Sectional living room design
22 Sectional Living Room Ideas That Will Inspire You
By
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 10/07/22
Marisa Vitale for Amy Peltier
If your living room is large enough in size to accommodate a sectional, you're in luck! Sectionals are great for hosting guests for game nights and movie marathons, and they're super comfy to plop down and nap on, too. If you've been wondering just how exactly to station a sectional in your space, you'll want to keep reading. These 22 sectional setups are worth exploring as you consider sectional layout, color, size, and much more.
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Mix Furniture Shapes
Marisa Vitale for Amy Peltier
If your sectional has you not wanting to incorporate more rectangular-shaped furniture into the mix, a circular ottoman like this one is always an excellent way to shake things up.
It's sizable enough to accommodate several trays when entertaining but is also a comfy spot for people to put their feet up when watching TV!
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Ensure Your Coffee Table Is Substantial
Marisa Vitale for Amy Peltier
If you crave a rectangular coffee table, pick a piece that's long enough to accommodate the length of your sectional. This will look more visually appealing and come in handy when guests come by—there will be enough room for everyone to set down their drink, plate, or other personal items.
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Get Cozy in a Reading Nook
Sarah Szwajkos
Why not place a sectional in a petite reading nook? This setup is oh-so-snug and couldn't be more charming and welcoming. There's nothing better than kicking back and relaxing with a good book, so a situation like this one is perfect for people who just can't imagine sitting upright!
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Take in a Stunning View
Sarah Szwajkos
If your property has an amazing waterfront view, you'll of course want to position your sofa so that you can admire the lake or ocean outside.
This sectional is large enough to allow the whole family to do just that—and we bet it's a particularly popular place to sit come sunset. -
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Make Use of the Space Behind Your Sectional
Sarah Szwajkos for Jessie Tobias Design
Placing a console table behind a sectional is a great storage solution and will also add more personality to your space. Fill the table with some favorite coffee table books or potted plants.
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Fit a Sectional in a Tricky Corner
Julie Mannell for Kirsten Conner
A sectional is a perfect solution for a tricky corner like this one. Don't let your layout cramp your style if you want to be able to set a bunch of people; this room proves that a sectional can do no wrong.
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07 of 22
Bring on a Cozy, Vintage Atmosphere
Sarah Szwajkos for Margo Moore Interiors
Why not have a little fun with color? We see so many neutral sofas, but green is always a fun, bold option.
This green leather piece brings a major vintage atmosphere to the room and blends wonderfully with the exposed beams and wooden detailing in this cozy family space. -
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Tone Things Down Using Beige
James Peck for JF Gardemal Designs
If your living room walls are a bright color, consider going for a beige sectional to tone things down a bit. A sectional like this one can be an amazing blank canvas, given that it will match any shade of pillow or throw blanket. Don't be afraid to switch up these types of accents with the seasons.
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Make a Movie Room
Chad Mellon for Lindye Galloway
This movie room sectional is super spacious and makes us want to cancel all of our plans for a day of binging our favorite shows. If you love hosting friends for football games or reality show marathons, a setup like this one may be calling your name.
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Plop Down Plenty of Pillows
Kern & Co for Susan Spath Interior Design
Pillows add life to a sectional and you can never have too many! Whether you sew your own pillowcases or have a favorite department store brand, don't be shy about outfitting your sofa with cushions galore.
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Be Bold With Blue
Carina Skrobecki for Cohesively Curated
If you're looking for a way to make a major splash in the living room, a bold sofa is a way to go. Here, the walls and accent pieces are nice and neutral, which allows this sectional to really stand out and become the star of the show.
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Try Gray If You Can't Make White Work
Desiree Burns Interiors
Gray sofas are super popular and are perfect for the neutral lover who is worried about stains or wear and tear. While a white sofa may sound amazing in theory, it isn't very practical for every lifestyle, of course.
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Keep Scale Top of Mind
Desiree Burns Interiors
This sectional faces the joint fireplace/television area of the room and is an excellent scale for a larger living space. Keep in mind that bigger rooms call for bigger pieces of furniture; this is not the type of space for just a loveseat!
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Work Around Those Built-Ins
Mary Patton Design
If you have built-ins in your living room, you may need to get a bit creative with furniture arrangement.
Here, a sectional fits into this cozy space and invites guests to plop down and relax. -
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Try a Multicolor Approach
Mary Patton Design
Why not think outside the box with a multicolor sectional? This piece is so fun and features an unexpected pop of red. Artwork ties the color scheme together for a curated look.
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Love That Leather
Mary Patton Design
A leather sofa paired with a burlwood coffee table is such a handsome setup. These two timeless materials play so nicely together and are styled with modern accents, keeping this space from feeling at all dated.
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Go Geometric
Haylei Smith for Thomas Guy Interiors
It's the sectional sofa that never ends! Perfect for a basement or more laid back space, this geometric sectional offers seating facing all directions. We're sure kids will get a kick out of a piece like this one.
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Make It Black and White
Lifestyle Production Group for House of One
A plush white sofa goes glam with the addition of black and white pillows and some sleek sconces overhead.
This look is simple but super chic. -
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Pick Your Fave Aesthetic
Cathie Hong Interiors
There's truly a sectional for every interior style. This one features tapered mid-century modern style legs, but if your style is eclectic, traditional, or grand millennial, there's surely a sectional for you, too.
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Let Guests Crash
Alvin Wayne
This sectional is extremely long and features plenty of pillows, making it a viable guest bed option. If you frequently host but don't have a spare bedroom, a sectional can definitely double as a sleep space.
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Make It Serene
Alvin Wayne
Warm things up by placing a sheepskin throw on your sectional, no matter the season. The look is just so serene.
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Set Your Sectional Outdoors
Mary Beth Christopher
Sectionals are A-OK outdoors, too! Make your patio into a little oasis that you'll never want to leave during the warmer months.
Top off a sectional like this one with some fun indoor/outdoor pillows so that you and your guests will be nice and comfy while sipping cocktails outside.
How to Style a Sectional Sofa to Perfection
Sectionals are equal parts comfortable and versatile, allowing you to create the perfect sofa configuration for your unique living space and lifestyle. They’re also typically the biggest pieces of furniture in a room, so how you style yours can help to make or break your aesthetic.
Fortunately, these expert-informed tips make styling this comfy piece of furniture a breeze, helping you determine everything from the right colors and upholstery material to the perfect placement.
What Is a Sectional?
In a nutshell, sectional sofas consist of at least two sofa pieces, aka sections, that you can join together and use to create various configurations for your space. Below, professional interior designer and founder of Dōr Design House, Bri Ussery, shares easy tips for how to buy and style the perfect sectional sofa for your living space.
18 Sectional Living Room Ideas
1. Place it Against a Wall
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to have a huge living space to enjoy a new sectional. If you have a small living room, you can often get sectionals to fit beautifully with the right furniture arrangement and sectional shape.
“If your living room is small, choose a configuration that doesn't take up too much floor space,” advises Rohr. “A good option is to place the sectional against a wall to save space; L-shaped and U-shaped sectionals are ideal for this purpose.”
2. Pair with Statement Art
Statement art is typically bigger, bolder, and/or more vibrant than other art pieces, making it a great fit for the large footprint of many sectionals. Placing a compelling piece of art above your sofa will create a strong focal point while helping to solidify your living room design.
“You can choose a big statement art piece to elevate the sectional, or you can opt for an asymmetrical art display to help balance the room,” recommends Rohr. And when it comes to art and design, there are no wrong answers so, “don't be afraid to get creative with your styling; mix and match different shapes and sizes.”
3. Use Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are an easy way to add texture and color to your sectional. They’re also relatively inexpensive compared to many other home decor pieces, so you can swap them out for new ones when a new season (or design mood) strikes.
But you don’t have to take our word for it. According to design expert Swanzy, “It is an absolute must to fill up the sectionals with pillows because sectionals tend to have a deeper seat than normal couches.”
Karen Rohr also shared some tips for styling sectionals with pillows:
- Place a base pillow in each corner of the sectional and pair it with an accent pillow.
In the corner of the sectional, add some kind of interest with a pattern/texture pillow. - Play with the sizes; more oversized pillows should be placed in the back and the smaller ones placed in the front.
- Create layers in the corner with shorter pillows and maybe even some lumbars. This corner should have the most!
4. Add Some Leather
Burrow Nomad Sofa in LeatherReview: Check our Burrow Nomad review here
Leather upholstery never goes out of style, and it comes in nearly infinite colors, so you should have no trouble finding a leather sectional that perfectly aligns with your aesthetic.
High-quality leather sectionals are also highly resistant to peeling, sagging, and cracking. And cleaning them is often as easy as simply wiping them down. This means they tend to last longer than many other upholstery types, so it’s a great investment for your next living room makeover.
5. Float the Sectional
Credit: CutlerSchulzeIf you have an expansive living room you’re looking to fill or an awkwardly shaped living room, consider floating the sectional, aka placing the sectional at least a few feet from the wall.
“In large rooms, we like to float sectionals in the center to create a buffer,” said Cutler. “Almost like a room within a room.”
Floating it off the wall also means you can add furniture pieces behind it to optimize your style. “If you are floating a sectional, you might want to consider adding a low console or bookcase to the back. Doing so can create a more attractive presentation, especially as you enter the room,” recommends Cutler.
6. Go Grey
We love a bold statement couch as much as the next person, but some spaces call for a more subtle sectional, especially since these sofas are often the largest pieces of furniture in a room. Grey is an amazing sectional color because it won’t overwhelm your look.
Grey sofas serve as sophisticated yet neutral foundations that will complement all kinds of color schemes and interior designs. You can pile on colorful throw pillows and blankets to give it a bolder look or more neutral pieces in rich textures to give it an organic, textural feel.
7. Frame a Space
Credit: Darlene Halaby, Design by SKD Studios.Have an open floor plan? Sectionals are awesome when it comes to framing and defining uncertain spaces. “In a recent Newport Beach, California, project we used sectional couches to frame the living room from the dining room,” said Swanzy.
And you can use thoughtful styling elements to further define the space. For instance, if you want to turn your sectional frame into a cozy reading nook, you can take advice from Swanzy, who “added lamps in the corner of the sectional so our client could cuddle up and dive into a great book.”
8. Add a Rug
Speaking of defining spaces, placing a rug under your sectional is an easy way to do just that. Rugs also have a knack for making a room feel more complete, warm, and intentional. When pairing a sectional and a rug, you have a few options.
A popular option is to choose a small, vibrant rug that fits right in the middle of an L-shaped or U-shaped sectional.
This is a fun way to add colors and patterns to your look without taking up too much visual real estate. You can also purchase a very large neutral rug that sits under all of your sectional’s legs. Doing so will help make your living space feel warm, cozy, and welcoming.
9. Use a sectional to anchor your space
Credit: CutlerSchulzeA sectional’s large size allows it to anchor your entire design. You can use it to soldifiy an already well-honed aesthetic or as a stylistic reference point that can inspire the rest of your look.
For instance, if you have a minimalist style sensibility, then a sectional featuring a pared-back silhouette and long airy legs can help punctuate your look. And if you’re at a loss for how to design a space, consider investing in a sectional that already has a strong design point of view, such as a luxe velvet sofa, that you can use to inform your aesthetic.
10. Embrace Flexibility with a Modular Sectional
Inside Weather Modular Bondi SofaReview: Read our Bondi Modular Sofa review here
Modular sofas are customizable by design, allowing you to pick the perfect configuration for your space, whether you want an expansive U-shaped sectional or a smaller L-shaped couch.
But the right configuration for you largely depends on your existing space and lifestyle.
“No matter what arrangement you choose, make sure the sectional fits well with your space, and avoid compromising the good flow or closing too much of the area,” advises Rohr. For example, if you have a sectional in a living room that connects to the kitchen, you probably don’t want to configure your sectional in such a way that it blocks the path between these two rooms, since people naturally tend to flow to and from them.
11. Make a Statement
Looking for ways to make your living room makeover pop? Consider creating a statement-making focal point out of your sectional. You can easily do this by choosing upholstery in a bold color or vibrant pattern.
Or you can opt for a sectional in a more neutral color, such as beige or gray, then dress it up with all kinds of fun throw pillows and blankets. This option is perfect for anyone who wants to make a major style statement but isn’t keen on the idea of committing to a bold design style long-term.
12. Pair it with an Armchair
Interior Define Sloan Sectional with armchair.Sectionals basically epitomize cozy, so they’re a great match for armchairs, which also have a special ability to create a relaxing environment. Armchairs work particularly well for L-shape sectionals since they can turn the L into a U-shaped seating arrangment.
But you can also pair an armchair with a U-shaped sectional, transforming the U into a circle that serves as a welcome invitation to enjoy conversations with loved ones.
13. Create a Pit
Kova Pit Sofa.Review: Check out our review of the Kova Sofa here
If you really want to step up your relaxation game, consider creating a cozy pit out of your sectional. Pit sectional sofas feature at least two lines of seat cushions that are parallel and adjacent to each other as opposed to a single line of cushions.
The result is a bed-like appearance that will make movie nights that much more comfy and inviting.
And if you don’t want to commit to a 24/7 pit, you can invest in a large modular sectional that allows you to create the ideal arrangement for any given situation.
14. Add an Ottoman
A potential drawback of L-shaped sectionals is that there’s only room to put your feet up on one side. Fortunately, this is a super easy fix—all you have to do is place an ottoman on the other side to create a makeshift chaise lounge.
Not only will an ottoman increase the comfort factor of your sectional, but it also provides additional styling opportunities. You can incorporate an ottoman in a different style than your sectional to create compelling contrast, or you can match the ottoman to add cohesion to your look.
15. Embrace Beige
You can pretty much never go wrong with beige living room furniture. The timeless hue is at once neutral and sophisticated, and you can incorporate it into virtually any aesthetic, from minimalism to maximalism and everything in between.
A beige sectional will add warmth to your look while offering a blank canvas for your living room design You can pair it with funky side tables, colorful throw pillows, and a vibrant area rug to create an eclectic look. Or you can pile on other neutral colors and textiles for a soft, organic appearance.
16. Go Low-Profile
Few pieces of furniture are more inviting than a great low-profile sofa. Featuring low-slung backs and an often deep-seated design, low-profile sectionals are endlessly comfortable and relaxing.
Plus, they’re super on trend and come in a variety of different styles. You can opt for a low-profile sectional with soft rounded edges for an organic, cloud-like look. Or choose a sectional with sharper lines and airy legs for a more futurustic feel.
17. Pair it with a Circular Coffee Table
Have a small space that you want to makeover with a great sectional? Consider adding a circular coffee table to the mix. “A circular coffee table is perfect for small spaces.
It will fit in the small nook of the sectional, keeping circulation open,” advises Rohr.
But you can absolutely enjoy the benefits of a circular coffee table in larger spaces as well. Tucking it into your sectional’s nook means you’ll have even more room to play with other home decor elements and pieces of furniture.
18. Go Bold with a Chesterfield
Ms Chesterfield Sofa by Interior DefineWhat’s better than a classic Chesterfield sofa? A classic Chesterfield sectional! These pieces combine the ornate details for which Chesterfields are so beloved, like button tufts, with the comfort and flexibility of a gorgeous sectional.
Incorporating a Chesterfield sectional into your living room design also means you’ll have an instant statement piece around which you can create the rest of your style. These beauties are killer conversation pieces and can help elevate your design from good to unforgettable.
Modular sofa Mirage Giorgio Collection for living room
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Living room protagonist: sectional sofa Mirage by Giorgio Collection
Sectional sofa Mirage designed by Castello Lagravinese Studio for Giorgio Collection has captured the hearts of designers and customers from all over the world.
Let's find out what his secret is.
SOFA MIRAGE
Sectional sofa Mirage is designed to become the main character of any living room. The original C-shape adds dynamics to the interior and allows you to literally separate the soft zone in the living room from the rest of the space, emphasizing comfort and privacy.
For example, as in a penthouse in Hong Kong, where a semi-circular sofa Mirage zoned a cozy lounge area between the dining area and the living room.
Sofa Mirage is available in a choice of upholstery materials: premium leather, nubuck, lizard-embossed leather, velvet or suede. Color - any of the brand catalog Giorgio Collection . Light gray and cold blue are especially popular.
Finishes catalog Giorgio Collection
Sectional sofa Mirage
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Sectional sofa Mirage
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TRANSFORMATION POSSIBILITIES
Sectional sofa Mirage offers endless compositional solutions thanks to its unusual shape and complementary elements.
For large spaces, the C-shaped Mirage , consisting of four modules, is best suited. It creates a separate soft zone in the living room, combined with the dining room and kitchen.
Sectional sofa Mirage
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Mirage sectional sofa
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Mirage coffee table
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The three-module sofa Mirage features an arched shape with more dynamics.
Round table Mirage or pouffe, placed in the center of the soft zone, visually complement the centripetal movement and compensate for the incompleteness of the C-shaped line of the sofa.
Sectional sofa Mirage
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Mirage coffee table
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If you use two modules, you get a more compact arched sofa, optimal for small spaces.
Sectional sofa Mirage
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If, in the same configuration of Mirage , the side table that sets the symmetry is removed, the composition will be more linear and dynamic, like the one shown at the private exhibition at the Teatro Marcellus in Rome.
Sectional sofa Mirage
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COMPLEMENTARY ELEMENTS
The composition of the sectional sofa Mirage does not include tables or storage areas, however, the collection provides complementary elements that will make your rest even more comfortable:
1.
Cocktail side table in Madagascar Movinga with a polyester finish. Stainless steel leg in Black Nickel finish engraved with the 9 logo0009 Giorgio Collection . This element can be attached to a side module without an armrest, thereby balancing the overall composition, or to any other module. On the table it is convenient to arrange snacks or drinks, put the phone or put a book.
Mirage sectional sofa
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Mirage sectional sofa
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2. Side table that can be used instead of an armrest. You can put a Mirage table lamp on it to make reading your favorite books more comfortable.
Mirage sectional sofa
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Biblos table lamp
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3. Console, repeating the shape of the back of the sofa. This is a great place to display decor items, especially if the soft zone is located in the center of a spacious living room.
On the bottom shelf of the console you can store magazines, books and other things necessary for a pleasant pastime.
Sectional sofa Mirage
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Mirage sectional sofa
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Mirage sectional sofa
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Sofa Mirage , as well as other collections of current collections Giorgio Collection , can be seen in the brand's flagship showroom at Casa Ricca Expo . We have exclusively presented the super novelty Giorgio Collection – the Oasi outdoor collection.
Giorgio Collection is the first luxury brand to offer its customers a design concierge service. Using it, you get a full consultation on the configuration and selection, up to the recommended plan for arranging furniture for your project.
Address of the Giorgio Collection flagship showroom in Moscow: Frunzenskaya embankment, 30, building 19, pavilion No.
15.
Tel.: +7 495 665 81 19.
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Sectional sofa in contemporary interior design
Modular is the key to this message! All rooms in the selection of photos show designer sectional sofas. Having looked at our gallery, you will be convinced that such furniture will decorate any space.
Sleek and modern
Sectional sofas are practical, very suitable for corner arrangements, and allow for a significant increase in seating in the living room. From a variety of branded ranges, we chose to show the Flexform line with cushions in neutral tones.
White sectional sofas in the interior of the loft
Such furniture often emphasizes the power of straight lines, but it can, at times, demonstrate the effect of a smooth and dynamic curve. Curved leather sections are a great choice for modern white spaces with walls and windows.
Notice how the Arco floor lamp in the image below reflects the curved shape of the room's sofa.
(Photo courtesy of Jeff Jones Snap It Photography)
Curved Sections in Contemporary Living Room
Many of today's most popular compound sofas are covered in solid color fabric. The sample, in this case, goes well with art crafts, pillows and other decorative details.
Below we see the Cielo II composite sofa, a 2-section piece of furniture from CB2, consisting of a two-seater sofa without armrests and a chaise longue.
2-piece sofa in a contemporary eclectic space
The gallery wall is the backdrop for the next modern living room, featuring the Walton3 sectional sofa. This chic piece from West Elm is an L-shaped 3-section sofa. Thanks to its many cushions, no doubt an attractive addition. Drape the armrest with a wrap for a comfortable touch.
L-shaped sectional sofa by West Elm
Eclectic flair
Sectional sofas really thrive in modern eclectic spaces, especially when the furniture is draped with textural elements like pillows and fluffy bedspreads.
The modern look of many sectionals can be softened up with accessories such as a chic rug! In the following image, we see a 2 piece piece called District designed by Mermelada Estudio and available in CB2:
Gray sectional sofa in a modern eclectic space
Quilted Tillary, 8-section by West Elm, is the perfect addition to the stock style room pictured below. While the owners of the room may have gone to extremes with the industrial look in this space, a softer feel is achieved through the use of furniture – the quilted upholstery adds a graceful feminine touch to the decor.
Quilted sectional sofa in a warehouse style space
Sectionals in bright colors can serve as the focal point of a room, like CB2's Ditto Peacock Sectional below. Notice its blue accent in an eclectic space!
Quilted Sectional Peacock Blue by CB-2
The next room in our collection is filled with modern details, but plush blue sections add a soft touch, especially as this velvety texture beckons you and tries to turn you into an avid couch potato! (photo by Nanette Wong)
San Francisco apartment with plush blue sectional sofa
High style
Above, we saw how sectional sofas successfully fit into both trendy modern living rooms and fairly eclectic spaces.
