Ordering a custom sectional sofa should feel exciting—not overwhelming. After all, you’re investing in a piece that brings comfort, beauty, and connection into your home. But even the most well-intentioned choices can lead to frustrating mistakes. At River & Bord, we’ve helped countless homeowners and designers across the U.S. create sectionals that truly fit—not just in size, but in style and purpose. Below are five surprisingly common (and easily avoidable) mistakes to help you order with confidence.
We at River & Bord specialize in custom home furnishings, handcrafted sofas, and durable sectionals made right here in North Carolina. Each piece is built to order by skilled artisans, designed to reflect your style and stand up to everyday life. If you’re furnishing a single room or sourcing for a full design project, our team is here to help you create something lasting. Look at products or get in touch today to begin building the furniture your home deserves.
1. Not Measuring Your Room Correctly (and Forgetting the Path In)
It sounds simple, but one of the biggest missteps is skipping accurate measurements—or assuming “it’ll fit.” Measure the room, yes, but also measure doorways, staircases, hallways, and elevator clearances. Our team is here to help you find the perfect fit—so your dream sectional doesn’t have to be returned before it’s even unwrapped.
Tip: Use painter’s tape to map out the footprint of the sectional directly on your floor. This helps you visualize scale and walkways.
2. Choosing Style Over Function
A gorgeous sectional is great—but not if it doesn’t work for the way your family lives. The sleek, low-profile silhouette you admired online might not support your back the way you need it to. A wide chaise may feel luxurious but can throw off the room’s flow.
Think about how you use your space:
- Do you host often and need more seating?
- Do your kids (or dogs) love to sprawl across the cushions?
- Are you the type who curls up in a corner to read?
Your sectional should reflect your life—beautiful, functional, and made to last!
3. Overlooking Fabric Durability
It’s tempting to go straight for the color or texture you love, but not all upholstery is created equal—especially if you have pets, kids, or a lot of traffic. A delicate linen may look perfect, but a high-performance fabric will stay looking perfect longer.
At River & Bord, we offer a curated library of durable upholstery options—from stain-resistant performance velvets to pet-friendly weaves—so you can get beauty and strength.
4. Forgetting About Orientation and Modularity
This is a big one. Sectionals are not “one size fits all.” A left-facing chaise versus a right-facing sectional can make or break how your space feels. If you’re thinking long term, these configurations are built to be flexible and easy to adapt to your changing needs.
Things to double-check:
- Take note of where the main walkways are located in the room
- Where your TV or focal point sits
- How the sectional’s layout supports natural conversation
We’ll guide you through every angle (literally) so you don’t end up with a backward-facing setup.
5. Skipping the Fine Print: Timelines, Delivery, and Support
Custom furniture takes time—and that’s part of the beauty. But many people assume lead times are the same across the board or don’t plan for scheduling around renovations, moves, or events.
At River & Bord, our team provides honest timelines, reliable shipping, and clear communication throughout the process.
A Quick Recap: What to Keep in Mind
When ordering your custom sectional, be sure to:
- Measure your room and all entry points
- Choose a style that fits your lifestyle
- Select upholstery with durability in mind
- Double-check your layout and sectional orientation
- Ask about timelines and delivery support
Why Choose River & Bord for Your Custom Sectional Sofa?
Our sectional sofas are handcrafted in North Carolina by skilled artisans who care deeply about the details. We offer:
- Made-to-order designs with flexible configurations
- A wide range of durable upholstery options
- Honest timelines and exceptional customer service
- American-made quality grounded in Christian values and craftsmanship
We don’t just build furniture—we help you build a home.
Need help getting started?
Our team is here to guide you through fabric samples, layout choices, and every question you didn’t know to ask. Start building your custom sectional sofa with River & Bord today.
Let’s build your forever sofa—crafted to bring meaning to your home.
Reach out today to get started.
