The best sectional sofas for 2026, according to design experts and home editors
These comfortable, modern sectionals from furniture brands like Article, Burrow and Crate & Barrel are perfect for lounging.
Our experts independently review everything we recommend. If you buy through our links, we may earn commission.
A sectional sofa is the ultimate comfort status symbol: It lets you spread out when you're home alone, and it's a crowd pleaser when guests come over. The best sectional sofas are timeless and durable, designed to transcend trends and withstand heavy use.
To suss them out, I asked design pros about the brands and styles that have caught their attention. My group of experts includes interior designers, editors and an Emmy award-winning set designer who has worked on TV shows and movies (where durability is key!). I then researched each recommendation — relying on my own expertise as Yahoo's resident home writer and someone who has worked for some of the country's best-known home brands — focusing on materials, ease of setup and configuration. Once you find the best sectional sofa for you, check out these outdoor sofas
for comfortable lounging beyond the living room.
In this story
Best sectional sofas for 2026
Dimensions:110" L x 61" D x 33" H | Frame materials:Wood or metal | Upholstery materials:Performance fabric, leather or velvet | Upholstery colors:Crushed Gravel (shown), plus 10 others
Topping our list is the Nomad King Sectional from Burrow, which hits the sweet spot with its easy-to-care-for, thoughtful (read: adaptable) design. “The sustainably sourced hardwood and nontoxic fabrics are impressive, but what truly sets it apart is the ease of assembly — no tools required," explains interior designer Dina Marciano .
She goes on to note that the modular (and therefore reconfigurable) DNA of this sectional sofa is "invaluable for clients who move frequently or enjoy refreshing their interiors," adding that “the style is timeless, with options ranging from classic fabric to sleek leather finishes, allowing it to fit seamlessly into both modern and traditional settings.”
Marciano finds the leather option particularly “appealing for clients seeking durability with a sophisticated edge." Burrow also offers stain-resistant velvet and fabric (shown) upholstery options for a softer aesthetic, in a wide range of colors. For added customization, you can select from different leg finishes, arm styles and even cushion types — plus different sizes and configurations — along with various upgrades for an additional cost.
This sofa is an investment, but it’s made to order, and we've seen Burrow offer its midcentury modern pieces like this discounted $1,000 or more during sales. Talk about a score!
- Comes in many leg, fabric and back cushion styles
- Lots of (stain-resistant) upholstery materials and colors available
- Modular design
- Built-in charger
- No side cushions, but back pillows can be rearranged for added support
Dimensions:93"L x 63"D x 32"H | Frame material:Kiln-dried solid pine | Upholstery material:Linen-polyester fabric | Color options:Olio Green (shown), Pebble Gray or Rain Cloud Gray
Article has made a name for itself with modern, reasonably priced furniture that it sells directly to consumers online. This sectional is no different: At less than $1,900, it's a solid deal for the quality, and it strikes the perfect balance between rustic and refined.
The base and legs are crafted from kiln-dried solid pine and coated with a honey-oak stain for added warmth. The cushions are naturally stain-resistant, plus removable for easy refreshing.
"I'm loving a deep, rich green these days," says Emmy award-winning set and interior designer James Pearse Connelly of the Olio color shown. "This sofa is perfectly unique and comes in a variety of configurations."
Connelly, who works with celebrity clients including Kelly Clarkson, Jim Jefferies and Maria Menounos, says that the sofa's "masculine look would be great for a recording studio hangout" — but we think this luxe lounger would also be pretty cool in a living room! "It's fresh and design-forward," he adds, and the 93-inch length is ideal for medium-size rooms.
In addition to green, the fabric version of the sectional comes in two gray shades, which add a touch of color while remaining fairly neutral (grays are also a bit better at camouflaging dirt than creams and whites). You can also order it in leather — in three finishes — for those looking for more of that rustic charm.
"A few of our clients have purchased the leather option, and it’s a very nice quality buttery leather that has aged well,” says Isabella Patrick of Isabella Patrick Interiors . “One of our sports fanatic clients happily watches all his favorite teams win (and sometimes lose) from this sofa. It's also been the perfect spot for family movie night.”
- Removable cushions
- Built-in side cushions
- On the more affordable side
- Limited upholstery colors
Dimensions:119.7"L x 81.2"D x 35.43"H | Frame material:Wood | Upholstery material:Leather | Color options:Brown
Women-owned, Miami-based home furnishings company TOV comes up a lot in my conversations with industry experts for elevated, practical — and like Burrown, often modular — designs. “Modular sectionals are so flexible, because they can be arranged into multiple configurations,” says Rainey Richardson, founder of Rainey Richardson Interiors .
While TOV's Cali collection offers many configurations and finishes, Richardson likes how "this leather option combines affordability with modern lines, allowing the piece to work in almost any design aesthetic." It's great for households with kids and pets, as Richardson points out, since leather can be wiped down for easy cleaning (just be careful if your dog or cat has sharp nails and with particularly pointy toys, as leather can also be prone to scratching).
Pre-installed brackets along the bottom of this sectional (which has a near-perfect rating) connect the pieces for easy assembling and re-configuring. Aside from being nimble and buildable, this sectional has a down fill that makes it incredibly comfortable, says Richardson. TOV also sells individual chairs and ottomans that can be attached to the sectional at any point, should you need extra seating or more legroom. (There is also a loveseat and three-seater sofa version for those who'd prefer to start smaller, with the option to "section" the sofa off later.)
- Modular design
- Wipeable leather
- Down-filled cushions
- Only one finish for the leather
Dimensions:85"L x 61"D x 32"H | Frame material:Wood | Upholstery materials:Cactus leather, recycled velvet, upcycled polyester, hemp and hemp blend | Color options:Moss, plus 21 others
Finding a sectional sofa that's gentle on both the wallet and the environment isn't always easy, which makes this top-rated, expert-recommended design from Sabai so rare. The furniture and decor company specializes in nontoxic, sustainable materials.
“What I love about the Sabai Essential Sectional is not only its commitment to sustainability — with FSC-certified wood and CertiPUR-US-certified foam — but also its thoughtful approach to design,” says Marciano. "The closed-loop initiative for repairs and recycling speaks to a modern, responsible way of living." Sabai offers this sofa in a handful of sustainable upholstery options — among them upcycled polyester, recycled velvet, and cactus leather.
From a style perspective, Marciano says that “the sectional’s clean lines and modular options make it versatile for a variety of interiors, whether you’re aiming for a minimalist look or something more eclectic.” Marciano gravitates toward "rich, jewel-toned velvets and neutral finishes" for clients seeking “both comfort and a touch of understated luxury."
Considering a sleeper sofa? The Elevate is another top-rated style with thoughtful craftsmanship and similar upholstery options for those who could use a bonus guest room every once in a while.
- Sustainable wood and upholstery
- Removable cushions
- Replaceable parts
- Wide range of upholstery and colors
- No side cushions
Dimensions:84"L x 60"D x 35"H | Frame material:Solid pine, engineered wood and plywood | Upholstery materials:Polyester, linen and velvet | Color options:Napa Rust (shown), plus 14 others
If you don’t necessarily have a lot of space to work with, consider this compact design from Article. “The aesthetic of the sofa, coupled with the color, helps it skew formal and casual," explains Patrick. "It's 'retro' colored, but the silhouette is modern."
She loves not just the unique hue of this sectional but also its compact scale and under-chaise storage. "How perfect for smaller spaces!" she exclaims.
The Napa Rust color comes in a performance fabric (there are also performance velvets), so you don't need to worry about stains. This model is reversible, meaning you can place the chaise on the left or right, but Article also offers this sofa in other configurations, including a larger size with a fixed chaise and a corner sectional.
I own several pieces of furniture from Article — among them the Seno media console and dining table — and so do several Yahoo editors. We have all been pleased with their ease of assembly, the quality of the craftsmanship, their simple yet striking look and how they have held up over time.
- Compact
- Built-in storage
- Abundant upholstery materials and colors
- No side pillows
Dimensions:109"L x 69"D x 31.25"H | Frame material:Hardwood | Upholstery materials:Textured weave (shown), chenille, microfiber, linen, twill, velvet, canvas or boucle | Color options:Quartz (shown), plus more than 228 others
Take it from Marina Bourderonnet, founding partner of Fame Architecture and Design : “The Aris sectional is the kind of couch that makes you want to curl up and stay awhile.” Bench-style sofas tend to be more comfortable for lying down, and since no one is stuck to predefined cushions, there's more wiggle room for guests and parties of different sizes.
Bourderonnet says the sectional sofa “has a modern look but still feels inviting and comfortable — and the bolster pillows are such a nice touch.” She also likes the streamlined bench seat (aka the single seat cushion) for its clean look.
This sofa is an investment piece, but it comes recommended by a designer and architect with nearly 15 years of experience. Plus, you're looking at endless customization options: Choose from two configurations, eight upholstery fabrics and hundreds of colors to get the look and feel just right.
- Spacious
- Comes with decorative side pillows
- Endless upholstery and color options
- Not modular
Factors to consider when choosing a sectional sofa
Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding which sectional is best for you and your family.
-
Frame materials:Most sofas and sectionals will have wood legs and a wood frame. Kiln-dried wood is dried in a large oven (or kiln) to reduce moisture and make it more stable than air-dried wood.
-
Upholstery materials:
-
Linenis typically made of durable flax fibers and is comfortable in both colder and warmer months. It can be susceptible to sagging, staining, pilling and snagging, so many companies use a mix of linen and polyester for more durability.
-
Boucléfeatures looped, curled fibers for a soft, fluffy effect — almost like a teddy but not quite as soft. I've found it better than linen at masking everyday dirt, but like linen, it can pill and snag.
-
Velvetoffers a smooth finish and generally disguises everyday dirt. Chenille is a velvet-y fabric with the same qualities, and potentially more durability. (In both cases, they feel warmer than linen, so if you live somewhere hot, you may want to avoid them.)
-
Leatheris easy to wipe clean, but may not bounce back as easily as other materials when it comes to deep stains, especially if they soak in. Leather can also be more prone to scratching (and it can stick to you when it's hot).
-
Performance fabricsoffer the look and feel of traditional upholstery materials like those above, but are treated or made with resilient, easy-to-clean fibers so that they can stand up to everyday dirt, stains and wear. "Ask about performance fabrics if you have pets or kids or want to eat or entertain on your sofa," advises Connelly.
-
-
Size:Lower sofas often have a modern look, but they can be hard to sit in and get up from. The same goes for deep sofas — plush cushions are great for getting cozy and sinking into the seat, but they can be challenging for anyone with mobility issues. A typical three-person sofa can range in length from 72 to 108 inches (many companies call this measurement the "width"). If you're hoping to seat several people on your sofa, go for the biggest length you can comfortably fit in your space. And don't forget to measure your room, says Connelly. "Take note of where your doors, TV and hallways are" as part of your (very important) homework. Aside from ensuring you're leaving space around your sectional, you may also want to consult with the company for a better understanding of the size of boxes and individual pieces being delivered to ensure they fit through doorways.
-
Configuration:Sectionals want to define the space more than a typical sofa, says Connelly. And shopping for one is more involved! "Things like a right-facing or left-facing chaise, and whether you want to go with an L-shape, U-shape or modular design, are decisions you need to make," she says. It may help to use painter's tape to block out the shape on the floor before you hit "buy." (Alternatively, you can look for designs with matching ottomans, such as Article's Timber Sofa and Timber Ottoman , for the flexibility to kick your feet up wherever you want.)
-
Versatility:Modular sofas, which have adjustable, removable, configurable pieces, allow you to evolve your sectional sofa over time. Storage compartments and accessories like built-in phone chargers can add to a sectional sofa's value.
How we chose these sectional sofas
To gather the selections for this roundup, we spoke to seasoned interior and set designers, including design firm founders and Emmy Award winners, who have years of experience vetting and sourcing furniture for homeowners, business owners and celebrities.
As you can imagine, we got a lot of snazzy (albeit sometimes spendy) options, so I — a senior home writer — had to make some tough decisions. In the end, I pared down the list to six picks, with an eye toward sustainable materials, practical maintenance and setup, and versatility. As with most big home purchases, a quality sectional sofa will cost you. We consider $3,000 or less a reasonable price for a durable sofa from a reputable company. Almost every sofa here checks that box, except the TOV Cali Sectional, which features leather upholstery and increased in price during the last update of this story.
Sectional sofa FAQs
What's the best sectional sofa material?
The best sectional sofa material is the one that best suits your space and lifestyle:
-
Cotton and linen fabrics tend to feel and look breezier (as they're more breathable), but can be more susceptible to sagging and staining over time.
-
Velvet and leather are typically easier to clean and less likely to show dirt, but tend to look and feel warmer, meaning you may want to pump up the air conditioner come summertime.
-
Bouclé falls in the middle, making it a good year-round choice. It typically wears better than cotton and linen, but can pill and snag.
Many companies offer hybrid, performance, and/or sustainable versions of these materials to achieve different looks and feels, with added benefits such as stain- or water-resistance.
What's the best sectional sofa size?
If you're hoping to seat several people, look for a corner sectional, which has more seating than a typical sectional with a chaise. Chaises can range in depth, but most are 3 to 4 feet deeper than the rest of the sofa. This should be accounted for in the overall dimensions listed for any sectional.
Should I get a sectional sofa with removable covers?
Removable, washable covers make it easier to treat stains and refresh your sectional sofa. Performance fabrics are often treated for another layer of defense against everyday dirt and stains. You might want to prioritize brands that sell replacement cushions if you're worried about damage and want to prolong your sofa's life.
Meet our experts
-
Marina Bourderonnet, founding partner, Fame Architecture and Design
-
Risa Dauer, founder, Dauer Design
-
Dina Marciano, founder, Dina Marciano Design
-
Isabella Patrick, founder, Isabella Patrick Interiors
-
James Pearse Connelly , interior and set designer
-
Rainey Richardson, founder, Rainey Richardson Interiors
Update, Feb. 13, 2026: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for the best sectional remains unchanged.
