What style sofa do you want? Choose something that aligns with your personal or collective family’s taste and that complements the room’s current décor. If you’re unsure of what you like, start by browsing through Houzz Ideabooks or design magazines to see what types of sectional sofas you’re drawn to. Add favorite photos to an Ideabook or tab pages to keep for reference.

What type of function will your sectional sofa serve? Do you want an extra-long seating area to lounge? Consider an L-shaped couch with a built-in chaise. Do you want the sectional to double as a place to sleep? Seek out a sofa bed.

How big should your sectional sofa be? These are sizable pieces of furniture, so taking careful measurements of your space is necessary. Physically fitting into the room isn’t the only important factor: you also want it to be in proportion to the surrounding furniture. A large sectional can make a room feel crowded, and one that’s too small may also make the room feel sparse and not provide enough practical seating.

What color and fabric should you choose? Decide whether you want your sofa to be an impact piece or remain neutral within the overall scheme. If it’s the former, choose one with a bold graphic print or bright color to make a statement. If it’s the latter, go with something that falls in line with the current décor so it blends. In terms of upholstery itself, consider how the sofa will be used. If it’s for everyday use, make sure to choose a durable upholstery that will last, like leather. If you have young kids, consider a washable fabric.

Don’t forget to consider the back style of the sofa. Tight backs are easy to maintain since there are no pillows to straighten, yet can be uncomfortable. Attached pillow backs can be extra soft, but it’s tough to clean non-removable pillows. Loose pillow backs make for easy cleaning and you can arrange the pillows for individual comfort. Loose pillow backs also have the same amount of back support as seat cushions, making them extra soft. Multi pillow back sofas are deeper and can accommodate many cushions, helping to create a relaxed look with some required effort.