When I set out to find the perfect sofa for my home a couple of years ago, it soon became clear that only a modular sofa would do as they can be split up into individual sections which makes them more flexible and versatile than most other sofas. And the journey of searching for the best modular sofa for myself was actually just the beginning of my passion for modular sofas.
I have since tried over 100 modular sofas and my love of sectionals - which is another term for modular sofas - has become pretty much part of my personality, particularly around the Ideal Home office. I truly believe that if you know where to shop for them - which is what I’m here to help you with - modular designs make for the best sofas on the market. Compared to traditional sofas, they’re easier to move as they can be divided into individual sections, as already mentioned. That also means that they fit through narrow doorways and staircases as well. And over time, you can grow them by adding additional sections which many brands offer, or rearrange the modules to fit your living space – a modular sofa really future-proofs your living room.
That’s exactly what I did last year with my King Living 1977 modular sofa after moving house. My previous lounge was very long and narrow so it made sense to keep the three modules in a row. But when faking a living room in my new studio flat, I chose to separate the middle section of my sofa, turn it to face the other two modules and turn it into a lounge chair. What other sofa would be this flexible?!
Modular sofas are becoming increasingly more popular but I think it goes beyond a fleeting sofa trend – I’m convinced that this clever and problem-solving sofa style is here to stay. And if you are in the market for a new sofa, here I’ve included my top 6 styles, along with the best places where to buy a sofa if you’re after a sectional.
My top picks
Why I'd recommend it: It arrives in a flat-pack box within 24 hours.
Swyft’s Model 03 has the classic modern modular sofa look - angular, boxy modules with low-rise back rest. But the main reason why Model 03 is so popular is that it arrives flat in a box and therefore fits through any entrance, no matter how awkward or small.
And the short lead times make it an even bigger hit - if you order through the Swyft website, you can receive it within 24 hours which is pretty much unheard of. If you prefer to shop through John Lewis, you can have it delivered within 9 weeks.
Why I'd recommend it: It has a softly curved design and slim profile perfect for smaller spaces.
While boxy, angular designs are the most common approach to modular sofas, there are also more traditional and softly shaped styles like the John Lewis Flow, right on the curved sofa trend. It comes with a decorative quilted backrest which seamlessly wraps around the seat, becoming the side arm.
It’s only 88 centimetres deep so perfect for narrow living room ideas and engaging in conversation without having to sink into the sofa. While it might not be the softest of sofas, it's ideal for those that prefer a bit more firmness and support. And if you go for the natural boucle fabric, it can be yours in just 7 days.
Why I'd recommend it: If you're working with a small budget, this is the most affordably priced design I've seen.
Modular sofas are seen as investment pieces so their starting price points can be a bit higher compared to traditional sofas. So if you’re after a design with a lower price point then I recommend DUSK’s Brooklyn as it's the cheapest modular sofa I've come across. I’m tempted to call it a dupe for the Swyft Model 03 as their look is pretty similar - but, of course, the Brooklyn doesn’t come with the added benefits of a flat pack or 24-hour delivery.
But unlike some of the other modular sofas, this style is not made to order so the lead times are still decent - DUSK will dispatch your sofa in only 3 to 7 days after ordering.
Why I'd recommend it: Its deep, cushioned seats make it one of the most comfortable sofas around.
If cushiony comfort is what you’re after then the Kingston by Darlings of Chelsea is the one to go for, even though it is quite the investment. The feather-filled back cushions are just high enough to support you when sitting down, while the foam and fibre-filled seat cushions provide the right amount of softness without sinking into them.
The ergonomically shaped arms are perfect to rest your head on while watching a movie or reading a book - I've tested it out. Darlings of Chelsea is also the king of customisation - so whatever it is you want or need, they can make it happen.
Why I'd recommend it: Not only does it boast the flexibility of a modular design but it’s even more versatile as you can change the covers whenever you want.
This is the sofa that I invested in for my own living room. And I couldn’t be happier with it. The design is definitely modern with a low profile and a curved shape which might not be for everyone. But the ability to change the covers is a great benefit – I change mine for the different seasons as apart from various colourways, King Living also offers two different upholstery finishes. And while the flatweave is perfect for the warmer months, the fuzzy teddy-like material is great for autumn and winter.
The only downside is that it takes a while for this sofa to arrive. King Living is an Australian brand and its manufacturing is based in Asia – my sofa took almost three months to arrive, so that’s something to bear in mind.
Why I'd recommend it: The unique shape coupled with comfy deep seats and many fabric choices make this a winner.
It’s no coincidence Sofa.com’s Ren sofa was awarded the best sofa winner in the Ideal Home 2024 Living Room Awards. This most recent addition to the brand’s modular line-up is a unique design that comes with curved, wraparound arms and storage modules like the triangular corner unit or a footstool with exposed cut-out storage on the bottom.
And if you’re looking for a cinema room-style experience with deep seats, then I highly recommend this one and its 104-centimetre seat depth. The only downside is that the individual modules don’t come with the option to be attached to one another.
Where to shop for modular sofas
1. King Living
Models I've tried: 1977, 1978, Jasper, Max, Haven, Aura, Quantum, Kube, Lumo (only available in Australia at the moment)
Australian brand King Living with its Tottenham Court Road and White City London showrooms was truly a revelation to me as pretty much all of its sofa designs are extremely comfortable, super high quality, durable and boasting a designer style. It’s perhaps because of this that most people (myself included) assume it is more expensive than it actually is.
King Living’s 1977 sofa, specifically the Package 3, is the one that I ended up choosing for myself. It has a very specific look which is one of the main reasons why I and many others love it. It’s also extremely comfortable - not too soft and not too firm - which is also thanks to the curved, organic shape with no harsh angle in sight. And the more recently released version with a high back called simply the 1978 sofa won the best sofa award in the Ideal Home 2025 Living Room Awards.
They both come with removable, washable covers - with the option to have each module in any of the available colours you choose as I have opted for three different neutral shades for a gradient effect - and they can also be purchased separately if you ever get sick of the colour you first chose.
The one downside of this brand? The lead times.
2. Swyft
Models I've tried: Model 03, Model 06
Swyft has reported that its modular sofas, the Model 03 and Model 06, sell more than its standard sofa styles, second only to the brand’s best sofa beds. Which is very telling of the shift in popular living room sofa ideas.
Model 03 offers a bit more support compared to the slightly more cushiony Model 06. But I’d say the former is more popular than the latter – which is why it’s also made its way into our general best sofa buying guide. Both arrive packaged in a flat pack box and can be on your doorstep within 24 hours after ordering which are the two major benefits of this brand.
I'm also very happy to report that Swyft now has a physical store in London where you can try all of its modular sofa designs IRL, including the brand new Model 13, dubbed the 'cloud sofa' for its cloud-like softness and comfort.
3. Castlery
Models I've tried: Solari, Mori, Marlow, Fable
It’s still quite rare for a brand’s sofa offering to be fully or even mostly modular. Which is why I was so excited to be introduced to Castlery a few months ago, a furniture and sofa brand originally from Singapore (also with a large presence in the rest of Asia, Australia and the US) that recently launched in the UK, that offers a very wide selection of modular sofas.
Castlery was one of the sofa launches I was most impressed with in the last few months after seeing and trying their Solari, Mori, Marlow and Fable modular sofas, all of which were not only super comfortable but also stylish. Solari was my favourite due to its unique curved silhouette and enveloping style of armrests that seamlessly merge into the backrests. Also unlike King Living, a brand based in a similar part of the world, you don’t have to wait a long time for delivery as many of Castlery’s sofas are ready-made and can be with you within two weeks.
4. DUSK
Models I've tried: Brooklyn
If your budget is limited and a full-size modular sofa is what you’re after then DUSK is the place to go in my opinion. Up until recently, the brand's only offered the one style of modular sofa, the aforementioned Brooklyn, available in several different configurations but only three upholstery options (which I realise is not a big range to choose from compared to some of the other brands) with prices starting at £659 for a two-seater sofa. But now, there are more styles available.
While the brand states that it dispatches every sofa ordered within 7 days, customers have reported that it’s taken over a month to arrive. So that’s something to be mindful of. As well as the fact that you can’t test the sofa out before purchasing, given that DUSK doesn’t have a physical presence on the high street, and the structural warranty lasts for only a year.
5. John Lewis
Models I've tried: Flow, Tokyo, Border, Rubik, Mellow, Newlyn
John Lewis has an offering of six different modular sofa styles in its own collection, while also stocking the Swyft Model 03 and Model 06 sofas. With a price point starting at around £1700, all of the styles are available in over 70 different fabrics. The made-to-order sofa designed by you will take 10 weeks to arrive but if you opt for the default fabric of your chosen style, which John Lewis has pre-made and all ready to go, the lead time is only 7 days.
In the case of my curvy top pick, the Flow, it’s the boucle fabric in the colour natural that can arrive within a week, while one of the bestsellers called Border is available in olive-coloured relaxed linen.
6. Cozmo
Models I've tried: Float, Cozy
Cozmo was started in 2022 in the UK – and it’s also manufactured here, with one showroom based in London's Shoreditch. The brand offers not one but two different modular sofa styles – the original and much-loved Cozy and the newer addition to the range, Float.
Both of the sofas come with a foam and feather filling which results in a pillowy soft feel when you sit down. But if you prefer something a little more bouncy that also retains its shape a little better, you can choose to go for full foam seats instead. The Float fits the profile of a solid modular sofa more – and it is the design that first caught my attention and brought me through the doors of the Cozmo showroom. It’s a low-profile design with deep seats and a cubist-inspired shape finished with a pinch detail along the edges. It comes with removable covers that can also be purchased separately to change the look of your sofa.
Meanwhile, the bestselling Cozy is a more classic sofa design with legs that raise it off the ground, slim armrests and higher removable back cushions. The seat cushions are also removable but what isn’t are the covers which come fixed – however, you can choose to go for contrasting colours on the frame and the cushions to create a more colourful, colour-blocked design.
7. Raft Furniture
Models I've tried: Loft
These days, it’s difficult to find a brand with local production here in the UK. And while there are a handful of made-in-the-UK brands available, I’ve never come across a brand with sofa production based as local (at least for me) as London before learning about Raft Furniture which has a factory in North London. And this is where Raft’s sofas, including the modular Loft sofa I’ve had the chance to test for myself, are made to order.
Local and made-to-order production goes hand in hand with the brand’s sustainable ethos. So if shopping sustainably and investing in eco-conscious brands is something that’s important to you and that you’re passionate about, I couldn’t recommend Raft Furniture enough.
While Raft’s offering of modular styles is limited, the Loft can be customised in many different ways. From a wide range of upholstery options to choose from to alternative cushion interiors - firmer, extra soft, hypoallergenic and vegan fillings are all available - the Loft even comes in a ‘Studio’ version which features slimmer arms.
8. Loaf
Models I've tried: Wodge, Squishblocks, Cuddlemuffin
It’s difficult to find a modular sofa that also provides ample storage or let alone a fold-out bed, as it is to find an uncomfortable Loaf sofa (perhaps it’s the brand’s bed-making specialty). Which is why the modular Pillow Nap sofa bed stands out. Made to order with decent lead times of 5 to 7 weeks, the design is available in over 140 fabrics. Given that it’s a corner sofa, the size and extra features mean it is on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, starting around £4,500 and it’s also one that requires a bigger living room.
But if you don’t need the sofa bed feature or the extra storage, then I also really enjoyed the bounce and curved, pillowy shape of Loaf’s Squishblocks modular sofa which starts at around £2,300.
9. Darlings of Chelsea
Models I've tried: Kingston, Purley, Thatcham, Galloway, Ashdown, Darwin, Whinfell, Epping
If what you want are endless possibilities and infinite customisation of your modular sofa, then Darlings of Chelsea is the place for you. Each of the brand’s sofas can be made in any of its 170 fabrics and colours on offer, all of which can also be tested in person in its Parsons Green showroom. But it comes at a price as Darlings of Chelsea is certainly not a budget brand – it is an investment that will stand the test of time though.
And there are surprisingly many styles – I say surprisingly mainly because to me, Darlings of Chelsea is quite a traditional brand and definitely not the first one I’d personally think of when talking about modular sofas. So this was a pleasant surprise.
I’ve tried 7 different sofa styles at Darlings of Chelsea which can be made modular (even if they’re not displayed as modular in the showroom) and each is completely different. As already discussed before, the Kingston would be my top pick but I was also impressed with the cinema room-style Purley which was surprisingly one of the cheaper but also most popular designs.
10. Sofa.com
Models I've tried: Ren, Sloane, Long Island, Slim Long Island, Cohen, Aissa
As far as the shortest sofa delivery wait times go, Sofa.com is definitely up there with their 4 to 6 week lead time. Considering that each sofa is made to order using any of the brand’s 70 fabrics on offer you choose, that’s pretty impressive.
Sofa.com is also the only other brand aside from Loaf I’ve come across that makes a modular sofa bed – the Aissa style which I’ve personally tried and can attest to its comfort both as a sofa and as a bed. But in terms of design, I prefer some of the other styles on offer such as the aforementioned Ren and the Long Island and Long Island Slim, both of which come with removable covers.
11. Andrew Martin
Models I've tried: Truman, Bundum, Clinton, Tolco
If you’re able to splash out on your modular sofa then Andrew Martin would be among my top recommendations to go to. The luxury sofa brand is in many ways similar to Darlings of Chelsea, in that all the sofas are made by hand in the UK from the highest quality materials, offering a 30-year structural guarantee on all of its sofas to back it up with. My personal favourite is the bestselling Truman sofa with a modern, clean silhouette that also suits traditional homes and feels super cushiony and cosy when you sit on it.
There’s also a lot of room for customisation, whether that’s upholstery options, the seat and buck cushion fillings and even with the sizing. All to make sure that your sofa really works well in your living space.
12. Sofology
Models I've tried: Flex, The Cocoon
Sofology’s modular sofas are not necessarily made for small living room ideas, given their depth, but they are pretty special – especially The Cocoon and the Flex, both of which are available to try in the brand’s stores across the country. I personally visited the Croydon branch. Starting at £1,500 for a two-seater, The Cocoon is special for its original cocooning shape that will really scoop you up and envelop you in its high arms and backrest.
Meanwhile, the Flex boasts a very modern look with a low back and armrest. But what’s special about this one is that each module comes equipped with a reclining function so you can adjust the backrest at a push of a button, much like in a luxe cinema experience.
13. Heal's
Models I've tried: Astrid, Morven, Nimbus II, Ligne Roset Togo, Amura Palmo, Muuto Connect, Gubi Wonder
I love going into Heal’s but more so for their extensive offering of high-end design brands on the lower ground floor, rather than its own brand of sofas. There you can try the likes of design classics that is the Togo by Ligne Roset, loved by many a celebrity including Stacey Dooley – I understand the hype now, it is comfortable and its pleated design is unique, even though for someone with low mobility, it will be very difficult to get up given the low profile.
Heal’s is definitely a more spenny retailer, obviously, but if you are prepared to spend more or invest in an iconic designer style, then this is the place to go.
How I test
Since day one of trying out various modular sofas, I’ve sat on over 100 different designs and have visited 33 showrooms with the objective to sit on and test the comfort of as many modular sofas. At first, this was motivated by my own search for the best modular sofa for me – but now, I just want to find the best modular sofas for everyone and try as many as humanly possible so that you don’t have to.
Whenever I try out a new modular sofa, my number one priority is to assess the comfort levels. This is based on the softness/firmness - or ideally, the balance of the two which is when perfection is achieved - of the sofa seat, backrest, cushions and even armrests which most of us regularly use as head and neck support if we’re lying down on our sofa watching a movie, reading a book or simply scrolling on our phones. So it shouldn’t be feeling too hard as that would be uncomfortable to rest on.
The sit test also tells me how much bounciness the sofa has and how well it retains its shape which I also factor in when judging the sofa overall. Meanwhile, testing out the back cushions lets me see how much support of the back, neck and head they provide and whether they allow the user to sit upwards or if you end up leaning back at all times – neither is necessarily wrong in this particular case as everybody has their preference in this department but is important to know.
In person testing also lets me see the quality of the sofa’s finishes and the feel of the fabric (or fabrics, if there are multiple choices available).
What to look for when choosing a modular sofa
Comfort: This should be the primary factor when shopping for any sofa. That’s why it’s so important to try the sofa IRL and sit and lie on it the same way you would at home. If a brand is online-only or there isn’t a store or a showroom near you, make sure the brand has an easy returns policy that lets you try the sofa at home and send it back if you’re not happy with it. I want to know how comfortable each sofa is to sit on, both sitting up and lounging so I try to lie both on the side arms to see how comfortable those are, as well as the back cushions if it is a chaise or a corner sofa style.
Versatility: The biggest benefit of a modular sofa is its flexibility. And while certain sofas technically classify as modular, it’s best to invest in a design that allows you the most flexibility for the future. A design with removable covers which can be bought separately and easily replaced, as well as one which is sold as individual modules that you can add to an existing bigger configuration is ideal.
Quality: This is a factor that should be considered when buying any sofa as it is a long-term investment piece for your home. So you want to make sure that it is built well from high-quality materials which will stand the test of time. This is difficult to judge but the best way to ensure this is by buying from trusted companies and from brands that offer ideally a 10-year frame guarantee - some of the brands on this list offer an even longer one - and paying attention to the attention to detail in the finishes. Tanya Rechberger, design development manager at King Living, adds, 'It may look perfect from the outside, but the inside construction determines the comfort and how long it lasts. Pay attention to details like how well the less visible parts of the sofa are finished. Poorly finished areas may indicate that shortcuts were taken. If you're buying online, do your research on the brand and their approach to design and quality.'
I hope that my (hopefully) concise guide to modular sofas and my hands-on experience has been helpful in your decision making towards picking the best modular sofa for you. Let me know which one you’re thinking of going for, I’d love to know.
