design Around a Sectional

1. Choose the right sectional sofa for your space. Look for a customizable sectional for the most versatility in your room. Select a sectional sofa that matches the size, scale and style of your living or family room.

2. Draw out the space on graph paper, working to scale. Include windows, doors, and any permanent fixtures in the space.

3. Sketch out and color each piece of your sectional sofa on a second sheet of graph paper. Do the same for any other furniture pieces that will be in the room with the sectional.

4. Arrange the paper furniture pieces on your room layout to determine where to place your sectional sofa. Create a focal point like a fireplace, media center or picture window and position the sectional to face this focal point.

5. Put your furniture, including the sectional, into position in your living or family room. Use your graph paper model to arrange your furniture and save time and effort.

6. Anchor your sectional furniture arrangement with an over-sized coffee table, ottoman or a large rug. Add color to a neutral-colored sectional with pillows, throws, artwork and home accessories. Use neutral colors to design around a sectional that is in a bold color like red or purple.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a modular sectional in a small space, consider eliminating one section or placing it elsewhere for a better fit and to make it easier to design around the sectional.

References

• HGTV.com Sectionals
• HomeFurnish.com Room Arrangements
• SectionalLivingRoomSets.com Choosing Sectionals