Sectional Sofas Make Sense in a Modern World

Okay, I admit, sectional sofas may not the most exciting topic to read about. They don't do anything. They just sit there. And while they may just sit there, they at least they do it with style. They are comfortable, look great, can be moved around to suit our individual tastes and preferences, have built-in amenities, and come in an amazing array of fabrics, leathers, and other coverings. Let's take a brief look at the evolution of sofas generally, and see if there is a place for sectional sofas, and you many discover that they are more exciting than first appears to the casual observer.

Years ago, there were really only a few basic sofa styles to choose from. There was the basic covered bench, or settee. For many years, this was a mainstay in parlors and formal living areas all over the world. Even the Chinese and Japanese integrated this furniture style into their living spaces as they started to westernize. These sofas were relatively small in size and functioned as a basic sitting area for guests, or eventually for home owners to relax on. Socializing was an art that was taken to all new heights during Victorian times, and one that we have departed drastically away from in many respects. But like everything else, sofas evolve to the changing needs and wants of the people.

By the 50's and 60's the basic sofa had lost much of the traditional styling. Gone were a lot of the fancy wood carvings in the frame, and lush fabrics. Nylons and other synthetic fabrics became the thing. Leather, of course, was still an attractive option that gained popularity. Metal legs on furniture became common, and sectional sofas were starting to appear.

By the 70's and 80's sectional sofas were serving families all over the country, if not the world. These modern adaptations allowed for lots of seating arrangements, and some creature comforts that their predecessors simply didn't enjoy. Now you could have a love seat and a sofa together in a corner "L" assembly if you wanted. Or, you could separate them out just as easily, with say, a coffee table in between them. When you consider some of the amenities that were introduced directly into the furniture you can see how relaxing and lounging was made more comfortable and convenient than ever before. Built-in recliner chairs, compartments for storing magazines, remote controls and other items, and pull down surfaces with integrated cup holders, all made sectional sofas serve the needs of families becoming more and more interested in watching TV, playing electronic games, and being entertained by a DVD

Furniture that works for how people actually live is a real hallmark of sectional sofas. This is the primary feature that really makes them welcome additions to our homes, and what will keep them popular options for years to come. As long as we continue to gather together for entertainment in our living and family rooms, we will have a need for large, diverse, comfortable seating.

Sectional sofas are here to stay because they do what we want them to do. I'm glad too, because they simply beat the pants off anything else when it comes to being able to sprawl out and relax at home. I can't imagine trying to enjoy my favorite DVD's while sitting on a stiff ol' settee with both my feet on the floor, back straight, tea in hand, and nowhere to set the cup. Can you? You gotta love modern sectional sofas!