What Is a Sectional Couch? A Simple Guide

A sectional couch becomes easier to envision when you focus on how it will function in your everyday routine. Ask yourself what you want the room to feel like when everyone settles in [1]. Those details can guide your shopping choices.

How to Choose a Sectional That Fits Your Life

Sectional couches span a wide range of sizes and layouts, which makes shopping both exciting and tricky. Getting clear on your needs helps you navigate that variety.

Ask yourself:

• How many people does this couch need to seat most days, not just on holidays? [2] 
• Is this mainly for TV and lounging, or for conversation and hosting? [1]
• Does it share space with a dining table, desk, or play area? [3]

A household that watches movies together most nights might need deeper, lounge-friendly seating, while a space used for short visits and reading might do better with a more upright feel. Thinking this through first can narrow your choices long before you worry about exact dimensions or fabric colors. [2]

Room and Sectional Layout Basics

Once you know how you plan to use the sectional, it helps to consider how it will sit in the room. Sectionals take up more space than they appear to in photos, and the size can change how people move through the room.

Try this simple layout check [4]:

• Check that the sectional will leave enough open space around other furniture to keep movement comfortable
• Leave a small buffer between the sectional and the wall to prevent the room from feeling packed in
• Think about how the sectional will sit near pieces like coffee tables or side tables, since they work best when they’re within easy reach

Most people like to have about 30–36 inches [4] of room to pass by, set things down, or carry items through.

Comfort and Seating Needs in a Sectional Couch

Comfort is not just about softness; it’s about how well the sectional matches the way you sit. Two sectionals can look similar but feel very different.

Things to consider:

Body size and posture [5]

• Shorter seat depths suit people who prefer to sit upright
• Deeper seats work well for anyone who likes to lounge back or sit with their feet tucked up

Everyday habits [5]

• Down-wrapped cushions offer a soft, sink-in feel for longer relaxation
• Fiber-wrapped or inner-spring cushions provide more support and keep their shape with less maintenance

If you can try a few sectionals in person, sit the way you actually do at home. If you can’t, look for product descriptions and reviews that mention seat depth, firmness, and long-term comfort rather than just appearance.

Sectional Couch Shapes and Room Fit

Another way to imagine how to place a sectional into your room is to familiarize yourself with the different sectional shapes. 

Common options include:

• Three-piece Sectional: Not much larger than a loveseat, essentially a sofa and an extension [6]
• L-shaped Sectional: Helps create separation between shared spaces [7]
• U-shaped Sectional: Can create a lounge effect that is great for conversations or movie nights on [7] 
• Modular Sectional: Offers flexibility to change the layout in a variety of styles [8]

How to Shop Lease-to-Own Furniture

With Acima Leasing, shopping for furniture, like a sectional couch, with lease-to-own is convenient with your shopping habits: shopping online or in-store.

Here's how you get started:

• You can either find your furniture first or choose your retailer
• Then apply for a lease
• Acima Leasing provides quick application review decisions so you can see the status of your application
• With an approved lease application, you can be eligible for a lease of up to $5,000 in merchandise.
• Your lease renewal payments align with the payday information from your application

Apply today to see how you can find a sectional that fits the space you're looking to spuce up this season!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Apply For a Lease with Acima Leasing With Less-Than-Perfect Credit?

Yes! Your credit score may be received as part of our consumer report review. However, our lease application process uses additional information as consideration. All you need to apply is: 

• An active checking account with at least $750 of income per month 
• 3 months of income history with your current source of income 
• A government-issued photo ID and SSN or taxpayer identification number 

How Do I Make Lease Renewal Payments?

To make lease renewal payments, you can choose from multiple payment methods. 

• Automatically by ACH which processes from your bank account. 
• Credit, debit card or most pre-paid cards (Mastercard, Visa and Discover are accepted). 
• Via the mobile app, logging into your online account, or over the phone by calling customer service.  

What If I Need to Return My Items?

Things happen and unexpected situations change your circumstances. Contact our customer service team and we’ll work with you to help you find the best option. 

There are other scenarios as well that our team can help you with: 

• Your item arrives damaged 
• Your item is lost or stolen 
• The item you received is wrong 

The content of this article is provided solely for general interest and should not be relied upon or construed as any form of advice, whether legal, financial, or otherwise. Receipt or use of this information does not create any sort of relationship between us. 

Sources:

1. Better Homes & Gardens. Living room furniture arrangement.
2. Country Living. Types of sofas guide.
3. The New York Times. Living room design.
4. Homes & Gardens. Living room clearances, measurements, and spacing.
5. Houzz. Sofa secrets: Choosing seat depth and cushions.
6. Architectural Digest. Best sectional sofas.
7. Houzz. Sectional sofas for comfort and style.
8. Living Cozy. Modular sofas.