• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header left navigation
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
  • Shop
  • Get The Email
  • Work With Me
  • About
  • Search

  • DIY
    • DIY Home Decor
    • With Power Tools
    • Renovation
    • For Kids
    • For Parties
    • Wearable
    • Organization
    • Cricut Crafts
  • Home Decor
    • Room Reveals
    • Kid Friendly
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Renovation
  • Lettering
    • Hand Lettered Printables
    • Free Practice Sheets
    • Handlettered DIY
    • Free Brush Lettering Quickstart Guide
    • Learn Brush Lettering E-Course SALE
Lemon Thistle

Lemon Thistle

Rad DIY, Lettering and Design for Real People

  • Printables
    • For Cricut
    • Party Printables
    • Home Decor Printables
    • Bachelor Bingos
    • Free Monthly Wallpapers
    • Handlettering Practice Sheets
    • All Free Printables
  • Entertain
    • Party Printables
    • Party DIY
    • Tablescapes
    • Dinner Party
    • Kids Parties
    • Party Eats
    • Baby Showers
    • Wedding + Showers
  • Blog

Choosing a Perfect Sofa or Sectional | Article Mello Sectional Review

Mar 29

Tips to pick the perfect sofa or sectional for your home

Choosing a sofa or sectional is HARD! Leather or fabric? Cushions or built in? I’m sharing all my tops for choosing and walking through why we chose the one we did!

Earlier this week, I shared the plans for our living room update. And it’s underway! We have a long way to go but just swapping out some of the key pieces and getting art on the walls has made such a big difference! Today I want to chat about choosing the perfect sofa for your home. Since our last sofa (seen here in our home tour), I’ve had some regrets. It’s not that it wasn’t a good piece, it just wasn’t what I wanted for our main space. Shane and I would often comment to each other that it was the perfect sectional for a TV room, not a living room. We’re excited that the upgrade to our living room (this gorgeous leather sectional!) means we also get to ditch the futon we’ve been watching TV on for the past 5 years for a sectional down stairs too.  

Since a sectional (especially a leather one!) is an investment, I wanted to give some good starting points to think about what you really want in a piece. Hopefully as I talk you through our decision making process, it helps you decide what your family is looking for!

Tips to pick the perfect sofa or sectional for your home

*this post is created in partnership with Article– who I absolutely love. All words are mine. You can see all my policies right here*

Sofa or Sectional?

This was the first thing we decided. Before we even picked out our last sectional, it was a big deal to Shane to have that comfy corner spot that he could have his feet up. This was never as big of a deal to me- I just wanted to have a spot that I could curl my feet up on to the couch (so deeper seating). The other factor that goes into choosing this is the size of your room and how many people you want to seat. Some sectionals offer extra seating and some just offer extra foot room (which can take up square footage of small rooms). Decide what’s important to you before picking your piece!

Since the Mello Sectional has a comfy corner spot and is deep seating everywhere- it’s great for what both Shane and I love in a sofa.

Tips to pick the perfect sofa or sectional for your home

How many people can it seat?

We have a big family. Like, not just living under our roof (6 of us), but extended family that live in town and come over often. And I also host a girls group once a week where there’s regularly 12 of us in our living room. Seating lots of people comfortably is definitely important to us. But depending on your life stage and lifestyle, this might not be a big deal for you. We chose the L shaped sectional that the Mello Sectional offers to add those couple extra seats over a standard sectional or sofa. Having the back extend down one side makes it easy to seat a few more and I also love the look of it. I’d say it comfortably sits 5 adults, but if you get cozy 6… and if there’s children, I mean… the sky’s the limit ;)

If you’re looking for a sofa but seating is still important to you, pay attention to the length- some sofas can seat four or five instead of the traditional three. Likewise, some apartment size sofas are better for only two.

Tips to pick the perfect sofa or sectional for your home

Leather or Fabric Sofa?

This is another choice we decided on a long time ago. Pretty much immediately after starting to use our last fabric sectional. We missed the easy care and cleaning of a leather sofa. Pretty much everything just wipes down off of leather and if it doesn’t, it adds to the natural patina of a good leather. We have 4 kids aged 5 and under and it’s impossible to avoid spills. Since we’ve had our tan leather ottoman slipcover in our living space, we’ve been able to watch it age over time and use and it looks even better than the day I made it. I’m obsessed with the look of aging leather, so this was a no brainer for us. 

Other factors in leather? It’s naturally hypoallergenic so great if you have allergies (which I do!), it won’t pill, and it patinas over time. Patina is a nice way of saying aging- if this bugs you and you want it to look brand new forever… leather, especially a lighter leather like this might not be for you. All leathers are different too. The one we got (the Mello sofa in Taos Tan leather) is a full-grain, full-aniline which will age and patina. It’s also one of the highest quality leather you can get. Bonus. If you’re interested in learning more about leathers, I found this blog post from Article really informative and interesting.

Fabric sofas are totally beautiful too. I love the look of an almost linen looking fabric like this one. If you’re looking for fabric, consider the variance of texture or as I like to call it, the stain hiding capabilities. I love light, evenly coloured fabrics but they show stains like no other fabric. If you choose one that has some texture happening, it’s much easier to hide any stains. If hiding stains is a concern, you could also look for a sofa with flippable cushions!

If you’re still unsure (especially about ordering online!), Article will send you samples of the fabric/leather to help you decide! 

Tips to pick the perfect sofa or sectional for your home

Both Leather and Fabric Sofas need Care

I was going to put in a point suggesting ease of care but honestly, both leather and fabric should be regularly cared for to prolong the life and keep them looking fresh and new. For leather, that means giving it a quick vacuum and wipe down regularly and then using a leather conditioner (I’ve bought Otter Wax at Article’s suggestion- can’t wait to test it out!) once a month or every couple months. 

For cloth, that means sealing it with an upholstery spray (we use Scotchguard), vacuuming it regularly, and then when there are spills or it starts to look dingy, giving it a good clean. We have had great success with using this cleaner before sealing it again. The other thing we found with our previous sofa (but not so much other fabric pieces we have) is pilling. You can use a sweater shaver/ fabric defuzzer to remove this.

Tips to pick the perfect sofa or sectional for your home

Removable Cushions or Built In?

Okay, so I’ve had three sofas other than this one. Two of those had removable cushions, and one (the hand-me-down leather from my dad) didn’t. I loved being able to flip a cushion if there was a spill. I loved that the kids could build forts with the removable cushions. BUT for me- I didn’t love how they inevitably looked messy. Every time I tidied the living room, that included fixing all the cushions, pushing them back into place and fluffing the back cushions. And as much as I love my kids being able to build forts… they can downstairs now, ha! Because that made the cushions look rough quicker. The piping was never quite straight and even when the room was ‘tidy’… I still noticed this.

The built in cushions of the Mello sectional save me time in my tidying. Since this sectional is a modular sofa (meaning two pieces that you can move around), the only thing I need to ‘adjust’ when I’m cleaning is their alignment to each other. I also love that there’s nowhere for my phone or remotes to hide in this sofa. 

Tips to pick the perfect sofa or sectional for your home

Quality vs Affordability

This is always the question, isn’t it? Look- I’m all for quality goods but do know that there’s times in life that affordability wins and that’s okay! When we bought our first sofas when we were just getting married, I honestly didn’t think about quality. We just wanted something in our suite to sit on. But 10 years and a few sofas of experience later, we’re ready for something that we will care for and that will age beautifully with our family. I love that Article has high quality furniture (seriously, we’ve been so impressed with everything we have from there!) but without the markup of traditional furniture stores. It’s still an investment for a leather sectional, but the quality of this leather is worth it (to me!).

Other times you might choose affordability first? Maybe you are in a temporary living arrangement and know you’ll want to choose new pieces when you move or maybe you have a pet that’s known to damage furniture and is getting a bit older or maybe you don’t clearly know what style you like and although you need something to sit on- you know you will change your mind.

Times you want to invest in quality as much as you can? When you know what you want and don’t expect it to change for a long time, when you plan on being in a similar sized space for the foreseeable future, when you’re ready to care for the piece you get, and when you don’t want to contribute to ‘fast’ furniture waste. 

Tips to pick the perfect sofa or sectional for your home

Alright, friends! I hope this gave you lots to think about and help you make a decision for your next sofa. I really am so happy with the sectional we chose. It’s the Mello sectional in Taos Tan from Article and it’s beyond beautiful. I’m planning to share a ‘how it’s holding up’ update in about 6 month to let you know how it’s keeping up with our kids and the crazy that happens in this house! 

Category: Home DecorTag: Living Room, Sponsored, Tips and Tricks
Facebook0Tweet0Pin0LinkedIn0
Previous Post: ← Modern Rancher Living Room Plans with article leather sofa and tree ring prints Modern Rancher Living Room Plans!
Next Post: Find Beauty in the Chaos – April Tech Wallpapers →

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Karla

    Mar 30 at 5:25 am

    Thank you for this info! I’ve been looking at Article, love their designs and especially the hardwood frame-just doing my research asking questions first …. when you say it’s modular-does this mean the two pieces don’t physically attach? How do they stay tight if not? Our current leather sectional (not hardwood frame) has broken at the hinge points where the two pieces meet. Another question, with this style, I love that it goes low to the floor-no toys or cups to get lost underneath … but have you found it difficult to vacuum under? Is it hard to move on your own? TIA

    Reply
    • Colleen Pastoor

      Jul 10 at 11:51 pm

      Hi Karla, Yes! Modular meaning they aren’t actually attached- they kind of stay in place because of our rug but if they were just on hardwood- it might slide around. I can easily move it on my own- we get puzzle pieces and lego pieces under there but that’s about it!

      Reply
  2. Elizabeth

    Apr 03 at 6:08 am

    Hi! Love your new sofa! Looks really comfortable and the colour is so nice!.
    I wanted to ask you about your coffee table. Where did you buy it from? I am looking for some nesting tables and yours is perfect!
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Colleen Pastoor

      Jul 11 at 12:05 am

      These ones are from Structube :)

      Reply
      • Susan Lawrence

        Jan 16 at 9:22 am

        I have been looking for tables exactly like these! went to the structube website and they aren’t there! do you know the name of them so maybe I can call and see if still available, just not on the website?? also would love info on the rug.

        thanks!

        Reply
        • Colleen Pastoor

          May 25 at 8:23 pm

          They are discontinued! The rug is from Article, it’s called Bridle :)

          Reply
  3. Jessica

    May 14 at 8:43 am

    Thank you for sharing! Where is this coffee table (set) from? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Colleen Pastoor

      Jul 11 at 11:54 pm

      They are from structube!

      Reply
  4. Alexis Alberini

    Jun 05 at 5:09 pm

    Is it comfortable?! Also, I have a golden retriever and *inevitably* dog hair gets in all sorts of nooks and crannys. Will it be impossible to clean up dog hair in the crack between the butt and back cushions?

    Reply
    • Colleen Pastoor

      Jul 12 at 12:15 am

      Totally comfortable! I just shove the narrow attachment of the vacuum down in there to clean it out :)

      Reply
  5. Brendan Klassen

    Aug 24 at 5:40 am

    Hi, love the couch and living room style… how comfortable is the back rest on the couch? We are looking for a TV lounging couch and love this style, just want to make sure it is comfortable. Also, do the seat cushions have springs in them or are they just foam or something? BJ

    Reply
    • Colleen Pastoor

      Oct 04 at 7:14 am

      We find it really comfortable but it depends how upright you like to sit. for our tv area, we prefer a higher back couch :)

      I think it has strapping- they talk about it in their product listings!

      Reply
    • RT

      May 11 at 2:09 pm

      Is there room for two adults to lie on together?

      Reply
      • Colleen Pastoor

        May 26 at 7:00 pm

        Side by side or on each end? Each sofa (it’s two modular sofas essentially) fits one adult laying down.

        Reply
  6. Lori

    Oct 17 at 1:16 pm

    LOVE your sectional! Love this whole look! Are your pillows in the right hand corner green? If so, can I ask where you found them? I’ve been looking everywhere for a similar style in green.

    Reply
    • Colleen Pastoor

      May 25 at 7:32 pm

      They are! But they’re discontinued from HM Home- I wish I was more help!!

      Reply
  7. Aaron

    Nov 01 at 10:58 am

    How has the leather held up? From the reviews I’ve read it scratches rather easily – has that been your experience?

    Reply
    • Colleen Pastoor

      May 25 at 7:39 pm

      Everything in my house gets a beating from my kids! I expected it to wear and get scratches and that patina over time and it has done that! I think that’s part of the charm!

      Reply
  8. Caitlin

    Nov 02 at 5:51 pm

    Love the post! Where is this rug from?
    Cait

    Reply
    • Colleen Pastoor

      May 25 at 7:38 pm

      This rug is also from Article! It’s the Bridle :)

      Reply
      • Laura

        Jan 12 at 8:43 pm

        Can you link the rug? Can’t find it. Thanks!! Love your space.

        Reply
        • Colleen Pastoor

          Jan 15 at 1:05 pm

          It’s discontinued!

          Reply
  9. Stephanie

    Jan 07 at 8:48 am

    Where can I get the coffee table?

    Reply
    • Colleen Pastoor

      May 25 at 8:25 pm

      It’s discontinued!

      Reply
  10. Nicholas Dolan

    Jan 08 at 9:07 am

    Do you have a link for the coffee table set? I don’t see it on Strutcube website?

    Reply
    • Colleen Pastoor

      May 25 at 8:25 pm

      Unfortunately it’s discontinued!

      Reply
  11. Der

    Jan 14 at 12:26 pm

    Where can I get those couches.

    Reply
    • Colleen Pastoor

      May 25 at 8:24 pm

      These are from article.com :)

      Reply
  12. Jocelyn

    Jan 23 at 7:53 am

    Hi – this has been so helpful! A real struggle in our home decorating decision, for sure. Can you share where you purchased your standing glass lamp? love how non-intrusive it is but of course has key lighting. thanks!

    Reply
    • Colleen Pastoor

      May 25 at 8:22 pm

      I love that one too! unfortunately, my toddler broke it! It was from HomeSense so I’m not help for you on that one.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sidebar

WOOHOO!

Check your email to confirm!

(+ get your freebies + discounts)


Thanks for dropping by!
I’m Colleen: wife; mom to 4 wild ones; and DIY blogger behind Lemon Thistle. You can expect to see rad DIY, modern home decor, renovations, hand lettering and the occasional party on Lemon Thistle. Read More…

email facebook youtube instagram pinterest

Unless otherwise noted, all content and images are mine. Full posts may not be shared without express written consent. But I love when you share! Feel free to share, without altering, one image with proper credit and a link to the original post. All free printables are for personal use only.

Everyone loves proper credit- if you ever notice something improperly credited, please please shoot me an email and I’ll fix it lightning fast.

Find all my policies right here.
This includes my privacy policy, info on the GDRP compliance and information on affiliate links (Including Amazon Affiliates).

Visit Colleen Pastoor’s profile on Pinterest.

colleenpastoor

My house is never this clean
-
DIY + Home Decor Blogger
Mama of 4 👶🏼🧒🏼👦🏼👧🏼
Renovating our 🏠 the DIY way
🖤 Lettering & ☕️
-
✉️[email protected]

colleen pastoor/lemon thistle
Let’s talk about coffee! This is my coffee ‘st Let’s talk about coffee! This is my coffee ‘station’ and the second photo is my dads! I’m talking aaaall about them over on YT today!
Also... see how nice that fresh silicone looks?! 😉 IYKYK
The hallway is finally finished and I’m so stink The hallway is finally finished and I’m so stinking happy! 

It’s felt like such a long time coming for such a small space. Since we moved in 2.5 years ago, this space has seen new doors and hardware, new trim, new floors... twice😅, we changed the boob light to a pot light and I hated it and now it’s got the most beautiful flush mount fixture I’m in love with (thanks @mymitzi!). It finally got some fresh paint and now frames on walls and last but not least... After this weekend, the new floors look like they were here all along (no door jamb gaps!) which was the last thing really bugging me since our flood last year. 

All this to say that home takes time and sometimes getting it right might take a couple tries. Also- the spaces we don’t really think about (hallways) can totally help a house feel like home with some love (and family photos 🥰)
ps. I partnered with #mymitzi to create a tiktok for This makeover... are you following me over there yet?! I’d love if you popped over and said hi!
It’s done! It works! And I’m calling it a grea It’s done! It works! And I’m calling it a great use of my afternoon the other day. Did you catch the stories? These projects both cost me under $10 by using pieces I already had in my home (yay for scraps!) and one package of drawer slides).
You can find the full video about these two kitchen organization projects over on YouTube in collaboration with my friend @love_create_celebrate and her #scrapsmademodern challenge! But for now... I’m rejoicing this coffee maker is off my counter for good 🎉
How’s your January going? Full speed or are you How’s your January going? Full speed or are you taking it a bit slow too? 

I’m not going to lie, I’m easing into this new year thing pretty slowly. All my decorations are still up (we always leave them up til Ukrainian Christmas which is later this week) and I I’ve yet to respond to my emails since before Christmas 😅
I’m enjoying the slowness of it all.
Happy Christmas Eve from our fam to yours 🥰 Happy Christmas Eve from our fam to yours 🥰
Yes, I made the paper bag snowflakes too. Have you Yes, I made the paper bag snowflakes too. Have you? 😅
This year has been one of a kind and I know so man This year has been one of a kind and I know so many people who are taking this year as the push they’ve been waiting for to start a side hustle, start an new career altogether or to just get creative about how they’re making money. So today I’m excited to partner with @kregjig to share some rad projects to make and sell this year! 
Like this rolling storage system I made for my office, that rad dollhouse and the gorgeous bath toy storage. All of these projects are things that I’d personally love to buy for our family and look like they’d be a great return on your time making them! And yes, all of them use #Kreg tools to make them easy to assemble and quick to make! Plus, they’re having a great sale on right now with deals on their K4 and K5 jigs, Rip-Cut and even a hardware jig bundle! There’s never been a better time to get your workshop set up!  #sponsored
Just a peaceful moment and then a real life moment Just a peaceful moment and then a real life moment for ya 🙃 
My #holidayhometour is on the blog and YouTube (I’ll put links in my stories) as part of the #seasonalsimplicity holiday home tour series. I’ll share those too so you don’t miss any!
My holiday home tour will be up tomorrow, but for My holiday home tour will be up tomorrow, but for tonight... I’m just enjoying the lights. And possibly a hallmark movie with some more custom order lettering 😅 what are your plans?
#christmasdecor #christmastree #holidaylights
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 · Lemon Thistle · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Theme