If you’ve ever shopped (or tried to shop) for a sectional couch, you know how many options there are. Sectionals allow you to do more with your space than a typical couch, but selecting the right one can be a daunting task. Here are some things to consider when choosing a sectional:

1. The shape of the room

As with all furniture, you must measure the room in which you plan to put the sectional to be sure it will fit. In addition to measuring, it’s important to think about how a sectional will interact with your room. If you want a chaise section, you may want to place it on the side of the sectional furthest from the doorway, to ensure easy entry and exit from the room. A square, symmetrical sectional will fit well in a corner room, whereas a sectional with two parts (like two separate loveseats, or a longer sectional and a loveseat) might be more appropriate for a room with multiple doorways or a room that is more open.

2. What you’ll use the sectional for

There are many types of sectionals, and each is best suited to a different use.

A reclining section will allow you to kick back and relax, but it may not look very elegant. Such sections are ideal for living rooms, dens, or basements that you use mainly for watching television and lounging—that is, spaces that you don’t mind looking more comfy than modern.

A stationary sectional can be more pleasing to the eye. Stationary sectionals do not have reclining footrests, but you can use a chaise or ottoman with such a sectional for a place to put your feet. A reversible sectional allows the chaise section to be moved, so you can adjust the sectional to fit your room.

A sleeper sectional is a great option if you want to be able to accommodate overnight guests. Sleeper sectionals fold all the way back, turning into beds. This type of sectional is especially useful in apartments, where you want to use space as wisely as possible. A sleeper sectional allows you to have both a couch and a bed, instead of needing a separate guest bedroom.

3. Type and color of material

Most sectionals are upholstered either in some type of leather or in a microfiber fabric. Generally, leather is best for rooms that you want to look nice, while microfiber is better for rooms that might get more harsh use. Leather tends to hold up better than microfiber, though both leather and microfiber are easy to clean. Because microfiber can attract pet hair easily, if you have pets, leather might be the way to go. However, microfiber won’t scratch as easily as leather.

In addition to choosing the material, you must also consider the color of your sectional. Although white brightens up a room and goes well with almost any color scheme, it also gets dirtier faster. A darker brown or black piece is less prone to showing spills and wear, though it makes most rooms seem darker and possibly smaller.

Considering these variables, you can begin to sort through what type of sectional best fits your space.