• Home
  • Meet Kelly
  • My House
  • Contact

Kelly Elko

Love where you live - inspired decorating ideas

  • Eclectic Homes
  • Projects
    • My Projects
    • FREE Printables
    • Garden
    • Recipes
    • Tips & Tricks
    • Organization
  • Decorate
    • My House
    • Decorating
    • Outdoors
    • Christmas
    • Fall
    • Summer
    • Spring
    • Tablescapes
  • Life
    • Travel
    • Musings
  • Shop

My New Sectional Sofa and Buying Tips

February 28, 2017  Decorating | Tips & Tricks | Uncategorized

Sectional Sofa Buying Guide - all your questions answered so you get the sofa that is right for your space kellyelko.com

After 13 years, countless movie nights, lots of wear and tear from two kids and our dog, it’s finally time to get a new sofa! Out with the hulking monsters with rolled arms that took up way too much space and made the room feel cluttered instead of cozy.

In with (cue the choir) …

my new sectional sofa!

post contains affiliate links

I hemmed and hawed, scoured the internet, did lots of research and finally narrowed it down to this sofa from West Elm.

I absolutely love the way the lower profile makes the space feel enormous, the depth makes it perfect for lounging or napping, the loose pillow backs gives it the casual look I was after and I love the metal legs. Don’t miss the pros and cons of the sofa at the end of this post.

One huge mistake was averted before I ordered thankfully so I’m passing along my sectional sofa buying tips so you can get it right.

Make sure to read my Tips for Buying a Sofa Online to take the fear out of making such a large purchase sight unseen!

Love this modern sofa with a mix of textiles - Mexican blanket, Moroccan and kilim piillows kellyelko.com

SECTIONAL SOFA BUYING GUIDE

SHAPE

There are three basic types of sectionals …

L Shape Sofas (what I have) – These often come in three to five pieces (mine has two one-arm sofas on either end with a corner piece).

U Shaped Sofas – These wrap around in the shape of a U. They take up more space but are great for conversation.

The white sofa below is a U with a chaise on one end while the gray sofa on the right is a U with arms on both sides.

White sectional sofa kellyelko.com U shaped sectional sofa kellyelko.com

Curved Sofas – These can have only a rounded corner piece like the gray tufted sofa below or or the entire sectional can be curved like this beige sofa.

Curved sectional sofa kellyelko.com Curved sectional sofa kellyelko.com

STATIONARY VS MODULAR

Stationary sectionals are the most common (what I have).  They are designed for one shape only (instead of mix and match like modular sectionals).

Modular sectionals can be arranged in a variety of different ways (may be best if you move often or need more flexibility with room arrangements). Some pieces can also be stand alone (armless chairs).

No matter the type, the better sectionals lock or connect the pieces together so they stay in place. I think this is important, otherwise the sofa pieces will slide out of place, especially on bare wood.

ARMS – so important

This is the big mistake I almost made!

Right arm facing (RAF) means that when you are standing and looking at the section, the arm is on your right. “Left arm facing” (LAF) means that when you are standing and looking at the section, the arm is on your left. You will be joining two or more sections together so it’s so important that you get this right, otherwise, the sectional may not work in your room!

My LAF is longer than my RAF so if I had reversed them, it would not have fit in my room!

Looking at the sofa below – this piece is a RAF (right arm facing).

PILLOW BACK VS TIGHT BACK

This is personal preference. I like the fact that pillow backs can be fluffed and turned to keep their shape but the look is definitely more casual than a tight back with no loose pillows. The pillows on my sofa are nice and firm which means they hold their shape nicely which I love.

FABRIC

If possible, order swatches since colors and texture can vary depending on your computer monitor. I ordered a quick order fabric and the sofa was delivered in just a few days!

If you have small kids and pets, you may want something durable and easy to clean. If your sofa is going in a more formal area, you may want something like linen or velvet.

My Sofa – Takeaways

We were used to the higher back so this took some getting used to but we all love it! It definitely opens up the room and we love the corner section (we all fight over it).

The fabric started to pill after one month – not happy. West Elm told me that is a natural occurrence in some fabrics and not a defect. I’ve been using a fabric shaver to get rid of all the pills to keep it looking like new.

Love this cozy sectional sofa with lots of fun color and texture kellyelko.com

Next Steps …

I have plans for this room including a fun gallery wall around the tv, a makeover for the ottoman, a rug to warm up the hardwood floors and a new chair.

While I’m planning all of that, you can find me nestled in the corner of my sectional!

Let me know if you have any questions or have any tips to add.

Sources:
Sectional Sofa
Blue Mexican Blanket
Moroccan Pillows, Moroccan Metal Side Table, Blue Planter – HomeGoods
Apple Art 

Sectional Sofa Buying Guide - all your questions answered so you get the right sofa for your space kellyelko.com

Sign up to get Kelly Elko's latest posts delivered right to your inbox
Your information will never be shared or sold to a 3rd party.

Share this Post!

29 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
« Previous: Eclectic Home Tour – Maggie Overby Studios
Next: Something Old, Something New and Blue in the Bedroom »

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Debra

    February 28, 2017 at 6:15 am

    Yikes! I would do major battle with West Elm over that pilling! I love the silouette of that sofa in your room. And if you ever want to get rid of your framed apple fabric, email me! My kitchen needs it!

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      February 28, 2017 at 9:13 am

      I tried Debra! Isn’t that apple fun – just a piece of framed fabric!

      Reply
  2. mary beth at MBZ interiors

    February 28, 2017 at 6:32 am

    Really nice Kelly, that is so my personal preference style sofa. I love it!

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      February 28, 2017 at 9:13 am

      Thanks Mary Beth – they are so comfy!

      Reply
  3. Cassie Bustamante

    February 28, 2017 at 9:06 am

    it looks soooo good! totally opens the space and updates it. love your pillow mix, too!

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      February 28, 2017 at 9:12 am

      thanks Cassie!

      Reply
  4. Rhonda Mancini

    February 28, 2017 at 10:52 am

    Love the look. Let us know about the ” pilling” and if it hold up. I need a love seat and have been scared to order on line. ?

    Reply
  5. Christine Vandormolen

    February 28, 2017 at 11:49 am

    LOVE those Moroccan touches and the couch is beautiful !!!

    Reply
  6. Ivory

    February 28, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    Wow, I love these sofas. Nice choices! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  7. Marlene Stephenson

    February 28, 2017 at 4:30 pm

    You have a beautiful new sectional and it is just my style. Know you will enjoy it . Thanks for the tips will come in handy when i get one in a couple of years.

    Reply
  8. Shirley @Housepitality Designs

    February 28, 2017 at 7:54 pm

    Love, love your new sofa Kelly!….Perfect for your home. Just love the style of it…it’s You!

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      March 3, 2017 at 8:35 am

      Thanks Shirley – I’m just happy that the whole family approves (even Sushi)!

      Reply
  9. [email protected]

    February 28, 2017 at 8:31 pm

    Kelly, your sofa is really gorgeous and looks perfect in the space. thanks so much for sharing your tips with us, sounds like it might be a little more difficult than most of us might have thought about!

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      March 3, 2017 at 8:34 am

      Thanks so much Debra – I’m glad I ordered the right pieces!

      Reply
  10. Becca

    March 1, 2017 at 9:43 am

    Perfect choice! I see lots of comfy family movie nights in your future!

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      March 3, 2017 at 8:34 am

      Join us anytime for a movie (with a cocktail of course)!

      Reply
  11. Joseph

    July 2, 2017 at 9:32 pm

    I would like more info on what to look for.
    What fabrics to avoid and why.

    What frame materials or types are good and what to avoid.

    Reply
  12. Batbara

    February 17, 2018 at 8:57 am

    Love this sectional and I’m seriously thinking about it. How is your fabric holding up now?? Still peeling? Do you find it sturdy enough with those thin metal legs?!

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      February 17, 2018 at 9:11 am

      Funny because I was going to write a post about the sofa and how it’s been holding up after a year. I love the sofa but it does pill. I depill it every so often. It’s very comfy and I flip the back cushions around to keep them looking good. The metal legs are fine. Hope that helps – you can see all the pieces to the sofa (you can do so many configurations) here: http://rstyle.me/n/cgg4h9x9yw

      Reply
      • Buss Hospitality & Design

        October 15, 2018 at 2:33 pm

        I have actually had that experience with the bedding from West Elm. I am sorry you have pilling–I recommend to my clients a high double rub and Crypton technology if possible.

        Reply
  13. Ivette

    October 7, 2018 at 5:14 pm

    Awesome tips. Thank you for posting and sharing such insights. Wonderful tool.

    Reply
  14. Michelle Catapang

    May 22, 2019 at 10:20 pm

    This is very nice and stylish! Thank you for sharing your preference and tips!

    Reply
    • Kelly Elko

      May 26, 2019 at 7:58 pm

      Glad you enjoyed my sofa buying tips!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Something Old, Something New and Blue in the Bedroom - Kelly Elko says:
    March 8, 2017 at 5:09 pm

    […] Saving Tip: When I bought my sectional sofa (read all about it here), I opened up a credit card account and earned a credit back with my purchase – which I used […]

    Reply

KELLY

About / Contact / Press
facebook twitter instagram google pinterest snapchat

Join me as I decorate my 100 year old home, scour thrift stores, create pretty things, putter in my peony and hydrangea filled garden, and mix up a mean cocktail all with a touch of sarcasm and a side of bacon - Cheers!



More About Kelly

Love where you live by mixing high and low, new and old to create a home that shows off your personality. My mantra ... simple projects equals more time for cocktails!
Subscribe for Email Updates:

Get in Touch

facebook twitter instagram google pinterest snapchat

I'd love to hear from you:
[email protected]

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · KellyElko All rights reserved. Site by WordPress Barista

Copyright © 2023 · KellyElko - 2016 on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Sign up to get Kelly Elko's latest posts delivered right to your inbox
Your information will never be shared or sold to a 3rd party.
29 shares