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The ultimate versatile piece for lounging
Modular sofas are the ultimate staple for urban living. No other piece can offer such flexibility, and adapt so cleverly to its surroundings and the evolving needs of a home.
Modular sofas are made up of individual sections, or 'modules' that can be moved around and arranged to suit your living space, or even your mood. These sections come in a range of sizes and styles – arm and back pieces, and often a left or right-hand chaise – that can fit in various configurations, making them an incredibly versatile and practical investment. Modular sofas can just be arranged to seat two people, much like a regular two-piece suite, or they can be extended into vast L or U shapes to accommodate 10 or more – perfect for large families and socialising.
A modular and sectional sofa are similar – both have two or more connected pieces – and the terms are often used interchangeably, but there are key differences. A sectional sofa typically refers to an L-shaped corner sofa that combines a sofa or loveseat and a chaise, and most importantly, it isn’t designed to be rearranged. The very purpose of a modular sofa by contrast is to be moved and configured at will.
1. Chaise modular sofa
A modular sofa with a chaise is a great option for adding a bit of extra comfort in narrow living rooms where the width of your sofa is restricted. While adding a chaise does create an L-shape (see below), it's usually intended for lounging rather than seating extra people.
2. L-shaped modular sofa
L-shaped modular sofas resemble two sofas meeting at a 90-degree angle. These are brilliant for small families, and can fit neatly in the corners of your living room without taking up too much floor space.
3. U-shaped modular sofa
A wraparound U-shaped modular sofa is a bit of a luxury for those with ample space. It's great for entertaining and usually designed with very generous proportions to sit guests next to and across from one another.
4. Modular sofa bed
The ultimate in multifunctional furniture. If you don’t have a spare bedroom, modular sofa beds are a super practical option. Even a small two-seater modular sofa can usually offer a deceptively large pull-out bed.
5. Modular storage sofa
Modular sofas with hidden storage are perfect for urban living. Usually, the seat or chaise section will be set on hinges or springs so they can be easily lifted to store clutter, freeing up valuable floor space.
Modular sofas can be overlooked, but there are arguably more benefits to choosing a modular sofa than a regular sofa.
Modular sofas are totally adaptable to your needs – it's common to break up your modular sofa when you have company, placing a coffee table in between units to make your living space more conducive to socialising. They can fit perfectly in any room, reducing wasted floor space and adapting to awkward layouts. Individual sections will always manoeuvre through doorways (there's nothing worse than receiving a sofa only to discover it won't fit through your front door), which also gives you the option of moving your sofa between rooms. And, if your modular sofa is damaged, it's far more cost-effective to replace individual units.
Here, we've scoured some of our favourite sofa brands and retailers, from John Lewis & Partners to DFS to find the best modular sofas for the ultimate in flexible living.
We love the Ada for its oversized U-shape and extra deep seats that encourage lounging. The low profile feels contemporary and unobtrusive despite its generous size, and should you wish to go for something smaller, Ada is available as a large sofa, chaise sofa and corner sofa too.
The super soft chenille upholstery is the real star of the show here. If you love calm spaces and muted colours, it really pays to add texture – a wash of beige or cream or grey can feel cold without the warming influence of a fleecy fabric, and the Ada delivers this in buckets.
The Crosby modular sofa from Next is the picture of versatility.
Each module is purchased individually, so your sofa arrangement can be as big as you need it to be, with corner pieces to turn it into a corner sofa and a matching ottoman to turn it into a left or right-hand facing chaise. And as a great hidden bonus, each seat lifts to reveal storage compartments to stash away daily clutter.
As modular sofas can be so easily dismantled and moved with you to a new home, a timeless colour is a wise choice. Green is going nowhere fast, which makes this a great investment.
Dunelm's Full Circle range is designed with circularity in mind.
The collection includes five modules – two end modules, a middle and corner module and an ottoman – so you can create a totally bespoke arrangement to suit your needs.
Each module is designed to be easily repairable should the need arise and easily disassembled for recycling at the end of its life – although its hardwood frame and 25-year guarantee makes that a distant thought.
As modular sofas are largely a modern-day intervention designed to keep up with our increasingly flexible living spaces, there can be an assumption that they only suit contemporary spaces.
The elegant Beale sofa by OKA proves very much the opposite. Its pillow back, piped edges, neat wooden feet and subtly stepped armrests are all markers of a traditional piece.
It looks just as graceful covered with dark blue linen as it does upholstered in sumptuous green velvet. There are an additional 46 fabric options to choose from, as well as an armchair and loveseat should you want a full set.
You can always rely on Dusk to offer something contemporary and fuss-free in a calming and neutral colour palette.
If you consider your home to be minimalist and modern, their bestselling Brooklyn modular sofa will be right up your street. Its stylish low back and arms is particularly suited to open-plan spaces, and its premium textured chenille fabric is available in a classic ivory, olive green or gunmetal grey.
This 4-seater configuration is a snip at just £999 – and Dusk's sales are pretty infamous, so if you have time to spare, it's worth waiting for a discount.
This clever Layla modular sofa from our own House Beautiful collection at DFS is the ultimate in multifunctional design.
Each piece can be lifted to reveal hidden storage below – its chaise unit adds a handy 1.2 square metre of extra space – to keep your living room totally clutter-free.
The Layla collection also includes armchairs, ottomans, loveseats and sofa beds – and with hundreds of 5* reviews, it is a tried-and-tested success.
Alongside the many classic designer pieces you'll find at Heal's – wether online or in its legendary central London store – they also produce their own collection of contemporary furniture made to the most exacting of standards. Its Lilli modular sofa is one such piece.
Don't be fooled by its upright shape. With generously oversized seats and super low arm and backrests, this is a sofa for lounging.
You can choose from a selection of 54 fabrics that run the gamut from inky velvets to to slubby linens – we love the paler colours that create a real life cloud in your living room.
As one would expect, Ikea have created one of the most convenient and widely customisable sofas on our list.
The Söderhamn can go from a two-seater to pretty much as big as you like, and the interactive Söderhamn planner on Ikea's website helps you visualise your configuration in real time.
The loose cover is the real bonus here – clever brands such as Bemz have designed trend-led covers that fit Ikea furniture, so you don't have to stick to the standard colourways offered in-house.
The modular Togo sofa is like the jewel in the crown of the vintage revival. Shown here in the Insta-famous living room of Lisa Dawson, it has gone viral on social media many times over for its relaxed 1970s silhouette and peppy colours.
With its cocooning curves, low-to-the-ground format and lightweight foam structure, the Togo is arguably one of the most comfortable sofas around.
You can choose an entirely armless configuration, or mix and match as Lisa has done here. As each Togo can be upholstered in any one of Ligne Roset's 900+ house fabrics, you're pretty much spoilt for choice.
As well as the on-trend boucle fabric on this John Lewis Lozenge modular sofa, it takes on a wonderful cocooning form with its rounded back and curved chaise. A handy matching footstool is available too.
It's worth noting that this sofa features a firmer sit, which is perfect for those who prefer a little bit of extra support with the help of high-density foams.
The best part? A speedy seven-day delivery.
Modular sofas come into their own in a garden setting, where units can be broken up or fixed together to accommodate extra guests.
This elegant outdoor set from Neptune is perfect for large outdoor spaces and smaller urban gardens alike. It's crafted from teak with weather-resistant upholstery for a robust and low maintenance finish.
Neptune have designed a matching coffee and side tables too.
This Tokyo modular sofa from John Lewis has all the hallmarks of a smart Scandi design.
This flexible design sits low to the ground, with extra feather-filled cushions for sink-in comfort, and fixed seats that do away with the need for plumping.
It's available in 73 different colours, with a storage table in matching fabric that can be placed at the end of your configuration, or between two seat units for a handy spot to pop a cup of tea.
If you have ever admired the modern interiors of Soho House, or the country-inspired Soho Farmhouse, then Soho Home brings them to you.
The Vivienne modular sofa is a real design treat. It's cut from a sumptuous cloud-like boucle fabric with a wraparound, fluted back for extra cocooning.
Its modules piece together with discrete crocodile clips to offer various seating arrangements to suit your own space.
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