How to Separate a Sectional Sofa

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Sectional sofas are pieces of furniture that are connected by hooks and latches. They are designed to detach for easy moving and rearranging. Separating the pieces involves locating the clasps that hold the sofa together and lifting the couch section out of the attachment. Then, you can move and rearrange the sofa however you want.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Disconnecting the Sections

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  1. These cushions will get in the way while you’re separating and moving the couch sections. They also may cover the handles you have to grab that separate the pieces. Start by removing the cushions so you can access all the handles. [1]
    • If you’re moving the couch, put all the cushions in a safe place out of the way. Someone could trip on them if they’re too close.
    • For some sofas, specific cushions belong on certain parts of the couch. If this is the case, keep track of which cushions belong on each section.
    • Some couches have attached cushions that aren’t removable. In this case, just find the corner to begin disconnecting the sections. Push the cushions aside as much as you can to see if there are handles.
  2. Sectional couches usually meet at a square corner piece that forms a focal point. Both sections connect to this square. The rest of the couch will come apart when you disconnect this corner. [2]
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  3. Many sectional sofas have a designated place to lift from. If the square corner has a plastic lip around its rim, slide your fingers under this. Then lift straight up to detach this piece from the other sections. [3]
    • If your couch doesn’t have a handle, just grab a stable spot and lift.
    • Different sofas use various connection methods. Some have clasps that slide together, while others have hooks that unclip. In most cases, however, lifting straight up is the procedure for disconnecting the pieces.
    • Make sure the corner disconnects from both sections before you try to move it. Pulling on a section that’s still attached could rip the sofa.
  4. Most sectional sofas have only 3 pieces—the corner and 2 attachments. But on some larger sofas, the sitting sections also detach into multiple pieces. Check along these sections to see if there are any gaps indicating they detach. If they do, lift these sections straight up to detach them. [4]
    • If you aren’t sure if your couch breaks up into more pieces, consult the manual that came with the couch. If you didn’t save this manual, try doing an internet search for the couch brand and model.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Rearranging the Sofa

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  1. Your decision depends on the type of décor you want in your home. If you have the room for a fully-connected sofa, then reattach the sections entirely. If you want to spread your room out more, consider leaving the sections separate. Some people also prefer keeping the sections separate because sitting in the square corner is awkward. [5]
    • If you keep the sofa separated, use the longest part of the sofa as a couch. Then, use the smaller sections as love seats or corner furniture.
    • Arrange the pieces around a coffee table to create a cozy atmosphere.
  2. There are two main ways that sectional sofas connect. While the method for detaching them is the same, the method for connecting them isn’t. Find the connectors on your sofa to determine how you need to attach them.
    • Sliding connector pins are on the side of the couch and you can see them when the sections are detached. A hook on one side slides into a socket on the other side. [6]
    • Snap connectors are installed underneath the sofa. There is a fork on one side and a pin on the other side. Only the fork is visible because it just pokes out from under the couch. The fork snaps around the pin connected to the other side. [7]
  3. For sliding connector pins, the hook has to slide into the socket from the top. Check which side has the hook and which has the socket. Then lift the hook section up and slowly lower it into the socket. [8]
    • Usually, to make lifting easier, the section with the hook is the corner piece.
    • This can be a one-person job, but if you have trouble lifting then it will be easier to ask someone to help. You can both lift and maneuver the sections together, removing the stress from yourself.
  4. For snap connectors, the pin has to slide into the fork section. First locate the fork section. Then place the two couch sections side by side and line up their backs. Push the fork section into the pin section until you hear a snap. This indicates that the sections are connected. [9]
    • The backs have to line up because the pin isn’t visible, so this the only way to make sure the sections will meet each other.
    • If you push and don’t hear a sound, that means the fork missed the pin. Pull the fork section back out and try again, making sure the back sections are lined up.
    • If you’re sure the couch sections are lined up but the fork is still not connecting, then the fork and pin were probably not installed in line with each other. Look under the couch with a flashlight to find the pin and try to connect the sections visually.
  5. After you’ve connected all the couch sections, put all the cushions back. You can now enjoy your sectional sofa!
    • Some sofas have a particular cushion that goes with the square corner. It would be a different shape than the other cushions. If you have one cushion that is different from the others, put it on the corner piece.
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  • Question
    i want a sleeper sectional for several teens to sleep on , are there sectionals in which the ottoman and chaise form beds
    Stephen Leccese
    Community Answer
    Yes, there many many choices for a sleeper sectional that comes with an Ottoman. The type you get depends on how much room you have, the color you want, etc. Try visiting a home goods store to look at your options and consider which is best for your home.
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  • Question
    How to get kenaston through doorway
    Stephen Leccese
    Community Answer
    Try removing the pegs on the bottom. They should unscrew. Then flip the couch on its side and work it through the doorway.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/ybP7uUtzXGY?t=9
      2. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2014/03/19/what-to-know-before-you-buy-a-sectional/#4796c012756d
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/ybP7uUtzXGY?t=9
      4. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2014/03/19/what-to-know-before-you-buy-a-sectional/#4796c012756d
      5. ↑ https://homesteady.com/13403688/how-to-separate-a-sectional-sofa-and-use-it-to-arrange-a-room
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/ybP7uUtzXGY?t=9
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9T7Y5-E5bQ
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/ybP7uUtzXGY?t=9
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9T7Y5-E5bQ

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To separate a sectional sofa, start by removing all of the cushions, and put them out of the way. Then, grab the corner section and lift it straight up to detach the sectional jaw clamps. Hold the other section by its outer edge to give you the best leverage, and pull it away. Once the clamps are separated, you should be able to move your sofa sections around as you desire. To reconnect sections to the corner piece, lift the pin-side section up and push it directly next to the clamp-side section. Press the pin-side section down until the pin snaps into the clamp. For more tips, including how to position a sectional sofa in your living room, read on!

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