Asked on Jan 27, 2015

Splitting a sectional sofa

I know it's not ideal, but I'd like to separate my sectional sofa so I can rearrange my living room. I just need a fresh look. Any ideas on how to make the unfinished edges look good temporarily?
  9 answers
  • @ Jennifer Thompson ...I only have one sectional, and it was smaller in scale and kind of " 60 -70's " looking , but great fabric. I seperated it and it actually looked nice, as I used tables that were very similar to help ' tie it together"...and a rug to anchor the pieces.
    • Jennifer Thompson Jennifer Thompson on Jan 27, 2015
      Did you place the tables right up against the unfinished sides to hide them? Did it look strange without an arm rest?
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Jan 27, 2015
    Not quite getting this. Any sectional pieces I've seen have the same fabric on the sides as on the other parts. If it's just the armless aspect that bothers you, don't let it. There are lots of chairs, for example, that have no arms.
  • ...- My sectional had finished sides, I havent ever seen a sectional without finished sides, as Marion Nesbitt stated also. ...and the armless piece had a table next to it that - luckily- almost mimicked the shape of that piece. Re - arranging furniture is about experimentation , and seeing what works and what is pleasing to the eye as well as functional . Dont be afraid to take your time when doing that process.
  • Colleen Colleen on Jan 27, 2015
    Could you post pictures to get a better idea of what the exposed parts look like when separated?
  • Sarah Sarah on Jan 27, 2015
    Armless is fine! Paint the lighter fabric, blending it so it doesn't 'catch' your eye. Then use solid pieces of furniture on the ends, such as trunks, that can be used as end tables in addition to 'hiding' the end. The furniture piece should be higher than seat cushion level, mimicking the height of an arm. Pillows can be placed in the corner where the sofa back meets the furniture piece.
  • ..you can use most any paint, but actually , chalk paint works, and you add this sizing to it , its a product made by Martha Stewart , be sure to follow instructions exactly.
  • Colleen Colleen on Jan 27, 2015
    Sarah has good suggestions. You can use craft or latex paint to paint the fabric. If this is temporary, shop what you have in your house already or the thrift stores for something to place there. Otherwise, perhaps you could fashion a tailored skirt (much like a bed skirt) for those spots and attach with velcro or buttons. You would want a fabric that matches the leather pretty closely though, which may be tough.
    • Jennifer Thompson Jennifer Thompson on Jan 27, 2015
      Ooh I like your idea of creating a skirt, of sorts, that can be removed should I decide to rejoin the sectional! Thank you!!
  • @ Jennifer Thompson ..no, it doesn't peel, crack etc. that is what the sizing is for. Its just an option, and I also like the idea of a skirt on your piece, it could be done with velcro and that would make it easier. :)
  • Diannah Smith Diannah Smith on May 01, 2018

    I have a sectional that is velcro'd together so I know about the unsightly sides. What about buying a cheap flat sheet, cutting it to the desired size and using thumb tacks? You could even do it on the rest of your sectional just to give it a cohesive look. Just a thought.