Ideas for a Sectional Couch in the Living Room

Save Space

• While a sectional sofa can contain several substantial pieces, you can easily simplify its set-up and use it in a smaller living room or family room to save space. In most cases, a sectional sofa is set up in a L-shape, which allows you to place it in the corner of a room and free significant floor space in the room. Because it is longer than a traditional sofa, there is additional seating, so you may not have to add armchairs or other furniture items that take up space in the room either. When choosing a sectional for this purpose, look for a compact model that has clean lines so it doesn't look too bulky in your small space.

Split it Up

• While a sectional sofa is usually fitted together to provide a larger seating area, you can also split the pieces up if you prefer. By separating the end pieces from your sectional, you can create a lane that allows traffic to flow through the room more easily. Breaking up the sectional pieces also permits you to create multiple conversation areas for parties and other gatherings. This type of set-up works especially well if you have a larger room and are unsure how to create distinct areas within the space.

Use as Guest Bed

• If you entertain out-of-town visitors on a regular basis but don't have a guest room, it can be difficult to find room to accommodate your family and friends. Purchasing a sectional that has a sofa bed component is an ideal solution because it offers more versatility and space than a traditional sofa bed. The sofa component of the sectional usually opens into a full or queen bed, which is large enough to accommodate two guests. However, if your sectional has a love seat or chaise lounge component, it may be large enough to fit an additional sleeper. In the case of children, you may even be able to squeeze two into the space.

Add Special Features

• For a sectional sofa that you plan to put in a family room or home theater, look for special features that will make your family more comfortable as they enjoy movies, video games and other activities. You can find sectionals that come equipped with recliners, which can make watching television even more relaxing. Some sectionals also feature built-in cup holders so you don't have to worry about your kids spilling their drinks. In addition, you can opt for a sectional that has built-in storage, and use the space to store extra blankets, pillows or even your kids' toys, so your family room always looks neat and organized.