If you are undecided in your choice between a sofa and a sectional, read further as we have compared the two to help you with your selection.
Sofas
Sofas typically consist of three cushions to comfortably seat up to three people, maybe more if it is oversized. A sofa is a great choice for a large seating layout, if your patio has the space for it, since it can be paired with two chairs or another two-seat sofa to accommodate more people. A set of sofas and chairs also offer more personal space when you are entertaining your guests. Sofas typically come in more elegant and formal designs than sectionals and in just as many casual styles too.
Sectionals
Sectionals are made to accommodate more than three people and can come in three common configurations: chaise, L-shaped and U-shaped. Chaise sectionals comprise of a regular three-seat sofa with an attached chaise on the left or right side. An L-shaped sectional includes five or more cushions, with two or more on each side and a connecting seat in the middle. As for U-shaped sectionals, they consist of a center sofa and an equal number of seats on either side of the center sofa. Depending on your available space and your patio layout, you are promised to find a configuration to match. Even though sectionals are better for smaller patios since they offer more seating without taking up extra space, they can leave new guests uncomfortably close to each other. Therefore, a sectional would be ideal for family days and nights in the yard. As for the style, you might struggle to find formal sectionals because they are typically made for a casual interior or exterior.