Designing Your Own Sectional Sofa

• 1). Go to the professionals. An interior designer will have resources to help you get your dream sofa, but this is expensive. You can also get a custom sofa for less money. Many furniture stores will allow you to choose your own fabric so you get the perfect piece for your home. Some furniture stores will even do custom work for a little more money.
  
  
• 2). Watch your arms. Sectional sofas should fit together like puzzle pieces. If you go for a sofa with no arms or low arms, you'll have more options. You'll even be able to separate the pieces into two couches.
  
  
• 3). Keep it low. Sectionals are popular in modern design. They create a lounge or even clublike feel by being close to the ground
  
  
• 4). Make sure the back is comfortable. Many sectionals only have a small sliver of a back piece. This might look trendy, but you won't have a lot of lumbar support if you plan to sit there for hours. If you do go with a low back, get an ottoman so people can put their feet up to stretch out.
  
  
• 5). Consider using two different fabrics. This is a trend in high-end furniture. Keep it in mind when you design your own sectional. The base of the furniture can be one color, and the furniture can be a contrasting color. For a sleek appearance, use microsuedes or leathers. These will also hold up well with pets and children, so you'll have your designer piece for years to come.
  
  
• 6). Look for an L-shaped sofa. This turns an ordinary sofa into a sectional. You might want to design your own sectional sofa, because your room isn't big enough for a 10- or 12-foot sofa. You can turn a three-seat sofa into a sectional by having the third seat extend into a chaise lounge. This is the spot your friends will be fighting over.
  
  

Creating Your Own Sectional Sofa

• 1). Pick up platform beds. This will be the support for your sectional sofa. You can buy these inexpensively at furniture stores or even big-box chains. Design your own sectional sofa by choosing a dramatic dark espresso finish.
  
  
• 2). Place the platforms in an L shape. This is the standard form for a sectional sofa. If you are using daybeds, they can sit in the middle of the room. If not, place at least one sofa against the wall. This almost creates a banquette or built-in furniture feel.
  
  
• 3). Put a twin mattress on top of each platform bed. You can cover the mattress with a fitted sheet. You can even buy mattress covers that make the mattress feel more like furniture. These are even available in corduroy or velvet.
  
  
• 4). Measure the length of your sofa. With the fabric and batting, make one long bolster pillow that will extend all the way across the sofa. Beware of a lot of pillows. Many sectional sofas don't have traditional cushions. This might look good, but before you sew it, think of straightening 30 pillows every day.