How to Style a Sectional Sofa in 5 Ways
Your sectional sofa isn’t just a functional piece of furniture — it's a canvas waiting to be adorned with your personal style. With its versatility and ample seating space, a sectional sofa can become the focal point of your living room, providing comfort and enhancing its overall aesthetic.
To inspire your creativity, we've compiled 5 ideas on how to style your sectional sofa, to transform your living room into your very own haven of serenity and style.
Whether you have a classic L-shaped sectional, a modular piece or anything in between, these tips will help you create a visually stunning space you'll love.
1. Embrace symmetry
Symmetry is a classic design principle that brings a sense of order and visual appeal to a layout. To establish that sense of balance, try positioning identical modern armchairs, side tables, or lamps on either side of your sectional sofa, creating a living room arrangement that’s pleasing to the eye.
It’s especially effective if you have another large sofa that dominates the room, as it creates a sense of visual harmony and prevents the sectional sofa from overwhelming the space.
However, do take note to consider the scale of your sectional sofa and the available space in the room. It’s important to ensure that the chairs or side tables are proportionate to the size of the sectional and the overall unit, so the furniture arrangement doesn’t feel cramped or overcrowded.
@wandotales creates symmetry by using two identical modules to create a C-shaped sectional sofa. Pictured: The Pebble Sectional Sofa.
@kaylaaaellieee places the matching Dawson Ottoman along with the Dawson Chaise Sectional Sofa to create a balanced look in the living room.
2. Use ottomans
An ottoman is a versatile piece of furniture that can serve multiple purposes and enhance the overall comfort and aesthetic of your sectional.
For instance, its primary function is to provide a comfortable footrest. You can position the ottoman in front of the sectional sofa, allowing you and your guests to put your feet up and enjoy a moment of respite.
On top of this, ottomans can also double up as stylish coffee table alternatives. In this case, it’s best to opt for ottomans with a flat or tray-like surface to provide stability for placing drinks, snacks, or books.
@designlovesdetail uses the Jonathan Leather Ottoman as a makeshift coffee table in the living room.
Likewise, @playa_interiors uses the Dawson Ottoman as a makeshift coffee table or a place to prop up your feet while lazing on the Dawson Extended Sofa.
3. Go for contrast
Contrast is a powerful design element that adds excitement and depth to a space. By choosing a sectional sofa in a bold color or pattern — such as a vibrant red or a rich navy blue on a curved silhouette — you create a focal point in your living room that immediately captures attention.
When going for contrast, it's essential to consider the overall color scheme and style of the room. Ensure that the bold color or pattern of the sectional harmonizes with the existing decor and doesn't clash with other elements in the layout.
You want the contrast to be intentional and visually pleasing instead of chaotic or conflicting.Pairing a bold sectional sofa with neutral-colored walls, like white or beige, also allows the sofa to truly shine. The neutral backdrop acts as a canvas, amplifying the vibrancy or intricate details of the sofa and transforming it into a captivating centerpiece.
Alternatively, you could also consider opting for a sectional sofa in a neutral hue and introducing contrast through vibrant accent walls or bold artwork.
@laurenselfblogs creates a stunning contrast of the Owen Chaise Sectional Sofa with vibrant red hues.
@mensweardog decorates around the Isaac Leather Bumper Chaise Sectional Sofa with yellow cushions. Also pictured: Andre Coffee Table and Yara Jute Area Rug.
4. Layer up different textures
Texture plays a crucial role in interior design, adding depth and personality to a room. When styling a sectional sofa, don't overlook the power of tactile elements to create a layered and inviting atmosphere.
For example, you could place a soft, plush rug either below or in front of the sectional. Opt for materials like wool or jute, which offer a natural texture, or choose a rug with a unique pattern to define the seating area and foster a more intimate and comfortable space.
To further elevate the textural elements, select cushions a variety of textures and materials, such as velvet, faux fur, or woven materials. These small touches can make a big difference in creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Draping a chunky knit or faux fur throw over the sectional also adds warmth and visual interest.
@dr.emzieees uses a jute area rug to anchor the Dawson Chaise Sectional Sofa and introduce texture. Also pictured: The Andre Coffee Table.
@sydneywinbush adds texture to the Auburn Performance Bouclé Extended L-shape Sectional Sofa with a knitted throw and cushion.
5. Bring nature indoors
Lastly, adding plants and greenery around your sectional sofa creates a fresh and calming atmosphere, promoting a sense of tranquility and connection with the outdoors.
It’s important to keep in mind that the types of plants you choose — and how you position them — also impact the aesthetic of your living room. Plants that thrive indoors, like monsterras, terrariums, or succulents, require minimal maintenance and can be easily moved around to create multiple looks.
On the other hand, you can arrange larger plants in corners, and smaller potted plants on wooden coffee tables or contemporary side tables next to your sectional sofa. This creates a dynamic interplay of heights and scales, adding visual interest and depth to your living room.
The dark wood ceiling, wooden coffee table, and plants add a touch of freshness to @kristenmcgowan’s space. Pictured: The Marlow Performance Bouclé Curve Sofa.
Even with one potted plant in your home like @marialayton, you’d be surprised how much freshness you can breathe into the space. Pictured: The Hamilton Chaise Sectional Sofa.
Create a living room that you love
By thoughtfully incorporating these styling tips, you can transform your sectional sofa into a centerpiece that elevates the overall aesthetic of your living room. Whether you prefer a symmetrical arrangement, a layered look with textures, or a touch of nature's charm, there's a style to suit every taste and preference. The key is to make your sectional sofa a reflection of your style and a source of comfort in your living space.
How do I make a sectional sofa look better?
There are many ways to enhance the look of your sectional sofa. Try adding stylish throw pillows in various colors and textures, or incorporate a cozy throw blanket. Alternatively, consider layering rugs to define the seating area and add visual interest. You can also place a statement coffee table in front of the sectional to create a focal point.
How do I style a room with a sectional sofa?
Styling a living room with a sectional sofa involves creating a balanced and functional layout. Consider the size and shape of your sectional and the overall dimensions of your living room.
Position the sectional to create a focal point and arrange other furniture pieces around it to facilitate conversation and flow. Don't forget to add accessories like pillows, throws, and artwork to complete the look.
How many pillows should be on a sectional couch?
The ideal number of pillows for a sectional sofa — and how to arrange them — depends on how big it is and your personal preference. A general guideline is to use an odd number of pillows, such as 3 or 5, and to spread them evenly for a balanced look. You can also mix and match different sizes, shapes, and textures to create a visually captivating arrangement within your living room.
