4.7 
A modular sofa consists of separate elements that you combine into a layout yourself: seat sections with or without an arm, a longchair, a corner section and sometimes a pouffe. This lets you decide the length, which side the chaise longue goes on and whether the sofa is straight or L-shaped. That makes it suitable for rooms where a standard sofa does not quite fit, and you can change the layout later when you move house.
Whereas a classic sofa comes in fixed sizes, with a modular sofa you are in fact buying building blocks. That gives you freedom, but it also means you have to make a number of choices yourself that would otherwise have been made for you.
What elements make up a modular sofa?
The basis is the seat element, usually in a 1.5-seater or 2.5-seater size. These come in three versions: without arms, with an arm on the left and with an arm on the right.
Then there is the longchair, the longer section on which you can stretch out your legs. This also comes in a left-hand and a right-hand version.
Finally, there are corner sections, which connect two rows of elements at a right angle, and separate pouffes that you place in front of the sofa or at the end.
How do you decide whether the longchair should be on the left or the right?
Stand in front of the sofa, facing the seat. The side the longchair is on from that position is the side stated in the product name.
This is the most common mistake when ordering a modular sofa or corner sofa. Some manufacturers work from the perspective of someone sitting on the sofa, which gives exactly the opposite result.
If in doubt, quickly sketch the room on paper with the door and the window in it, and put the longchair where it does not block the walkway. You can also have the layout checked in our showroom.
What length do you need?
Allow sixty to seventy centimetres of seat width per person, plus about twenty centimetres per arm. A layout for three people with two arms therefore comes to around 230 to 250 centimetres.
A longchair adds sixty to ninety centimetres to that in depth, not in length. Bear in mind that a sofa with a longchair can easily be 160 centimetres deep.
Also measure the route into the house. This is exactly where a modular sofa beats a fixed one: separate elements fit through a door and up a staircase where a three-metre sofa gets stuck.
How much does a modular sofa cost?
| Model | Character | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| Sofa Bart | Sleek and compact, minimalist | € 1.162,00 |
| Sofa Emma | Deep seat, generous cushions | € 1.370,00 |
| Sofa Sara | Lounge layout, rounded shapes | € 2.049,00 |
The 'from' price applies to a basic layout in the most affordable fabric group. Every extra element and every higher fabric group is added on top, so the final price depends on how you configure it.
The full range can be found in the modular sofas collection. If you are specifically looking for a corner layout, take a look at corner sofas.
When is a modular sofa not the best choice?
In a small, straight living room where only one layout is possible, you pay for flexibility you do not use. A fixed 2-seater sofa or 3-seater sofa is often more affordable in that case.
If you want fast delivery, a fixed sofa from stock is also more practical. A configured sofa is made to order.
And watch out for the seams: with a modular sofa you can see and feel where two elements meet. If you want a smooth, continuous seat, you are better off with a fixed sofa.
Key points
- A modular sofa consists of seat sections, longchairs, corner sections and pouffes.
- You determine left or right standing in front of the sofa, facing the seat.
- Allow sixty to seventy centimetres per seat plus twenty centimetres per arm.
- Separate elements fit through doors where a fixed sofa gets stuck.
- In a small, straight room, a fixed sofa is often more affordable.
Frequently asked questions
Can you order additional elements later?
You can order additional elements as long as the model and the fabric are still available. Bear in mind that fabrics are dropped from a collection after a few years, and a new element can then no longer be made in an old fabric. If you expect to expand later, it is best to take an extra element straight away.
Do the elements of a modular sofa shift?
Modular sofas are supplied with connecting brackets that fix the elements together, so they do not slide apart in use. Without connectors, the sections will indeed drift apart on a smooth floor. When buying, check that the connecting system is included.
What is the difference between a modular sofa and a corner sofa?
A corner sofa is a sofa with a fixed corner, usually in one piece or in two fixed sections. A modular sofa can form a corner layout, but you can also set it up straight or rearrange it later. So every modular sofa can be a corner sofa, but not every corner sofa is modular.
What is the minimum number of elements you need?
For a usable sofa you need at least two elements, for example a 2.5-seater with an arm on the left and a longchair on the right. With three elements you get more freedom in length. With fewer than two elements, you are better off choosing an armchair.
Is a modular sofa more expensive than a regular sofa?
For the same length and fabric quality, a modular sofa is usually slightly more expensive than a fixed sofa, because each element has its own frame and finish. The difference increases the more separate sections you choose. On the other hand, you can take the sofa with you to a different room layout.
In conclusion
The question is not whether a modular sofa is better, but whether you are going to use the flexibility. Do you move house regularly, are you unsure which side the longchair should go on, or does your room have an awkward shape? Then the system pays for itself.
If the layout of your living room is fixed and a regular sofa fits perfectly well, you are mainly buying extra seams. Drop in at one of our showrooms to see the layouts side by side.
