Are Sectionals Out of Style in 2024? What’s Really Going On with Living Room Furniture

Sectionals have been the go-to sofa for decades - big, comfy, and perfect for families, movie nights, and hosting guests. But lately, you’ve probably seen more minimalist sofas, modular pieces, and even single armchairs popping up in home magazines and Instagram feeds. So, are sectionals out of style in 2024? The short answer: no. But they’ve definitely changed.

Sectionals Aren’t Gone - They’ve Evolved

Calling sectionals outdated is like saying cars are out of style because electric vehicles exist. They’re not replaced; they’ve upgraded. Today’s sectionals look nothing like the bulky, dark fabric monsters from the 2000s. Modern designs are lower-profile, lighter in color, and often feature clean lines, tapered legs, and removable cushions. Brands like IKEA, West Elm, and even local UK makers like The Sofa Company now offer sectionals that blend into Scandinavian, Japandi, and even industrial interiors without overwhelming the space.

What’s changed? Scale. People aren’t buying massive L-shaped sectionals that take up half the living room anymore. Instead, they’re choosing smaller, configurable pieces - like a two-seater plus a chaise, or a modular unit you can rearrange. In Leeds apartments and suburban homes alike, homeowners are prioritizing flexibility. A sectional that can become a daybed, split into two seating areas, or tuck neatly into a corner is the new standard.

Why People Thought Sectionals Were Done For

The backlash against sectionals didn’t come from nowhere. In the early 2020s, minimalism hit hard. Open-plan living spaces became the norm, and designers pushed for lighter, airier rooms. Big sectionals looked heavy, dated, and out of place next to sleek console tables and floating shelves. TikTok and Pinterest flooded with posts showing single velvet armchairs, paired with a small round ottoman, calling it "the new sofa."

But here’s the thing: those setups work great for solo living or tiny studios. They don’t work for families with kids, pets, or anyone who actually watches TV with company. A 2023 survey by the British Furniture Confederation found that 68% of UK households with children still prefer sectionals for their living rooms. Why? Because they’re durable, easy to clean, and give everyone a spot to sit without fighting over the armrest.

Also, let’s not forget: sectionals are still the most practical solution for awkward room shapes. If your living room is L-shaped, oddly angled, or has a fireplace in the corner, a sectional is the only piece that fits without leaving dead space.

What Sectionals Look Like in 2024

Forget the deep, boxy cushions and thick faux leather. Today’s sectionals are defined by three key traits:

• Low backs - They don’t block windows or make the room feel closed in.
• Light fabrics - Linen, cotton blends, and performance microfibers in cream, oat, or soft grey dominate.
• Modular freedom - You can buy just a corner unit and add a chaise later. No need to commit to a full set upfront.

Some brands even offer sectionals with hidden storage under the seats, USB charging ports built into the armrests, or reversible cushions that flip to show a different color. These aren’t luxury add-ons anymore - they’re expected features.

And the materials? Better than ever. Performance fabrics now resist spills, pet hair, and fading from sunlight. Brands like Natuzzi and B&B Italia have made sectionals that look high-end but clean like a sofa you’d find in a hotel lobby - not your uncle’s 1998 living room.

When Sectionals Still Make Sense

Sectionals aren’t for everyone. But if your life looks like this, you’re still a perfect candidate:

• You have kids or pets - sectionals are easier to clean than multiple separate chairs.
• You entertain often - more seating without needing to buy five different chairs.
• Your room is large or oddly shaped - sectionals fill space without looking empty.
• You want one-piece comfort - no gaps between chairs, no mismatched styles.
• You’re renting - modular sectionals can be reconfigured if you move.

One Leeds homeowner, Sarah M., moved into a 1930s terraced house with a narrow living room. She thought a sectional wouldn’t fit. But after measuring, she chose a low-profile, right-facing corner unit with a detachable chaise. It fits perfectly, leaves space for a coffee table and a floor lamp, and her two dogs sleep on it every night. "It’s the only thing that works," she told me. "And it looks way better than I expected."

What’s Replacing Sectionals? (And Why It’s Not Better)

Some people are switching to two matching armchairs and a loveseat. Others go for a single sofa with a matching ottoman. These setups look neat in photos - and they are. But they come with trade-offs.

Two armchairs and a loveseat mean three separate pieces to clean, move, and match. If one cushion wears out, you’re buying a whole new chair. If your dog jumps from one to the other, you’ve got gaps. And if your room isn’t perfectly symmetrical? Good luck making it look intentional.

Plus, sectionals cost less per seat. A full L-shaped sectional from a mid-range brand like DFS or Made.com usually runs £1,200-£1,800. Two armchairs and a loveseat? You’re looking at £2,000+ - and you still won’t have the same level of comfort or continuity.

How to Pick a Sectional That Won’t Look Outdated in 2025

If you’re considering a sectional, here’s how to avoid buying something that’ll look like a relic in two years:

1. Go low - Choose a sofa with a back height under 30 inches. High backs make rooms feel smaller.
2. Choose neutral - Cream, taupe, charcoal, or soft green. Avoid bold patterns or bright colors unless you’re ready to reupholster.
3. Go modular - Buy a corner unit and a chaise separately. You can always add a stool or ottoman later.
4. Test the cushion - Sit on it for 10 minutes. If it feels like sinking into a cloud, it’ll sag in six months. Look for firm, supportive foam, not just fluff.
5. Check the legs - Wooden or metal legs make it look lighter. No legs? It’ll look like a big box on the floor.
6. Ask about fabric - Look for "rub test" ratings. Anything over 15,000 double rubs means it’ll last. Avoid velvet unless it’s performance-grade.

And skip the matching sets. A sectional doesn’t need to come with a loveseat and two side tables. Buy the sofa first. Add accessories later. That’s how interiors stay fresh.

Final Verdict: Are Sectionals Out of Style?

No. They’re not out of style - they’re just smarter now. The old, oversized, dark sectionals? Yeah, those are dated. But the new wave of lightweight, modular, fabric-forward sectionals? They’re everywhere - from new builds in Manchester to renovated flats in Bristol.

People aren’t rejecting sectionals. They’re rejecting bad sectionals. The ones that don’t fit their space, their lifestyle, or their sense of design.

If you need seating for more than two people, have a busy household, or just want one piece that does it all, a modern sectional is still the best answer. Just make sure it’s the right kind.

Don’t buy a sectional because it’s trendy. Buy it because it works for your life. That’s what makes it timeless.