The Best Sofa Sectionals

The Frame

• When looking for a quality sectional sofa, make sure it has a hardwood frame. Quality stores have what the industry calls a “cutaway” or floor sample where the inner frame of the upholstered furniture can be seen. Make sure there are strong corner supports. Sectional sofas seat quite a few people and need to be sturdy to withstand the weight. Sit on the sofa and gently push on the arms and back of the sofa to make sure they don’t rock or give to pressure.

Support Foundation

• The sofa foundation should be uniform in height as each section abuts the next. Quality sectional sofa support systems are made of tempered steel and hand-tied springs or coils. Overall resiliency is important to maintain even wear throughout each piece. Test the piece by pushing down on the springs beneath the seat cushions. You should not be able to feel the sofa springs beneath the covering material of a quality sectional sofa.

The Upholstery

• The fabric covering depends much on your taste, decor and usage. Quality fabrics have a tight, dense weave. Patterns should be laid evenly and match from piece to piece. The sectional pieces, while individual, should have the appearance of one unit, with no gaps in between. Leather is considered the best choice for sectionals. A quality leather sectional sofa can last a lifetime. Unzip the seat cushions to make sure the cushion material is wrapped in either polyester or down batting with a quality piece. This will ensure even wearing and avoid the cushion shifting beneath the upholstery. End arms of the sectional sofa should have thick padding. You should not be able to feel the wooden arm frame beneath. Check for finished edging, making sure the fabric ends don’t fray.

The Style

• The best style of sectional sofa is one that complements the overall style of the home and the accompanying furniture and decor in the room. Modern and contemporary style sectionals are low profile, sleek and streamlined, often featuring metal legs and upholstery in leather, microfiber, polyester blends, velvet and occasionally wool. Traditional sectionals are heavier bodied furniture, typically featuring wooden legs and sometimes polished wood panels on the arms. Nail head trim adds a look of sophistication. A wide range of fabrics include leather, suede, chenille, twill, tapestry, velvet and microfiber. Microfiber fabrics are good for pet owners, as the tightly woven synthetic fibers don't snag or tear easily from claws and are too tight for pet hair and dander to get caught in.