I will just give you my advice on sectionals IMO they are the most expensive way to buy the least number of comfy seats > Arm rests = comfort so no matter how big the sectional there are only 2 peoppe with an arm rest all the rest are sitting in that dreaded middle cushion on a sofa . So I like a sofa and 2 chairsfor good comfort for 4 and 5 in a pinch. That also allows for different placement of pieces either just for a change or in the next house you own. As for quality I am not familiar with either but Macy's has a good reputation so if those are the 2 choices i would go with the one from Macy's

Thank you! My husband is leaning to a sofa and loveseat as we would need a small sectional and he’s not big on the corner piece for the reasons you stated.

@alaninette thank you! So good to know? Do you have any pets? We have 2 cats so we’re trying to figure out what fabric is best. Do you remember which fabric you have?

So, did you find that the sectional was annoying to deal with? We currently have a sofa and loveseat so we’re torn if we should still do that layout. Our living room is really odd 18x13 so thought the sectional would be a space saver.

Our fabric was a smooth microfiber in a light blue, so not the same they offer now. We do not have any pets, just 3 human animals 3-9 :)

So generally no adult wants to sit in the armless areas. When it’s just me, I try to sit on either end so I can drink my coffee next to a side table. I sometimes sit in the corner so I can stretch my legs out. Now our girls will happily sit in the middle sections and obviously having the room to lie down for movies is great.

I wouldn’t say the middle sections “annoy” me as we’ve been quite happy with the Radley this entire time. But now that we’re ready to replace I’m going with two sofas to “optimize” the seating options for more armed seating, if that makes sense.

One thing to note is that our family room is the only sitting/living room on our main floor so it has to be used for both conversational entertaining (sitting upright) and lounging. If you’re shopping for a room that can function only as a movie/lounge space, then go for a sectional. If your room is dual purpose like mine, then consider two sofas.

@alanalinette yes- our space is the same. It’s the main living space so that makes sense. Thank you for sharing your experience. Would you say microfiber is close to a velvet? Does it tend to wrinkle? We’ve had leather for 20 years so it’s been a while since all those fabrics have become popular

No the microfiber that we have is smooth, not textured at all like velvet. The fabric macys has now appears to be more like a chenille. Our fabric sort of wrinkles but it’s not bad. I didn’t really notice until you asked. 😀

I’m considering velvet now and one of the reviews I’ve seen mentioned that cats don’t scratch velvet because their claws can’t grab onto the fibers like they can with a more woven fabric. Take that with a grain of salt from the cat-less lady but thought it was notable.

Ha! Okay-that makes sense. I know it’s prob the best for cats as is microfiber/suede like fabrics. My husband doesn’t like the all one color fabrics and likes a bit of variation. Only problem is that usually means a more woven fabric. It’s been tough to decide! Thank you again for your help. Really appreciate it.

We've had the 5 piece Radley since 2014 and like alanalinette stated it's held up beautifully. We have three teenagers and usually a few extras covering the sectional. They spread out and fill up all the seats. When it's just my husband and me, we each gravitate to the ends with arm rests. It suited us well for 7+ years but now we're thinking of updating. I really am not sure which direction we will go due to the configuration of our family room. Best of luck finding the best option for your family.

@larkspurproject THANK YOU! So good to know. We’re going tomorrow to purchase and thinking we may just go with the sofa/loveseat option again for the reasons all of you have stated. Just wish they had an 80” instead of 86”- we need all the space we can get in our living room.