Sectional sofas have become increasingly popular options for small living rooms. With their modular and flexible configuration options, sectionals can adapt to fit the unique dimensions of your space. Though they seem expensive, it is possible to find budget-friendly sectional sofas or clever DIY alternatives. Revamp your living room layout without breaking the bank using these savvy tips.
Choose an Affordable Fabric
The fabric covering your sectional will impact both durability and cost. Opt for more affordable polyester or polyester-blend covers rather than pricier leather, microfiber or linen. While genuine leather looks sleek, it comes with a hefty price tag and requires more care. Polyester and polyblends like polyester-linen or polyester-cotton offer a decent compromise–relatively inexpensive but still soft and durable.
If your budget allows, upgrade to microfiber for its luxurious softness and easy-clean properties that make it ideal for pets and kids. For a homey feel, cotton and linen have beautiful natural textures but tend to be more delicate and stain-prone.
Slipcovers are another cost-effective option. They can instantly change the look of a sectional by covering existing upholstery with a new fabric. Consider a slipcover if you want to update your sectional’s style a few years down the road. Focus your main furniture budget on quality cushions and supports over cover fabrics.
Shop Discount Retailers
Check out sectionals from big box stores like IKEA, Walmart and Target, which offer contemporary styles at affordable prices. IKEA is especially known for budget-friendly modular sectionals that can adapt to small spaces.
Hit up discount furniture outlets like Jennifer Convertibles, Living Spaces, and Macy’s Home Store. They offer huge markdowns on floor models and overstock items. You can land sectionals discounted up to 50-60% off typical prices.
Watch for sales holidays like Black Friday, Labor Day and Memorial Day when major chains run specials on sectionals. Sign up for email alerts from your favorite retailers to receive coupons and notifications about upcoming deals.
Browse online discount retailers like Overstock, Wayfair and Walmart for a wide range of budget sectional couches and custom configuration options. Sort by low to high price to scope out the most affordable choices.
Buy Used Sectionals
One person’s trash is another’s treasure! Buying a pre-owned sectional can save you hundreds compared to buying new. Browse local postings on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for secondhand sectionals offered at reasonable prices from nearby sellers.
Check out thrift stores like Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity ReStores, which often receive sectional donations. While you likely won’t find a huge selection, the pieces tend to be priced under $100–a steal!
If buying used, carefully inspect the sofa for any tears, stains, damage or signs of wear before purchasing. Test each seat, armrest, and reclining function. Budget for new slipcovers, professional deep cleaning, cushions or minor repairs to spruce it up.
Scale Down Size
The number of seats, arms, and extensions in a sectional impact its footprint. Limiting size is an easy route to savings. For studio apartments or small living rooms, a loveseat-sized sectional with just 2 or 3 seats could do. A 4-5 seat L-shaped sectional offers a flexible layout without occupying too much space.
Measure empty floor space to avoid cramming an oversized sectional into a tiny room. Leave enough space for walking around and opening recliners or sleeper extensions.
Stick to more compact sectional shapes like L-shapes, U-shapes, and chaises instead of giant U-shaped or curved modular beasts. Remove unneeded corner pieces or chaise sections to right-size the sofa during configuration.
Skip Extra Features
From reclining chairs to cooling cupholders, sectionals flaunt many tempting high-tech features that inevitably drive up costs. Be selective about which elements provide enough value for your budget.
Omit powered recliners and sleepers, which require thick mechanized frames and cost several hundred dollars to add on. For a budget DIY alternative, place an affordable armless recliner or ottoman next to your sectional instead.
Avoid sectionals with built-in USB ports, Bluetooth speakers and accent lighting that are convenient but not essential. These gadgets can more easily be incorporated later with plug-in chargers, portable speakers and clip-on reading lamps.
Pass on sectionals with storage compartments, refrigerators, pop-up tables or other space-saving integrated features. While handy, these elements boost the price. Consider freestanding ottomans or side tables that give you the extra surface area without fancy custom builds.
Prioritize Comfort
Rather than stressing over leather versus linen or motorized recliners, invest the bulk of your sectional budget in structural elements for comfort and durability.
High density foam and down cushion filling will give you hours of lounging and Netflix binge-watching bliss. Test out sectionals in the store to find cushion filling that provides both support and softness for pressure relief.
Look for a sturdy hardwood or kiln-dried frame and quality joinery for long-term resilience. Don’t let kids jump on poorly constructed sectionals!
If your budget only allows less luxurious cushioning, buy your frame of choice and replace the seat cushions down the road. Prioritizing the bones now gives you an easy comfort upgrade path when funds allow.
Style on a Budget
Limited sectional dollars doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style! Use budget-friendly accents to customize your sectional’s look.
Throw blankets and pillows introduce color, pattern and texture at a fraction of the cost of pricier slipcovers or upholstery. Mix different prints, embroidered accents and cozy knits for layers of visual interest.
Scour thrift stores and garage sales for unique secondhand accent tables like drums, stools and side tables. Repurposing often costs less than buying new matching tables.
Add large scale artwork behind your sectional for an instant focal point. Frame posters or gallery wraps instead of pricier original art.
Paint or decoupage a flea market or thrifted coffee table to coordinate with your sectional. Customize a hand-me-down media console with a fresh coat of paint or wallpaper inside the cabinets.
DIY Sectional
If you’re handy and want complete customization, construct your own sectional from scratch! This involves woodworking skills, but offers huge cost savings compared to store-bought.
A simpler DIY route: connect IKEA couches add-on units to form a customized sectional. The Nordvik series (discontinued but findable used) was specifically designed to interlock for this purpose. Bolt components together and install additional legs for support.
You can also join secondhand sofa or loveseat pieces into creative sectional configurations. Arrange into L, U or S-shapes, bridging gaps with DIY plywood connectors. Paint mismatched pieces the same color scheme to unify.
Optimize Layout
Careful sectional placement using layout tricks adapted for your room’s proportions ensures your investment enhances your space rather than overwhelms. Avoid sticking a bulky sectional smack in the middle of a tiny room.
Floating your sectional away from the walls opens up traffic flow and creates a more airy, inviting layout. Allow enough room to walk around each side and prevent a cramped feel.
U-shaped sectionals can cocoon around a focal point like a fireplace or TV. Place a console table behind to bridge the open side. An L-shaped sectional tucked neatly into a corner also saves space.
Divide open concept living rooms into intentional zones like media viewing versus conversation areas using the sectional’s position. Turn it towards a TV viewing nook or face it towards chairs to encourage interaction.
Mix and Match Sectional and Traditional Furniture
While sectionals are a great addition to any living room, they don’t have to be the only furniture in the room. Consider mixing and matching traditional furniture pieces with your sectional to create a unique and eclectic look. For example, pair a classic wingback chair with your sectional, or add a traditional coffee table to the center of your U-shaped sectional.
Use Accent Walls to Enhance Your Sectional
Accent walls are a great way to add visual interest and depth to a living room. When incorporating a sectional into the space, consider painting an accent wall behind the sofa to make it stand out. This will draw the eye and create a focal point in the room.
Layer Textures and Patterns
In addition to pillows and blankets, consider adding texture and pattern to your sectional living room through other decor elements. Try layering a woven rug over a solid-colored area rug, or adding a textured throw blanket to the back of the sofa. This will add dimension and interest to the space.
You can refresh your living room with a sectional sofa on a budget. Prioritize comfort and quality bones in the pieces you do buy. Fill in with inexpensive accents that reflect your personal tastes. At the end of the day, an affordable sectional that suits your space and lifestyle surpasses any overpriced status symbol. With a little creativity, you can love your new living room without breaking the bank!
