Kathleen sent us an email: "This is a really stupid question, but has caused some confusion on the home front...Does a sectional have to be balanced completely (i.e., pieces measure same size on both sides) or can it be off-balance (i.e., one side is longer than the other)?
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We have a long, narrow room and a sectional was an idea a designer gave us to solve seating, flow and functionality issues. My husband said each piece of the section has to be balanced -- this wouldn't work in the room. Any advice? "
Kathleen, our vote is no, the parts of a sectional do NOT have to be the same length. It simply depends on the design of the sectional and what works best in the space.
Readers do you agree? Yes or No? Let Kathleen and her husband know in the comments...
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No offense, but your husband sounds more than a little OCD! Sections come in all sizes and configurations and most that I see are not balanced. You need to choose the configuration that fits your space the best and looks/feels comfortable.
Good luck and send pics of the finished room!
view Monica's profile
Definitely doesn't need to be balanced... that would be like saying your room should be perfectly square. Or like saying everything in your design should be symmetrical. Its possible to have a fantastic symmetrical design, but also to have a wonderful asymmetrical design. Its really just about your preference.
ps. I am biased because I have that exact sectional from the picture - the sofa side is much longer than the chaise-y part... mmm I love it so and you will too. best. couch. ever.
view suewanda's profile
Mine is balanced and it looks boring. Unbalanced ones are much more my style and it gives the instant sense that the piece is "modern."
view aladywhoknows's profile
I didn't even know they sold balanced sectionals. I think off balance is just fine - and more interesting.
view mdeathstar's profile
Definitely unbalanced -- things that are too 'equal' look static and more boring. There's a design rule that things in multiples (rows of lights, framed photos, etc.) should be in odd numbers for the same reason.
view AmyV's profile
I'm with mdeathstar and AmyV about odd numbers. Who knew you could get an even sectional?
Can't understand why balanced would be a requirement. I just did a quick survey of PB's, CB's, and R&B's sectionals and while there are some balanced combos, I'd guesstimate that unbalanced outnumbers them 3 to 1.
view kimg924's profile
What do husbands know about decorating?
Send him back to the kitchen/garage/office where he can do some good...
view bepsf's profile
I am in love with the sectional in the photo. They definitely don't have to be balanced. I think they look a lot nicer with one side longer.
view angxannette's profile
Hey! There are plenty of husbands on this site that handle the decor. :|
view mscot's profile
No offense, Scot - I was having a little fun, but forgot my emoticon-wink...
;-)
view bepsf's profile
we have, I guess, a "balanced" sectional. Although I think this smaller size isn't too very common. It's made by italsofa - I think a division of natuzzi. It's a two seater-ish thing with a chaise. You can see it here: http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/3144/crw2876kk6.jpg
view bordjon's profile
Does not have to be balanced. You should just balance the room with weight and colors. But, the individual pieces do not have to be "balanced" individually.
view PlanItGirl's profile
I have that sectional too! It rocks, though I had to cover its beautiful feet with ugly rubber covers because it wouldn't stay still on hardwood. :-(.
view rhiana's profile
I think that ONLY if you were trying to do some relentlessly Art Deco (and by that, I literally, truly mean Cruise ship from the 1930's and/or Radio City Music Hall or something kind of look) symmetrical look that almost seemed like an altar, should you do what your husband wants here, and if so, then only if everything about the room was architecturally symmetrical to start with. I'm having a really hard time even wrapping my mind around how that would be, actually. Because in a sofa, the point is to relax anyway, and that kind of formality doesn't quite work with relaxation.
So basically, no. It should not be balanced.
view Curtis's profile
"unbalanced" actually makes for a STRONGER design...
view monika1's profile
I don't know if it would work in your space, but it may work for your husband's taste - the blackjack sectional from cb2: http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=112&f=3141
also, i'm the husband, the furniture designer and exclusive decorator of the apartment. my wife could not care less...
view voodoodle's profile
Another guy, thought not quite husband yet (July), who's the primary decorator. And yet another vote for unbalanced is fine/preferred.
Aren't many sectionals, in effect, a sofa and loveseat connected with a corner? And aren't most sofas 3-seats and loveseats 2-seats? Which would imply non-symmetry...
view Benjy's profile
@Rhiana
How about those self-adhesive cork pads for table/chair legs? That might solve the scooting problem and be nearly undetectable.
Gayle
view peardown's profile
The sectional can be unbalanced.
But "balanced" doesn't even mean symmetrical.
It's the room that needs to be balanced. And both spouses. ;)
view patrick (the other one)'s profile
unbalanced...
me
my furniture
the world at large
view gordon's profile
Well...suewanda and Rhiana just confirmed my purchase for the Carter Sofa...since you all love it so much. I've been waiting two weeks for someone to say that. :-D Thanks!!!!
view kerri's profile