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nicoledowner

Sectional or Sofa and Love seat?

13 years ago
Can't decide between a sectional with chaise or separate love seat and sofa for a square shaped Great room. The picture below is from the model home where they have used a sectional. The left side of the photo is a half wall with pillars that divide the great room and dining room. I have never had a sectional before. I like the idea of a sectional for comfort but am concerned about covering up all our beautiful windows. Any suggestions either way?

Comments (16)

  • PRO
    13 years ago
    How do you feel about the way this model home is being set up with the sectional?
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Loveseats are rarely useful--they really only fit one person comfortably, yet they take up more space than a nice easy chair. So I'd choose either a small L shaped sectional or a sofa with two easy chairs for the most useful configuration.
  • 13 years ago
    I dislike the look of sofas that are higher than the windows which they are placed against. To my eye, two chairs by the window looks much less awkward and can be moved around easily to suit any conversational requirements.
  • 13 years ago
    Face two matching sections of "sofas"across from each other on either side of the fireplace. Pull the one under the window, away from the window a bit, before you do the spacing. Then place the chair and ottoman at an angle on the open end, facing the fireplace. There needs to be harmony with the color choices in the pillows, wallpaper and draperies. A richer tone, such as eggplant or even navy would be nice for a splash of real color, but even a charcoal gray would be a huge improvement. Tall lamps are in order, unlike the one pictured.
  • 13 years ago
    Did they really design the model like this?? the rug is on top of the fireplace...sofa on the open side of the fireplace and two chairs in the window I agree with Susan McKee on the rest
  • 13 years ago
    where is this sectional from?
  • 13 years ago
    Two sofas or a smaller sectional would be best.
  • 13 years ago
    I have always done traditional furniture layouts, but I too have been considering whether to do a sectional in our new family room. I love the idea of how much seating you get and the lounging potential, but they seem so contemporary to me. In your case, could you flip it so that you have a view out the window and then put a couple chairs (with table in between) with backs to window? Looks like you would be able to fit a chaise section in this way a bit better from the photo. Perhaps do a console table behind the section facing the window and this might also serve as another buffet/serving surface to the dining room behind. Definitely need a smaller rug and larger coffee table to get the scale in balance either way. I like the cushion layout and self cord which seem to make it a bit less contemporary in feel to me.
    If you do the same layout I believe you will need to pull it out and away from the window slightly--especially with a chaise end.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I always like the separate pieces, because then you have the option to rearrange later on. Sectionals make it harder to "update" the furniture arrangements--though the extra seating is nice!
  • 13 years ago
    I can't tell what is behind the 2 accent chairs, but I agree with the others that the sectional should be shorter. I would put the 2 accent chairs in front of the windows to enjoy the windows more, and have the sectional flipped to the wall where the accent chairs are now, and leave plenty of room at the end of the sectional to access the accent chairs by the windows :) Measure carefully! Sectionals can be unforgiving, as the pic demonstrates. They also look like an upgraded room when they are done right.
  • 13 years ago
    No sectional. Creates a visual barrier and impedes traffic flow. Two love seats might be better. Sightline to window should be clear.
  • 13 years ago
    We love ours !
  • 13 years ago
    The l ove seat and sofa would look better
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Don't be taken in by a "deal" on buying a sofa and love. Most designers here at Houzz find loves to be a problem when arranging. For seating two people, you'll get more design bang for your buck with a pair of good looking occasional or accent chairs. Unless you and hubby want a love/lounger for cuddling, I'd forgo the love seat option.
  • 13 years ago
    Thanks so much for all your helpful suggestion! I have decided against the sectional even though it looks so comfy! I really don't want to cover up my windows:)