We have been noticing an increase in customers who are considering and purchasing custom sectionals for their homes. A sectional is an unbelievably functional piece of furniture. It is a family-friendly and versatile way to maximize seating options and is perfect for those who lounge in front of the television or regularly host a crowd. The first sectionals were created before the Civil War for wealthy people who could afford to hire craftsmen to create the highly custom designs. Unfortunately, specialty items and furniture production came to a halt as a result of the war’s turmoil and it wouldn’t be until the mid-20th century when we would see this nifty style re-emerge into American homes.
For those of you that may feel a bit overwhelmed by creating the perfect arrangement for your room, we have some helpful terms to guide you through:
RAF stands for Right Arm Facing. When facing the piece, the arm is on your right.
LAF stands for Left Arm Facing. When facing the piece, the arm is on your left.
Corner Sofa- a sofa that has a back that forms the corner of the sectional. It saves you having to purchase a separate corner piece. It also saves on the cost of the configuration.
Rounded corner (corner wedge)– a corner option that is curved and big enough to accommodate more room for seating.
Square corner – fits directly into a corner. Useful when working with smaller spaces.
Chaise lounge – a one arm piece at the end that provides an extra-long seat to help you stretch out.
*Come shopping with a detailed floor plan. Note where the doors, windows, fireplace, and stairways are located along with a basic length and width measurement. This information will be valuable when figuring out what size to buy.
Once you have determined the correct size and style, tape off the area that the sectional will occupy so you can envision the traffic flow and get a better sense of the overall footprint. You can also work with a trusty Charlton Furniture design consultant to transfer your notes onto a floorplan which will show an aerial view of your room’s layout.
Finally, kick up your feet and relax on your cozy sectional and spend quality time with your friends and family knowing that you made a great choice for your lifestyle!
