My personal opinion is to stay away from sectionals. They take up a great deal of space and you're often limited to where they can be positioned in a room. In other words you can't move them around or move them to another room. It is very difficult to decorate around when you want add other furniture pieces and accessories. It is like the big elephant in the room taking up all the space and you can't move it out of the way.

I love sectionals and have had two in the past 10 years. The one I'm currently using consists of 5 separate pieces that hook together and can be used separately. Right now I have 2 pieces being used as armchairs (armless) and the other 3 pieces make up a sofa with a chaise end. What I like about them is the closeness you get with your family, they invite you to "cocoon" and put your feet up.

I love a big sectional in a tv watching room. But in a move formal/conversational space, I prefer a sofa and chairs.

I agree with Brenda.

I'm not a fan, they might be great if you have kids but it seems every time I've been at a gathering and there was a sectional the adults can't quite figure out where to sit to be comfortable in having a conversation, it always appears awkward, but maybe I just have awkward friends! I think if you could find a sectional that has the large ottoman attached where you can move it from one side to the other that might be your compromise. Then if it doesn't work out as a chaise section, you could use the ottoman section as a large coffee table.

What did you decide to do David?

No they are not outdated. And makes for a interesting room. Just not to big. Think scale of room. Don't go dark. The one you posted is nice. With the lighter seats. I like it. Then add area rugs and pillows to bring it too life. Pick accent color and use around room in small amounts. Don't forget windows. Use a round ottoman or wood coffee table. 24" should work.

I like sectionals. But I agree with Rosemary and I don't think I'd choose one with a chaise built in. The chaise takes up a lot of space and is often fixed. I would prefer a movable ottoman.

Is this going in a family room for TV watching? Then it's fine. If a formal living room not so much.

It really depends on your own situation. If you are planning on moving in the next say 5 years then do not get sectional. If you are going to stay in this house for a while and the sectional fits the room perfectly then go for it. The problem lies in moving to a new house and then BAM that right chaise sectional is just wrong for the new space, and it can get expensive to keep buying new sectionals for each house. Personally I have a mid brown "cowboy" leather sectional in the "man cave" downstairs with the big screen, and a lovely mid gray fabric sofa with 2 patterned wing back chairs in the "great room" upstairs. Both fit the rooms well and are comfortable. The couch and 2 chairs upstairs are more flexible and I have added side chairs and ottomans to seat 14 comfortably, (16 if close) for a party without the room seeming over-filled with furniture. But the man cave is static and nothing can move, because the sectional can only fit it one way, so it is the way it will always be. Which can be comforting in a cave. LOL.