If your living room’s not quite working, a sectional might be the solution. They’re cozy, versatile, and make the most of your space—if you choose the right layout. The wrong one? It can block traffic, cramp your room, or make you feel out of balance.
Whether you’re living in a condo downtown or a detached home in Evanston, finding the best sectionals in Calgary starts with understanding your space.
Let’s break down the three main types—L-shaped, U-shaped, and modular—and how to choose the layout that fits your home (and life) best.
L-Shaped Sectionals: Classic and Space-Savvy
Best for: Medium-sized living rooms, open-concept homes, and corner placements.
L-shaped sectionals are the most common for a reason—they offer lots of seating without eating up the whole room. One side is longer (usually your main sofa), and the other acts like a built-in chaise or loveseat.
Layout tip: Place the longer side along the main wall, or let the short side float to define the edge of your living space in an open floor plan.
🛋 Picture this: Sofa hugs the back wall, shorter side runs along a window or open walkway. Add a rug underneath that tucks slightly under the front legs to anchor the space.
Watch out for: Blocking walkways or doors. Always leave at least 30" of clearance for traffic flow.
U-Shaped Sectionals: Made for Gatherings
Best for: Large living rooms, basement media spaces, families who entertain often.
U-shaped sectionals wrap around three sides, giving everyone their own seat while keeping things close. Great for game nights, Netflix marathons, or just sprawling out with snacks and a blanket.
Layout tip: Place the back of the “U” against a wall and face the open side toward a fireplace, media unit, or large window.
🛋 Picture this: One side under a window, the other beside a coffee table, with an ottoman in the middle. Keep a clear centre area to avoid making the room feel crowded.
Watch out for: Tight rooms. U-shaped sectionals take up space, so make sure there’s enough room to walk around the sides without bumping knees or furniture.
Modular Sectionals: The Flexible Favourite
Best for: Growing families, multi-use spaces, or anyone who rearranges often.
Modular sectionals are made up of movable pieces (usually armless chairs and corner units) that you can reconfigure at any time. Perfect if your layout needs change—or if you love switching things up.
Layout tip: Start with a basic L-shape and expand into a U when guests come over. You can even split it into two loveseats if needed.
🛋 Picture this: A modular sofa in an L-shape with a separate ottoman that can double as a coffee table or extra seating. One weekend, it’s a cozy movie spot. The next, it’s two sofas facing each other for hosting.
Watch out for: Lightweight modules that slide too easily on hardwood or tile. Use a rug or grippers to keep things in place.
How to Pick the Right Sectional for Your Calgary Home
Here are a few things to think about before choosing your sectional shape:
✔ Square Footage
Measure first. Tape it out on the floor or use painter’s tape to map the footprint. This helps you see if there’s enough space for walking, side tables, and other furniture.
✔ Traffic Flow
Sectionals should guide movement, not block it. Look for clean lines and layouts that keep pathways open from the kitchen to the hallway or between doorways.
✔ Window Placement
Natural light makes your space feel bigger—but you don’t want your sofa to block it. Position sectionals along windows, not in front of them. Modular options are helpful if you’re working around tricky windows or radiators.
✔ Room Use
Is this a lounging zone, an entertaining space, or both? If your sectional is the only seating in the room, go for something larger with a built-in chaise or a corner unit. If it’s a second hangout space, something more compact might work better.
Where to Shop for Sectionals in Calgary
If you want to see how different sectionals feel and fit, head to Showhome Furniture at North Hill Centre. Their 70,000 sq. ft. showroom has the best selection in Calgary, including custom Canadian-made sectionals in various layouts, fabrics, and configurations. Their free interior design consults are perfect if you’re stuck between a U or an L—or just need help measuring your space.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right sectional is all about how you use your space. L-shape for flexibility, U-shape for gatherings, modular for options. Take time to measure, test, and picture the layout in your room.
And remember—your sofa should fit your lifestyle, not the other way around.
FAQs: Sectionals in Calgary – How to Pick Layouts That Fit Your Space
1. What’s the best sectional shape for a smaller Calgary home or condo?
In smaller homes or condos, L-shaped sectionals work best. They give you ample seating without overpowering the space. Just be sure to measure carefully and leave at least 30 inches of space for walking paths. You can also look at modular sectionals if you want flexibility in a compact layout. In Calgary, many condo owners choose reversible chaises or smaller-scale sectionals that still offer comfort without cramping the room.
2. How do I know if a sectional will block the natural light in my room?
Before buying, take note of your window placement. Avoid placing a sectional directly in front of large windows—especially in Calgary, where natural light is a major perk in homes. Try placing the longer side of an L-shaped or U-shaped sectional parallel to a wall with windows to keep light flowing through the space. Modular sectionals give you even more control to work around awkward layouts or tricky window spots.
3. Can modular sectionals really hold up over time?
Yes—especially when you choose quality, well-constructed modular pieces. The key is to look for solid connectors between sections and dense cushions that hold their shape. Modular sectionals are ideal in Calgary homes where layouts may change over time or if you’re planning to move. At Showhome Furniture, many of the modular options are Canadian-made, built for durability, and designed to work in a variety of room sizes.
4. How do I figure out if a sectional fits in my living room before I buy it?
Use painter’s tape or even newspapers to outline the shape of the sectional on your floor. This gives you a visual sense of how much space it will take up and whether it blocks any walkways, doors, or windows. Leave enough space for a coffee table and side tables. If you’re shopping in Calgary, you can also take photos and measurements to a store like Showhome Furniture, where their design team will help you plan it all out for free.
5. Where can I find high-quality, customizable sectionals in Calgary?
Showhome Furniture is one of the top spots for customizable and well-built sectionals in Calgary. Their massive showroom at North Hill Centre features Canadian-made sectionals in all styles—L-shape, U-shape, modular—and they offer a variety of fabrics and sizes to suit your space. You can also book a free design consultation to help figure out layout, sizing, and how your sectional will work with the rest of your room.
Find a Sectional That Fits Your Home—Book Your Free Design Consult at Showhome Calgary
Not sure if an L-shape, U-shape, or modular sectional is right for your home? Let the team at Showhome Furniture in Calgary help you decide. Their free interior design consultations make it easy to plan your space, test out different layouts, and find a sectional that fits your lifestyle. Whether you want Canadian-made quality or custom sizing, their 70,000 sq. ft. showroom at North Hill Centre has plenty of options to explore. Book a free interior design consultation today and make your living room work for you.
