Sectionals first hit it big in the ’70s, along with bell-bottoms, earth tones and conversation pits. Spurred by the more spacious family room, the great room and especially the larger-than-life home entertainment center, sectionals are set to come back home in a major sort of way. (I do not see the re-emergence of conversation pits–ever).
A sectional is any seating area that comes in sections. They usually come in a large sofa arrangement that can be pulled apart and used as you see fit. That’s the big draw–versatility. Plus, they can handle a crowd.
Shop smart
If there is a sectional in your future, there are some things to consider:
– Before you begin to shop, carefully measure the space the sectional will occupy and all doorways that will have to be traversed to get the sectional where it’s going. Either the depth or the height of each piece must be smaller than the width of doorways.
– Many sectionals come on rollers so they can be reconfigured easily. This also means that the pieces might roll apart when you sit. Binding the legs together with picture-frame wire ensures that pieces remain stationary.
– The ideal is a cushion that is about 38 inches wide–wide enough for the sectional to double as a guest bed when the back cushions are removed. Many sectionals also can be fitted with a hide-a-bed, which makes them especially handy when company arrives.
– Some sectionals from previous incarnations were deadly dull. Not much style. What you saw was what you got. What saves new sectionals from being dated or killer dull is tailoring. Many reborn sectionals come with the same perks as an attractive sofa–rolled arms, fringe, piping, great throw pillows. Keep the detailing classic so the sectional will always be in style.
– Although a solid-colored fabric might seem ideal for such a large piece, beware. Solids tend to show dirt. If you do travel the solid path, be sure the fabric has lots of texture so that the eye will be deflected away from wear and dirt by the texture’s pattern. Sectionals usually get lots of use.
– If you go with a patterned fabric, there also are some “watch outs.” Because a sectional can take up to 60 yards of fabric (a sofa requires about 30 yards), an overblown floral will look even more overblown. To be safe, go with a small plaid, a quiet tapestry, a corduroy or a chenille with a waffle weave.
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For more information on purchasing a sectional, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to “Peterson’s Principles for Selecting Sectionals,” Motif Designs, 20 Jones St., New Rochelle, N.Y. 10802.
