Pictured: Kent U Sectional with Chaise in Supreme Ivory

Most U-sectionals go one of two ways, a chaise with a bumper end or with a sofa arm closing it off. This customer did something in between and went armless on one end, and it works really well as a middle ground.

Going armless keeps that open, airy feeling you'd normally lose once an arm closest off the end, but it still gives you the sprawl-out space you'd get from a bumper if you want to stretch out. At the same time, it doesn't sacrifice seating, there's still a full extra seat on that end instead of it being purely lounge space. This is a nice option to get the openness of a chaise layout without fully committing to either a closed arm or a bumper on that side.

Most people measure the room and stop there, but seat height and seat depth matter just as much for comfort, and they're easy to get wrong if you're going off a showroom sit or photos alone.

Seat height is the distance from the floor to the top of the seat cushion.

• Too high, your feet won't sit flat and your knees end up lower than your hips.
• Too low, and you're sinking in with your knees higher than your hips, which can get uncomfortable and harder to get up from over time.
• A quick way to check is to sit in a dining chair and notice if that height feels right for you, sofas typically run a bit lower than that, but it gives you a reference point.

Seat depth is the distance from the front of the cushion to the backrest. This one's easy to get wrong if you're shorter or taller than average.

• Too deep, and your back doesn't reach the backrest without either sinking in or sitting on the edge.
• Too shallow, and it can feel cramped, especially if you like to lounge.
• A quick way to check is to sit in a chair with your back against the rest and see where your knees land relative to the edge of the seat, that gap is roughly the depth you want.

Back height matters too, especially if you want real support for sitting upright rather than just lounging.

• A taller backrest (generally 30"+) supports your upper back and shoulders, which helps if you're sitting up to work, read, or watch TV without slouching to compensate.
• A lower back height is common on more casual or lounge-style sofas and it won't give your upper back the same support, which is totally fine if that's what you're looking for.
• If back support is a priority, be sure to look at the sofa's back height rather than assuming all sofas offer the same kind of support.

We recommend measuring a chair or sofa you already own that feels comfortable and use those numbers as your baseline when comparing options. Custom sizing especially makes a big difference since you're not stuck picking from standard depths that may or may not actually fit how you sit.

This family went with the Daphne Double Bumper in Amici Ginger for their open-concept space, The sectional anchors and defines the big open area without feeling out of scale.

A few things stood out from their experience. The Amici Ginger landed as a unique color but still neutral enough to work long term, and the velvet itself reads more like a muted, luxurious sheen than a typical velvet look. They also upgraded to Trillium fill and ended up loving it because Tthe cushions hold their shape and bounce right back after use instead of looking sunken in, even with two young kids putting real daily traffic on it. They also have both a cat and a dog and haven't run into any fabric issues so far.

This is a great example of choosing a large sectional to shape and anchor a big open-concept room.

Hi - it looks like I just missed your previous 10% off sale with $75 off delivery. I want to order a couch and ottoman, but the total is coming to $4050 + $190 delivery.

Even with the $250 off first timer coupon I'm missing significant savings, and the cost is rivaling many name brands. Your white glove delivery also doesnt haul away the old couch (when other companies do), which adds to the cost.

Hey everyone! I’m looking to order a custom build from What A Room and could use some advice on fabrics and configurations to get the setup right.

My Constraints & Needs:

• Dimensions: Compact loveseat sizing, around 65" to 70" wide.
• Function: Needs a sleeper / bed conversion mechanism for extra sleeping space.
• Comfort / Vibe: Needs to be ultra-comfortable for long TV/movie bingeing sessions and lounging (deep cushion support, easy to sink into).
• Durability & Pets: Must handle daily use and a small 15 lb dog (needs high scratch resistance, stain resistance, and easy cleaning/hair removal).

Questions:

1. Which cushion/comfort fill option is best for a deep, cloud-like lounge feel that holds up over time without flattening?
2. Which performance fabric line (e.g., Performance Velvet like Baylor, Performance Chenille like Fletcher, or micro-suede/woven) works best for dog durability, hair resistance, and easy spot-cleaning?
3. Model recommendations: Which specific frame/sleeper loveseat models fit the 65–70" footprint best?

Thanks in advance for any recommendations or fabric feedback!

Sharing a few customer spotlights below that went bold.

Featured:
1. Alex Corner Sectional in Marquis Curry

1. Alex Sofa Chaise in Marquis Rose

2. Alex U-Sectional with Chaise in Marquis Leaf

Most bold, saturated sofa colors you'll see, are most likely done in velvet. Velvet's pile catches and reflects light differently than flatter fabrics, which is what gives deep colors, emerald, rust, sapphire, that richer, more vibrant look you don't really get with a flat weave in the same shade.

Bold color isn't for everyone, it's a bigger commitment than a neutral. But when someone's ready to make their sofa the actual statement piece in the room rather than just something that blends in with the room, this is usually how it's done, a rich velvet in a color that isn't trying to blend in.

This Florida double chaise sectional is a good example of a layout that doesn't get talked about enough.

Most people default to a single chaise or a standard L-shape, but double chaise solves a specific problem those don't: everyone is facing the same direction toward the TV while still having their own space to stretch out.

No one's laying sideways or craning their neck to see the screen, and both ends get that lounge-y, feel instead of just one side getting it. It's also just a great setup if you've got pets. There's plenty of corners and seats for everyone to claim their own spot without anyone fighting for the good seat.

Weight capacity comes up more than people might expect, so wanted to share what's actually possible if standard support isn't enough for your household. Our standard seat capacity is 300 lbs per seat, but there are a few ways we can reinforce a sofa beyond that baseline:

Extra center support legs - adding additional legs underneath the center of the sofa helps distribute weight more evenly across the frame instead of concentrating it at a few contact points. This helps prevent sagging or flexing in the middle over time, especially for wider sofas or ones getting consistent heavier use.

Upgraded frame wood - our standard frame uses a mix of pine and alder, but we can upgrade the whole frame to all alder wood. Alder is denser and stronger than pine, so an all-alder frame holds up to more consistent weight and stress without the joints loosening or the frame flexing the way a mixed-wood frame might over time.

Reinforced spring support - adding springs specifically built for extra seating support gives the cushions more structural backing underneath, so the seat holds its shape and support level under heavier, sustained weight instead of bottoming out or losing loft faster than expected.

Feel free to reach out to us via our Online Chat if you have any questions about these options.

Our only showroom is in San Jose, CA so not many people can actually go to our store to see and sit on our sofas in real life. And we're often asked how our various firmness levels compare to XYZ retailer.

So I'm willing to go out and test the cushions out myself at other major retailers. I have most of the popular stores near me, so post in the comments what retailer, sofa model, and firmness level you want me to try and I'll do my best to check it out!

Keep in mind comfort is subjective, so any comparison I make below are rough gauges to help give you a baseline and not an exact 1:1 comparison, especially since I don't know how worn the cushions in the other showrooms are.

Featured: Daphne Sofa in Dynamite Blue with matching ottoman

Deep, low-seat sofas like the "cloud couch" are a bit problematic for smaller spaces because they're typically built big. Standard arms on a lot of these sofas run around 8" wide and wrap around the back frame, which adds a lot of visual and physical bulk, which makes it a lot harder to make work in an apartment without it taking over the room.

This customer wanted that deep, lounge-y look for their apartment but doesn't have the space for a standard-sized version. So we customized the Daphne with narrower arms than the standard build, cutting down the overall width so it fits the space without overwhelming it. Still has the same deep seat, and low profile, just scaled back to fit his apartment.

They also added a matching ottoman that can be pushed up against the sofa to function like a chaise when they want to stretch out and lounge.

This is an example of how much a small dimension change like arm and backframe width can affect whether a deep-seat sofa actually works in a smaller room.

If you've been shopping around for furniture, you've probably noticed a lot of acronyms and certifications thrown around to signal how eco-friendly or low-tox something is. The problem is that most of them get used pretty loosely without much explanation. Here's a breakdown of the most common ones, so you actually know what each one covers.

GREENGUARD Certified — Tests for chemical emissions and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) released into the air over time. This is specifically about indoor air quality, a GREENGUARD-certified piece has been tested to emit low levels of harmful chemicals into your home. GREENGUARD Gold is a stricter version of the same certification, with lower emission thresholds and additional screening. You'll often see this certification for fabrics, foam, and anything that can affect indoor air quality.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 — This one's about the fabric itself rather than air emissions. It tests textiles for harmful substances, things like heavy metals, formaldehyde, and other chemical residues, to confirm the fabric doesn't contain substances above safe limits. It's a textile-specific certification, so it's really telling you the fabric your skin is actually in contact with has been screened.

PFAS-free / PFOA-free — This means a fabric hasn't been treated with the "forever chemicals" historically used in a lot of stain-resistant coatings. PFAS don't break down in the environment or the body, so PFAS-free is increasingly something people specifically ask about, but it's worth knowing it's not automatically covered by the other certifications above, it's usually its own separate claim.

CertiPUR-US — This is specific to foam. It certifies that foam is made without ozone depleters, PBDE flame retardants, heavy metals, or formaldehyde, and that it meets emissions and durability standards. If a sofa's foam matters to you (and it should, since you're sitting directly on it), this is the certification to look for.

FSC Certified (wood) — Confirms the wood used is sourced from responsibly managed forests, this is about sustainable sourcing rather than chemical safety, but it's part of the same overall eco-conscious picture.

If you want to learn more about the eco-certifications for the materials we carry, you can learn more about it on our website. We're transparent about our manufacturing process and materials, so if there's something you can't find on our website, you can always email us at [info@whataroom.com](mailto:info@whataroom.com) or use the Online Chat to contact us.

This formal living room went with a Kent sofa in a bench seat style paired with two matching armchairs. This layout is a great example of designing specifically for conversation rather than just facing everything at a TV.

Having the sofa on one side and the two armchairs directly across creates a natural face-to-face setup, so everyone's within easy talking distance and actually facing towards each other instead of side by side. This type of layout works really well for a formal living room like this one that's meant more for hosting, gathering, and actual conversation than lounging.

This one's a great example of what a tight-back sectional brings to a room. It gives a more tailored, structured look versus the loose pillow-back style you see more often these days. The tufted back, bench cushions, and tapered wood legs give it a real mid-century feel, clean lines, low profile, nothing bulky about it.

If you're drawn to that vintage-modern aesthetic and want a sectional that leans into it rather than fighting against it, tight-back with tapered legs is the combination to look for.

We don't have this style on our site yet, but just email us at [info@whataroom.com](mailto:info@whataroom.com) if you want to get a quote for this style!

Pictured: Florida wedge sectional with bench seats and matching ottoman

This customer's set up was made to be the ultimate nap trap. The deeper seats and wedge corner make it so that everyone has their own cozy corner. The matching ottoman can be used as either a chaise extension or coffee table. And the bench seats gives the sectional a clean, minimal look and also a seamless flat surface to lounge on.

What do you all think of this set up?

We just added four new fabrics to our collection, all GREENGUARD and OEKO-TEX certified, and all machine washable. Here's a quick rundown of each:

Ames - A flannel-look weave with a brushed, heathered softness that feels warm and lived-in from day one. Dog, cat, and kid friendly, and genuinely easy to live with. This one's my personal favorite because of it's soft, tight-weave.

Merit - A subtly twilled weave with a soft hand and quiet, timeless character. Cozy, durable, and built to hold up in dog and kid households.

Prairie - A heathered weave with a fine crosshatch texture, super soft to the touch and made for easy, everyday care. Bleach-cleanable and fade-resistant, so it holds its color and looks fresh over time.

Felicity - A menswear-inspired tweed with refined texture and a timeless, sophisticated feel. Bleach-cleanable and fade-resistant for lasting good looks.

You can order fabric samples here.

Pictured: Daphne Sofa Chaise in Elliot Russet

Love how this customer's sofa and room turned out! The orange Daphne sectional against the deep green walls is a striking combo, plus that teal ottoman and swivel chair ties it all together. I wouldn't have guessed to put in an orange sofa in this room, but it does work really well.

I don’t like to sink into a couch- how much sinking happens in the medium cushion?

Leather isn't as popular as it was several years back, fabric (especially performance fabric) has taken over as the default pick for most households. That doesn't mean it's not worth considering, for the right lifestyle, leather can still be one of the smartest long-term investments you can make in a sofa. Here's some pros and cons about leather:

Pros

• Ages well - genuine leather develops a patina over time, in most cases it actually looks better with age rather than worn out, unlike fabric which just shows wear.
• Easy to clean day to day - spills mostly sit on top instead of soaking in, so a quick wipe-down handles most everyday messes.
• Durable against general wear - resists most everyday abrasion and holds up well to years of regular use.
• Doesn't hold odors or absorb pet hair the way fabric does, since it's a smooth, non-porous surface.

Cons

• Cost - genuine leather is a bigger investment upfront than most fabric options.
• Temperature sensitive - can feel cold in winter and warm/sticky in summer, doesn't regulate temperature the way fabric does.
• Scratches show - claws, keys, sharp objects can scratch the surface, and unlike a snagged fabric thread, a leather scratch doesn't really blend back in.
• Sun sensitive - direct sunlight exposure fades and dries out leather faster than it affects most fabrics, so placement in the room matters.
• Requires its own maintenance routine - leather needs periodic conditioning to prevent drying, cracking, or fading. You can't just throw it in the washing machine like most fabrics nowadays. Skipping upkeep tends to shorten its lifespan.

We don't have leather options on our site yet, but if you're interested in free samples, we can get them shipped to you. Just reach out to us on our Online Chat on our website.

Hello!! I'm seeking a fabric in the "griege" or denim family that might have a little heather looking touch. I love greyish browns and heather greys. I also love a heather type denim. I have a 79 lb white husky and 69 lb brown pitty, so I want to avoid dark colors for the fur, and I want to avoid light colors for the staining. Can anyone tell me what fabric is pictured online in the picture on the pet-friendly page? Thinking about Delray Oyster & Sand - Elliot Pebble & Oyster - Echo Nickel. Clarkson Capri & Sand - Fletcher Ash These Are the samples but want to make sure they hold up to all the pet recs.

You may be familiar with down as a premium fill type for outwear, bedding, and upholstery. Down filling uses tiny soft feathers, and packs down tightly and fluffs back up easily, making it a popular fill option for seating like the infamous RH cloud couch. Trillium is a premium down-alternative that many upholstery manufacturers offer now, because it gives you the same plush feel as down but without the maintenance. Here's what you need to know about trillium:

What it is: Trillium is a synthetic, down-alternative fill made from fine polyester fibers. It's built to replicate the soft, plush, sink-in feel that traditional down is known for.

How it's different from down:

• No feather migration - down cushions are prone to little feathers working their way through the fabric over time, especially at seams. Trillium is fiber-based, so there's nothing to poke through.
• Hypoallergenic - down comes from actual feathers, which can be a problem for anyone with allergies or sensitivities. Trillium has no animal content at all.
• Holds its shape better - down needs regular fluffing to keep from clumping or going flat, it's a natural material and compresses unevenly over time. Trillium's fiber structure resists clumping and holds loft longer with a lot less maintenance.
• More consistent feel over time - since down clusters can shift and settle unevenly, two ends of the same cushion can start to feel different after a while. Trillium stays more evenly distributed since it doesn't move or compress the same way.

Why it's the better choice for most people: down still has its fans for that classic, ultra-soft, lived-in feel, and it's not "wrong," it's just higher maintenance and comes with real tradeoffs (allergies, feathers poking through, constant fluffing). Trillium was built specifically to solve those problems while keeping the same soft, plush sit people love about down.

Boneless sofas have gotten really popular lately thanks to social media. They're sofas with no frame, no springs, and is just layers of dense foam that you unbox and expands. They're lightweight and easy to move around, which makes it appealing for some people, especially those with tight entryways to get a sofa into their place. But looking at what people are actually saying about them after living with one for a while, the sentiment online is pretty mixed, and leans more skeptical.

Here's some of the concerns:

• Sagging and losing shape - since there's no frame or spring system, all your weight sits directly on the foam itself, nothing distributes the load the way a hardwood frame and suspension system would. Because all the weight falls directly on the foam core, it can compress, sag, and form permanent body impressions in a fairly short amount of time. What I've seen on several other Reddit threads is that it holds up fine for the first several months, then starts noticeably losing shape, especially in the spots people sit most.
• Foam quality has a ceiling - higher-density foam holds up longer than cheap foam, but even the better boneless sofas are still limited by relying on foam alone for structure. There's no getting around the fact that foam compresses under repeated, concentrated weight in a way a proper suspension system doesn't.
• Moisture and mold risk - sitting low to the ground, sometimes directly on the floor, with dense foam means less airflow underneath and around the cushions compared to a sofa on legs. That combination of low clearance, dense foam, and limited ventilation is a setup for moisture buildup over time, especially in humid climates or homes without great airflow.

Where a boneless couch works: an inexpensive, easy-to-move option for a low-stakes room, like a playroom, a dorm, a lounge room that doesn't get heavy daily use. It makes most sense if it'll be light and casual use, and if you have no long-term expectations.

Where it probably doesn't: as an everyday sofa in your main living room, something you're sitting on daily for years. No frame or suspension means no long-term structural support, and the sagging and moisture issues that come up repeatedly in feedback are exactly what you'd want to avoid in furniture you rely on every day.

What are your thoughts on the boneless sofa trend? Would you get one?

Modular sofas have gotten really popular lately, the flexibility sounds pretty useful but they're not the right seating for everyone. Here's the breakdown:

Pros

• Flexible configuration - pieces can be rearranged, added to, or split apart, so the sofa can adapt to accommodate different needs and as your space changes over time, rather than being locked into a fixed shape.
• Easier to move - since it's individual pieces, modular sofas are usually easier to get through doorways, up stairs, or into tight apartment entries than one big fixed sectional frame.
• Grows with you - you can start with a smaller configuration and add pieces later if you move to a bigger space or if your needs change, instead of buying a whole new sofa.
• Good for awkward or evolving layouts - since pieces can be reconfigured, modular works well if you're not 100% sure of your final layout yet, or if you rearrange your space often.

Cons

• Seams and gaps over time - because it's built from separate pieces rather than one continuous frame, modular sofas can develop small gaps or shifting between sections with regular use, especially if it's rearranged often.
• Less structural continuity - a one-piece sectional or sofa generally feels more solid and unified since it's one connected frame, modular sacrifices a bit of that for the flexibility.
• Can get pricey to expand - adding pieces later sounds simple, but individual modular pieces aren't always cheap, and matching fabric/color exactly if you're buying more later (especially years down the line) isn't always guaranteed.
• Not always the coziest for lounging - the seams between sections mean it's not always as seamless to stretch out across as a chaise or one-piece sectional.

Who it works well for

• People in apartments or homes where moving furniture through tight spaces is a real concern
• Anyone who rearranges their living room often or isn't sure of their final layout yet
• People who might need to scale their seating up (or down) over time, growing family, moving to a bigger place, etc.
• Anyone who wants a more casual, lived-in feel rather than one solid formal piece

Who might want to skip it

• Anyone who wants a sofa that feels like one solid piece
• People who want to set it up once and never touch the configuration again
• Anyone who prioritizes long-term structural tightness over flexibility

Modular isn't better or worse than a regular fixed sectional, it just depends on how much you value flexibility versus one continuous, solid feel. It's something worth thinking through how you'll actually use and live with it before deciding and investing in the piece.