I've returned two sectionals from Big Lots. The first one didn't fit through my hallway, and the second one had a chaise on the wrong side because I didn't think about how the back of the couch would face my door. That's on me. But also Big Lots doesn't make it obvious. Their online listings will tell you left-arm facing or right-arm facing, but you still have to picture it in your room. So before you hit order, read this.
Pick the chaise side like it's the only decision
Big Lots has a bunch of sectionals under $1,000. The Reno, the SoHo, maybe the Beckham if you catch a sale. They all look similar in the photos. The thing that matters is which side the chaise is on. If your TV is on the left wall, you probably want the chaise on the right so you can stretch out and watch. But if the chaise blocks your path to the kitchen, you'll hate it after a week.
Measure your actual wall length, not just the room. And remember, the chaise is about 60 inches deep. It eats floor space. We had to move a bookshelf. So decide the side, write it down, then check it again before you order.
The fabric grade is real, not a trap
I ordered a bonded leather sectional because it looked sleek. Wrong. After three weeks, the armrest started peeling where my elbow rested. Big Lots does offer fabric options, like a polyester blend or a performance fabric with stain resistance. Pay the extra $50 or $100 if you can. The bonded leather may look cheap in person anyway.
If you have kids or pets, look at what the fabric repels. We spill coffee, and the performance fabric was easier to wipe down. The dark gray color hid crumbs, but the lighter one showed everything. So go darker if you're messy.
Delivery was fine, but the packaging was a climb
Both times, the delivery guys got it to the door. But the sectional came in three huge boxes. One box weighed about 120 pounds. I had to help them bring it up the stairs because they wouldn't carry it inside. They left it in the garage, and we assembled it ourselves. Took about an hour with a friend. The instructions were clear, but you'll need two people for the backrests.
Check the delivery options: some require a signature, and if you aren't home, they'll charge a restocking fee for the reattempt. We missed one and had to pay $75 for redelivery. So schedule it for a Saturday morning when you're definitely around.
Two more things to avoid my mistakes
First, measure your doorways and hallways with a tape, not a guess. The Reno sectional is about 94 inches wide, and my hallway was 32 inches. No chance the chaise corner made it. Second, read the return policy before you order. Big Lots gives you 14 days or maybe 30 depending on the item. They'll charge you for pickup. Our return cost $80 plus a 15% restocking fee. That stung.
If you're still not sure, read about how I messed up a similar purchase in Brown Sectional Couch: I Bought the Wrong One So You Don't Have To. And if you're planning a right-side sectional, check my guide on I Measured the Wrong Wall for My Right Side Sectional so you don't do that.
The bottom line
Buying a Big Lots sectional can work if you're methodical. Get the performance fabric, choose the chaise side based on your room's flow, and measure all the potential obstacles. You'll end up with a decent couch for the price, and you won't be making your own return horror story.
Next step: grab a tape measure and map your living room. Write down the wall lengths and door widths. That's literally the single most important thing before you click order.