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How Do You Style a Modular Sofa?

How Do You Style a Modular Sofa

We all know them as being flexible, changeable and utterly marvellous but, as people frequently ask our expert team, how do you style a modular sofa?

With over 30 years of experience in the world of interior design, we have a myriad of exciting suggestions and have put this insightful guide together to help you get your new sitting room furnishings exactly right.

Read on to find out more about modular sofas and why we adore them.

What is a modular sofa?

A modular sofa is made up of movable pieces that can be slotted together in many different configurations, much like building blocks. The number of units that best work for you will be determined by the available space, ultimately allowing you to choose the size of sofa, style and arrangement to suit your taste and needs. Start with a simple 2-seater and expand on it when the time is right. Alternatively, go all out and create something that will fulfil all your social expectations right from the outset.

 

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How does a modular sofa differ from a sectional sofa?

Many people confuse sectional and modular sofas because they are both very similar when it comes to functionality. However, sectionals typically comprise a chaise longue and a sofa, whereas a modular sofa allows you to celebrate various shapes and sizes that can be combined to make a tailor-made piece. Although all modular sofas are sectional, not every sectional sofa is a modular one. Sectional sofas are typically designed to wrap around a corner in an L-shape, while modulars are made up of two or more chair-sized units that can be joined to create any format you like. Knowing the difference will help you make a more informed decision when choosing between the two.

6 Benefits of a modular sofa

While high-end, traditional sofas add an unquestionable sense of style and grace to any living room, they are not always adaptable, can be expensive to replace, and don’t necessarily offer the versatility you need, especially if you move into new digs. Here are 7 unique ways a modular sofa will enhance your lifestyle.

1. You can place each module in whatever order you like to create a completely functional, stylish living environment.

2. Whether you’re having an intimate evening with close friends, watching TV alone or hosting a party, you can position them to suit any occasion.

3. If you’re moving into a bigger space, simply invest in some extra pieces and reconfigure them to fit.

4. Modular sofas are highly customisable, allowing you to choose the style, shape, size, colour and upholstery type that best suits your aesthetics.

5. Moving a modular sofa is easy because it comprises small, individual pieces. You’ll even be able to get it upstairs and into elevators.

6. Because you can purchase one unit at a time, investing in a modular sofa is budget-friendly.

7. Many modular sofas include matching ottomans for added versatility, giving you everything you need to make your décor dreams come true.

How Do You Style a Modular Sofa?
How Do You Style a Modular Sofa?

 

What is the best upholstery for a modular sofa?

Choosing the right upholstery for your modular sofa plays a big role in the soundness of your overall investment, so make sure you don’t regret your choices.

Mitigating potential stains, tears, peeling and untimely wear and tear are all things you need to think about before making a final decision. Here are some guidelines.

  • Consider your lifestyle and who will be using it. If it’s being assigned to a high-traffic area you will need a durable material, but if it’s reserved for a formal sitting room you can invest in something more refined.
  • Think about its resilience and how it will age over time. Top-grain leather can last upwards of 25 years while fabrics usually need to be replaced in about 5. To find out more about this, read our comparative piece discussing whether leather or fabric sofas are best. 
  • Check the label and ask questions about the composition of the material and its cleaning instructions.
  • If you have children or pets, find something that is stain resistant and has removable covers.
  • Find a colour or pattern that enhances your aesthetics and that you can live with for years to come.

Modular sofa layout suggestions from our design experts

Our top interior designers have put together these four simple layout ideas to help get you started.

  • Add chaise ends to your ensemble to transform your modular sofa into an ideal piece for family movie evenings.
  • If you watch TV a lot, place your modular sofa parallel to your back wall and directly in front of your screen.
  • For convivial evenings and a contemporary aesthetic, wrap your modular sofa around a coffee table. This will give you an easy-access surface for your glasses, snacks and even feet!
  • Create a U-shaped layout if you entertain a lot and want your guests to be able to socialise with ease.
  • For simple access and a modern feel, wrap the modular sofa around a coffee table.
  • Go for an L-shaped configuration if you want to fill an awkward corner or divide a larger room.

5 Ways to style a modular sofa

Once you have your new modular sofa in place, you can turn your eye towards styling it like a pro. Here are 5 great tips:

1. Too many cushions create clutter, making your space look messy and unkempt. Instead, opt for a few refined items that will fill the left, right and centre spaces and create a sense of symmetry. Don’t be afraid to layer colours and textures to match your central theme.

2. Make sure your modular sofa is in proportion with your other furnishings. You don’t want it to either dominate or get lost in the room. Find coffee and side tables that match perfectly and then add in lamps and other accessories.

3. Don’t place your coffee table too far away from your sofa or it will look disjointed and interfere with the overall flow of your space. It should be both easy to reach and allow you to move around it effortlessly.

4. Tie your ensemble together with a beautiful rug in a complimentary shade. Choose one that adds interest and texture and make sure that it is proportionate to the rest of the room.

5. Ottomans are a wonderful addition to any living space and add a sense of style and modernity. Use them to replace coffee tables or simply add them in as an extra seating option. Get more inspiration with our interior designer's advice on how to style a sofa.

In conclusion

Modular sofas have become the darling of the design world and are well worth the investment, so if you’re refurbishing your space or just want to refresh your furnishings, let us help you select one that will suit your style.

The interior design team at FCI London are on hand seven days a week, so give us a call or pop into our showroom and let’s get the ball rolling today.

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