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Though studio apartments, lofts, and other small living spaces are abundant in urban areas, the trend toward smaller homes isn’t limited to just the city. As more people live in tighter quarters, the demand for small furniture has increased as well.
A sofa anchors an indoor or outdoor living space, but choosing a model that’s suitable for a smaller home can be tricky. The search becomes even more difficult when shoppers are looking to maximize their seating options by choosing a sectional instead of a standard sofa. This article breaks down the types and features to look for when shopping for the best sectional couches for small spaces and discusses the key factors to consider when evaluating products.
Use this guide for tips on choosing the ideal option, and explore our curated picks for the top small sectional sofa by category. The descriptions include sofa length (outside arm-to-arm seating area) for a quick comparison to your wall or floor space.
- BEST OVERALL: Three Posts Barlett 2-Piece Upholstered Sectional
- RUNNER-UP: Rivet Revolve Sofa With Reversible Sectional Chaise
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Andover Mills Campbelltown Reversible Sofa and Chaise
- UPGRADE PICK: Crate & Barrel Barrett II Reversible Sectional
- BEST TRANSITIONAL: Joss & Main Cecelia 2-Piece Chaise Sectional
- BEST MIDCENTURY: AllModern Luo 2-Piece Chaise Sectional
- BEST MODERN: West Elm Eddy Reversible Sectional
- BEST CLOUD: Crate & Barrel Unwind 3-Piece Sectional
- BEST MODULAR: Mercury Row Roeder Modular Corner Sectional
- BEST SLEEPER: Mercury Row Anyan Linen Reversible Sleeper Sofa
- BEST COMPACT: Honbay Sectional Loveseat Sofa with Chaise
- BEST FOR FAMILIES: Crate & Barrel Gather Deep L-Shape Sectional
- BEST FOR DOGS: West Elm Bleecker 2-Piece Chaise Sectional
How We Chose the Best Sectionals for Small Spaces
Years of experience covering home goods and furniture as well as extensive product research went into creating this guide. We explored more than 25 sectional options and weighed several practical considerations before making our recommendations of the best sectionals for small spaces.
- Type: In an effort to provide a suitable array of options for different shoppers, we aimed to include sectionals of varying types and configurations in this guide.
- Reviews: Checking product reviews helped ensure that the recommended sectionals receive positive feedback from users.
- Value: Sectional sofas range widely in price depending on their size, type, and the materials from which they’re constructed. All the sofas recommended offer excellent value regardless of price.
Our Top Picks
By combining type, value, reviews, and other factors, we arrived at the following top picks for the best sectionals for a small home.
Best Overall
Three Posts Barlett 2-Piece Upholstered Sectional
The Three Posts Bartlett sectional has a chaise-style design and is reversible for optimal versatility. It’s upholstered in polyester, which is durable and easy to maintain, and has an aesthetic that will suit almost any living space. There is also a two-seat ottoman with useful storage that can tuck in alongside the chaise, converting the sectional into a full-size bed and making it particularly handy in smaller homes that lack a guest bedroom.
The sofa measures 36.5 inches high by 90 inches long by 60 inches deep (when accounting for the length of the chaise). Because this is a compact sofa, it’s important to note that the seats aren’t very deep, measuring just 20.5 inches, which might affect the sofa’s comfort level.
Product Specs
- Seats: 3
- Length: 90 inches
- Fabric: Polyester
Pros
- Offers great versatility for small spaces with reversible chaise and ottoman with hidden storage
- The ottoman can fit alongside the chaise, converting the sofa into a full-size sleeper
- Comes with a solid pine frame and hard-wearing, easy-to-clean upholstery
Cons
- The 20.5-inch seat depth may be too shallow for some
- Available in only 1 color, though it is a practical and neutral charcoal gray
Get the Three Posts sectional for small spaces at Wayfair.
Runner-Up
Rivet Revolve Sofa With Reversible Sectional Chaise
The Rivet Revolve is another sectional with the popular reversible chaise. It’s part of a collection that also features a chair, loveseat, and sofa, thus offering great versatility for a variety of spaces. The Rivet comes with either leather or polyester fabric covers, the latter in several different colors.
The underlying structure is solid softwood, and it has beechwood legs. The design is a blend of modern and retro that can suit a range of decors. The sofa and chaise combo is very compact for its type, at 35.4 inches tall by 79.9 inches long by 62.2 inches deep (at the chaise). However, a seat depth of just 19.3 inches might not be comfortable for taller people.
Product Specs
- Seats: 3
- Length: 79.9 inches
- Fabric: Polyester or leather
Pros
- Offered in a choice of fabric colors or leather to suit a wide range of decors
- Popular urban design with sturdy solid wood frame and beechwood legs
- Has reversible chaise; line also offers a matching chair, loveseat, and sofa
Cons
- Most owners are happy, but a number of problems suggest quality control could be improved
- Seat depth is only 19.3 inches, which may be too short for taller sitters
Get the Rivet sectional for small spaces at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Andover Mills Campbelltown Reversible Sofa and Chaise
This small and affordable sofa has a unique convertible design that can suffice as a sectional with a chaise or transform into a standard three-seater sofa with an ottoman. The cushions have removable polyester-blend covers that can withstand plenty of wear and tear and are easy to clean. The upholstery is available in four colors: gray, light gray, bluish gray, and beige.
This sectional measures 35.1 inches high by 77.6 inches long by 27.2 inches deep (52.4 inches when the ottoman acts as a chaise). Like many compact sofas, it has shallow seats, which measure 19.3 inches in depth.
Product Specs
- Seats: 3
- Length: 77.6 inches
- Fabric: Polyester blend
Pros
- A more budget-friendly option from a popular, well-known manufacturer
- Clever convertible design can be rearranged into several different formats
- Supportive foam-filled cushions have removable covers for easier cleaning
Cons
- Color choices are somewhat limited, and some feel the cushions lack padding
Get the Andover Mills sectional for small spaces at Wayfair.
Upgrade Pick
Crate & Barrel Barrett II Reversible Sectional
Crate & Barrel is known for making high-quality furniture, and its Barrett II sectional for small spaces is no exception. This compact sectional can be upholstered in one of the brand’s 217 upholstery options, so its look is completely customizable. It’s additionally sold in five configurations, either with a reversible chaise or as a four-seat L-shaped sofa.
The reversible version measures 35.5 inches high by 91 inches long by 63.25 inches deep (at the chaise). The seat depth measures 20 inches. As with most higher-end sofas, the cushion covers of this model are not reversible, so although they can be spot cleaned with a mild detergent, they will require a professional upholstery cleaning service for more thorough cleaning.
Product Specs
- Seats: 3 to 4
- Length: 91 inches
- Fabric: Varies, customizable
Pros
- Made from sustainable engineered hardwood that has been kiln-dried to prevent warping
- A range of 217 fabric and color options allows matching with any decor
- Offers flexible layout options with useful storage inside the ottoman section
Cons
- A few buyers thought colors don’t match screen images, though this is a common problem online
Get the Crate & Barrel Barrett II sectional for small spaces at Crate & Barrel.
Best Transitional
Joss & Main Cecelia 2-Piece Chaise Sectional
The Joss & Main Cecelia chaise sectional is available in 17 of the brand’s upholstery fabrics. The cushions are removable for easy vacuuming of those inevitable crumbs, and a matching toss pillow comes with the set. The style mixes a traditional look with a streamlined, modern aesthetic so it is suitable for many decors. An engineered wood frame and sinuous springs provide good support and are rated for up to 1,000 pounds.
The sofa is 29 inches high by 110 inches long by 64 inches deep (at the chaise) and offers seating for four. Unlike many other compact sofas, it has deep seat cushions measuring 23 inches from front to back. It’s important to note that this sectional is not reversible, and shoppers must choose between a left-hand or right-hand chaise.
Product Specs
- Seats: 4
- Length: 110 inches
- Fabric: Polyester or cotton blend
Pros
- A spacious 4 seater that still manages to be reasonably compact at a competitive price
- Offers greater seat depth than many competitors, thus providing enhanced comfort
- Engineered wood frame and sinuous springs rated for up to 1,000 pounds
Cons
- The chaise is fixed, and the size pushes the limits of most small spaces
Get the Joss & Main sectional for small spaces at Joss & Main.
Best Midcentury
AllModern Geo 2-Piece Chaise Sectional
Midcentury modern style may have originated decades ago, but it recently came back in vogue and doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon. This sectional from AllModern perfectly fits the midcentury aesthetic, with tapered wooden legs and button-tufted seat cushions. It has an L-shaped design, and the chaise is reversible, adding additional flexibility.
Shoppers can choose from 18 color options—all made with velvet-style polyester—as well as two leg colors. The cushion covers are removable for washing. It includes two cylindrical throw pillows, which add to the retro appeal.
Product Specs
- Seats: 3
- Length: 84 inches
- Fabric: Velvet polyester
Pros
- A fine example of midcentury furniture now in vogue, plus a choice of colors
- Deep button cushions and cylindrical throw pillows underline the retro style
- Reversible chaise offers flexibility, and cushion covers are removable for cleaning
Cons
- Some found the cushions to be firm; occasional problems with legs suggest inconsistent quality control
Get the AllModern sectional for small spaces at AllModern.
Best Modern
West Elm Eddy Reversible Sectional
West Elm is one of the top sofa brands, and its Eddy reversible sectional has a sleek, tailored aesthetic with trestle-style legs that will lend a modern look to any space. The configuration can be switched from left to right because the chaise is reversible, and the sofa can also be rearranged to include a freestanding ottoman. Adding to its versatility is the fact the sectional comes in a selection of fabrics, colors, and care features.
This larger version of the two-piece sectional is 33 inches high by 90 inches long by 62 inches deep (chaise) and is a great choice for those looking for a sofa with a lower, modern profile. Unlike many compact sofas, this one features deep seat cushions, which measure 23 inches from front to back.
Product Specs
- Seats: 3
- Length: 74 or 90 inches
- Fabric: Varies, customizable
Pros
- A stylish modern design features a reversible chaise and 2 size options
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wooden frame built with reinforced joinery to provide full support
- Seat cushions have high-resilience polyurethane foam cores and zip-off covers
Cons
- Those who like a soft cushion may well find these too firm
Get the West Elm sectional for small spaces at West Elm.
Best Cloud
Crate & Barrel Unwind 3-Piece Sectional
Cloud sofas offer sink-in seat cushions for a luxurious and inviting addition to any living space. This model from Crate & Barrel is a two-seater sectional with a chaise that measures 100 inches long and 84 inches wide at the chaise, a nice fit for a soft spot to land in small spaces. The three-piece sectional includes two corner chairs and an ottoman and comes with two throw pillows for an even more comfortable seating experience.
A birch and engineered wood frame and sinuous coil suspension support sectional occupants. One downside is that there’s only one upholstery option—an ivory-toned polyester linen blend—that might not be the ideal choice for households with shedding pets or young children. That said, the material is durable and stain-resistant. The cushion covers are removable but must be dry-cleaned.
Product Specs
- Seats: 2
- Length: 100 inches
- Fabric: Cotton-linen blend
Pros
- Offers plenty of space, with cloud cushions to maximize comfort levels
- The separate ottoman offers either reversible chaise-style or independent seating
- Slipcovers remove to enable cleaning of the cool linen-blend fabric
Cons
- Only available in 1 fabric option, and covers require dry-cleaning
Get the Crate & Barrel Unwind sectional for small spaces at Crate & Barrel.
Best Modular
Mercury Row Roeder Modular Corner Sectional
Larger families or households who entertain frequently will appreciate the seating options offered by this sectional from Mercury Row. Though it is larger than the other options recommended for small spaces (a total length of 120 inches long), it seats more people and offers a significant amount of flexibility because of its modular design. The sectional comes with four components—a chair, an ottoman, a corner chair, and an armless chair—that can be configured in a variety of ways to best suit the space.
The Roeder is offered in up to nine colors (though availability may vary), all of which use durable polyester that’s easy to clean and maintain. The firm seating is 22 inches deep, comfortable and supportive, and is crafted to avoid sagging over time.
Product Specs
- Seats: 5
- Length: 120 inches
- Fabric: Polyester
Pros
- Modular design offers tremendous versatility and seats up to 5 people
- Durable engineered-wood frame with coil springs helps prevent sagging
- Polyester-blend upholstery is hard-wearing with easy-to-clean removable cushion covers
Cons
- Though spacious, it pushes the limits of what might be considered a compact sectional
Get the Mercury Row Roeder sectional for small spaces at Wayfair.
Best Sleeper
Mercury Row Anyan Linen Reversible Sleeper Sofa
A sleeper sofa comes in handy in a small space, especially if a home isn’t large enough to accommodate a guest bedroom. This sleeper sectional from Mercury Row measures just 83 inches long by 54 inches deep at the chaise side and converts into a twin-size bed. It features blocky arms and short legs for a universally appealing style that will suit many decor schemes.
It’s important to note that this sofa is upholstered with a linen-blend fabric, which may feel more luxurious than synthetics such as polyester but will be more difficult to keep clean. The cushion covers are not removable, and the manufacturer recommends washing them with a gentle water-based detergent. The seating depth is a shallow 19 inches, but on the plus side, the chaise includes concealed storage.
Product Specs
- Seats: 3
- Length: 83 inches
- Fabric: Linen blend
Pros
- Space-saving sectional converts easily to a twin sleeper for guests
- Contemporary aesthetic with reversible chaise offers concealed storage for bedding
- Made with a sturdy wood frame and pocket-spring seating, plus stylish buttoned back cushions
Cons
- The seat is shallow, and some found it too firm as either a sofa or bed
Get the Mercury Row Anyan sectional for small spaces at Wayfair.
Best Compact
Honbay Sectional Loveseat Sofa with Chaise
Two-seater sectionals may be rare on the market, but this ultracompact option is perfect for smaller households. It measures just 61 inches in length, which is ideal for those with very limited square footage with which to work. It includes a loveseat as well as two ottomans that can be used independently or as chaises, allowing both users to be equally comfortable.
The sectional has polyester upholstery, which is easy to keep clean, and it is available in three colors: gray, blue, and bluish gray. The cushions are filled with high-density sponge to create a comfortable and supportive user experience. Each seat includes concealed storage underneath.
Product Specs
- Seats: 2
- Length: 61 inches
- Fabric: Polyester
Pros
- Ultracompact design that will fit in even the smallest modern apartments
- Hinged seats offers hidden storage that’s particularly valuable in compact homes
- Simple assembly offers option to omit armrests for even greater space saving
Cons
- Limited color choices and seats only 2 people
Get the Honbay sectional for small spaces at Amazon.
Best For Families
Crate & Barrel Gather Deep L-Shape Sectional
There are several things that are likely to make the Crate & Barrel Gather sectional attractive to families. First, it’s compact for its type, at just 87 inches along each side, and has a comfortable seat depth of 23 inches. Second, it is part of a wide range of sectional units so families can add to or combine it with other seating as it grows. Third, it is upholstered in slub chenille that is soft to the touch but hard-wearing and stain-resistant. Throw pillows are included.
The frame is made from engineered hardwood that meets FSC standards for sustainability. The chenille is Greenguard Gold certified for low emissions and healthier indoor air. The Gather Deep couch is tough enough for kids and spacious enough for all their adventures.
Product Specs
- Seats: 3
- Length: 87 inches
- Fabric: Slub chenille (68 percent olefin, 32 percent polyester)
Pros
- Space-saving corner unit can easily be expanded to fit a growing family
- Comfortable chenille upholstery is stain-resistant and available in 276 color options
- FSC-certified hardwood frame and Greenguard Gold-certified fabric for reduced environmental impact
Cons
- The versatility and durability comes with a higher price tag than many
Get the Crate & Barrel Gather sectional for small spaces at Crate & Barrel.
Best For Dogs
West Elm Bleecker 2-Piece Chaise Sectional
Many people like to curl up with their dogs, but finding an upholstery fabric that can put up with dirty paws and claws can be a challenge. The West Elm Bleecker sectional offers a wide range of materials with twill, velvet, chenille, linen, and canvas available.
The latter will be of particular interest to dog lovers. It looks great, has an oil- and water-repellent coating so it is easy to keep clean, and it has been tested for wear resistance with up to 40,000 “rubs.” All covers are removable, and most available materials can be machine washed.
The Bleecker sectional is available with a left or right chaise and measures 78.3 inches long by 64.6 inches deep (chaise). At 26 inches deep, the seats are roomier than many. The frame is made from kiln-dried wood with reinforced joinery. High-gauge sinuous springs plus supersoft down- and foam-filled cushions ensure maximum comfort.
Product Specs
- Seats: 2
- Length: 78.3 inches
- Fabric: Various
Pros
- Choice of upholstery with hard-wearing oil- and water-repellent canvas that’s ideal for dog owners
- Contractor-grade construction with kiln-dried solid wood frame and reinforced joinery
- Cloudlike cushions with down and fiber fill for maximum comfort
Cons
- Has a premium price tag and not meant for those who like a firm cushion
Get the West Elm Bleecker sectional for small spaces at West Elm.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Sectional for Small Spaces
Although it’s easy to assume that all sofas offer similar performance, several factors affect their functionality and impact whether they’re right for your home. We also reviewed the best couches overall, and this guide provides further details on how to choose the best option. Keep reading to learn about the important features to consider when choosing a sectional sofa for a small space.
Size and Seating Capacity
When beginning to shop for a sofa for a small space, the first thing to determine is how much space is available. Take measurements of the room and consider the layout to establish the ideal sofa size. Shoppers will want to take into consideration the other furniture that needs to fit in the space as well as the room required between the sofa and television or sofa and coffee table.
The best sectionals for small spaces can still vary in size but should have lengths (often listed as width in product descriptions) ranging from approximately 80 to 100 inches. The long side typically is the most important, but depth also matters when fitting a sectional in a small space. Shoppers will want to weigh size against the seating capacity that is required for the household. Some ultracompact sectionals seat only two people, but others can seat up to six people.
Configuration
Sectional couches come in several different configurations. Below are some of the most popular:
- L-shaped sectionals are shaped like the letter “L.” They work well for small spaces because they can be placed in a corner. For this reason, they are also sometimes called corner sectionals.
- U-shaped sectionals tend to be large and aren’t typically recommended for small spaces. There are, however, some models that are designed to be ultracompact.
- Chaise sectionals look like standard sofas, but they feature a chaise on one side that’s comfortable for lounging. Some chaise sectionals are convertible, meaning the longer side can be placed on either the right-hand or left-hand side.
Upholstery
After establishing the size and configuration of the sectional that’s best for a particular space, it’s time to think about upholstery.
Before choosing a fabric, consumers will want to consider their lifestyles and whether they live with pets or young children. Fabrics with tighter weaves are generally more durable and are better for pet owners because they’re less likely to trap pet hair. Although natural fabrics may seem more appealing, they don’t hold up to everyday wear and tear as well as synthetic fabrics like microfiber and polyester.
Some sectionals come with removable slipcovers that can be either machine washed or dry-cleaned, while others require professional upholstery cleaning.
Style
Because the sofa often acts as the visual centerpiece of a living space, its aesthetics are a key consideration. There are many sofa styles on the market, and the right one for shoppers will depend on their existing furniture, the style of their homes, and, of course, their personal tastes.
- Transitional-style sofas mix old and new, making for a classic option that provides a timeless look.
- Modern sofas look sleek and contemporary, and they are well suited to spaces featuring clean lines and minimalistic color schemes.
- Midcentury modern sectionals typically feature tapered wooden legs and evoke pieces from the 1950s and ’60s.
- Traditional sofas are often oversize and can include such features as rolled arms, making for an ultracozy look.
- Cloud sofas are plush and overstuffed, giving them a luxurious look that’s warm and inviting.
FAQs
Though you now know more about sectional sofas, you may still have questions about choosing and decorating with them. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about sectional couches.
Q. What is considered a small sectional?
Whereas standard sectionals measure between 94 and 170 inches long, a small sectional typically measures from 80 to 100 inches long and from 36 to 40 inches deep (or more with a chaise setup).
Q. How do I place a sectional in a small living room?
Take advantage of your available floor space by placing an L-shaped sectional in the corner where it will offer the best space efficiency.
Q. How high should my sectional be?
Small sectionals aren’t necessarily much shorter than an average sofa, which measures between 30 and 36 inches in height.
Q. How long will my sectional last?
Expect a high-quality sofa to last for between 7 and 15 years.
