When it comes to creating the perfect modern living room, the hero of any space is undoubtedly the sofa. But, choosing the right one can be a surprising challenge. To help inspire you, interiors expert James Treble shares his top tips for choosing the right modular sofa for your space.
Struggling to find the perfect sofa? Don’t worry – it’s never an easy decision to make.
With the increasing popularity of open plan living, multi-functional rooms and the move towards flexibility in our homes, modular sofas come into their own.
Here are the best features of the modular sofa and why they are a great choice for modern day homes.
THE BENEFITS OF BUYING A MODULAR SOFA
They provide extra seating on a small foot print, and true modulars allow you to change the configuration – sliding in and out armrests, backs and creating a chaise. You can also adapt modulars for a new room layout, or if you move home.
Even fixed modulars – a sofa and chaise – give you more seating capacity, can occupy a wasted corner and bring a whole new meaning to putting your feet up.
CONSIDER YOUR SPACE
You don’t need a huge room for a modular sofa and in many ways they are space-saving, but sometimes tight or narrow spaces aren’t appropriate.
“Make sure they don’t dominate the room or make it too hard to move past or around them. Some models are overly large, with wide arms and high backs, meaning they dwarf everything else in the room,” James Treble says.
James often uses modulars to separate living and dining zones. They can be a great replacement for other room dividers such as walls and sideboards.
With fully flexible combos you can split the chairs to suit different occasions. You might use one piece as a chair but add it back to the sofa when friends come over.
THREE REASONS TO LOVE MODULAR SOFAS
There’s nothing like horizontal relaxation (no ottoman required!)
You can customise the shape of your sofa to suit your room
There are styles to suit every home and every budget
The best modular sofas in Australia 2023
Dawson chaise sectional sofa, $4499, Castlery
In a neutral light and airy hue, the Dawson chaise sectional sofa features feather-filled cushions for ultimate comfort. Choose to place the chaise on the left or right side of your couch to suit your living room arrangement.
Pacific 3-piece modular sectional sofa in cream, $2199 (usually $2999), Noa Home
Clean, crisp and oh-so comfortable. This three-piece modular sofa by Noa Home is perfect for small and big spaces. With its minimalist silhouette and flexible modular components, this sofa will work hard to suit any design aesthetic.
Getaway sofa (3-seater), in Kakadu, $3495), Koala
The best seat in the house is this three-seater sofa by Koala. With handy integrated storage and flexible configuration elements, this sofa will last through the test of time. Also available in dark grey and light grey colourways to suit your taste, but our choice is this sweet mint green for a subtle pop of colour.
SORRENTO fabric modular sofa in Alpha Natural, $3149 (usually $3359), Freedom
Transport yourself to a laid-back coastal town in Italy with this dreamy fabric modular sofa by Freedom. Featuring an oversized design that create a cosy spot for lounging on after a long day at work. Arrange this sofa to your heart’s desire and make it work with your preferences and needs, easily.
Get 20-60% off all furniture at Freedom’s ‘Absolutely Everything on Sale’ sale!
CORA fabric electric recliner modular sofa in Austria Charcoal Grey, $2799 (usually $3799), Freedom
If you’re ready to turn your living room into a relaxation haven, the CORA modular sofa by Freedom is your answer. Featuring electric reclining capability and built-in USB charging ports, it’s made for the modern home. Plus, with its pillow top arms and deep seats you’ll be sitting comfortably in no time. Available in nine other neutral colourways to suit your space.
Get 20-60% off all furniture at Freedom’s ‘Absolutely Everything on Sale’ sale!
Stockholm velvet reversible chaise sofa, $1199, Temple & Webster
Make a statement with this cobalt blue velvet modular sofa from Temple & Webster. Its playful yet elegant design will make it the focal point of any room – plus, with its reversible chaise you can choose a configuration that works for you.
Montauk slipcover reversible chaise sofa, $1299, Temple & Webster
Flexibility is made easy with the Montauk slipcover sofa from Temple & Webster. With its chaise being able to sit on either side of the sofa, its adaptability makes it an easy choice for apartment living. Plus, with its removable and machine-washable covers, sofa maintenance has never been easier.