Modular sofas in the living room interior: a hyperfunctional highlight of your home

What is a modular sofa

A sofa that consists of separate independent elements is called modular. It includes the buyer's choice:

• poufs;
• chaise longues;
• backrests;
• armrests;
• modules with built-in cabinets, tables and shelves;
• corner and end elements.

Also, such a sofa can be equipped with a system for storing linen or a mechanism necessary to transform it into a sleeping place.

Each manufacturer has a different composition of modules and depends on the design and features of a particular model. Some options can be assembled from more than fifty elements. In others there are about ten.

Buying a modular sofa occurs as follows:

• the buyer chooses the model, color and upholstery of the furniture he likes;
• depending on the customer’s needs, he is offered various combinations of modules and their arrangement;
• the furniture is assembled based on the above requirements and sent to the new owner.

Modular sofas in the interior: tips for choosing and placing in the living room, bedroom and children's room

March 3, 2021

Many upholstered furniture stores offer only certain configurations of sofas and armchairs - buyers choose from what is available.

Modular models are the ideal solution for those who are thinking about original upholstered furniture. You participate in the process of creating your future sofa, its configuration, size and color.

Who is a modular sofa suitable for?

Modular sofas are not just a tribute to fashion; in some cases, such furniture is the optimal solution for interior design. Similar designs are suitable for:

• large families whose members prefer to gather together in the living room to watch TV and spend time together;
• spacious rooms in which it is necessary to effectively and functionally zone the space;
• modern interior styles.

It is worth understanding that if your purchasing budget is limited, then it is better to purchase a standard model, since a good system is not cheap. Another feature is that a modular sofa does not fit into a classic, vintage, rustic interior. There are practically no examples of this style on the modern market.

Mostly modular sofas are purchased for large houses, apartments, and reception areas of large companies and corporations.

What are the advantages of modular sofas, and do they have any disadvantages?

Many people are familiar with the annoying problem when a sofa they liked in color and design simply doesn’t fit in size. Some 5-10 extra centimeters put an end to the purchase, because it is impossible to “cut off” part of the armrest from a single structure, or remove the middle. This simply cannot happen with modular sofas!

• The buyer carefully selects the most suitable upholstery material, its color and texture. It can be a practical, wear-resistant matting, velvety micro-corduroy or luxurious eco-leather.
• It is determined by the design of the set, which ideally matches the interior style of the room, be it classic or modern minimalism.
• This is followed by the most pleasant, creative process: choosing the components of the future sofa. Here it is important to consider which room the furniture will be installed in - the kitchen, living room, bedroom or children's room. And also a number of other nuances.

The store consultant offers the best options, depending on the area of ​​the room and the area allocated for upholstered furniture, the number of household members and lifestyle. A modular sofa can include 5-10 elements, or consist of fifty or more blocks. Everything depends only on the wishes and capabilities of the client.

Advantages of modular upholstered furniture

The advantages of modular sofas include:

• a large number of seats, which can be selected based on real need;
• multifunctionality, as they consist of comfortable armchairs, poufs, chaise longues, comfortable couches and beds, spacious drawers for linen, tables and shelves;
• the ability to transform and change the existing configuration, so that the living room can be regularly rearranged and updated;
• ergonomics and the ability to adjust furniture to the architecture of the room, hiding shortcomings or emphasizing the advantages of the layout.

Advantages and disadvantages of modular design

Before purchasing, you need to study all the advantages and disadvantages of this model. As noted above, it has a large number of positive qualities such as:

• compactness. Many models consist of 3 or 5 sections that are small in size. Additional sections of different sizes help increase the size. Now designing the desired option is quite simple. This type of module is suitable for both spacious and small rooms;
• wide choice of color palette. Thanks to this, many of us manage to create exclusive interiors of living space;
• multifunctional use. Modern models have a large number of additional shelves and spacious compartments that help organize various small items.

Disadvantages include:

• high price. High-quality parts and materials have a fairly high price range. Models with more budget materials have a low price;
• modern design. Sofas of this type are quite often used in the high-tech, minimalism and modernist trends. The appearance is presented in the form of clear angles and lines. It is not recommended to use it for a classic interior.

Design features

Modular sofas are divided into two large groups:

• sectional;
• transforming.

The first include models whose elements are selected individually taking into account the needs of the buyer, but after that they are connected to each other at the factory and it will be difficult or impossible to separate them independently.

The second group includes designer sofas, which give owners a lot of scope for imagination and implementation of design ideas. Such a system can be modified at any time, swap modules, purchase missing elements for them, etc. Between the individual blocks of such systems they even place other furniture, for example, a coffee table, a bookcase, or a cabinet. The largest elements of transformable sofas - corner ones or in the form of an armchair - are used independently, separately from its other parts.

How to choose upholstered furniture by size

Furniture design has virtually no effect on comfort; it creates the atmosphere: an expensive leather sofa makes the interior look solid, while textile upholstery creates an aura of comfort. To create a comfortable soft zone, you need to rely on the dimensions of the furniture.

The more spacious the sofa, the more comfortable the rest. So if the living room is spacious, buy a corner modular sofa of the largest possible size and a mini sofa as a set. Just don't block the passages. There should be 50, or preferably 70, cm around the furniture, including when unfolded. Please note that when transformed, “Eurobook” type furniture becomes twice as wide, and the sleeping area is extended along the wall. The roll-out sofa folds forward and increases by 120–150 cm.

A compact straight sofa is a common choice for a small room. Based on the norms (50 cm per person), a model with a length of 1.8–2 m will be enough for a married couple and a child. But, in fact, this is not so. A double sofa, even at 2.5 m, is intended for a maximum of two people, otherwise you will have to huddle. The choice for a family is a three-seater model, preferably a corner one. Despite its massive appearance, a corner sofa can save space. Just place it in the corner of the room.

On our website you can buy a premium sofa in any size. There are double, triple and corner upholstered furniture. Almost all sofas are modular; upon request, we will customize the layout to suit the area and geometry of your living room.

Material for frame and upholstery

Ideally, it is better to make the body of a modular sofa from solid wood, but in practice such models are very expensive. Therefore, manufacturers are reducing the cost of furniture by introducing equally durable, but more affordable materials - chipboard and thick plywood. High-quality samples of such raw materials guarantee the strength and durability of the frame. Sometimes they are even more practical, since wooden elements can shrink, which causes an unpleasant creaking sound.

The upholstery of a modular sofa should be chosen based on taste preferences, budget and operating characteristics. So, if there are small children and animals in the house, give preference to flock, which is not afraid of scratches, does not attract dust and hair, and is easy to clean. Also popular as upholstery are plain practical matting, natural and artificial leather. It is noteworthy that modular sofas are usually covered with material without a pattern. This is due to the style of such furniture, because modern examples in a jacquard cover with a printed print will look out of place.

Distinctive features

All models differ in basic criteria. These are the ones you need to pay attention to when making a choice in a furniture showroom. To ensure that the sofa suits you perfectly, pay attention to the most important points:

• design features;
• frame and upholstery materials;
• seat comfort;
• design of the mechanism for transformation.

The choice of these indicators determines what your furniture will be like, how comfortable it will be and how long it will last.

Sofa design

There is a division into 2 large groups, the designs of which are fundamentally different. All modular sofas can be divided into sectional and transformable. The first include models whose modular blocks are combined at the factory into a monolithic structure. This way you will receive a one-piece structure that will be delivered to your home and installed in its place.

The second group includes sofas consisting of individual elements that are not fastened together. At any time, you can transform such a model by moving elements, adding or excluding some from the overall composition. Parts of such structures can be used as independent pieces of furniture.

Frame and upholstery material

Models whose frame is made of solid wood are very expensive. To reduce the cost of construction, they are often made of thick plywood or laminated chipboard. This does not reduce the practicality of such furniture. Wood shrinks over time and a characteristic creaking appears. Frames made from combined materials are just as reliable, but do not have the same defect.

Focusing on your own preferences, financial capabilities and taking into account the operating characteristics of the furniture, you should choose the upholstery material. If there are even small animals or children in the house, it is better to give preference to flock - a material that is easy to clean and is not afraid of mechanical stress.

Faux leather and soft-touch matting are also popular. Most often, the upholstery material does not have a pattern and is plain.

Filler quality

Depending on how the sofa will be used, the material for the filling of its seats and backs is also selected. If you plan to only sit on it, then it is better to choose a model with a hard surface. It can be multilayer foam rubber or polyurethane foam.

Models intended for use at night may have a spring base. There is a great demand for combined models, the bases of which have both components.

Mechanisms of transformation

To organize a sleeping place, a transformation mechanism is not always needed. Many modular models can be used for sleeping even in their usual form. One or more people can easily sleep on the large sofa for the night in case of emergency.

If you plan to regularly use the beds, it is better to buy a model with the possibility of transformation. The most popular systems are the “French folding bed” and “Eurobook”. Their use allows you to turn your sofa into a comfortable double bed every evening.

Basic recommendations for selection

When you come to a furniture showroom, or when choosing a sofa online, you can use these recommendations.

1. Be sure to consider the layout of the space you are furnishing. For example, existing niches or gaps between columns can be filled with separate parts of a modular structure.
2. Choose only the furniture elements you need that will be used comfortably.
3. Transforming models are very functional. But they are a little more expensive. Sectional ones are cheaper. At the same time, it can be argued that due to the fixation of individual frame elements, they are stronger.
4. Give preference to sofas with combined filling. They are much more convenient to use at different times of the day.
5. The frame should be made of wood, chipboard or durable plywood. The upholstery material should be as wear-resistant as possible and meet your aesthetic needs.
6. The transforming mechanism must be reliable. It would be better if it was a “French folding bed” or a “Eurobook”.

Using these tips, you will buy a comfortable and beautiful sofa that you can use for a long time.

Availability of a berth and transformation mechanism

A folding bed is not a mandatory element of a modular sofa, since the dimensions of this furniture can be such that without additional manipulations it can accommodate one or two people for proper sleep. But if you plan to use the product every day for a night’s rest, then you should give preference to models with a transformation mechanism. The most suitable systems for such furniture are the Eurobook and French folding bed systems. Both mechanisms are compact, reliable and durable. With their help, the sofa is transformed into a comfortable bed with a flat surface.

In pursuit of the ideal. We put forward requirements for a modular sofa for the living room

From the variety of modular furniture, it is important to choose the one that will meet your needs and capabilities. To make the right choice, ask yourself these questions:

Modular sofas for living rooms with a sleeping place: types, advantages, selection rules Read more >

• Will the sofa be your daily napping spot? If yes, then you need to choose a model with a comfortable sleeping place that ensures a comfortable body position (stuffing - latex or individual springs). The best option is a sectional sofa with a “book”, “Eurobook” or “dolphin” mechanism - they provide comfort and can easily withstand daily use. If you have a separate bedroom, and only guests will spend the night in the living room, choose any design and pay main attention to the comfort of sitting and the number of seats.
• Are there any animals or children at home? If the upholstery will often be tested for strength and soiling, you should choose a practical option that is scratch-resistant and easy to clean from dirt and wool. Natural leather and microfiber have “vandal-proof” characteristics. But fabrics with pile, embossing, loops (such as flock, boucle, jacquard) are undesirable. Upholstery with a pattern is more practical than plain upholstery: stains are not so noticeable on it.
• Will the sofa become the color accent of the room, or will it blend in with the rest of the furniture? Bright furniture is a bold decision, and when choosing it, you need to be sure that you won’t get tired of the color in a year or two. A practical option is to choose a sofa in “basic” colors (gray, brown, beige) or with a neutral print (stripe, microprint).

The main points that determine the quality and ease of use of a sofa in the living room: photos of designs

Not everyone can afford to install a large modular sofa in their apartment and use it only for gatherings with friends. Furniture often plays the role of both a place to sit and a place to sleep. In this case, the base will experience a constant load. It is for these reasons that it is important that the product is durable. The durability of a structure is determined by three components:

• frame;
• filler;
• upholstery.

Related article:

Sofa in the living room: unrivaled design and practical construction

Types of structures and features of their use in the interior. How to choose furniture for the hall, taking into account the color scheme, size and design of the room.

The furniture is distinguished not only by its varied geometry, dimensions and installation options in the room, but also by a wide range of materials used in the production of modules.

Ideally, it is better to purchase furniture made from solid natural wood, because the material is strong, environmentally friendly and durable. But such furniture will have a high price, affordable only to a small percentage of the population. It is for this reason that manufacturers use cheaper materials in production, such as chipboard or thick plywood, which reduce the cost of the product and make it affordable to most buyers.

The durability of a transforming sofa is affected by the quality of the frame, upholstery and filling

This is interesting! Modern technologies have endowed laminated chipboard and plywood with characteristics that make them not only sometimes inferior to natural wood, but even superior in practicality. For example, these materials, unlike wood, do not shrink or swell when environmental parameters change.

Separate mention should be made of frameless modular sofas, which are gaining increasing popularity. The furniture has an unusual appearance and allows you to create a light and relaxed atmosphere in any room. These sofas will look especially relevant in modern interiors.

It is thanks to the absence of a frame that you can create a lightweight structure that takes on any shape that is comfortable for sitting. The basis of the model sofa is an inner cover filled with polystyrene foam. The outer cover is often made of fabric with water-repellent impregnation. If you have sewing skills, you can purchase the necessary materials and make a frameless sofa with your own hands.

When choosing a modular sofa, it is better to give preference to trusted manufacturers