Your Comprehensive Sectional Sofa Buyers Guide: 7 Expert Tips for Buying a New Sectional

Are you looking for extra seating space in your living room? 

Sectional sofas are the best way to achieve additional seating in your home that is both comfortable and versatile. Whether your objective is to watch a movie with the family, host a games night with friends, or snuggle up with your pets, you can’t go wrong with a multi-functional sectional. 

With this being said, a comfortable and quality sectional sofa can be a significant investment for your home. Not to mention, this large piece of furniture will ultimately be the centerpiece of the room it is placed in.

You want to ensure that you purchase the right sectional for your space, your lifestyle, your home-decor style, and your budget. 

Although La-Z-Boy offers a wide variety of sectionals, we realize that we may not be for everyone. Whether you intend to shop for your sectional with us or browse alternative furniture brands, this article will guide you in your hunt for the perfect sectional by offering 7 expert tips.

7 Expert Tips for Buying a New Sectional

1. Consider your Space

Sectionals are quite large and come in a variety of unique configurations. With this, a sectional is bound to be a statement in your home! A sectional has the ability to impact the design, flow, and style of a room.

So, before choosing which sectional is right for you, it is crucial that you consider your space. 

Consider what room the sectional will be placed in …

Where do you plan to put this sectional? The room or location will be crucial in determining the size, configuration, style, and functionality of the sectional you select. 

Is the sectional meant for a casual man-cave where your friends can recline in comfort on a football Sunday?

Perhaps the sectional is meant to go in a family room for the kids to sprawl out on, play games, and watch movies. 

Or, is this sectional intended to go in a more formal living room where you will host guests for wine and cheese nights?

Where you decide to place your sectional is entirely up to you!

Wherever it may be, take the time to consider the dimensions, features, and daily use of the room where your new sectional will be placed.

Measure your room…

Once you have decided on which room your sofa will occupy, it’s time to take some measurements. 

When shopping for a sectional in a furniture store, the dimensions can be deceiving. 

Showrooms are typically very large, wide-open spaces in comparison to your cozy living spaces at home. To the naked eye, a sectional may look like the perfect size in store but it may be much too large for your room at home.

The best way to ensure that your new sectional will fit nicely is by taking measurements before shopping in-store. 

Depending on its configuration, your sectional upon delivery will likely be in pieces and assembled within your home. It is still very important to take measurements of the doorways and spaces that the sectional pieces reach their intended destination in your home. 

While taking detailed measurements, make sure to account for windows, doorways, and fireplaces. Not only should your sectional fit in your space, but you want to make sure that it does not obstruct the flow of the room. 

While considering the flow of the room, try referencing the article 5 Tips for Decorating your Family Room. Later in this article, we will discuss sectional configurations which will also be important to consider when determining the flow of the room. 

Now that you have done your homework, make sure that you bring these measurements into the store with you when you begin shopping for your sectional. With this information, the salesperson who helps you will provide sectional options that are the right size for your space. 

Taking measurements isn’t always easy. To learn more, check out How to Accurately Measure your Room in Order to Buy the Right Furniture.

Take pictures…

Everyone knows the old saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. This applies to furniture shopping as well.

Before visiting a furniture store, take some photos of the room where your new sectional will reside. This will help the salesperson get a better idea of the overall layout and style of your room at home. 

In addition to taking pictures, there are many 3rd party space planning tools that can come in handy during the shopping process. 

For example, try out La-Z-Boy’s augmented reality app. This app can be downloaded on your mobile phone. By using the app, you can have a sneak peek of what La-Z-Boy furniture will look like in your home before buying it.

Other Important Things to Consider…

• What is the style of the room? What design style are you trying to achieve? It is also important to consider your current home décor when choosing a new sectional to ensure that it fits seamlessly into the design of the room.
• What colour are the walls in the room? Are you planning to paint? Consider bringing a sample of the paint colour into the store to help match the sectional fabrics. 
• What type of flooring does the room have? Tile or scratch-resistant? Make sure to protect your hardwood floors with felt pads.
• What furniture is going to stay in the room? Do you plan to replace any furniture? Will the current furniture in the room match your new sectional?
• Are there windows or doors in the room? You can place a sectional in front of a window as long as it does not obstruct the view. 

Perhaps these questions have inspired a design project. Are you considering redesigning the entire room? Or are you moving into a new place and furnishing a new space? In this case, you may consider hiring an interior designer. 

Many furniture retailers in Ottawa offer interior design services. If this is something you are considering, check out How Much an Interior Designer Costs.

For design assistance, La-Z-Boy offers a complementary interior design service.

Our talented interior design experts will work with you to bring your home décor vision to life. They will assess your space and understand your needs in order to create a detailed vision board and 3D floor plan for your new room. 

The interior designer will work with you in-person and schedule a visit to your home, or if you prefer, there is also an option to schedule a virtual design appointment.

2. How to Choose the Right Sectional?

As you embark on your journey to find the perfect sectional, you will quickly come to realize that there is no shortage of options out there to choose from.

Sectionals come in all styles, shapes, and sizes. Further, different sectionals have varying purposes and functionalities in the home. 

With all of these options available, it is essential to identify your needs and preferences in order to find the right sectional for you.

What is your Sectional Style?

From classic to modern, sectionals come in a very wide range of styles. 

It is important to choose a sectional that embodies your unique taste and style preferences. Further, the right sectional should fit seamlessly with your current home décor. 

Especially when it comes to sectionals, you may worry that it may appear large and clunky, ultimately disrupting the interior design of the room. 

Given that a sectional is large and will ultimately be the focal point of a given room, you want to ensure that it is not only comfortable but stylish. 

The best way to achieve both comfort and style in a sectional is by shopping around and taking your time to know exactly what is available in the marketplace. Do some research online to efficiently help narrow down your hunt for the perfectly stylish, yet cozy, sectional. 

La-Z-Boy offers many styles of furniture, from traditional to contemporary. Most clients who visit a La-Z-Boy showroom for the first time are pleasantly surprised by the range of styles corresponding to the comfort level. 

At La-Z-Boy, we offer sectionals in a variety of designs. Our furniture is categorized into four main styles: Classics Revisited, Modern Retreat, Family Favourites, and Comfortably Casual. 

Sectionals at La-Z-Boy are offered within the Family Favourites, Modern Retreat, and Comfortably Casual collections.

Family Favourites

The Family Favourites collection is designed to cater to family function without having to sacrifice style. 

If this is the style you are going for, you would love the James Sectional.

Modern Retreat

The Modern Retreat collection is both chic and sophisticated.

Comfortably Casual

The Comfortably Casual collection is refined, yet relaxed. The Collins Sectional is a great example that offers casual comfort.

In addition to these styles, La-Z-Boy offers sectionals in additional collections known as the duo® collection and the Urban Attitudes collection. While prioritizing comfort first and foremost, sectionals in these collections are incredibly stylish. 

duo® Collection

In fact, the duo® collection offers some stylish sectional options that you may not expect from La-Z-Boy. 

The Duo collection offers revolutionary furniture in traditional to contemporary silhouettes with the unexpected ability to recline. At first glance, all you see is style. But look closer and you’ll find that these sophisticated lines also offer ultimate comfort. 

The Edie Sectional is perfect for style-shoppers. The sectional’s refined design offers a pleasant surprise of comfort.

What Functionality do you Require from your Sectional?

When choosing a sectional, you must decide on the functionality that you will require. What is the primary purpose of this sectional? Will you be watching tv, relaxing, or hosting guests? 

One of the first decisions regarding functionality is the choice between a reclining or stationary sectional. 

Stationary Sectionals

If your intention is to maximize seating and host guests, then a stationary sectional may be what you are looking for. 

You may prefer a stationary sectional if you are furnishing a more formal room and going for a modern or contemporary style. 

Reclining Sectionals

If your sectional will be used for sitting or laying, for long periods of time, a reclining sectional may be your best option. 

A reclining sectional provides soft support for your head, neck, and lumbar region. You can adjust the back and leg rest for personalized reclining comfort, or lean back without raising your feet.

Depending on your preference, reclining sectionals are offered in either manual or power options. 

A manual reclining sectional has the ability to recline without the use of electricity. Instead, you can lean back into a reclining position with the use of a lever. 

If you prefer more effortless comfort, a power reclining sectional has the ability to recline with just the touch of a button.

Non-Reclining Sectionals with Leg Rest

If you are undecided between a stationary or reclining sectional, a non-reclining sectional with an adjustable leg rest may be a fair compromise. 

This type of sectional has a stationary back providing a formal and contemporary appeal while simultaneously providing the enhanced comfort of kicking your feet up. 

This type of sectional can also save space in a room by placing it inches from the wall. 

Sleeper Sectionals

A sleeper sectional is a great option if you intend to maximize seating space while also creating room for overnight guests.  No need for an extra bedroom, when your spacious sectional can double as a comfortable bed. 

Read about the Top 5 La-Z-Boy Sofa Beds. 

Performance Fabrics

When it comes to functionality, you will also want to consider how the sectional will be used and how much it will be susceptible to wear and tear. 

Do you have young children who like to rough-house around the home? Do you have pets who will be spending time on the sectional? Is there a possibility for wine spills when hosting guests?

If you intend to extend the life of your sectional, you may consider purchasing a sectional with a performance fabric cover. 

Later in this article, we will dive into the different types of performance fabrics and you will be able to determine which one best suits your needs and lifestyle.

Choosing the Right Sectional Configuration for your space …

Sectionals offer the most versatile seating options for your home given that they come in a variety of shapes and configurations. 

When choosing a sectional, you will want to determine the sectional configuration that is best for your space. 

To begin, you may consider gathering ideas from the article Top Considerations for Arranging your Sectional Sofa.

First, you will need to decide between a Right-Side Sitting or Left-Side Sitting Sectional.

Next, you will decide on the overall shape of your sectional. 

Here are the 4 most common shape options that you can create with sectional sofas …

1. L-Shape

This arrangement works best in larger rooms with lots of wall space.

2. U-Shape

The U-shape is ideal if you have a big space to fill like a family room or a finished basement.

3. Sectional with Chaise

A chaise sectional is basically a sectional with an added chaise lounge. The chaise sectional works well in a small space area.

4. Curved or Square Corner

Most sectionals come with a round corner or a 90-degree option. A rounded corner module creates a spot for intimate conversations and cuddling but does not require extra inches of clearance.

5. Cuddler

This unique module attaches to either end of your sectional, creating the ideal nook for reading, watching TV, or getting comfortable with a special someone. It’s like having an extra corner on your sectional, only bigger, roomier, and more inviting.

Getting Fitted for a Sectional …

Believe it or not, getting fitted for a sectional is very important in order to achieve optimal comfort for your unique size and height. 

Getting fitted for a sectional is a very similar process to getting fitted for a sofa. There are three main factors to pay attention to:

• Your Height
• The Depth of the Sectional
• Sectional Cushion Construction & Preferred Firmness

A proper fitting sectional should provide the right seat depth for your unique height. As you sit into the depth of the sectional, your knees should curve over the edge of the cushion at a 90-degree angle with your feet comfortably reaching the floor.

If your sectional reclines, ensure that your feet do not dangle too far over the edge of the chair. The heels of your feet should just fall off the edge of the footrest. 

For more detailed information about getting fitted for a sectional, refer to the article How to Find the Right Sofa for your Size.

In addition to the height and the depth of the sectional, it is also important to consider the cushion construction including the foam’s quality and density and the support that it provides. 

Ideally, the cushions on a sectional should support and slightly elevate your lumbar region, bottom, and knees. The foam in these three pressure points should be slightly more firm. 

A seat cushion is often constructed with different density foams and batting. The foam density rating (typically between 1.5 and 2.5) tells you the strength of the foam. The higher the number, the better the support and the longer the foam will last. 

When discussing firmness, it is essential to know that choosing the right foam comes down to personal taste and is not an indicator of cushion quality. In foam, firmness is measured using ILD (Indentation Load Deflection). Ideally, you want a cushion that has a balance of comfort and support suited for both its use and your preference.

Click this link to learn more about Cushion Construction. 

At La-Z-Boy, we offer sectionals in various dimensions to cater to a variety of heights and sizes. 

If you are 5’4” and under, the new Ava Sectional may be the right fit for you.

If you are 5’5” to 5’10”, you may enjoy the depth of the Bexley Sectional.

On the taller end of the spectrum, if you are 5’11” to 6’2”, the Paxton Sectional or the Trouper Reclining Sectional might be the right fit for you.

Finally, if you are exceptionally tall at 6’3” and up, the James Reclining Sectional will provide you with the most depth in its cushions.

3. How to Customize my Sectional?

Customize your sectional to be uniquely yours!

Beyond choosing the type and size of sectional you’d like, at La-Z-Boy, everything is customizable. 

• Choose specific upholstery (upgrade fabric, leather, performance)
• Customize wood finish or welt trim
• Add decorative pillows

Additional Upgrades & Options:

• Add more seating
• Upgrade with additional reclining options
• Upgrade to power
• Add power headrests
• Add a console for storage & beverages
• Add a cuddle corner
• Cushion upgrade: ComfortCore or ComfortCore Gel
• Upgrade decorative pillows: featherlite fill
• Turn your sectional into a sofa bed

For more information, take a look at the article Custom Furniture at La-Z-Boy: What to Expect

4. What Fabric/Covers are Right for Me?

But when it comes to sectional covers, there are so many options! How do you decide which one is right for you?

The first step in choosing a cover for your sectional is choosing between leather or upholstery. 

 Your choice between leather or upholstery fabric can drastically change the look and feel of your sectional. 

Leather upholstery can vary in quality depending on the type of leather used and its treatment. They can differ in the tanning process, manufacturing, and dyeing method, ultimately affecting the final price tag. Essentially, the more processing that a leather undergoes, the less valuable it becomes.

When it comes to leather, there are two main types: Top Grain Leather and Split Leather.

Top grain leather is considered the most valuable. It has dense fibrous tissue making it strong and tear-resistant. This type of leather features the natural grain of the hide and its imperfections. The grain side of this leather is soft to the touch, while the flesh side is rough.

Split leather is less valuable as it has loose fibrous tissue making it less strong and more likely to tear. It consists of the underside or flesh side of the hide, making it rough in texture on both sides.

Upholstery fabric, on the other hand, is either made from natural fibers or human-made fibers. Depending on the type of fabric you choose, the look, feel, and quality of the material can greatly vary.

When making this decision between leather or fabric upholstery, there are some important factors to consider …

• Comfort

• Appearance

• Durability

• Maintenance

• Cost

To learn more about how leather and fabric compare against these categories, check out the article What is the Best Fabric for Your Sofa. 

If you end up deciding on fabric upholstery, there are many options available. In fact, some performance fabrics on the market offer unique properties that may help extend the life of your sectional. 

• Performance: designed to specifically withstand wear and tear while being simple to clean.

• Stain-Resistant: technology that repels spills such as La-Z-Boy’s iClean fabrics. 

• Eco-Friendly: sustainable textiles such as La-Z-Boy’s conserve Sustainable Fabrics which are made from recycled water bottles. 

• Antimicrobial: antimicrobial properties are woven into the fabric to protect against mold, mildew, and odor-causing bacteria. 

• Pet-Friendly: tested to simulate the scratches and wear pets can cause, to ensure a durable and easily washable fabric.

After considering all of the practical factors, it is also important to ensure that your colour and pattern choice coordinates well with the rest of the furniture and accessories in the room. 

5. How Much Does a Sectional Cost?

It is no secret that a comfortable, quality and stylish sectional sofa can be a significant investment piece for your home.

The cost of a sectional can greatly vary depending on a variety of factors such as size, configuration, functionality, and style. Further, the construction method and quality of the materials used also impact the final price tag. 

Many furniture manufacturers and retailers offer customization options and upgrades. Depending on your unique selections, certain customizations and upgrades can increase the cost of the sectional. 

Generally speaking, the cost of a sectional can range from $699 to $10,000 and beyond. 

Here is a breakdown of sectional price ranges:

For more detailed information on the cost of a sectional and what determines this cost, take a look at the article How Much Does a Sectional Cost? 

How much does a La-Z-Boy Sectional Cost?

Sectionals at La-Z-Boy fall within the mid to high-end price range in the market. If you are looking for a sectional within the introductory or low to the mid-price range, La-Z-Boy may not be for you. 

The cost of the La-Z-Boy sectional ranges from about $3,799 to $18,000 depending on the sectional type, size, configuration, features, and upgrades selected. 

Below are the principal price ranges at La-Z-Boy depending on sectional type: 

*These costs are subject to increase depending on any customizations and/or upgrades you may choose for your own sectional.

La-Z-Boy sectionals are constructed with the quality you can see and comfort that you can feel. We offer quality-crafted frames consisting of kiln-dried hardwood and furniture-grade laminates engineered for lasting durability. 

Further, La-Z-Boy believes you should not have to compromise on comfort for style. With this, La-Z-Boy sectionals are made in a variety of current and timeless styles all while made with high-grade foam seat cushions that maintain their comfort and appearance over time. 

Some additional costs may occur throughout the purchasing process. Given that sectionals are a significant financial investment, you may consider purchasing an additional warranty or protection plan. 

La-Z-Boy offers a Comprehensive Service Protection Plan priced correspondingly to the cost of your purchase. See in-store for a full price list.

Taking all of these expenses into account, it is clear that purchasing a sectional can be tough on the pocket-book. Furniture financing is offered by many furniture retailers, including La-Z-Boy, and this can be a helpful tool when it comes to affording this type of investment. 

If you have questions about furniture financing and how it works, take a look at the article Furniture Financing: Everything you need to know. 

6. Sectional Sofa Delivery or Pick-up?

By now you have chosen your sectional and customized it exactly to your liking. At this point of the process, you will be wondering when you can take possession of your new furniture and deciding between pickup or methods of delivery. 

Most furniture retailers provide a delivery service for clients who live within the vicinity of their retail stores. Given that sectionals are quite large, it is likely that delivery may be the most practical way for you to safely get your new sectional into your home.

If the sectional that you have purchased is in stock, delivery typically takes about one to two weeks. 

Custom sectionals, on the other hand, will take longer. These sectionals are custom-built to order based on specific requirements. This process can take anywhere from 6-14 weeks before being delivered to your doorstep. 

There are three basic types of delivery systems. Each service varies in the level of effort and labour required, therefore affecting the final cost of delivery. 

• Doorstep Delivery

• Standard Delivery (placed in the home)
• White-Glove Delivery/Full-Service Delivery (includes unpackaging and final assembly)

Depending on which delivery service you prefer, delivery fees can range anywhere from $50 to $200. 

With this being said, sometimes the cost of delivery is factored into the price of the furniture or you can get a discount on delivery with the more pieces you buy. 

To learn more about furniture delivery services and costs, take a look at the article How Much Does Delivery Cost in Ottawa?

Save on Delivery Costs …

As previously discussed, purchasing a sectional is a significant investment. If you are looking for ways to save on this purchase, you may consider forgoing the delivery service and picking up your sectional instead. 

If the sectional is in stock, you can pick-up and take your sofa home the day of purchase. If the sectional was a custom order, you will be able to pick up the sectional once it has arrived at the retail store from the manufacturer. 

In order to get your sectional home safely, ensure that you arrive at the pick-up location with a large vehicle that has room for the large pieces of the sectional. Consider bringing moving blankets to protect the product and your vehicle. Finally, ensure that you arrive with strong and able-bodied helpers to assist with the heavy lifting.

7. Sectional Buyers Checklist

Remember, buying a high-quality, comfortable, and stylish sectional is only half the battle. To begin shopping for that perfect sectional, you must first evaluate various sofa brands and retailers. The furniture company that you do business with is responsible for not only the product itself but also the successful delivery and installation of your new sectional. 

Moreover, the furniture company you decide to do business with may, or may not, offer supplementary services such as design and post-purchase support that will ultimately impact your overall experience. 

To save you some time, we’ve created a list of must-haves when shopping for a quality-made sectional.

How to Prepare for my Visit to La-Z-Boy

After reading this comprehensive sectional buyers guide, you have a better idea of what goes into buying a sectional and you’re probably ready to find the one that’s best for you.

If you’ve done your research and examined all of your options in the market, the first step is to choose a furniture retailer to shop with. 

Perhaps you have decided to give La-Z-Boy a try, and if that is the case, you can feel good knowing that La-Z-Boy has over 90 years of experience in offering quality and comfortable furniture. 

Our highly trained sales consultants are sectional experts! They will guide you through the purchasing process to find the perfect sectional for you. The wide range of sectional options at La-Z-Boy will ensure that you find the right sectional to meet all of your needs and preferences.

To get you started, below we link to our Top 5 Selling Sectionals at La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston and Reviews …

We look forward to answering any of your La-Z-Boy sectional questions at any one of our locations in the Ottawa and Kingston area

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