Sectional Sofa in Front of a Window? Is it Okay


Symmetrical Sectional Sofa

If you have lots of windows in your living area, you may be wondering if it is okay to put a sectional in front of them or not. This section will answer that question as well as discuss other placement options for your sectional sofa. 

It is okay to put a sectional sofa in front of a window; however certain considerations need to be made first. These considerations will be discussed further along in the section to give you ideas on how best to arrange your furniture for the best function and look. 

If you would like to know more about placing a sectional sofa in front of a window and other ways you can incorporate a sectional into your space, continue reading for helpful information that may inspire your design.

Putting a Sectional in Front of a Window

Ultimately, where you place your sectional is completely a personal design choice, and you should arrange it in a way that you feel works and looks the best. 

Some people say never to put a sofa in front of a window, but if done correctly, it will not matter if there is a window behind the sectional sofa or not. 

Don’t Block the View

When putting a sectional sofa (or any furniture, for that matter) in front of a window, you want to be sure the back is low enough that it does not block your natural light and view to the outside world. 

Additionally, it is recommended that you leave six to ten inches in between the wall and the back of the sectional to allow for ventilation and let your window treatments hang. 

Sectional Sofa With A View
Sectional Sofa With A View

Eliminate Glare With Blackout Drapes

One drawback of having a window directly behind you is that oftentimes that means there will be a glare on the TV screen from the window. 

If you find that is the case, you can either rearrange the room or buy some light-blocking drapes for when you are binge-watching your favorite shows. 

Sectional With Light Drapes
Sectional With Light Drapes

Here are some additional suggestions for placing a sectional sofa in your home. 

Other Sectional Sofa Placements

If you don’t want to have your back to the window, you can try some of these placement suggestions to see if they work well in your home. 

Centered in the Living Space

If you have a home with a large open floor plan, you may be able to get away with centering a sectional sofa in the room. Doing this can give the area a visual division while creating a separate living space.  

Living Space Sectional Sofa
Living Space Sectional Sofa

Facing a Fireplace 

There is nothing better than curling up with a good book by the fire on a cold winter’s day. If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace in your home, try to arrange your sectional in a way that makes your fireplace the focal point of the room. Doing so will create a warm, welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. 

Facing a Fireplace Sectional Sofa
Facing a Fireplace Sectional Sofa

Facing a Window With a View

This is similar to the fireplace section. If you have a window with a particularly nice view, try to arrange your sectional in a way that showcases that lovely view.  

Facing a Window With a View Sectional Sofa
Facing a Window With a View Sectional Sofa

Facing Another Seating Arrangement

If you have a larger home or entertain frequently, then having adequate seating for your guests is important. 

In some cases, you may have a sectional sofa in addition to a traditional sofa or perhaps some comfy armchairs. 

Either way, they can be arranged to face each other and your guests can see each other while they relax and catch up on gossip. 

Sectional Sofa Facing Another Seating Arrangement
Sectional Sofa Facing Another Seating Arrangement

Placed in Front of an Entry Door

Front Entry Door Sectional Sofa
Front Entry Door Sectional Sofa

Placing a sectional or any furniture in front of an entry door can be difficult if you lack floor space. Placing a sectional in front of an entry door typically works best in homes with large, open floor plans. 

It is important for the flow of traffic and energy that there is enough space to walk around the furniture without it being in the way. When done correctly, this method of placement can break the room up and create a cozy feeling. 

Alex

Hi there! I’m Alex, the one behind this website. I ran and operated a Local Furniture Store in Southern California. The store opened in 2010, during the “Great Recession,” It is still thriving today; however, I have dedicated my time to helping our online customer base. My primary focus is to help you with all your furniture & mattress questions.

Related Posts