You know that feeling when you sit down on a sofa and it's so deep you feel like you might never get back up? That is the Crate and Barrel Lounge II sectional. It isn’t just furniture. Honestly, for many people, it’s basically a lifestyle choice centered around extreme comfort and a "don't talk to me, I'm napping" vibe.
Design trends come and go. One year everyone wants mid-century modern legs that look like toothpicks, and the next, we're all obsessed with velvet curves. But the Lounge II has stayed at the top of the charts for over a decade. Why? Because it’s deep. Like, 46 inches deep. That is almost four feet of sofa coming out from your wall. If you have short legs, your feet will not touch the floor. Not even close.
The Reality of Owning a Crate and Barrel Lounge II Sectional
Let’s talk about the "low and slow" aesthetic. This piece of furniture sits low to the ground. It gives a room a grounded, relaxed look, but it also means you aren't vacuuming under there easily. Dust bunnies live there now. It’s their house.
The Crate and Barrel Lounge II sectional is the brainchild of designer James S. Long. He wanted something that felt like a giant pillow. He succeeded. The cushions are a mix of poly-foam cores wrapped in a down-blend. This is where the nuance of furniture maintenance comes in. If you hate fluffing pillows, stop reading. You will hate this couch. Because it’s down-filled, it develops "the slouch" within a week. To keep it looking like the showroom, you have to wrestle those cushions into submission regularly.
Some people love the "lived-in" look. They think the wrinkles in the fabric add character. Others find it messy. If you're the type of person who needs crisp, straight lines and a taut surface, you’re looking at the wrong piece of furniture. You want the Axis or the Barrett. The Lounge II is for the people who want to melt.
Sizing is the Biggest Trap
Measure your doorway. Then measure it again. Then realize that the 46-inch depth of the Lounge II is wider than most standard interior door frames, which usually hover around 30 to 36 inches.
I’ve seen people buy this sectional only to have the delivery team leave it on the porch because it wouldn't clear the hallway turn. It’s massive. Even the "Petite" version, which Crate and Barrel introduced for smaller apartments, is still 41 inches deep. Most standard sofas are around 36 to 38 inches deep. So even the "small" one is deeper than a regular couch.
🔗 Read more: At Home French Manicure: Why Yours Looks Cheap and How to Fix It
- Standard Lounge II Depth: 46 inches.
- Lounge II Petite Depth: 41 inches.
- Seating Height: Roughly 17-18 inches (low!).
If you have a narrow living room, this sectional will eat it. You won't have a room; you'll have a sofa with some walls around it. But for an open-concept basement or a massive great room? It’s perfect. It anchors the space in a way that smaller furniture just can't.
Fabric Choices and the "Cat Claw" Test
Crate and Barrel offers a staggering amount of fabrics. If you're looking at the Lounge II, you’re probably looking at the "Taft" fabric, which is their stock option. It’s a polyester/acrylic blend that holds up okay, but it can pill.
If you have pets, look at the "View" or "Microfiber" options. I’ve talked to owners who swear by the "Douglas" fabric for its durability against cat claws. But a word of warning: the down-fill in the cushions can sometimes poke through thinner fabrics. You’ll occasionally find a stray feather stabbing you in the leg. It’s the price you pay for the cloud-like feel.
Then there is the color. "Steel" is the most popular, mostly because it hides the inevitable wine spills or coffee drips. But the "Alabaster" or "Ivory" versions? They look stunning in photos. In real life, with a dog or a toddler? Good luck. You'll be using a portable upholstery cleaner every weekend.
Is the Price Justifiable?
Look, $3,000 to $6,000 is a lot of money for a sofa. You can go to a big-box budget store and get a sectional that looks similar for $1,200.
But you get what you pay for in the frame. The Lounge II uses kiln-dried hardwood. This matters because it prevents warping. If you buy a cheap sofa, the frame might squeak after a year. The Lounge II is built like a tank. It’s heavy. It’s sturdy. The joinery is reinforced.
💡 You might also like: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Menu: Why You’re Probably Ordering Wrong
The value isn't just in the name; it’s in the longevity of the structure. The cushions might lose their shape over five years, but you can always buy replacement inserts from Crate and Barrel. You can't easily fix a cracked frame on a cheap knock-off.
Common Complaints Nobody Tells You
The height is a real issue for older guests. If your grandmother comes over, she might need a literal crane to get out of the Lounge II. Because it’s low and soft, you sink in. There is no "push off" point.
Another thing: the sectional pieces connect with "alligator clips" underneath. Usually, they stay together well, but on hardwood floors, the whole unit can slide around if you don't have a rug underneath it. You’ll find yourself slowly drifting away from the other half of your sectional while watching a movie. Get a rug. A big one.
Longevity and Resale Value
Surprisingly, the Crate and Barrel Lounge II sectional holds its value better than almost any other "mall brand" furniture. Check Facebook Marketplace. People sell used ones for 50-60% of the retail price all the time.
Why? Because the style is timeless. It doesn't look like it belongs to a specific era. It just looks comfortable. People recognize the name. They know what they’re getting.
If you're worried about the environmental impact of furniture (the "fast furniture" problem), buying a Lounge II is actually a decent move. It’s not a disposable piece. You’ll likely keep it for 10 years or more. If you get bored of the color, there are companies that make custom slipcovers specifically for this model, though Crate and Barrel sells their own as well.
📖 Related: 100 Biggest Cities in the US: Why the Map You Know is Wrong
Let’s Talk About the "Petite" Controversy
When Crate and Barrel released the Lounge II Petite, enthusiasts were split. Some felt it ruined the whole point of the Lounge. If it’s not 46 inches deep, is it even a Lounge?
Actually, for anyone under 5'5", the Petite is much more comfortable. On the standard version, your knees don't bend at the edge of the cushion unless you use three extra throw pillows behind your back. The Petite allows you to actually sit like a human being rather than a lounging sea lion.
Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
Before you drop several thousand dollars, do these three things:
- The Tape Test: Tape out the dimensions on your floor using blue painter's tape. Don't just guess. The 46-inch depth is massive. See how much walking space you actually have left.
- The Doorway Check: Measure the narrowest part of your entry path. If you have a 90-degree turn in a hallway, the Lounge II might not make it. The boxes are huge.
- Sit in it for 20 minutes: Go to the store. Sit. Don't just sit for a second. Sit for 20 minutes. See if the low height starts to bother your lower back. Some people find the lack of lumbar support a dealbreaker.
If you want the ultimate "movie night" couch and have the space for it, the Crate and Barrel Lounge II sectional is hard to beat. Just be prepared to fluff those cushions and maybe buy a step-stool for your shorter guests. It’s a commitment, but for those who value comfort above all else, it’s usually the right one.
Maintain the fabric by vacuuming with a brush attachment once a week to prevent dirt from grinding into the fibers. Rotate the cushions every time you clean. This prevents uneven wear, especially on the "favorite" spot where everyone sits. If you treat the frame well and keep the feathers fluffed, this sofa will easily outlast your next two cars.