The 10 Best Modular Sofas That Can Adapt to Any Living Room
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New York is a city that thrives on renters—people who build their life around a relative state of impermanence and consider themselves better for it. I’m one of them. When my home changes every couple of years, it’s helpful that I have furniture that can adjust to different spaces (and potentially travel up multiple flights of stairs). And while moving comes with the territory for us renters, buying new furniture every time does not. Enter the modular sofa.
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Regardless of whether you’re renting and need flexibility, or just want the ability to expand your seating options as your family grows, your couch should be equal parts durable, inviting, and stylish. Indeed, the best modular sofas are functional and versatile without sacrificing style and comfort. When your friends come over to, say, watch the game, or the kids want to snuggle up for a story, there’s room for everyone to lounge with ease. Modular sofas do it all—but not all are created equal.
When selecting a modular sofa, first zero in on the configuration you want to start with—a left-aligned chaise or expansive U-shape, perhaps? And don’t forget to account for the dimensions. From there, you should consider the brand, material, and style that’s right for you. Read on for our thorough guide to the best modular sofas.
What to Consider Before Buying the Best Modular Sofas:
Material: Needs and wants can often come into conflict when deciding on the fabric for your modular sofa. If you love the luxurious look of velvet but your small children tend to spill on every surface, you may opt for something stain-resistant or something with machine-washable cushion covers. A leather couch may look great, but is it the most practical for frequent cat naps? This is why it’s crucial to pick an option that reflects your lifestyle.
Dimensions: As we mentioned above, measuring your space is the first and most important step in your search for a modular sofa. Determine if you want two, three, or four seats in length; shallow seats or deep seats; a chaise or ottoman; armrests or no armrests; and how all of those specs will impact the room.
Configurations: Many furniture companies offer fully customizable modular sofa shapes. Indeed, there are many formations that might be right for you and your family—including right-facing or left-facing chaise, an L-shape bumper, a wedge, and a U-shape sofa. Depending on the size and build of your room, you also need to consider if the couch you want can be maneuvered through any hallways and doors, or if it can be assembled on the spot with white-glove service.
BEST CLOUD MODULAR SOFA
Sundays Movie Night Four-Piece Modular Sectional Sofa
The Movie Night sofas from Sundays have something of a cult reputation for a reason. Primarily, the on-trend, flange-edge cushions create a look of casual, effortless elegance. Note: The brand recommends regularly flipping and fluffing the pillows to maintain the cumulus illusion. Available in eight neutral fabrications—from charcoal to cream linen—this is a modular sofa worth sinking into.
Material: LiveLife™ performance fabric (polyester, cotton, linen, and viscose).
Dimensions: 135 x 90 x 32 inches.
Configurations: 2.
BEST PIT MODULAR SOFA
Arhaus Owen Six-Piece Sectional Sofa
For those looking to really go big with guests, consider a sizable and comfy pit-formation modular sofa. Hosting overnight guests? This modular piece can be arranged into a large bed-like platform. And when you’re entertaining during daylight hours, the ottoman and single-seat pieces can be moved and arranged to accommodate the ultimate cocktail hour.
Material: Boucle performance fabric.
Dimensions: 126 x 84 x 36 inches.
Configurations: Many.
MOST COMFORTABLE MODULAR SOFA
West Elm Build-Your-Own Harmony Sectional
With 19 different pieces to mix and match, along with dozens of fabrics to choose from, West Elm’s Build-You-Own Harmony sectional lets you create the sofa of your dreams. We’ve named this particular model as the most comfortable because of the deep 41-inch seat and feather-wrapped back pillows. Plus, with the ability to buy each section individually, you can modify and rearrange this sofa over time.
Material: Custom (shown: performance velvet).
Dimensions: Custom (shown: 41 spare feet x 35 inches x 35 inches).
Configurations: Many.
BEST OVERSIZED MODULAR SOFA
Article Beta Cypress Left Modular Sectional Sofa
We’ve selected one configuration of this oversized modular sectional from Article, the go-to left-sided option, but there are six total options that allow for lots of customization. What’s more, you can shop Article’s modular sofas one piece at a time—perfect for growing families. We also love the extra-deep seat and comfy corduroy material, a great way to add some texture to your living space.
Material: Polyester corduroy.
Dimensions: 132 x 87 x 32 inches.
Configurations: 6.
MOST CUSTOMIZABLE MODULAR SOFA
Interior Define Tatum Modular Three-Seat Chaise Sectional Sofa
You’ll scarcely find a retailer and particular sofa with more fabric options: Interior Define’s Tatum comes in more than 130 colors and textures, from performance velvet to luxe tweed. This classic modular sectional can be arranged with the ottoman to the left or right, and it even comes with storage space! The Tatum line of modular couches also comes in seven different configuration and size options, which means a given peice can be truly personal to you.
Material: Custom (shown: performance velvet).
Dimensions: 106 x 37 x 34 inches.
Configurations: 2.
MOST STYLISH MODULAR SOFA
Soho Home Noelle Modular Sofa
Build your dream sofa with any combination of curved and straight modules (plus the option of a matching coffee table!). The Noelle sofa from Soho Home can be reimagined into unique configurations like a “J,” “U,” or even “S.” Also, the bouclé upholstery and aged pippy oak veneer feel like a modern take on 1970s glamour. It’s a design that’ll impress any guest and have them talking about your excellent taste after the party ends.
Material: Bouclé or velvet.
Dimensions: 39.8 x 39.5 x 31.1 inches (straight module); 51.5 x 51.5 x 31.1 inches (curved module)
Configurations: Many.
BEST COMPACT MODULAR SOFA
Burrow Field Three-Piece Sectional Lounge Sofa
Perfect for smaller spaces, Burrow’s buildable modular sofas are versatile enough to fit a wide variety of interior styles. They’re ideal if you’re moving apartments yearly. We particularly like the Field three-piece sectional lounger, because the universal seat module can be attached to any open side of the couch to create a chaise or be used as a freestanding ottoman.
Material: Polyester.
Dimensions: 62 x 60.5 x 33 inches.
Configurations: 3.
BEST MODULAR SOFA WITH STORAGE
Pottery Barn Modular Square-Arm Upholstered Five-Piece Chaise Sectional Sofa
Leave it to Pottery Barn to create a seating system with plenty of flexibility, modern add-ons (USB power hub, anyone?), and that same timeless look we rely on. Traditional square-arm styling gives this modular couch a classic appeal, but with five possible configurations, this sofa can adapt to plenty of non-traditional but no-less-cozy seating arrangements. And of course, the ottoman cushion easily lifts to reveal storage space for extra linens, blankets, or whatever else you might want to tuck away.
Material: Custom (shown: performance chateau basketweave).
Dimensions: 148 x 74/37 x 34.5 inches.
Configurations: 5.
BEST LEATHER MODULAR SOFA
Castlery Jonathan Extended Chaise Sectional Sofa with Ottoman
Casterly’s sofas are always a fan-favorite over here due to their luxurious finishes and clean, modern looks. This particular pick from the celebrated Jonathan collection, includes a chaise and an ottoman, which can be moved around to accommodate a range of lounging layouts. And characteristic of all the pieces within the Jonathan line, this sectional features comfy, sink-in cushions that will hold up over time—even in a house filled with pets.
Material: Top grain leather.
Dimensions: 118.9 x 94.1/39.4 x 27.6 inches.
Configurations: 3.
BEST BUILD-YOUR-OWN MODULAR SOFA
Benchmade Modern Like Butter Sectional Sofa
When it comes to the ease of buying furniture online, look to Benchmade Modern. The brand’s online interface allows you to shop for pre-arranged sectional shapes or create your own using mix-and-match single-seat pieces. Topping our list, however, is the Butter sofa collection, which features a timeless design that can fit within a variety of interior spaces. And should your real estate footprint expand, all you have to do is add another seater.
Material: High performance fabric or leather upholstery.
Dimensions: 38 x 23 x 28 inches.
Configuration: Many.
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