With sectionals becoming increasingly popular, are L-shaped sofas a good idea?

If you’re a family that enjoys spending hours lounging in the TV room, then the answer will be a big yes! These sofas will provide comfortable generous seating for everyone in the home. Best of all, this design will look just as great in a small living room as it does in a large one.

Read on as we give you a guide to everything you need to know before you purchase these irresistibly comfy seats.

1. What are the benefits of an L-shaped sofa?

The most obvious benefit of L-shaped sofas is that they offer more seating than a standard 2 - 3 seater. When entertaining, you will have plenty of room for all your friends to gather around and be part of the conversation. Additional reasons why you should consider them include:

Space efficient -L-shaped sofas take up less room than two standard sofas. This is why they are the preferred choice for small apartments.

Versatile -can be customised and modified to a specific space, allowing itself to fit into awkward corners that standard sofas wouldn’t fit in.

Comfortable -it's shape is perfect for lounging, and excellent for curling up to read, watch TV or just have some tea on a rainy day.

Affordable -Relative to buying an entire living room set consisting of one 3-seater, one 2-seater, and perhaps one or two wing chairs, a single L-shape sofa and an accent chair would be perfect.

Storage space -sectionals and corner sets especially can be modified to come with storage spaces under the seat.

2. How can you make sure an L-shaped sofa fits in your space correctly?

As with all furniture, the first step in your shopping journey should be measuring your space. Whilst most homeowners will simply use a tape measure to get a room’s dimensions, this isn’t the best method. We recommend using tape to map out the area on the floor where your sofa will be going.

By outlining the shape of the sofa on the floor, or marking its height on a wall, you’ll be able to get a much better idea of where best to place your new purchase as well as a better idea of its overall measurements and depth.

Furthermore, measure all doors and hallways where your furniture will need to pass through on its way to the living room. Forcing items through entryways often leads to dents, scratches and at worst, structural damage.

L-shaped sofas come in many different sizes, from smaller 3-seaters and corner seaters right the way up to huge 10-12 seats. So once you have your measurements, decide which option will work best for your room.

3. What are some of the best L-shaped sofas on the market right now?

When choosing your L-shaped sofa, there are a few important considerations to make:

Apart from the size, you should buy a set that matches your interior style. If your home has a minimalist look, you should gravitate towards neutral solid colours, for example. Alternatively, leather might be the perfect option for an industrialist aesthetic.

You should also think about the upholstery. Fabrics react differently to wear and tear so be sure to choose one that fits your lifestyle.

With so many designs to choose from, our design team has listed their favourites to help you narrow down your options for what will work best for your space.

Best Comfortable Sectional Sofa: Paul Sofa by Longhi
Best Customizable Sectional Sofa: Argo Sofa by Porada
Best Reclining Sectional Sofa: Megan Sofa by Naustro Nexus Collection
Best Leather Sectional Sofa: Zuma Sofa by Naustro Nexus Collection
Best Large Sectional Sofa: Helmut Sofa by Longhi
Best Sectional Sofa With Chaise: Library Corner Sofa by Elegance Collection
Best Small Sectional Sofa: Denny Sofa by Gamma & Dandy
Best Modern Sectional Sofa: Nautilus Sofa by Gamma & Dandy

4. How do you care for an L-shaped sofa properly to ensure it lasts for years to come?

The best way to prolong the lifespan of your L-shaped sofa is to clean it regularly. Whether it's a vacuum or a quick wipe down with a damp cloth, cleaning your sofa weekly and spot-treating spills as soon as they happen to go a long way in preventing short-term problems from turning into long-term damage.

Most fabrics will be damaged by constant exposure to direct sunlight, so arrange your furniture so that it is out of the sun. This will prevent fading, drying out and warping.

If your sectional comes with loose cushions, rotate these regularly to evenly distribute wear. Plump the removable cushions and pillows to keep their shape, especially after a period of long and consistent use.

Finally, ensure proper ventilation in your living room. Sofas can cling to odours from smoke, cooking or pets. A steady flow of air will ensure that these pollutants don’t settle in your furniture and damage the fabric.

5. What are some of the potential problems with L-shaped sofas, and how can you avoid them?

Whilst the pros of an L-shaped sofa are plenty, there are some cons to take note of. Being aware of them will help you avoid the pitfalls.

• Re-upholstering this sofa will be expensive so practise good maintenance.
• Can make your space look crowded if you buy the wrong size.
• Can obstruct the windows, doorways, or the flow of a room if not arranged properly.
• Getting the proper-facing arm (right-arm facing and left-arm facing) is vital - when you move, the sofa may not fit in with the layout of a different home.
• Reclining sectionals will require extra room to avoid them bumping into walls and tables.
• May look out of place in a more formal elegant room as they have a more casual feel.

In conclusion

There are many reasons why L-shaped sofas are a good idea for your living room. From increased seating to the irresistible comfort they offer, you will love your new set.

Our expert team at FCI can help you with the sizing, styling and customisation of your sectional. Our wide range of sofas has something to offer for every home interior.

Visit our showroom to sit on the different designs and experience the ultimate luxury of our furniture.