Small sectional sofas (which are a thing, trust us) are just the right seating solution for those with cramped spaces who recognize that it’s not humanly possible to get cozy on a loveseat. “A sectional can give you that maxed-out seating and help the room feel like a cozy nook, not a cramped back office,” says designer Caroline Burke of Anna Burke Interiors.Though sectionals in all their long configurations can feel counterintuitive for small spaces, designer Ashley Darryl says the opposite is often true. “Sometimes using several small pieces can make a room feel cluttered,” says of the sofa-chair-table cluster that’s become de rigueur in living rooms. Whether your goal is to fit the whole family for movie night or just successfully stretch out completely solo, the right-size sectional can transform a cramped room in unexpected ways.“Typically, sectionals can double your seating,” notes AD100 interior designer Victoria Hagan, and author of Live Now. Burke agrees, adding that choosing a piece with a low back and arms can “help a small room not feel engulfed by a piece of furniture.”To help with your seating journey, we pulled together our favorite sectionals for small spaces—from bouclé beauties to rawhide leather configurations. Read up on some common seating FAQs below, answered by designers, as well.Our Top Picks for the Best Small Sectional SofasBest Leather Option: Castlery Jonathan Leather Side Chaise Sofa, $4,547Best Upholstered Sofa: Vesgantti Modular Sectional Sofa, $700 $550Best Sleeper Sofa: Pottery Barn Shasta Reversible Chaise Sleeper Sectional, $2,599For Sculptural Seating: AllModern Anson Modular Sectional, $3,098 $2,673For Iconic Design: Herman Miller Luva Modular Sectional, $8,430For a Modular Arrangement: Burrow Range 3-Piece Sectional Lounger, $1299 $979In This ArticleBest Leather OptionCastlery Jonathan Leather Side Chaise SectionalSpecsDimensions: 27.6"H x 84.3"W x 94.1"D (long side) and 39.4"D (short side)Seat Depth: 24.4"Materials: Top grain leather, veneer lumber, and plywoodCare: Wipe clean with dry clothAD commerce director Rachel Fletcher has adored this modular sectional since 2022, reviewing it as “modern, minimalist, and tasteful,” pet-friendly, and a powerful design moment for your living room. This modular sectional includes a versatile chaise lounge so you can expand your sectional or split it up when you move.Best Budget SofaWade Logan Fultonham 6-Piece Upholstered SectionalSpecsDimensions: 27.6"H x 84.3"W x 94.1"D (long side) and 39.4"D (short side)Seat Depth: 24.4"Materials: Top grain leather, veneer lumber, and plywoodCare: Wipe clean with dry clothOkay, yes, six pieces seem like a lot for a small sectional sofa. But keep in mind that you can mix-and-match elements, turning some into cozy reading chairs and connecting others into larger lounge spaces. We love the taller back cushions on this blocky option which ensure that you aren’t slouching your way through your next movie marathon.Best Upholstered SofaVesgantti Modular Sectional SofaSpecsDimensions: 60"D x 108"W x 35.5"HSeat Depth: 26"Materials: Wood, foam fill, chenille upholsteryCare: Wipe clean with dry clothReviews of this Amazon sectional tout the benefits of durable-feeling upholstery and easy assembly. Sure, 108 inches may seem large for small spaces, but that’s only if you format this sofa as a three-seater. A modular makeup ensures that you can move each piece around to best suit your living room. As an added bonus, this sofa comes ready with two sets of legs at varying heights, so you can decide how low to the ground you want to be.For Sculptural SeatingAllModern Anson Modular SectionalSpecsDimensions: 32.5''H x 100.75''W x 61.25''DSeat Depth: Not listedMaterials: Wood, foam, synthetic fiber fill, polyester upholsteryCare: Spot clean with dry, solvent-based cleanerWith a curved, high back that draws you in like a hug, and slim lumbar pillows for added back support, All Modern’s Anson sectional takes the best elements of sculptural furniture and makes them compatible with small space living. Available in three upholstery colors and the option of chaise sides, this sectional sofa is an ideal happy medium between sink-in cozy texture and statement-worthy design.Best Sleeper SofaPottery Barn Shasta Reversible Chaise Sleeper SectionalSpecsDimensions: 83.5"W x 59"D x 35"HSeat Depth: 29.5"Materials: Solid rubberwood frame, polyester-wrapped cushions, innerspring mattress,Care: Blot spills immediately with a clean, colorfast towel or sponge, vacuum cushions regularlyHosting guests in a small space requires some compromise, but any consummate host knows that good hospitality doesn’t come in the form of a saggy air mattress. Instead, this sleek sofa folds out into a queen-sized bed, accommodating your guests comfortably without taking up too much additional space. All-white can be dicey for any highly trafficked piece of furniture, but the sofa also comes in a range of hardier fabrics like basketweave, tweed, and velvet in all sorts of rich colors. Buyers even have the option to add storage in the chaise.Best Velvet OptionArticle Abisko Velvet SectionalSpecsDimensions: 28"H x 94.5"W x 63.5"DSeat Depth: 25"Materials: Frame: kiln-dried solid larch, plywood, brushed aluminum; Filling: high-density foam, polyester fiber; Fabric: 100% polyesterCare: Blot stains with a dry clothThe best-selling Sven sectional from Article is made even more beautiful by colorful, performance velvet upholstery. Suitable for those with little ones and pets running around, the fabric is non-absorptive, meaning spills and crumbs won’t stay embedded in its weave. Two orientations—chaise and L-shaped—allow you to Tetris its silhouette into your space as you see fit.For Cloudlike UpholsteryWest Elm Harmony Modular Chaise SectionalSpecsDimensions: 86"W x 62"D x 37"HSeat Depth: 23"Materials: Engineered hardwood frame, fiber-wrapped high-density polyurethane foam, high-gauge sinuous springs, upholstery (linen, basketweave, velvet, chenille, and twill options)Care: Blot spills immediately with a clean, colorfast towel; spot clean with a damp cloth or spongeWith a seat depth of 23 inches, this is the ideal small sectional for sinking in and getting cozy. A multitude of pillows allows for added comfort, while the chaise seat lets at least one person on the end stretch their legs out. Rather than simply make this sofa smaller or more narrow, the entire size has also been scaled down to look proportional without sacrificing style in smaller living rooms.For a Thoroughly Modern SilhouetteDesign Within Reach Pastille Sectional ChaiseSpecsDimensions: 57"D x 80"W x 32"HSeat Depth: 23"Materials: Steel-reinforced plywood frame, high-density, high-resiliency foam cushions, memory foam toppers, fabric or leather upholsteryCare: Spot cleanThe Pastille Sectional with an included chaise is an appropriate ode to the British candy, combining clean lines with cheerful colorways. Designed by Hlynur Atlason, this lounge sofa features a low seat (approximately 18 inches high), for not only cramped quarters, but low-ceilinged ones, too. And thanks to the lightness of the design, this sofa will also never look too heavy or oversized for your living room.For an Artpiece SofaHerman Miller Luva Modular SectionalSpecsDimensions: 61.5"D x 78.25"W x 40.75"HSeat Depth: 51.5"Materials: Steel frame, layered foam, fabric or leather upholsteryCare: Spot cleanSmall in stature but never short on personality, the Luva modular sectional has a squishy texture and a cartoonish shape. Available in a two and three seater configuration and countless upholstery options (like this Kindercore yellow), this versatile 78-inch sectional would feel right at home in a basement or a reading corner in need of some verve. It’s certainly a splurge, but for the iconic Herman Miller name, plus full assembly included in the price tag, it’s an investment that we imagine will hold up nicely over time.For a Modular ArrangementBurrow Range 3-Piece Sectional LoungerSpecsDimensions: 28"H x 62"W x 60.5"DSeat Depth: 21"Materials: Bent plywood frame, medium-density foam, shredded fill, fiber wadding, basketweave or velvet upholsteryCare: Water and bleach solutionInstead of opting for a giant L-shaped sectional that will take up the entire room, aim for something with a smaller footprint. Available in performance fabric and three leg finishes, this sectional couch is ideal for a tiny living space and a major upgrade from a smaller loveseat thanks to the chaise addition. While not an official fold-out sleeper sofa, the back cushions flop back to give you enough space should you be inclined to nap. Contributor David Kaufman, who tested it out for us, calls it “a great starter sofa for a first home or apartment that you won’t have to send to a landfill when you’re ready to move.”For Some TextureUrban Outfitters Macy Modular SofaSpecsDimensions: 30"H x 40"W x 40"DSeat Depth: Not listedMaterials: Polyester, plywood, pine woodCare: Spot cleanThis one is like a “choose your own adventure” in sofa form. Buy each piece separately to create the perfect sectional for your space. Corner chairs, seats with arms, seats without arms, an ottoman—you’ve got options. The ribbed corduroy is a throwback to college-dorm days (but in a good way).For Low-to-the-Ground LeatherArticle Cigar Rawhide Tan Reversible SectionalSpecsDimensions: 26"H x 92"W x 94"DSeat Depth: 27"Materials: Frame: kiln-dried solid pine, MDF, rubberwood; Filling: high-density foam, polyester fiber, duck feathers; Leather: 100% top grain, full-aniline Italian pull-up leatherCare: Wipe with a damp clothThe reversible chaise makes this sectional super versatile—meaning there’s a good chance it’ll fit right into your next space too. Low profile in silhouette and minimalist in style, the smooth leather texture carries this design’s personality while keeping things sturdy for movie nights. And while it may not be a sofa bed, don’t let anyone dissuade you from a full night’s snooze.Best sectionals for small spaces FAQs:What features should I look for in a sectional for small living rooms?Modular furniture—any sectional that comes in several parts so you can adjust your sofa to suit the configurations—is built with flexibility in mind, making it the ideal contender for a small living space. We have tested and loved Castlery modular sofas, but a search for modular sectional should give you plenty of other options. A room tight on space can benefit from couches with storage, like those from Albany Park. Now you’ll be able to minimize the clutter and extra blankets by stowing them underneath your seat.How do I arrange a sectional in a small space?Don’t fall for the tiniest sectional you can find, but rather invest in something well-made—it plays a big part in your living room, after all. While it may seem counterintuitive, Nashville interior designer Amanda Khouri says, “Filling a small room with small furniture can make it feel…well, smaller.”Designer Alicia Murphy used a sectional in the living room of a teensy trailer she converted into a plush family getaway in Montauk, New York, for this very reason: “If you use a corner sectional rather than a sofa and chair, you most likely will add seating for two or three more people,” Murphy explains, noting that the alternative prevents you from having about 36 inches of dead space in the corner.”

Get the Popular Science daily newsletter💡 Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Forget traditional garden rows and Pinterest-perfect raised beds. A new wave of gardeners—fueled by the rise of “chaos gardening”—is embracing a freer, wilder approach. Culinary plants are breaking out of the vegetable patch and popping up in unexpected places: nestled in flower beds, tucked into sidewalk cracks, or spilling from upcycled containers.  What is chaos gardening—and why is it so popular? Chaos gardening is the ultimate plant-lover’s rebellion. It’s low-stakes, low-structure, and high-surprise—perfect for gardeners who crave creativity over control. By scattering seeds or tucking plants in overlooked spaces, growers often discover new, more sustainable ways to cultivate food. It’s also a celebration of adaptability. Culinary plants like mint, thyme, and garlic can thrive in unique microclimates or unconventional containers. Mushrooms can grow on food scraps. And grain? That can thrive in your front yard. Take it from Brie Arthur, a horticulturist and author who’s turned edible gardening into an aesthetic statement. “As an avid food grower, I love experimenting with unusual crops like fava beans, sesame, turmeric, and rice!” she says. “Grains are a fun and practical food crop to include in gardens and containers—they are beautiful, bountiful, and always spark conversation. Brie Arthur is a horticulturist and garden enthusiast. Image: Courtesy of Brie Arthur The case for culinary plants outside the garden box Planting edibles outside traditional beds isn’t just unconventional—it’s often more effective. Herbs like basil, parsley, and nasturtium attract pollinators, while tucking garlic near ornamentals can reduce pest pressure. Hardscapes and vertical spaces create microclimates where herbs thrive, and growing among flowers often disguises plants from hungry critters. Mushroom grower and educator Misilla dela Llana takes it a step further. She grows oyster mushrooms on food scraps like corn cobs, garlic stalks, coffee grounds, even wine corks and bamboo toilet paper. “So far, I’ve had great results from garlic stalks and corn cobs producing multiple flushes of mushrooms,” she explains. “The bamboo TP experiment resulted in beautiful bouquets of oyster mushrooms!” She’s also integrated wine cap mushrooms into raspberry and dahlia beds, where they decompose organic matter and nourish surrounding plants—an edible garden that feeds itself. Yes, you can grow edible mushrooms kind of anywhere. Images: Courtesy of Misilla dela Llana Where to tuck edibles: Creative planting spots In the Flower Bed Along Walkways and Driveways Under Shrubs or Trees In Containers You Forgot You HadWendi Phan. “I repurpose unexpected objects, elevate containers, and grow vertically to guide plants toward the sun.” Her DIY tall garden bed on wheels is a great example of how to make tight spaces productive. Climbing and Trailing Chaos with a purpose This gardening trend is more than quirky—it’s adaptive and empowering. Misilla’s garlic growing approach is wonderfully low effort. “While garlic is grown as an annual crop, it’s a perennial, and the bulbs can be left in the ground to multiply,” she says. She also grows garlic from bulbils, tiny clones that develop on the scapes of stiff-neck varieties. It’s slower but more economical and disease-resistant. Winter sowing, for example, lets gardeners get a jump on the season while building resilience. “Winter sowing saves time, money, work, and space,” says Misilla. “I’ve noticed that plants are hardier and more resilient when exposed to adverse conditions outdoors in the early stages.” In zones like the Pacific Northwest’s 8b, she starts as early as December using recycled milk jugs and other DIY cloches. Another creative and decorative example comes from Michelle Akbashev of Everyday Gardening Tips, who turns bay laurel into a container showpiece. “Bay laurel makes a surprisingly perfect centerpiece for your decorative container,” she says. “It’s not only beautiful but also edible, perfect for snipping fresh leaves right from a pot near your kitchen.” Paired with Primo Wild Rose Heuchera and Evercolor Everillo carex, her low-maintenance combo delivers year-round impact. Your yard, your rules If it grows and you enjoy it, you’re doing it right. Whether you’re harvesting cherry tomatoes from a hanging basket, cultivating mushrooms on corn cobs, or tucking thyme between stepping stones, edible gardening doesn’t need to follow the rules. So go ahead—scatter seeds, repurpose that rusty wheelbarrow, or plant garlic between your dahlias. Culinary plants are thriving in wild new places—and your garden can be one of them.

Everything is more expensive this year, and that likely includes utilities like your water bill. While growing vegetables in your yard can be enchanting and empowering, it isn’t very efficient (compared to farms) in terms of water usage. There are a number of ways to become more efficient and sustainable, including using drip irrigation, but another way is to only plant vegetables that don't need too much water to begin with. Watering at the root is keyBefore I get to the specific vegetables, it's important to go over a few general watering tips.Remember that vegetables get hydration through their roots, which live underground. Watering from above, like a hose or sprinkler, has problems: you’re getting the plants wet more than the roots, which creates conditions for disease spread; you’re watering less precisely, therefore wasting water; and the impact of the water against the dirt causes droplets to bounce back up with whatever fungus or viruses are in the dirt, also spreading disease. Watering gently and consistently at ground level with drip irrigation is the best option for both the plant and your wallet. To ensure you’re watering efficiently, group plants with similar watering needs together in your garden, so you can set the drip appropriately to water less. But even more important is remembering that roots grow over time. A new seedling has shallow roots, whereas an end-of-season plant has deeply established roots. More roots means that the plant can absorb more water from deeper underground. Less roots means less hydration from the soil, so more water is needed at a shallower depth. (Though some vegetables, like corn and lettuce, will always be shallow rooted, and thus aren’t good candidates for less water.)Hothouse plantsAccording to Oregon State University, a tomato plant's need for watering is negated by the deep roots the plants establish over the season. As above, you want to water sufficiently early in the season as roots are established while taking care not to over water, which will result in those roots staying close to the surface. If the plant needs water, those roots will grow deeper in search of moisture. Reducing water greatly, if not cutting it off entirely mid-season, shouldn’t harm your harvest. The lack of surface water will reduce disease spread, and tomatoes will ripen if you reduce their watering. It’s not only tomatoes, either: Squash, which includes zucchini, summer and winter squash, as well as melons, eggplants, and hot peppers all behave the same in terms of water needs and roots. Beans Credit: Amanda Blum Most beans, particularly pole beans, have adapted to drought conditions over time. As such, they can survive and produce flowers and fruit with minimal moisture. Beans require water to germinate, so if you direct sow, ensure the seeds have consistent moisture levels. Once germinated, you can reduce (but not eliminate) water. Since beans have such a short season (usually 60 days or less), they require less water simply by existing for less time. Less moisture is going to reduce common bean problems like powdery mildew, a quickly spreading surface fungus.Chard and okra Credit: Amanda Blum For some heat hardier vegetables like chard and okra, they still require water, but do better with weekly or every-other-weekly deep watering, as opposed to daily drip. Okra is native to drier climates and prefers less water. The deep roots of the plant allow it to draw enough water from the soil to sustain itself. Chard and kale can use their huge leaves to shade the ground, which is an effective form of moisture retention. Occasional deep waterings will be enough for the plant to continue growing.Blueberries prefer less moistureI know, blueberries are a fruit and not a vegetable, but I felt compelled to include the advice here anyway. Consider it a bonus tip. A few years ago, Micah Geiselman, a blueberry farmer from Morning Shade Farm in Canby came to inspect my many bushes, and he had surprising advice: “People over-water their blueberries,” he explained to me. They appreciate good drainage and do better with less water. I’ve since changed the elevation of my blueberries to ensure better drainage and moved watering lines further away—the results were astounding. I experienced better yields, but the berries themselves were plumper and better tasting. This isn’t conclusive, of course, since there are too many variables to account for, but I take the advice of a blueberry expert seriously.