Clever's Seat Week

The Very Best Sectional Sofas, Tested and Reviewed by Our Editors

We decided that we couldn’t sit on this one any longer—we shipped 16 sectional sofas into the homes of Clever contributors to test them firsthand
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Forget everything you thought you knew about the sectional: Too informal? Too inflexible? Too big for small spaces? Not in our book. The best sectional sofa has it all: plenty of seating, endless styles for any home decor, and lots of room to comfortably stretch out. But perhaps the most crucial part of the sectional is its versatility—especially in an era that has retailers offering customizations that can arrive perfectly tailored to your floor plan and at your door in a matter of days. Former Architectural Digest editor Benjamin Reynaert made a similar case for the sectional, saying it allows for “a level of customization akin to bespoke furniture, but without the high-shelf costs that come with building a piece from the ground—or sofa leg—up.”

But sure, it’s one thing to talk about the virtues of a piece of furniture without actually putting it to a sit test, something a designer might do for a few minutes in a showroom. Here at Clever that wasn’t nearly enough for us, especially for a splurge piece that might cost a few thousand dollars and will (hopefully) live in your home for years. We’re big believers that no piece of furniture is too big or too small to be purchased online, but there are a few things you might want to know firsthand—namely whether or not it makes sense in a modern household.

So we sat down—and laid, and jumped, and sprawled—to test 16 different couches in apartments, suburban homes, and rural farmhouses across the Northeast (shoutouts to Chicago) from ordering to assembly to the first new sofa nap. If you’re looking for something more traditional to create a formal seating arrangement in a living room or a super-comfy, family-friendly modular sofa for pet cuddles and movie nights, there is a sectional for you.

What did we look for in our sit tests?

There are many factors that went in to each of our reviews to give you the insight you need to select the best sectional sofa for your home.

Ordering and customization process: Shallow seats or deep seats, armrests or armless, right-facing chaise or left-facing chaise, down seat cushions or foam cushioning, upholstery or leather, L-shape or U-shape—each of the sectionals we tested has possibilities. We also documented the lead times and expected delivery timelines for each model.

Couch delivery and assembly: Curbside or white-glove, fully assembled or DIY. And, if DIY, how many pieces did the sofa arrive in and how difficult was the assembly?

After installation: Here we asked some tough functionality questions of each sectional: Is it practical for a modern home? Is the couch kid- and/or pet-friendly? What are the care and cleaning instructions? And did it look better IRL than in the photos?

One year update: Where possible, we asked if our testers still stood by their original reviews. Some of the questions we asked included:

  • How does the sectional sofa hold up after a full year of use?
  • How has your experience been with cleaning the sectional?
  • What has been your favorite aspect of the sectional, and is there anything you wish you could change?
  • Would you still recommend this product to someone who’s looking to purchase?

Slipcovered Sectionals

Modular Sectionals

Midcentury-modern Sectionals

Low Profile Sectional Sofas

Leather Sectionals


Slipcovered sectionals

These classic beauties feature top-of-the-line upholstery, expert craftsmanship, and the delicate touch that only a slipcover and a little skirt action can provide.

The best sectional sofa for timeless style: Maiden Home Dune Sectional
Read the full review here

Maiden Home’s philosophy is that a showstopping couch with luxury level craftsmanship shouldn’t come with a ridiculously expensive price tag. And by cutting out the showrooms, wholesalers, and boutiques, the furniture makers are able to offer customers custom-made pieces, direct from workshops in North Carolina, at a fraction of the price. The Dune in particular is the brand’s version of a classic slipcover sofa, and with six different styles of sectional to customize and classic linen upholstery, this very versatile couch still makes a statement in your home without standing out too much.

“It’s a great multipurpose couch. It’s not too deep that you completely sink in when you’re trying to sit up straight, and the chaise makes it great for napping and lounging.” —Elaheh Nozari, contributing writer

  • Dimensions: 60–100" wide, 65" deep, 34" tall
  • Materials: Performance-textured flax linen, kiln-dried hardwood frame, steel springs, down feathers
  • Shipping: Pricing varies by location (New York–based addresses around $150), typically takes 2–4 weeks, expect to be contacted by MH’s white-glove partners to schedule a date for your delivery (the brand provide you with an estimate of when to expect your scheduling call based on your zip code)
  • Return Policy: 30-day return policy for items in original condition (10% return fee of purchase applies). Cancellations after 24 hours will also be charged a 10% fee

Maiden Home The Dune

The best sectional sofa for complete comfort: Sixpenny Neva Chaise Sectional
Read the full review here

Sixpenny is a eco-friendly brand that’s based on the idea of natural comfort. In fact, all the company’s seating—like the Neva Chaise Sectional—have ethically sourced down feather–stuffed cushions, frames handcrafted from kiln-dried solid hardwood, and linen-cotton covering options made from luxurious, all-natural materials. While you won’t go wrong with the Neva sectional for your home, know that you can spring for the whole Neva line from Sixpenny as well, which includes a chair, daybed, and even an alternative corner sectional—all with different slipcover options to suit your particular decor style.

“For anyone looking for a big and comfortable sectional, it’s such a winner.”—Zoë Sessums, digital design editor

  • Dimensions: 123" wide, 84" deep, 33" tall
  • Materials: Options include cotton canvas, cotton linen, thread-dyed cotton linen, washed cotton linen, washed cotton velvet, lightweight linen, medium weight linen
  • Shipping: Free shipping and $100 fee for white-glove delivery service. Currently 10–12 week estimated delivery time on made-to-order products
  • Return Policy: 30-day return policy for items in original condition (10% repackaging fee applies). White-glove shipping costs and custom orders are nonrefundable. Exchanges offered on certain items within 30 days of receipt (excluding leather items)

Sixpenny Neva Chaise Sectional

The best sectional for the whole family: Sundays Movie Night 4-Piece Modular Sectional
Read the full review here

Reminiscent of the famed Cloud Couch from RH, the Movie Night product line from Vancouver-based Sundays Company is essentially the Coastal Grandmother in couch form with its easy and breezy slipcovers and relaxed silhouette. As our contributor Emily Farris points out, the performance fabrics can withstand kids and large pets—plus those lovely covers are removable for hand washing or dry cleaning, and they come in a variety of neutral shades. Feather-filled and built for lounging with extra deep seats and ample back cushions built around a solid wood frame, the Movie Night is easily one of the best sofas around if you want to kick back with a large group for, among other things, a binge session. If your living room is on the tinier side, but you love the look of the Movie Night family, have no fear: The Condo version of the sectional is designed for smaller spaces.

“It’s big, deep, durable, and super comfortable.” —Emily Farris, contributing writer

  • Dimensions: 135" wide, 90" deep, 32" tall
  • Materials: Sundays’ signature Brie LiveLife performance fabric (moisture-repellent and stain-resistant)
  • Shipping: Free in-home delivery and assembly for customers in Canada and the US, 3–5 week estimated delivery time.
  • Return Policy: 30-day return policy for items in original condition with original packaging ($150 return fee applies). An additional $75 repackaging fee applies for items without original packaging

Movie Night 4-Piece Modular Sectional

Modular sectionals

If you’re looking for a sofa with a modern design that will grow with you, you might want to consider a modular design where seating can be swapped in or out to accommodate changing spaces. Aside from looking great, many brands allow for customization beyond shape, size, and layout, offering modular coffee tables or storage space to be added where needed.

The best modular sectional for lying low: Castlery Jonathan Chaise Sectional
Read the full review here

The Jonathan Chaise Sectional from Castlery is a modular option with size versatility starting at a two-seater option and going all the way up to a configuration that fits five to six. Perfect for any modern home, this minimalist, low-slung modular sofa is easy to assemble and ideal for homes with pets and children thanks to its soft-edge nature. Plush foam and spring-filled cushions ensure a medium-firm yet cozy place to unwind after a long day.

“Although the sectional was originally an aesthetic purchase, one year in the comfort level matches its looks.” —Rachel Fletcher, commerce editor

  • Dimensions: 117" wide, 72" deep, 28" tall
  • Materials: Polyester, cotton, and nylon blend upholstery, LVL and plywood, foam, metal springs
  • Shipping: Free shipping for orders over $999 for selected cities and free cancelation before dispatch. White-glove delivery flat rate fee of $100-$150, 2–4 week estimated delivery time on made-to-order products
  • Return Policy: 14-day return policy for items in original condition with original packaging (20% purchase price return fee applies). An additional $50 repackaging fee applies

Castlery Jonathan Chaise Sectional Sofa

The best U-shaped sectional: Lovesac Sactionals
Read the full review here

You may be tired of hearing us drone on about how adaptable a modular sectional can be, but this one may be the most versatile of them all. Enter: Lovesac Sactionals, whose three different base pieces (the Sectional Seat, Wedge Seat, and Storage Seat) can be configured into just about any seating arrangement imaginable (and make it easy to convert your configuration into an extra large sectional). What’s more is each Sactionals piece has a removable and machine-washable cover that’s available in more than 200 color options, making it a breeze to replace damaged seating or update your look when you want a change.

“Between working from it and snuggling up with my partner to watch a movie at the end of the day, I spend more time on the couch than I’d care to admit.” —Bailey Berg, contributing writer

  • Dimensions: 118" wide, 64" deep, 29" tall
  • Materials: Velvet, chenille, cross-weave, weave, polylinen, leather, foam, down and polyester blend
  • Shipping: Free shipping on all US orders. Orders deliver in approximately 1–4 weeks, custom covers may take between 4–10 weeks
  • Return Policy: 60-day return policy for items in original condition with original packaging. Final sale for custom merchandise, floor models, and clearance items

Lovesac Sactionals, 5 Seats + 5 sides

The best sectional for serious nappers: Pottery Barn Dream Modular Sofa Chaise Sectional Read the full review here

As a kid, you probably sat on a few Pottery Barn sofas when your parents were shopping for a new couch. (We vividly remember those trips—the whole family would go to a furniture store and race around sit-testing different couches, beds, and chairs.) The brand’s Dream Collection takes classic couch and sectional silhouettes and makes them extra plush for extra comfort, so even couch-sleeping will inspire the dreamiest of naps. The Dream upholstered modular sectional sofa, in particular, features an extremely customizable shape (you can move the middle sections to make it compact or adjust the ottoman to wherever you want for the comfiest of reclining) and a comfortability that is “the stuff of legends,” according to sit tester J. Nailah Avery.

“This couch seems extremely durable and practical. It is sturdy and roomy, and it’s easy to sit down and stand up from.” —J. Nailah Avery, contributing writer

  • Dimensions: 129–172" wide, 86" deep, 34" tall
  • Materials: 90+ performance upholstery options, rubberwood, memory foam, steel springs
  • Shipping: $279+ for white-glove delivery, doorstep delivery service is available for select items at a lower flat rate
  • Return Policy: 30-day return policy for items in original condition with original packaging (7 days for Quick Ship upholstery items). Made-to-order furniture is not eligible for returns

Pottery Barn Dream Modular Sofa Chaise Sectional

The best sectional for a nook or small space: Burrow Three-Piece Open Sectional Lounger Read the full review here

The Burrow is a family-friendly addition to your living spaces no matter what kind of square footage you’re working with. This three-piece sectional that’s just slightly bigger than a loveseat is particularly accommodating to smaller layouts and thoughtfully designed with the flexibility to add more modules to your system should you desire more seating as your family or space changes. Stain-resistant upholstery, solid plywood frame, and CertiPUR-US–certified foam ensures lasting durability and comfort.

“A great starter sofa for a first home or apartment that you won’t have to send to a landfill when you’re ready to move.” —David Kaufman, contributing writer

  • Dimensions: 61" wide, 61" deep, 28" tall
  • Materials: Stain resistant fabric, plywood, foam, shredded fill, and fiber wadding
  • Shipping: Free delivery, 5–10 business days
  • Return Policy: 30-day return policy for items in original condition with original packaging (10% restocking fee applies, 20% repackaging fee applies)

Burrow Range 3-Piece Open Sectional Lounger

Midcentury-modern sectionals

There’s a reason MCM design hasn’t gone anywhere in the past several decades (well, lots of reasons actually; entire books have been written on the subject), and we keep finding new and innovative examples of its principles put to work. From eco-friendly to budget-friendly, there’s a MCM sectional out there for anyone looking.

The best sectional sofa for when you want it now: Albany Park Park Sectional
Read the full review here

Albany Park is a relative newcomer to the direct-to-consumer furniture game, founded in 2019 by former NFL player Darryl Sharpton and his wife, Jessica. The brand offers several quick-shipping, easy-to-assemble sectionals-in-a-box that land in the lower range of price points we tested. The Park collection features time-tested midcentury details including the tapered legs and 
slim-profile design that will make it flexible when it comes to working with your existing decor. It’s a solid, family-friendly sofa with just the right amount of elegance.

“I would still rate it an A for quality, since it hasn’t shown any signs of wear and tear. The material is still intact, the sofa is still sturdy, and it looks almost brand-new.” —Terri Williams, contributing writer

  • Dimensions: 114" wide, 63" deep, 35" tall
  • Materials: Vegan leather, velvet, performance fabric, bouclé
  • Shipping: Free shipping to the front door of your building, delivery in 3–5 weeks
  • Return Policy: 30-day return policy for items in original condition with original packaging (10% restocking fee applies, 20% repackaging fee applies)

Park Sectional Sofa

The most budget-friendly sectional: AllModern Breanna Sectional
Read the full review here

A sectional sofa for under $1,500—that can’t be comfortable, right? Not the case, according to our reviewer, Elise Portale. In fact, the Breanna bouclé sectional from Wayfair-owned AllModern exceeded all expectations when it came to quality, comfort, and style, leaving Portale a convert to the “White Couch Life.”

“I can say that the Breanna as a design is truly wonderful. If you have the space for it, you’re not going to be disappointed by the size, comfort, and durability—I promise.” —Elise Portale, contributing writer

  • Dimensions: 112" wide, 63" deep, 32" tall
  • Materials: Polyester and polyester acrylic blend fabrics, foam, solid wood
  • Shipping: Free shipping to the front door of your building, white-glove delivery and assembly an extra $150, delivery in 1–5 weeks
  • Return Policy: 30-day return policy for items in original condition and packaging (return shipping costs apply), refund or store credit

Allmodern Miller 2 - Piece Chaise Sectional

The best responsibly manufactured sectional: Sabai Essential Sectional
Read the full review here

We’ve been fans of sustainable furniture brand Sabai’s mission and commitment to the environment for a few years now, but this is the first time we’ve really put them to the sit test! Not only is the sofa incredibly comfortable, affordable, and easy to assemble, it’s space efficient while roomy enough to seat three adults (and a corgi!) at the same time. Sabai seems to have done the impossible: made a great-looking sofa that’s gentler on the planet and won’t cost a fortune.

“I’ve long struggled to find any couch that was both comfortable and efficient with space. Sabai’s couch solved that problem.” —Mark Burka, contributing writer

  • Dimensions: 129–172" wide, 86" deep, 34" tall
  • Materials: Upcycled and recycled fabrics, foam filling, FSC-certified wood, solid aluminum legs.
  • Shipping: $115+ for shipping, the sectional ships within 2–3 weeks (US orders take approximately 1–7 days, Canadian orders take approximately 5–8 days)
  • Return Policy: 30-day return policy for items in original condition and packaging (10% return shipping costs apply, shipping fees are nonrefundable). Returns not accepted from Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada

Sabai Essential Sectional

The best sectional for (almost) endless customization: Apt2B Logan Two Piece Sectional Sofa 
Read the full review here

All of Apt2B’s sofas are made to order and most of them—including the Logan model tested by our contributor Mackenzie Gasset—are manufactured in Los Angeles. The digital-first brand boasts an impressive customization model that offers not just a couch built for your home, but also for your lifestyle. With its understated and contemporary style, the Logan is available in more than 50 fabric options varying in both color and material: Microfiber, performance velvet, or multiple woven options. On top of all of those options, the model has a reversible chaise (i.e. you can decide whether you want the chaise lounge on the left or the right side, depending on the layout of your living room).

“The Logan sectional allowed me to be very intentional about curating the kind of space I want my living room to be,” Mackenzie said of the design process. Perhaps most importantly, the piece feels well-made. The foam cushions are well structured and comfortable, and the fabric is sturdy and stain resistant. This classically midcentury-modern couch will go well with any decor style, but its size and configuration make it best suited for larger homes with space to move around.

“This is not a quicksand couch, and, personally, my spine thanks me for that!” —Mackenzie Gassett, contributing writer

  • Dimensions: 108" wide, 68" deep, 36" tall
  • Materials: Solid wood frame, hypoallergenic fabrics, foam filling
  • Shipping: Free entryway shipping and delivery, white-glove delivery and assembly an extra $149, delivery in 2–4 weeks
  • Return Policy: 100-day return policy for items in original condition and packaging (15% restocking fee applies)

Logan 2 Piece Sectional Sofa

Low profile sectional sofas

Clean lines, expert construction, and high-quality upholstery are quintessential to these understated L-shaped sectionals. For something classic that will last a lifetime and work in pretty much any home, read these reviews.

The best sectional sofa for a lifetime of lounging: West Elm Dalton 2-Piece Chaise Sectional 
Read the full review here

What you see is what you get with the West Elm sectional—and we mean that in the very best way. True to the photos and the description, this couch more than delivers on comfort and style. It’s well made with contract-grade materials, it’s super plush (enough so that it can serve as an extra bed for guests), and its design is low-key enough that it can be accessorized to fit in most homes, classic or contemporary.

“My favorite aspect of the sectional is how plush it is. It truly feels like you’re sitting on a cloud.” —Juliana Ukiomogbe, contributing writer

  • Dimensions: 111–121" wide, 69" deep, 35" tall
  • Materials: Velvet, linen, twill, and tweed options available, solid and engineered wood, metal springs, polyurethane foam, feather, and poly fiber blend
  • Shipping: Doorstep delivery ($149+), home delivery white-glove service ($279+), delivery in 1–6 weeks
  • Return Policy: 30-day return policy for items in original condition and (7-day policy for quick-ship upholstery items). Final sale for made-to-order products

West Elm Dalton Two-Piece Chaise Sectional

The best sleeper sectional sofa for guest rooms and beyond: EQ3 Reva Sleeper Sectional with Storage Chaise
Read the full review here

There’s no need for a mattress in your guest room when EQ3’s Reva Sleeper Sectional easily converts to a makeshift bed in the blink of an eye. Plush cushions filled with foam and feathers ensure optimal comfort when sitting, while an underlying memory foam mattress guarantees a sound surface that’s perfect for snoozing. This very versatile sofa is available in multiple configurations, including both double and queen sofa sleepers, chaises, and even chaises with hidden storage.

“This sectional feels like it might last me a lifetime of melting into it.” —Collier Sutter, contributing writer

  • Dimensions: 127" wide, 65" deep, 35" tall
  • Materials: Fabric, leather, hardwood, stainless steel, memory foam mattress.
  • Shipping: Doorstep deliver available for $149+, expect manufacturing time of 8–12 weeks and delivery in 2–4 weeks
  • Return Policy: 30-day return policy or 90 days for store credit. Delivery fees are nonrefundable

EQ3 Reva Two-Piece Sectional Sleeper Sofa With Storage Chaise

The best sectional for pet owners: BenchMade Modern Uncle Sal Sectional 
Read the full review here

BenchMade offers endless customizations and specializes in fast production. Not only do you have more than 90 fabric options to find the right fit for your home, but the brand will also send a free box of swatches with a genius paper cutout to help measure your space—and make your decision making that much easier. Our sit tester, Stewart, was particularly amazed to find her sectional was able to conceal light and dark pet hair, as well as hold up against claws, rowdy kids, and more. Stewart went ahead and called it a “top-notch” product, and added that the BenchMade products are built to your exact specifications, supremely comfortable, and made to last.

“The performance fabric is really a highlight for me. I specifically chose it to conceal both brown and white dog hair, which it does flawlessly.” —Stewart Fussell, commerce SEO analyst

  • Dimensions: 95–125" wide, 63–68" deep, 32" tall
  • Materials: Performance fabric or leather, foam and fiber, kiln-dried hardwood frame, metal springs, foam core with thick trillium wrap
  • Shipping: Threshold delivery ($249), white-glove service ($399), delivery in 3+ weeks
  • Return Policy: 100-day return policy for items in original condition and packaging (10% fee applies for returns made after 14 days of receipt). Shipping costs are nonrefundable

BenchMade Modern Uncle Sal Sofa With Chaise

Leather sectionals

Is there anything sexier than a leather couch? Lenny Kravitz has, like, seven on his Brazilian compound, so our answer is probably no. Even faux leather sofas have gotten more luxe as of late. Style factor aside, leather sofas have a multitude of practical benefits, such as getting better with age and being hypoallergenic and easy to clean. We tested two standout sectional couches—one traditionally tufted, one three-seater with a chic chaise lounge—that we think will liven up you living space.

The best leather sectional sofa that comes with an interior designer: Interior Define Gaby
Read the full review here

From a visual perspective, this Interior Define sectional is a standout. So much so that you might not expect it to be comfortable for lounging. While the slimmer profile and elegant shape means it’s not necessarily a sprawl-out-and-watch-movies kind of couch, pretty much every factor of an ID can be customized, so it can be if you want it to! Deeper seats? You can do that. Longer chaise? Yes, that too. And it can be ordered in four lengths, ranging from 91 to 123 inches. Plus, if any part of the process feels overwhelming, Interior Define also provides free design consultations online or in its showrooms located throughout the US.

“This is a sturdy, beautiful, and snug couch that is the centerpiece of any living space, and I’d recommend it to a friend.” —Rachel Kalichman, contributing writer

  • Dimensions: 91–133" wide, 65–75" deep, 33" tall
  • Materials: Leather, metal, wood, down or down alternative fill
  • Shipping: $249 flat rate delivery fee with white-glove service included, delivery in 12–14 weeks.
  • Return Policy: 30-day return policy for in-stock items (15% processing and shipping fee applies). 60-day return policy for made-to-order returns (50% processing fee applies)

Gaby Leather 3-Seat Left Chaise Sectional

The most versatile leather sectional: Article Sven
Read the full review here

It’s easy to see what makes Sven a best-seller for Canadian retailer Article. Available in fabric upholstery (including velvet) or leather, the midcentury–inspired silhouette checks all the boxes if you’re looking for a classic couch. Not too soft, not too deep seated, not too small (or too big!) for a family of three, the Sven is what reviewer Audrey Lee calls the “Golidlocks of couches.” Because of its solid construction, it might take a minute or two to get the lived-in look of a well-worn leather sofa, but we have a feeling it will be worth the wait.

“After a year of post-workday naps, movie nights, and lazy days binge watching whatever streaming show TikTok influenced me to watch, the Sven sectional is still in top-notch condition.” —Audrey Lee, commerce editor

  • Dimensions: 100" wide, 67" deep, 34" tall
  • Materials: Natural leather, solid and composite wood, foam, fiber, and feather fill cushions
  • Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $999, in-room delivery available ($99), in-room delivery and assembly available ($169). Delivery in 2+ weeks depending on inventory
  • Return Policy: 30-day return policy for items in original condition with original packaging ($49 return fee applies). Additional $50 fee applies for items without original packaging

Article Sven Sectional in Oxford Blue Leather

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