I often find myself recommending modular sofas – that is, sofas made up from individual components that can be configured in all sorts of different ways – to my interior-design clients. Not only are they extremely flexible, meaning you can make the most of whatever space you have and tailor them to your lifestyle, they can also be rearranged or extended as and when you come to move home. As a result they’re often much more cost-effective and long-lasting than traditional sofas, and they’re the kind of thing you can happily invest in, knowing you’ll be using your chosen design for years or even decades to come.
There’s a vast array of modular sofa systems on the market, so I’ve picked out 15 of the best below. There are options to suit various interior styles, budgets and sitting positions, but all have a timeless, understated aesthetic that’s unlikely to date. What’s more, many allow you to select from a range of pre-determined combinations or design your own using individual sections, and they can form anything from simple two-, three- and four-seaters to super-comfy L-shaped and corner arrangements. I’ve also included a few handy tips to help you find the perfect modular sofa for you and your home – just read on for details.
- ‘Cuddlemuffin’ modular sofa, available in numerous fabrics and configurations, from £1,990, Loaf
- Muuto ‘Connect’ modular sofa, available in numerous fabrics and configurations, from £2,790, Utility Design
- ‘Palo’ modular sofa, available in various configurations and in blue, chalk, grey, beige, jade-green, brown-black and yellow, €799 to €3,699, Hem
- HAY ‘Mags’ sofa system, available in numerous fabrics, individual modules from £525 or set configurations from £2,028, Utility Design
- ‘SÖDERHAMN’ sofa system, available in white, dark grey, turquoise, beige or orange, individual modules from £195 or set configurations from £565, IKEA
- ‘Juno’ modular sofa, available in various configurations and in blue, grey, green and rust-red, £749 to £1,499, MADE.com
- Ferm Living ‘Catena’ sofa system, available in beige or brown, individual modules from £1,295 or set configurations from £3,488, Nest.co.uk
- Menu ‘Eave’ sofa system, available in numerous colours, individual modules from £1,300 and set configurations from £4,790, Nest.co.uk
- ‘Angle’ sofa system, available in numerous fabrics, individual modules from £818 and set configurations from £3,436, Bolia
- Broste Copenhagen grey velvet and cotton ‘Ocean’ sofa system, individual modules from £760, Folk Interiors
- ‘Harmony’ white-linen modular sofa, available in several configurations, £1,999 to £4,597, West Elm
- Muuto ‘In Situ’ modular sofa, available in numerous fabrics and configurations, £2,520 to £7,072, Nunido.co.uk
- HAY ‘Mags Soft’ sofa system, available in numerous fabrics, individual modules from £659, Utility Design
- Normann Copenhagen ‘Sum’ sofa system, available in numerous fabrics, individual modules from £1,035 and set configurations from £2,500, Nest.co.uk
- Ligne Roset ‘Togo’ sofa system, available in numerous fabrics, individual modules from £945, settees from £2,117 and corner configurations from £7,104, Heals
Tips for choosing a modular sofa
Always start by analysing the space. Size is the most obvious consideration, but it’s not just a case of measuring dimensions – you also need to look at the proportions of the room as a whole. For example, a low-slung sofa might get lost in a high-ceilinged space, whereas a tall sofa could overwhelm anywhere with lower ceilings. If the room is small, try a design with legs to create the illusion of space; boxier sofas, conversely, can look stunning in large open-plan areas. If you’re struggling to picture whether the size or shape of a particular option will work, you could always try marking it out on the floor with masking tape or cardboard before making a decision.
Ferm Living’s versatile ‘Catena’ system in beige and brown
The way you sit and how you intend to use the sofa are key factors, too. How many people does it need to accommodate? And will it be used primarily for conversing or for sprawling out to watch TV? Do you like to lean back, in which case a sofa with a higher back might be more comfortable? Or do you prefer to lean sideways, in which case you might want chunky armrests? If you tend to put your feet up, an L-shaped configuration with a chaise-longue could be a good option, whereas low armrests and open ends work well for those who like to lie out flat. Seat depth can also have a big impact – a larger depth is ideal for curling up in comfort, whereas a smaller depth works well for those who sit in a more upright position and like to be within easy reach of a coffee table.
Muuto’s elegant ‘In Situ’ sofa
When it comes to sofa aesthetics, it’s worth bearing in mind not only the decor you have now but also how your tastes and home might evolve. As much as you might be tempted by on-trend green velvet or mustard yellow, it could be worth sticking to neutral colours that will adapt to different styles and spaces. And if you plan on extending your sofa to suit future rooms, focus your search on systems that have already been around for a few years (HAY’s ‘Mags’ and more relaxed ‘Mags Soft’ are good examples), as there’s a good chance they’ll still be on the market when you come to buy additional modules.
HAY’s ‘Mags Soft’ and ‘Mags’ modular sofas
Materials and construction methods have a major impact on the lifespan of a sofa, so check what the frame is made of and how it’s built (the most durable are glued and screwed together). Consider the filling, too – fibre and feather fillings are sink-into comfy but will need regular plumping; foam, on the other hand, is generally firmer but keeps its shape for longer. Sofas are definitely pieces to prioritise when it comes to allocating budget, as they have a big impact on daily life and there’s generally a direct correlation between quality and price, but if money is tight then IKEA’s ‘SÖDERHAMN’ system is a great option. It’s stylish and comfortable, and the covers can be removed if they need washing or replacing – ideal if you have children or pets (or if you’re prone to spilling food and drink, like I am!). You can even customise it with covers and legs from companies such as Bemz for an individual, high-end look.
An IKEA ‘SÖDERHAMN’ sofa with custom covers from Bemz, and Bolia’s versatile ‘Angle’ system
Finally, I know it sounds obvious, but do make sure the design will fit through any narrow doors or hallways before ordering. It’s less of an issue with modular sofas than with conventional designs, but it’s still better to be safe than sorry!
All photography via the brands named above
Hello! We’ve been through a huge refurbishing. Now it’s time to choose sofa. Our living room is an open space which includes also the lobby, the kitchen and the dining room. We have plenty of space. Windows are from ceiling to floor. Ceilings are a bit low. I’m more on the trend to a modular sofa like Hay’s Mags Soft… inspired by the ‘extra soft` model by Living Divani. My husband likes more Nimo sofa by Belta Frajumar (1m high). He says that he doesn’t like the low back of Mags sofa styles, but in the end he lays on the sofa all the way long. Based on your experience, which is your opinion about these Mags styleS? Is it comfy enough to watch TV? Thanks.
Hi Cristina, it’s really difficult to say because everyone sits differently and finds different styles comfy. My husband doesn’t like anything with a low back because he likes to lean backwards, but I lean sideways so it isn’t a problem for me. I have clients with the Mags design who find it very comfortable, but with a big purchase like a sofa it’s always worth visiting a showroom / retailer to try it out in person. What another person finds comfy won’t necessarily be what works for you and your husband.
Thank you, Abi! We are already setting our showroom tour ?
Good luck and have fun!