What To Look For When Buying Outdoor Sectional Seating

I welcome every weekend with the words, “Thank God it’s Friday!”

Although I am long retired, this is my favorite day of the week because it’s Friday Family Fun Night!

If you are a family person like me, you probably already have a fantastic version of “family night.” And if it’s anything like mine, then I assume it involves a raging full house with good food, board games, and lots of laughter.

It’s truly a blessing to have my family live less than an hour from home – this includes my son and daughter, my siblings, and their grown children.

When you have a family as big as mine, you need to buy the right furniture to seat all of them in the same room. While I do have a comfortable house for two – it is not exactly ideal for accommodating many guests.

So, a few years ago, I decided to turn my patio into a proper outdoor seating area because the living room would get too cramped when the family visited. With that, I decided to get space-saving furniture – of which the sectional seating remains my favorite.

Hello, I am Stacy Smith, and here’s what to look for when buying outdoor sectional seating.

Why Sectional Seating?

Before getting into the different design options, here are some things I learned from my days as a sectional seating enthusiast.

1. More Room, More Friends

This is the feature that impressed me right from the get-go.

Sectionals are amazing because they have so much extra room – be it to put up your feet, or simply to fit one more buddy. Anyhow, lounging on a sectional is much more comfortable than on a conventional sofa – and lounging feels best when done in the great outdoors.

2. Versatile

Sectional seating is often compared to Tetris blocks because they can fit just about anywhere – you only need to be a little creative.

Even if you are working with a small space, the independent pieces can be moved around to create more room. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is by moving the seating to a corner.

3. Structure

Nothing makes a house look more inviting than an open floor plan. Back in the day, when my kids were still running around at home, an open floor plan was what helped me keep a close eye on them.

And as they grew up, I had more reason to favor it because communication became as breezy as the airy atmosphere it provided. If you ever had teenagers at home, you would know that all the help in the world is welcomed when it comes to communicating with them.

At the same time, planning and arranging furniture in an open floor plan was a headache – if only I had thought of putting sectionals in to demarcate separate areas! Well, as they say – better late than never. Not only do I use sectionals in the living room now, but I have also arranged some in my backyard to have a dedicated dining space around the grill.

Choosing A Design

If you are considering getting your own outdoor sectional seating, then be prepared to do some homework. The choice of color and material needs to take the backseat when there are designs galore.

1. L-shape

As the name suggests, this sectional seating looks like two sofas were merged to form the letter “L.” You will find that most L-shape sectionals will have three cushions on one side and two on the other.

There are, of course, larger seating styles, and customization options depending on your needs and room plan. In fact, versatility is what makes this seating style the most popular of all.

What most people do is wedge the sectional to a corner of the room to maximize space; though it works perfectly fine as a wall replacement in an open space.

2. U-shape

No guesses here as to what shape this sectional takes – having a U-shape naturally provides more seating area.

If you entertain a lot of guests, and have a big space to cover, then this is the style for you. Not just in terms of seating more – the seats themselves face each other, which (whether you like it or not) sets the perfect setting for intimate conversations.

3. Chaise

The chaise is my go-to chair when I want to read a book – which often leads to a nap. Doesn't matter, because it’s great for both!

A chaise lounge combines an upright sofa with an extended ottoman on which you can rest your feet. And of course, the ottoman plays a double role and becomes a normal seat when the need arises.

4. Sleeper

If anything can one-up the chaise – it is the sleeper sectional.

As you can tell from the name, this sectional seating is not just for sitting. It's a great piece to keep around if you have frequent overnight guests, or if you just enjoy a good afternoon snooze.

5. Modular Style

If you thought that the designers of sectional seating couldn’t get more creative, then think again. Modular sectionals are the seating equivalent of the phrase - to go with the flow.

Usually, these sectionals come with four to five pieces that can be moved and arranged to make crazy shapes – of course, it doesn’t have to be so.

As I think about family nights, perhaps, it would be a nifty idea to get modular sectionals. The separate seats could be arranged in a circle around an open fire – as marshmallows are roasted and songs are sung...

Final Words