Modular Sofa Guide

What Do We Consider a Modular Sofa?

From our perspective, a modular sofa should provide enough flexibility for you to mix and match different modules when choosing the sofa configuration for your space.

Simply being made from several separate sections does not necessarily make a sofa modular. Many sectional sofas are assembled from multiple pieces but are still designed around a relatively small number of predetermined configurations.

A modular sofa can also be a sectional sofa. Individual modules can, for example, be combined to create an L-shaped or U-shaped sectional configuration.

The distinction is mainly in what the terms describe. Modular refers to the system of individual units available to build the sofa, while sectional generally refers to the resulting sofa layout.

Corner Unit

A corner unit creates the turning point in a corner or U-shaped sofa, allowing the seating to continue in two directions.

It is typically square, with the same width and depth, so modules can connect evenly from either side. Because of this fixed proportion, corner units are generally not customisable in width.

End Unit

An end unit is positioned at the outer end of the sofa and includes an armrest on one side.

On sofas where the backrest and armrest have the same design, an end unit is equivalent to a corner unit when it has the same width and depth. The main difference is that the end unit is customisable in width, while the corner unit keeps a fixed square proportion so it can turn the sofa in two directions.

We recommend keeping each end unit at 140cm or less for more balanced sofa proportions.

Middle Unit

A middle unit is an armless seat typically positioned between other modules. It can also be used at the outer edge of the sofa if you prefer a single-arm or fully armless configuration.

Adding one or more middle units is one of the simplest ways to increase the overall width and seating capacity of a modular sofa.

For balanced proportions, we generally recommend keeping each middle unit between 70 - 100cm wide. Its width should be similar to or slightly narrower than the seat width of the adjoining end unit, which is the overall width of the end unit minus the armrest width.

Peninsula Unit

A peninsula unit creates an extended open end to the sofa.

Unlike a conventional end unit, the outer side remains open rather than being enclosed by a full armrest. This gives the sofa a more open appearance while also providing extra lounging space.

For balanced proportions, we recommend a peninsula unit width of 100 - 160cm. Its seating width should be similar to that of the matching end unit, while the open extension should be at least as wide as, or even better slightly wider than, the armrest at the opposite end.

Most of our peninsula models offer a 25cm or 40cm open extension. We do not recommend an open extension below 25cm for aesthetics. Since the minimum open extension is similar in width to some of our widest armrest width offered, the peninsula unit is usually slightly wider overall than the matching end unit.

Chaise Unit

A chaise unit extends further forward than a standard sofa seat, allowing you to stretch out with your legs fully supported. It is commonly used in L-shaped and U-shaped sofa configurations.

We recommend a minimum chaise width of 90cm to provide sufficient space for comfortable lounging. Narrower chaise units may feel restrictive when stretching out.

For balanced proportions, we recommend keeping the chaise width to no more than 45% of the sofa's total width. As a result, we generally recommend a total sofa width of at least 220cm when incorporating a chaise unit.

Ottoman

An ottoman is a separate upholstered unit without a backrest or armrests.

It can be used as a footrest, occasional seat or positioned alongside compatible sofa modules to create additional lounging space.

For balanced proportions, we generally recommend a smaller ottoman for sofas with taller legs and a larger ottoman for sofas with low legs.

The ottoman's longest side should be approximately equal to the overall depth of the sofa it is paired with, while its other side can be the same length or slightly shorter.

2-Module Straight Sofa

A two-module straight sofa is normally created by joining a left and right end unit together.

3-Module Straight Sofa

For wider straight sofas of around 260cm or more, a middle unit can be placed between two end units to create three more evenly proportioned seating sections.

This avoids having two oversized modules while providing three distinct seating areas.

L-Shaped Sofa

An L-shaped sofa combines a chaise unit with one or more end, middle or peninsula units, creating an extended lounging area on one side of the sofa.

This allows you to stretch out on the chaise while retaining conventional seating alongside it.

U-Shaped Sofa

A U-shaped sofa extends seating along three sides, creating a larger seating area with people facing towards one another.

It provides substantial seating but also requires considerably more floor space than a straight or L-shaped sofa.

One Arm Sofa

A one-arm sofa combines an end unit on one side with an armless peninsula or middle unit on the other.

Removing one armrest makes the sofa feel visually lighter while still providing a generous area for lounging.

Adding Modules Later: Availability & Colour Matching

Modular sofas are built from individual units, so you may be able to add modules or change the configuration later.

However, this depends on whether the same sofa model and upholstery are still available. Over time, the factory may discontinue the sofa model, or the fabric supplier may stop producing your chosen upholstery.

Even if both remain available, the new module may not match your existing sofa's colour perfectly. This is because upholstery can fade over time through everyday use and exposure to sunlight. In addition, suppliers may adjust the colour formulation over time, and slight colour variations can occur between production batches even when the formulation remains unchanged.

Changing Configurations Require Connector Adjustments

Moving individual sofa modules may be straightforward, but changing their configuration require additional adjustments to the connectors underneath the sofa.

These connectors keep adjoining modules aligned and prevent them from shifting apart during everyday use. Each connector consists of two matching components that must be correctly positioned to secure the modules together.

When you change the configuration, the connectors may need to be repositioned to match the new arrangement. This frequently involves removing and reinstalling the hardware, which can be difficult to do yourself without the appropriate tools or experience.