The Best Sectional Sofas to Comfortably Fit Your Entire Family (2024)

SHOP ALL POTTERY BARN PEARCE SECTIONALS

Pottery Barn sofas received rave reviews from our tester panel, with many saying they were comfortable while staying in great condition year after year. This Pearce collection in particular has a medium feel and is described by the brand as "supportive yet sink-in soft," making it the goldilocks of sectionals with a not-too-plush yet not-too-hard feel.

It also has tons of customization options, including the size and shape of the sectional, arm type (roll or square), chaise configuration and seemingly endless fabric options. This model is a best-selling sectional and has a corner shape for extra seating.

WHAT IT'S MADE OF: A hardwood frame with steel sinuous springs to prevent sagging. The loose seat cushions contain a down-blend wrap, while the back cushions are filled with polyester. Choose from dozens of upholstery fabrics, including basketweave, boucle, suede, linen, velvet, twill, chenille, cotton, herringbone and tweed. You can also find dozens of colors from neutrals, greys, blacks and whites to brighter shades like blues and reds.

TESTER NOTES: Our survey respondents gave it high scores for comfort and support, and also raved about the ease of the delivery and how nice it looked in their homes. One reviewer that's had it for three years told us, "It's stylish and comfortable. It fits perfectly in our living room and allows room to stretch out." Though it's expensive, one user that has owned it for nine years said, "It was definitely worth the price." One thing to keep in mind: Some users said they loved their fabric, while others found theirs to be somewhat itchy. It's worth getting a free swatch from Pottery Barn if you're unsure how it'll feel.

SHOP ALL ASHLEY SECTIONALS

If you're looking for the best sectional under $2,000, Ashley is one of the most popular and top-rated brands from our panel of reviewers. In fact, over 800 users provided feedback, giving it high ratings on ease of ordering, setup, comfort and style. Though there is a wide range of sectionals from Ashley to choose from, this model is one of the best deals you can find on the site.

The Cambri has a unique double-chaise configuration so multiple people can comfortably lie down. It's only available in this white fabric, but it comes with decorative throw pillows for an upscale look. And if you don't want to wait months for a custom sofa to be made, this one is in stock and ready to ship.

WHAT IT'S MADE OF: Faux wood feet, polyester chenille upholstery and poly fiber cushions. The seat cushions are loose, while the back cushions are attached. Its throw pillows have a soft poly fill.

TESTER NOTES: One user that's had this style for six years said she loved the "look, feel, comfort level and style" of this sofa, though she noted it hasn't held up quite as well in the long run (which can sometimes be expected for more affordable sectionals). Still, most respondents that own sofas from Ashley told us they held up well over time and as one pointed out, "It’s better quality than similarly priced sofas we have purchased from furniture stores."

SHOP ALL CRATE & BARREL LOUNGE SECTIONALS

Not only is this sectional spacious enough to fit the entire family without having to squeeze, but it's also a more relaxed style with Crate & Barrel's softest cushions, making it perfect for lounging. On top of that, it's designed with slim arms to maximize the seating space.

This one's made to order and has you choose your preferred depth and configuration to make up the U-shape. There are also nearly 200 fabric options tha you can browse by color, fabric type or features (e.g., stain resistant). And if this setup isn't ideal for your home, there are lots of different sizes and sectional shapes within the Lounge collection.

WHAT IT'S MADE OF: A kiln-dried hardwood frame for durability with a spring foundation to prevent sagging. The cushions contain a down-blend fill with a tightly woven cover to prevent it from poking through. Upholstery options include weaves, canvas, microfiber, chenille, twill, velvet, boucle and shearling, while color groupings are made up of blacks, greys, whites, blues, browns, reds, yellows and greens.

TESTER NOTES: Users say it's perfect for hanging out during family time, especially when lying down for movie nights. One pointed out, "My kids and I can all lounge comfortably together and have enough space. I will buy another one in the future." Several also said it has held up well with children and pets.

Other survey respondents swore by Crate & Barrel's Axis sectionals thanks to their increased durability, especially for families with dogs. It's one of the brand's most popular styles, but we recommend going with the Lounge if you prefer deep, cozy seats.

SHOP ALL INTERIOR DEFINE SLOAN SOFAS AND SECTIONALS

This sofa from Interior Define combines the benefit of a spacious sectional with a pull-out mattress, ideal for overnight guests. It also balances a sleek design with a soft feel, making it suitable for people that prefer a modern look but don't want their sofa to feel too rigid.

The brand has an easy-to-use website that lets you customize the options, including fabric, leg color, chaise length, cushion fill and sleeper mattress type (box spring or memory foam). And though pull-out beds can get a bad rap for being flimsy, this one has an anti-tilt construction to help keep it on the floor at all times.

WHAT IT'S MADE OF: Its cushion options include foam with down-blend fill on top, foam with down-blend on both sides so it's reversible or foam with down alternative on both sides that's also reversible. The legs are wood, and the upholstery choices are broken up into three tiers: Standard, Premium (which has stain resistance) and Novel (which includes more unique textures). The fabrics include boucle, linen, tweed, velvet and woven in lots of colors like neutrals, blues, greens, yellows, oranges, reds, purples and pinks.

TESTER NOTES: Our survey respondents loved the aesthetic of their Interior Define Sloan models, with one owner saying, "This sofa is modern and fits in well with my decor." Another told us it came apart easily when moving apartments. Some complained the fabric on theirs didn't hold up, so it may be worth the splurge for one of the more durable upholstery tiers.

SHOP ALL WEST ELM HARMONY SECTIONALS

West Elm calls this model "[its] most comfortable sectional ever," and it actually lives up to the hype. In fact, Good Housekeeping home editors named it a best cloud couch dupe for its supremely soft feel. Plus, it has an extra deep seat so there's plenty of room to get cozy, and matching throw pillows are included.

It's also a fully customizable modular sofa. You pick the configuration from a list of pieces, like a two-seater, chaise, corner piece and more. Each component connects with metal clips on the sides. You also pick your upholstery, with dozens of colors and fabrics to choose from.

WHAT IT'S MADE OF: A kiln-dried engineered hardwood frame and legs. The seat cushions are fibers wrapped around high-density foam, and the back cushions are filled with a blend of polyester, feather and down in a woven fabric to prevent the fill from escaping. Upholstery fabrics include velvet, linen, chenille, boucle, basketweave, canvas and twill, with both neutrals and a range of statement colors available.

TESTER NOTES: One owner of a Harmony sofa told us, "It's extremely comfortable and fits the room perfectly," while another said, "It was so comfortable that it felt like sitting on a cloud!" A few noted that the durability wasn't as good as they had hoped, but most West Elm sofa owners on our panel said their furniture held up well over time.

SHOP ALL BURROW NOMAD SOFAS AND SECTIONALS

One of the best sectionals for small spaces, thisboxed model stands out for its smaller footprint and the fact that each piece arrives in its own package for self-assembly. It's perfect for anyone that lives in an apartment building with tighter hallways or small door frames, helping you to avoid surprises on delivery day. You can also move the chaise to the left, right or middle of the sofa, which creates flexibility in tricky spaces, and it's easier to take it apart and reassemble on moving day.

Because it's modular, it's also more easily customizable than built-to-order sectionals. Choose from five fabrics, six finishes for the legs and three shapes for the armrests. Another perk: It has a built-in USB charger with a power cord, so you can charge your phone and other devices while lounging.

WHAT IT'S MADE OF: A baltic birch wood frame with your choice of wood or metal legs. The cushions are foam with fiber fill, and upholstery options are olefin weave fabric, performance velvet or leather. Among these materials, available colors include whites, greys, blacks, browns, reds, blues and greens.

TESTER NOTES: Despite the DIY assembly, our Burrow reviewers unanimously said that set-up was easy. They also appreciated being able to get a sectional that wasn't too big, though some did note that a smaller size meant less seating space, especially for larger body types. Users also raved about the modern, minimalistic design, with one describing it as "structured and elegant."

This Amazon-brand sectional is affordable and offers the ease of shopping on the popular platform, including super fast and free delivery. It has a minimal look to match a variety of rooms and is modular so the chaise can swap spots to the other side.

Though it's not as spacious as other models, it's suitable for small spaces. It ships in boxes, and Amazon assembly should take just 15 minutes. The legs even pack inside the sofa components so there's less to carry.

WHAT IT'S MADE OF: A hardwood frame with beech legs. The cushions are foam inside of a polyester weave upholstery that's available in five colors.

TESTER NOTES: Despite the low cost, Rivet sofas real owners rate it as comfortable. They also told us they like the dark, neutral colors so they don't need to worry about minor stains. One user that's had it for over four years said, "It has held up well over time." On top of the feedback from our panel, this model has over 1,500 five-star reviews on Amazon.

With a traditional yet stylish silhouette — including tufted cushions and bolster pillows — this model isn't too pricey yet has nearly 1,000 five-star reviews on Wayfair. It has a single cushion across the loveseat portion rather than two separate seats, which is considered a trendy bench style.

This model also stands out for having a firm feel for those who prefer a firmer sectional over a softer one. Like some others, it's a smaller model that doesn't take up too much space in your home, though it won't seat as many people as a corner or U-shaped sectional.

WHAT IT'S MADE OF: A solid wood frame with sinuous spring seats. The seat and back cushions both have foam and polyester fill. Upholstery polyester fabric options include velvet or woven and come in 10 shades, including neutrals and pop colors.

TESTER NOTES: Our panelists had great experiences ordering sofas from Wayfair, saying the shopping process was easy and the furniture looked great in their homes. Online reviewers for this model note that despite it not being a soft sectional, it's still comfortable to sit on. A few said it wasn't as durable as they expected, but the majority were highly impressed.

While there are plenty of modular sofas on the market, Lovesac's is the most flexible to rearrange at home with endless configurations available. The seats and the sides of the sectional are separate, so you choose how many pieces of each you want in your set.

You also pick your fill material and your cover from a wide range of fabrics. Each cover is removable and machine washable (perfect for kids and pets!), plus you can buy add-on pieces like new covers or individual seats if your needs change over time.

WHAT IT'S MADE OF: Cushion fill choices include Standard (foam with polyester), Lovesoft (plush synthetic fiber over foam) and Down Blend (down, feathers and polyester over foam). There are over 200 fabric swatches to choose from including velvet, chenille, weave, crossweave, polylinen and leather, plus a vast variety of colors and prints available.

TESTER NOTES: Most Lovesac owners told us they bought their "Sactionals" for the ability to reposition them, with some even saying they use theirs as beds for guests. A few said it was difficult to put together, but most reviewers said they had no complaints at all. One user that has owned hers for five years summarized her experience by saying, "It's easy to clean. I can rearrange it. I can move different parts to different rooms as needed. There are so many positives about this furniture."

SHOP ALL ALBANY PARK KOVA SOFAS AND SECTIONALS

This one's another modular sofa, but it stands out for looking like a typical sectional and the fact that it doesn't require any tools for assembly. It also offers fast and free shipping, which is unique for large sectional sofas as most take months and cost hundreds of dollars for home delivery and set up. On top of that, it has a super soft feel — other boxed models aren't always plush.

Another noteworthy aspect: It's not customizable, which could be good for people that are overwhelmed by all of the choices. The Kova collection has a variety of sofa layouts to best suit your space, but each one is pre-configured and has limited fabric options.

WHAT IT'S MADE OF: A kiln-dried hardwood frame with a spring suspension system. The cushions are filled with a soft feather-fiber blend, and the fabric choices include wovens in neutral colors or velvets in pop colors.

TESTER NOTES: We don't have as much long-term feedback given that Albany Park is a relatively new brand, but our panelists are loving their sofas so far. Users said delivery was quick and setup was easy with no issues to report. One owner of a Kova sectional said, "The velvet is so warm and soft. The whole family loves it." The one downside noted was that because the back cushions are reversible, they don't stay in place as well as ones that are attached.

SHOP ALL JOYBIRD SECTIONALS WITH STORAGE

Storage can be tough to come by in small apartments or homes packed to the brink with toys. This clever sectional has a secret storage compartment in the chaise, perfect for hiding extra pillows or blankets. Plus, this specific sectional is a bestseller with plush cushions for lounging.

Joybird is an online-only brand that makes virtual sofa shopping more streamlined. You can customize the material and configuration of the chase, or you can select an in-stock option for faster shipping. It also has a 90-day return period, which is longer than most furniture companies, though you're responsible for shipping the return on your own.

WHAT IT'S MADE OF: An engineered wood frame with kiln-dried wood rails to prevent warping and a sinuous spring suspension. The cushions have a foam core with multiple layers of soft fiber on top. There are dozens of upholstery choices including microfiber, velvet and chenille in shades of neutrals, blues, reds, greens and yellows.

TESTER NOTES: Our panelists love their Joybird sofas for their modern look and convenient features, including the built-in storage. They also rave that the customer service from the small company is "stupendous." There were mixed reviews on how durable the sofas were, and some said it wasn't as plush as they had hoped, but respondents unanimously said it was comfortable.

SHOP ALL LA-Z-BOY RECLINING SECTIONALS

La-Z-Boy is a popular sofa brand among our survey panelists, and this sectional stands out for having a built-in recliner seat on one end that can open with a manual latch or power release. It's also a super spacious model with a casual look and feel (even the arms are cushioned!).

You can customize the sectional by changing the shape or specific pieces within the configuration, as well as more color and print options that you can imagine for the upholstery. And if you want to feel it in person first, La-Z-Boy has locations throughout the US.

WHAT IT'S MADE OF: Outer cover fabrics include both synthetic materials and leather, while the fill is foam wrapped in batting.

TESTER NOTES: Our survey respondents with recliner models from La-Z-Boy gave them high ratings across the board. They specifically highlighted the comfort and appearance, and several even noted how great the brand's customer service was throughout the process. One user with a recliner told us, "I have a bad back and the support of this sofa is amazing! It is the most comfortable sofa I have ever sat on." Some did find that their upholstery materials weren't as durable, but there are plenty of choices when selecting your sofa.

SHOP ALL ARTICLE TIMBER SOFAS AND SECTIONALS

With a mid-century design, this sectional features a corner shape to accommodate more people than a smaller L-shaped sectional. It will fit better in certain spaces, yet it still doesn't have a huge footprint. It seats five people and the brand describes it as "The ultimate chill zone, but for adults," making it ideal for entertaining.

The sofa is a good combination of stylish looks and lounge-worthy comfort, though it isn't as plush as some others. It's also worth noting there are fewer upholstery options than other sectionals, which can be useful to some that prefer a simple ordering process.

WHAT IT'S MADE OF: A wood frame with cushions containing high-density memory foam and polyester fill. There are two upholstery choices (polyester/linen fabric or leather) and five colors (including green, greys and browns).

TESTER NOTES: Dozens of our reviewers gave the brand perfect scores for its easy ordering process. It also earned high marks for appearance, with owners of the Timber model saying, "The legs are beautiful!" and "The construction seems solid." Some noted that the fabric pills over time, which can be expected for a blend.

This is one of the most popular sofa collections, known as "the world's most comfortable sofa," but it'll cost you: Each component needed to build a modular sectional can cost several thousand dollars on its own, making a sectional cost upwards of $10,000.

It's highly customizable, from the frame styles (laid-back broad arms, tailored thin arms or classic sloping arms) to the configuration to the upholstery fabric. And while most popular furniture brands have weeks- or months-long lead times, this one can be delivered quickly if you choose from one of the 19 in-stock fabrics.

WHAT IT'S MADE OF: A handcrafted kiln-dried hardwood frame with a proprietary pocket spring suspension, meaning each spring moves independently so it's not rigid. Seat cushions are foam wrapped in a feather and down blend for softness, while back cushions are a blend of feathers, down and polyfiber. In-stock upholstery fabrics include velvets, linens and faux linens (acrylic) in neutral colors, plus there are 144 special order fabrics available, along with leather.

TESTER NOTES: Owners of RH sofas said they were comfortable and supportive, and one owner of a Cloud sofa told us it was absolutely worth the price. She raved about the comfy, deep seat and said the whole process was "very easy with good customer service."

The fiber scientists and home analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute researched sofas of all types — including sectionals — from over 50 stores and brands, then we surveyed our tester panel to get first-hand feedback on the couches they own. We considered the type of sofa they have, how they made their purchase (i.e., what they considered and whether they bought online or in-store), the type of delivery and how long they've owned it.

In our recent survey, we received responses from over 5,800 sofa owners, who each answered 27 questions about their experience. Our experts reviewed more than 156,000 data points before choosing the best sofa brands to recommend. On top of that, we had our analysts try out newer brands with less user feedback to make sure the shopping and setup experiences were easy and the overall quality was excellent. Here's what we consider when choosing the best sectionals:

• Ease of ordering and setup: Our reviewers share whether the ordering process, delivery and setup were quick and easy. They also share whether any issues arose during the process and how they were resolved.
• Comfort and support: Users give ratings on these aspects, then provide more feedback by answering open-ended questions.
• Upholstery: We ask respondents to specify the material, then share whether or not they like the feel of the fabric.
• Craftsmanship: Reviewers weigh in on whether they feel the sectional is well-constructed and durable.
• Longevity: Respondents share whether the sectional is easy to clean and whether it has held up well over time.
• Style and size: We ask users if they like the style of the sofa and the color selections, as well as whether the size fits well in their space.
• Value: The sofa owners share whether or not they feel the sectional was worth the price they paid.

Sectionals vary greatly based on shape. It's important to consider what would look best in your room, how many people you need to seat and whether you're in a permanent location or need flexibility for moves. Here are the main types of sectionals you'll see when you shop:

• Chaise Sectionals: These look more like typically three-seater sofas, but one end has a chaise for an extra lounging area. You can sometimes choose which side the chaise is on, and certain models have movable chaises that you can switch from side to side.
• L-Shaped or Corner Sectionals: The most popular sectional shape, these can typically seat at least five people, though sizes vary. Some L-shaped sectionals include chaises, while others are all typical seats.
• U-Shaped Sectionals: These have three sides and can often fit eight people or more. They take up the most space in a room and they're among the priciest since they have the most components, but they're great for large families or people who frequently have guests. Like the L-shaped ones, these can be made with or without chaises.
• Modular Sectionals: For the most flexibility, modular styles allow you to customize the seating arrangement. They're also best suited for people who plan to move their sofas since you can easily take them apart. You can find modular sectionals in any shape, including pit sectionals that fill in the open space of a U-shape for a large lounging area.
• Specialty Sectionals: Sectionals can sometimes have special features, like sleeper sectionals with pull-out beds, storage sectionals with hidden compartments in the seats and recliner sectionals that let you lay back for more comfort.

✔️ Seating: Sectionals come in a variety of sizes with different seating options, depending on the size of your space and how many people will use it. Before buying any furniture for your home, make sure to measure the space to ensure a proper fit and measure your door frame so there are no surprises on delivery day. If you have a large family or want more lounging space, look for sectionals with four cushions and two chaises for a U-shaped design or a corner sectional.

✔️ Frame: Most sofa frames are made out of wood. Particle board frames are the cheapest and use a wood blend, while hardwood frames are made of solid wood and are more durable. Kiln-dried hardwood frames are the best option because the wood undergoes a finishing process that makes it stronger and prevents warping. The frame type isn't always listed (especially if it's a cheaper option), but brands will usually specify if they use kiln-dried hardwood.

✔️ Material: While it can be tempting to choose upholstery fabric type by looks alone, it's important to consider that some types are easier to clean or better suited for pets, which can affect the longevity of your sectional as a whole. Look for stain-resistant and durable options like polyester if you have messy pets or rambunctious kids. Natural fibers like cotton and linen have a beautiful appearance but are less durable for everyday use. While leather is pricey, it is durable over time and has a luxurious look, but it's trickier to clean and may be prone to scratches. Most brands will send free fabric swatches before purchasing, so you can determine which material is best for you.

✔️ Cost: While prices can vary dramatically, buying a new, high-quality sofa is definitely an investment. Generally, a sectional sofa will cost between $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the number of seats, materials, delivery cost and other factors. We found some compact sofas that cost less than $500. Leather materials, multiple chaises and extra-deep seats are all features that will up the overall price. As for return policies, note that made-to-order sofas are generally not eligible for returns — so make sure you love what you're ordering if that's the route you're taking.

✔️ Style: The chaise is the signature design feature of a sectional sofa and is available in a variety of styles. Some types of sectionals will have a fixed chaise where it can only be on one side while others let you switch the side, offering greater flexibility if you move or want to rearrange your living space. Most sectionals have one chaise, but others have two for a U-shaped design, which offers more seating options for larger groups.

For over 120 years, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products for your home to help you make the best purchases. Emma Seymour is the senior analyst in the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, where she has been evaluating home and apparel products since 2018. Emma has tested a range of categories where comfort and style are equally important, from apparel and footwear to bedding and furniture.

This article was most recently updated by Lexie Sachs, executive director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab. Lexie has been regularly conducting sofa surveys with the GH Institute's proprietary tester panel, and utilized the most recent survey to add new sectional picks as well as update the feedback on on our existing recommendations.