When it comes to the latest interior trends, nothing is bigger right now than those contemporary sofas that are built piece by piece and can be easily reassembled into any configuration or composition you like. Sometimes you’ll see interior designers label these unique products sectional sofas, but go online to another retailer and you’ll see a similar product labeled sectional sofa. So what are the differences between sectional and sectional sofas or are they just two different names for the exact same product?

In short, they are exactly the same. Importantly, both names refer to the design’s unique selling point, its signature feature, the free-standing sofa pieces known as ‘modules’ or ‘sections’ that snap together to assemble the final piece of furniture. The basic principle is that sectionals allow the user to rearrange their furniture arrangement more frequently according to their specific mood, interior design trends, or for specific events and occasions. Indeed, it is fair to say that sectional sofas can be classic loveseats or modern corner units at the push of a button, it simply depends on which style the user feels works best for them on the day.

With each different module built as its own mini-sofa, with a separate frame, upholstery and top cover, there is a great deal of complexity in making a sectional/modular sofa. This is particularly true when it comes to building specialized segments such as chaise longue modules which are atypical in shape and therefore need to be carefully planned from a design and mass-manufacture perspective. The end result is that this can often lead to a considerable increase in the associated costs of production, making sections much more expensive to produce sofas of conventional design, which is then passed on to the end user through the pipeline. of the recommended retail price.

Perhaps the only other difference between the terms sectional sofa and sectional sofas is actually the emphasis. Sectional could be said to refer purely descriptively to a functional aspect of a sofa, while modular conveys something more intangible about the product related to lifestyle and ergonomics. For this reason, you’ll see high-end manufacturers refer to their product as a sectional sofa, while value retailers use the term sectional to describe the same product. There is also a noticeable increase in interior designers referring to the term modular living to convey the sense that many discerning consumers demand more flexibility and versatility from their home spaces.

Finally, you may find a linguistic divide with providers in Europe opting primarily for the modular description, while providers in North America use the term sectional much more frequently. In part, this ties back to our earlier point, as most of the world’s leading luxury manufacturers are located within the European Union, reflecting the heritage of the traditional sofa as a product initially developed during the renaissance period of European history. However, that’s not to say you won’t find a great sectional sofa from an American manufacturer, far from it, it’ll just be referred to by a different name!