Sectional-sofa-living-room-ideas-with-an eclectic style
Decorilla sectional living room design

Sectional sofas have been popular since their introduction to living rooms decades ago. They are so loved, in fact, that their designs haven’t changed much over the years. That said, new shapes and materials emerge while keeping to their comfort. But which is best for your home? Read on for sectional living room ideas to try out! 

Stylish Sectional Sofa Living Room Ideas

Sectional living room ideas - Arlen A
Sectional living room ideas by Decorilla designer, Arlen A.

Sectionals are fantastic for hosting guests or kicking your feet up. Yet despite their flexibility, it can be tricky to picture the perfect sectional sofa for your bespoke living room. That’s because there are many different layouts, sizes, and colors to consider when looking for the best fit. 

Pro Tip: Choose a sectional sofa that matches your design style. Not sure what that is? Take our interior design style quiz to discover your unique decorating style! 

1. Mix Sofa Shape & Sectional Ideas

Sectional sofa in a living room layout ideas
Living room designs with unique sectionals by Decorilla

Think of the sofa’s configuration when looking for the best living room layout with a sectional. There are many variations that would suit a living room design. These include L-shaped, U-shaped, and even circular sectionals. Some of the best sectional sofas also have an extra piece that can double as a footstool or coffee table or enlarge the seating area. The latter also perfectly fits in with family room sectional ideas.

2. Add Leather for Contrast

Sectional living room ideas in leather
Living room layout with a leather sectional by Decorilla

Consider combining textures with your sectional living room ideas. Smooth or coarse, the sofa’s material has an impact. Leather, vegan or otherwise, tends to make quite a statement. This is especially true when contrasted with a rough linen throw and knitted pillows. The combination of a smooth sectional couch and shaggy living room decor ideas is good for the senses – touch and sight in particular. It also helps bring more visual depth to large living room layouts.

3. Pile on Plush Pillows

Living room design with a sectional - sectional living room design ideas
Decorating with a sectional result by Decorilla

It’s important to include accents in your sectional couch and living room ideas. Besides a soft blanket or two, throw pillows are perfect for setting the tone. Moreover, it’s easy to incorporate patterns with pillows. They certainly add personality and coziness. Add a few Scandi-style monochromatic ones for a minimalist look or vibrant hues with bold patterns for eclectic or bohemian flair. 

4. Gear Up For Guests

Sectional sofa layout ideas - Jillian Z
Neat sectional sofa layout ideas by Decorilla designer, Jillian Z.

A living room set up with a sectional can also double as a viable overnight option for guests. That is if your sofa is long and wide enough to provide a comfortable alternative to a bed. Pop a pedestal nearby and ensure your guest has plenty of plush pillows and bedding to feel at ease during their stay. 

Sectionals in a Small Living Room: Ideas for Chic Comfort

Sectional in a small living room with colorful pillows
Sectional ideas in a small living room by Decorilla

You don’t need to downsize furniture in a small space, but you need to prioritize and adjust your layout to fit your room. For instance, if you want an ample-sized sectional in a small living room, pick one with a slim profile and exposed legs. This paired with a coffee table is often the most practical and pleasing. 

5. No More Snug Corner Placement

Blue sectional sofa ideas for a small room
Sectional in a small living room by Decorilla designer, Caity H.

An L-shaped sectional in a small living room is best in the corner facing the open area. However, instead of completely tucking it into a nook, leave some breathing room next to its sides and from the wall. It’ll leave the room feeling a little more spacious.

If you have a combined living and dining area, this layout idea will ensure a free flow between the sectional and furniture as well as from one zone to the next. It also opens the possibility of adding additional seating, like a statement accent chair or compact ottoman.  

6. Float Sectional Living Room Ideas

Modern sectional sofa living room ideas
Living room layout setup with a sectional by Decorilla

Positioning your sectional in the middle of a room can act as an anchor. Not only does this create a focal point, but it also brings a sense of spaciousness. So, opt for a minimal setup and avoid enclosing your sectional with other pieces of furniture. Keep an open concept and natural flow instead. 

7. Appreciate the View with Your Sectional Layout 

Sectional living room ideas for a mid century modern style
Living room layout with a sectional by Decorilla

Maximize your view and natural light with great furniture placement. You can do this by opting for sectional living room ideas that place the sofa opposite the window. In this way, you’ll have full access to your outside view. Plus it ensures the window is unobscured, making the most of incoming sunlight.  

8. Divide an Open Concept Floor Plan 

Sectional in a small living room with a neutral color scheme
Living room design with a sectional by Decorilla designer, Jacqueline H.

A sofa can be useful in more ways than one. In fact, you can divide your small living room layout with a sectional – even better when it’s modular too. For example, if your house is open plan, use the sofa to divide the space between your lounge and kitchen. With its back to the kitchen, you create a clear distinction. While, the other way around, you’ll encourage an open flow. 

Living Room Ideas with a Sectional and a Fireplace

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Contemporary sectional living room ideas by Decorilla

A fireplace is often a beautiful focal point and, luckily, you can enhance this feature with clever placement. Living room ideas with sectionals and a fireplace often balance both. The trick is to ensure an equal amount of visual weight on either side of your layout.   

9. Split the Sofa for Double Impact

living room ideas with sectionals and fireplace
Formal living room layout with a sectional by Decorilla

Separating a modular sectional sofa into two is among the most practical sectional layout ideas. It also brings a more formal, symmetric look. Position your sectional pieces on either side of the fireplace, to face each other. In addition to this setup, you can place a coffee table in the middle. With seating facing each other, the layout allows for conversation to flow while enjoying the fireplace.

10. Highlight the Fire

Sectional lviing room ideas with a modern style and fireplace
Family room sectional ideas by Decorilla designer, Darya N.

Form a U-shaped living room layout with a sectional to emphasize the fireplace. Place the long middle seating opposite the fireplace, while the joining sides form the arms of the arrangement. If additional space allows, try placing a pair of armchairs at the end of the shorter arms for more seating options. 

11. Hug the Fire with Sectional Sofa Layout Ideas

Sectional in a living room ideas with a fireplace
Sectional living room ideas with a fireplace by Decorilla

You can also soften the effect of the fireplace by not having it as the main focal point. Instead, create an open, asymmetric layout with an L-shaped sectional. While still facing the fireplace, additional seating gently encloses the space. You can place two small stools in front of the fireplace to provide seating without covering the area. An accent chair or two can also benefit this configuration. 

12. Surround a Fireplace in Symmetry

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Decorating around a fireplace with a sectional by Decorilla designer, Sharene M.

The best sectional sofa ideas encourage visual balance in a room. And thanks to a fireplace, this is easily achievable. With a coffee table as your center, a sizeable rug underneath to anchor it, and decorating with a sectional, the living room is immediately balanced. To achieve perfect symmetry try various layouts with furnishings flanking each side of your sofa. 

Do you need help with sectional living room ideas?

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