Sectionals 101

Split Decision: The Pros and Cons of Sectional Sofas

The experts at Couch.com tackle the great debate of the living room! Get ready to pick a side, and maybe a corner, in this battle of comfort and convenience!

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Left chaise vs right chaise?

Left or right, it's all about finding your comfy corner:

  • Orientation matters: A left chaise sectional means the chaise portion is on your left when facing the sofa, and vice versa for the right chaise. Think of it as choosing which side of the bed you prefer.
  • Room dynamics: Consider your room layout—doorways, windows, and other furniture. Opt for the chaise orientation that fits your space and flow best. It's like choreographing a living room dance routine.
  • Personal comfort: Your choice might depend on whether you're a lefty or a righty. It's like selecting the side of the curved sectional sofa where you'll cozy up with your snacks and Netflix.

Do I need a left or right-facing chaise?

The chaise direction is like choosing your favorite ice cream flavor—there's no wrong choice:

  • Room flow: Determine how you want the energy to flow in your space. A left-facing chaise might lead your gaze one way, while a right-facing chaise directs it another. It's like crafting a visual narrative with your chaise lounge couch.
  • Practicality: Consider which orientation aligns with your daily routines. Maybe you prefer the chaise on the side with the TV or the best natural light. It's like tailoring your sofa to your lifestyle.
  • Aesthetic appeal: Sometimes, it's all about aesthetics. The chaise direction can impact the overall look and balance of your room. Think of it as the cherry on top of your decor sundae.

What is the difference between left arm facing chaise and right arm facing chaise?

Left arm, right arm—here's the lowdown:

  • Arm orientation: The difference lies in which armrest of the sofa the chaise connects to. In a left arm facing chaise, the chaise is on your left when you face the sofa, and vice versa for a right arm facing chaise.
  • Visual perspective: It impacts the visual flow of your room. A left arm facing chaise may create a different visual dynamic compared to a right arm facing one. It's like choosing the angle for your Instagram-worthy room pics.
  • Functionality: Think about how you plan to use your chaise. The arm orientation can affect how you lounge, read, or binge-watch your favorite shows. Alas, way more fun than a plain ol' reclinable sofa!

What does a right arm facing sectional look like?

A right arm facing sectional is like a mirror image of its left arm facing counterpart:

  • Chaise placement: In a right arm facing sectional, the chaise is on your right when you face the sofa. It's like flipping a photo—it's the same scene but with everything shifted to the other side.
  • Room balance: Consider how the armrest placement balances your room's aesthetics and functionality. It's like the yin to the left arm facing yang in your design scheme.
  • Personal preference: Ultimately, it comes down to your preference and how you envision your space. It's like choosing between different flavors of tea—they're all delightful in their own way. Whether it's an upscale leather chaise lounge to a cheap sectional couch, the decision is yours!

Is the right hand or left hand chaise the same?

Left hand, right hand—similar but with a twist:

  • Opposite directions: While they share most features, the chaise portion's orientation differs. One's on the left if you're facing it, and the other's on the right if you're facing it, creating a mirror effect.
  • Choice matters: Depending on your room layout and personal preferences, one might suit your space better than the other. It's like deciding whether to take a right or left turn on your favorite hiking trail.
  • Design harmony: Consider how the chaise orientation complements your room's overall design. Moreover, it's like finding the missing puzzle piece that completes the picture of your Ikea sectional couch.

What is a right arm chaise sectional?

A right arm chaise sectional is a stylish seating option. It can be confusing because, in this case, the term arm refers to YOUR OWN ARM (and not the arm of the sectional).

  • Armrest orientation: On a right arm chaise sectional, the chaise is on your right when facing the sofa. The actual armrest is on the left. Confused yet? It's admittedly confusing because "left arm" and "right arm" refer to YOUR OWN ARM when you're facing the piece of furniture.
  • Room layout: Think about how this orientation fits into your room's layout. It can impact traffic flow and the overall vibe of your space. It's like arranging your furniture to create a harmonious living environment.
  • Cozy comfort: Consider how this configuration aligns with your comfort preferences. It's like finding the coziest nook in your favorite reading spot.

What is the difference between a left hand and right hand sofa?

Left hand, right hand sofas—it's a matter of orientation. The biggest thing to note is that when speaking about a singular piece (vs a multi-pc sectional) the armrest dictates whether something is a left hand facing or right hand facing sofa:

  • Arm placement: A left hand sofa has its armrest on the left side when facing it, and a right hand sofa has it on the right side. It's like choosing your dominant hand, but for furniture.
  • Room flow: Consider how the arm placement affects the flow of your room. It can impact the visual balance and functionality. It's like arranging the elements of a perfect symphony.
  • Personal comfort: Your choice might come down to your personal comfort and habits. So, it's like picking the perfect seat on a rollercoaster—everyone has their preferred spot.

What is the difference between chaise and sectional?

CARTOON L SHAPED SOFA

Chaise and sectional are like cousins in the furniture family:

  • Size and scope: Picture this: a chaise is like an extended lounge chair, perfect for those moments when you want to stretch out and relax. On the other hand, a sectional is the whole package - a grand seating arrangement consisting of multiple pieces, including a fabulous chaise.
  • Flexibility: While a chaise can certainly hold its own as an attention-grabbing piece of furniture, it also plays well with others. Imagine pairing it with a stylish sofa or some trendy chairs to create an ensemble that's bound to impress. However, if you're after the ultimate seating experience, a sectional is your knight in shining armor. With all its integrated components and clever design, it's the one-stop-shop for comfort and style.
  • Room fit: Tight on space, but still want to make a statement? The chaise is the space-saving winner you've been searching for. Also, it can fit into corners, nooks, or any cozy spot you have in mind. On the other hand, if you have a larger room and want to bring everything together in one swoop, a sectional is your secret weapon. And, it creates a unified seating area that screams sophistication. So, whether you're a chaise champion or a sectional enthusiast, there's no doubt that you'll find the perfect fit for your space!

What do you call a sofa with one arm?

Yes, the enigmatic sofa with a solitary arm. We've got the deets below:

  • Unilateral elegance: This intriguing piece of furniture goes by the name of a "One-arm sofa." It's like the James Bond of sofas, sleek and sophisticated with a touch of mystery.
  • The statement maker: It's also known as an "Armless sofa with an arm." This unique design choice adds a dash of flair to your living space, making a bold statement about your style and individuality.
  • The lone armrest: You can also refer to it as a "Sofa with a single armrest." Also, this unconventional configuration ensures you have a cozy spot to rest your weary arm, while leaving the other side open for endless possibilities.

How do I know if my couch is a left or right corner?

Determining if your couch has a left or right corner is a breeze:

  • Facing the couch: Stand in front of your couch, facing it.
  • Observing the chaise: If the chaise is on your left, it's a left corner. If it's on your right, it's a right corner.
  • Visual confirmation: Visualize how it fits into your room's layout, and you'll have a clear answer.

What is a cuddler on a sectional sofa?

A cuddler on a sectional sofa is like an invitation to cozy up:

  • Cozy corner: A cuddler is a generously sized, curved or angled seat that creates a snug, cuddle-friendly space. It's like having a dedicated nook for sharing warm moments. It's kind of like an angled chaise portion.
  • Comfort oasis: It's perfect for lounging with loved ones, reading a book, or simply stretching out. Think of it as the comfiest spot in your sectional—a true relaxation haven.
  • Family favorite: Families and those who love to entertain often adore cuddlers for their spacious and inviting design. It's like adding an extra sprinkle of warmth to your living room.

Now that we've demystified the world of chaise orientations, sofa arms, and cuddler comforts, you're ready to choose the perfect seating arrangement for your space. Lastly, whether it's left, right, or somewhere in between, it's all about finding your ideal seat at the furniture table.

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Alex Back
Couch.com CEO & Founder
Alex Back is the founder and CEO of Couch.com. Previously, he was the co-founder and COO of the popular furniture brand, Apt2B, which was acquired by a large US retail furniture chain in 2018. He worked to integrate Apt2B, one of the very first online furniture retailers on the Shopify platform, into the operations of the 100 year old larger business entity and was deeply immersed in the business operations of both online and brick and mortar retail for 4 years before leaving in 2023 to start Couch.com. Working in various parts of the furniture industry since 2004, he has 20 years experience in retail sales, e-commerce, marketing, operations, logistics and wholesale manufacturing and distribution. He has worked extensively with partners such as Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon and his work has been highlighted in many publications such as Forbes, CNN and HGTV, among others. Alex is delighted to bring his experience and authority on couches and the furniture industry to this platform, along with many of his industry colleagues who are helping him keep the Couch.com audience informed and engaged on a daily basis.
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