When we were looking for a sofa for our family room there was only one type to choose, a sectional sofa. A sectional sofa gave us comfortable seating for us and the kids and also gives us the opportunity to break up the set so we can rearrange the room when we want. We purchased a sectional sofa with recliners built in so we have the best of both worlds now. Our sofa is an “L” shape, but sectionals also come in “U” shapes.