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The Spruce / Reese Herrington
Sofas are always an investment, which is why it’s important to choose one that you’ll love for the long haul. But not every couch will be able to transition with you over the years, adapting to different living spaces, room arrangements, and even lifestyle changes. If you’re looking for a long-lasting, highly versatile solution, a modular sofa just might be the perfect fit. Modular sofas are couches that you can rearrange or add onto to create various configurations. They’re kind of like sectional sofas, but modular models are made up of individual seats that can be rearranged and reconfigured in a number of different ways.
"One of the benefits of having [a modular] sofa is being able to change up the look," says interior designer Andi Morse. "But you need to make sure that if you change it up, it will still fit in the space." The best modular sofas are ones that give you plenty of options, both in sizing and adjustability if you need to shrink or expand your sitting space. It’s almost like opting for a custom sofa, but one that’ll grow with you when you need a change.
We researched standout models of various sizes and materials for a range of decor tastes and budgets.
Best Overall
Burrow Block Nomad Sofa
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Burrow
Multiple upholstery fabrics and colors
Customizable armrest shapes and heights
Built-in USB charger
Reversible back and seat cushions
Cushions can be quite firm initially
When it comes to customization, it’s hard to top all of the versatile and varied options offered by the Burrow Nomad Sofa. It might look simple and classic at first glance, but this modular sofa is almost endlessly customizable. You can choose from a wide selection of different upholstery materials (including a stain- and scratch-resistant olefin fiber), opt for any one of three armrest heights and shapes, and pick from six leg finishes.
But the choices don’t end there. This modular model is also adaptable, and it can grow and expand over time—or shrink, if needed. You can add seats and change up your couch, thanks to the universally-compatible design of the Nomad Collection’s various pieces. Even the back and seat cushions are reversible, allowing you to opt for a smooth or tufted look. And those cushions are comfy, too, thanks to their three-layer foam and fiber construction.
You can also take confidence in the fact that this couch is built to last. Its sturdy, precision-milled Baltic birch wood frame won’t warp, and its strengthened steel pins and latches are designed to hold up to everything from daily lounging to active kids to pets.
Price at time of publish: $1,595
Dimensions: 85 x 35 x 33 inches | Material: Fabric, Baltic birch wood, steel | Seat Configurations: Not specified
Best Budget
Mjkone Modern Modular L-Shape Sectional Sofa
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Walmart
Affordable price
Easy-to-clean upholstery
Comfy, supportive cushions
Includes ottoman
Low back
Takes 48 hours to expand
If you're on a budget, consider the Mjkone Modular Sectional. This affordable and flexible sofa is constructed with a sturdy wood frame and smooth, easy-to-clean faux (and vegan!) leather upholstery in your choice of beige, gray, or charcoal. The spring-loaded foam cushions are soft yet supportive, and while the back cushions are lower than average for a typical couch, the deep seats are great for lounging or curling up for a quick nap.
With moveable ottomans and backrests, this low-profile sectional can be rearranged into multiple configurations, including a pit sofa or an L-shaped couch with a chaise on one side and a bumper on the other. Just a heads up: The vacuum-packed cushions will take up to two days to fully expand when you remove them from the box. You’ll need to give the sofa some time to plump up before you begin using it.
Price at time of publish: $520
Dimensions: 113 x 64 x 26.4 inches | Material: Faux leather, wood | Seat Configurations: 4
Best Splurge
Pottery Barn Dream Square Arm Upholstered Modular Sofa Chaise Sectional
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Pottery Barn
Durable engineered wood frame and joinery
Concealed modular connectors
No-sag steel springs for long-term support
White-glove delivery
Expensive
Lengthy shipping time
Open to spending a bit more on living room furniture? Pottery Barn won't let you down. The Dream Modular Chaise Sectional boasts extra-deep seats with inner steel springs and supportive backrests with generously padded cushions. The durable modular sofa frame is made of solid and engineered wood with reliable mortise-and-tenon joinery, and you can choose from dozens of upholstery fabrics and colors.
You can place the chaise on either side of the sofa and expand your seating at any point by adding more pieces from the collection. The hidden steel connectors make it easy to switch things up while ensuring the hardware is concealed. Made-to-order pieces from Pottery Barn often take weeks to ship, which means you’ll face a bit of a wait—but they offer white-glove delivery service upon arrival. This means they'll bring your sofa inside, place it in the room of your choice, remove the packaging, and finish assembling it for you.
Price at time of publish: starts at $5,596
Dimensions: 129 x 86 x 43 x 34 inches, 172 x 86 x 43 x 34 inches | Material: Various fabrics, solid and engineered wood | Seat Configurations: 2 (expandable)
Best for Small Spaces
Burrow Range 3-Piece Open Sectional Lounger
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Burrow
Compact configurations
Nearly limitless seating arrangement options
Stain-resistant upholstery
Deep seats and overstuffed backrests
Pricey for the size
Additional modules come at an extra cost
If you're short on available space or are looking for a modular sofa to fill a corner in your living room, office, or bonus room, Burrow's Range Sectional might be your best bet. This compact sofa measures roughly 5 feet long and 5 feet deep (depending on how you arrange it) and can be configured six ways with its initial pieces, including an L-shaped couch, a traditional three-seater, or a loveseat with a mini chaise lounge.
Despite the small size, the seat cushions are pretty deep, and the overstuffed backrests offer plush, pillowy support. This modular sofa has stain-resistant, easy-to-clean fabric upholstery, a sturdy plywood frame, and wooden peg legs in your choice of three finishes. Unlike made-to-order furniture, most options are ready to ship in a few days.
The price is slightly steep for the size of this compact modular sofa, but you can count on quality with Burrow. The cost can increase quickly if you’d like to add extra components later on; however, thanks to its long-term durability, we think it’s a worthwhile investment that can grow with you.
Price at time of publish: $1,235
Dimensions: 60.5 x 60.5 x 28 inches | Material: Fabric, plywood | Seat Configurations: 6+
Best Deep-Seated
Crate & Barrel Lotus Deep Modular 3-Piece Low Sectional Sofa
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Crate & Barrel
Removable back cushions
Kiln-dried wood frame
Plush fiber-down blend cushions and pillows
Takes weeks to ship
Expensive
Get ready to get cozy, because the Lotus Modular 3-Piece Low Sofa Sectional from Crate & Barrel is our favorite deep-seated sofa. At nearly 40 inches deep with loose back cushions (which you can remove to get the full depth when lying down), this modular model is fluffy, comfortable, and nicely supportive whether you’re sitting or lounging around. Besides providing plenty of space to stretch out, the spring-loaded, fiber-wrapped foam cushions offer ample support without sacrificing plushness.
The frame is crafted from kiln-dried wood to prevent warping and cracking and ensure long-lasting durability. There are almost 200 upholstery options available, including stain-resistant and pet-friendly fabrics. As for the modularity, you can rearrange the Lotus into three configurations and expand it with other pieces from the line. Aside from the steep price, the only real downside of this couch is that many of the upholstery options are made to order and may take several weeks to ship out.
Price at time of publish: $3,997
Dimensions: 118.5 x 39.5 x 28 inches | Material: Various fabrics, engineered wood | Seat Configurations: 3 (expandable)
Best Performance Upholstery
Joybird Logan Modular U-Sofa Bumper Sectional
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Joybird
Repels liquids, resists tearing and pilling
Warp- and crack-resistant frame
Hand-stitched fabric upholstery
Expensive
Lengthy shipping time
If you have kids or pets and need a modular sofa that'll not only adapt but also stand up to stains and everyday wear and tear, this one's for you. The Joybird Logan U-Sofa comes in various upholstery options, including several of the brand's Safeguard materials. These innovative fabrics repel liquids to prevent permanent spots. There are also a handful of pet-friendly materials that resist tearing and pilling. All of these tough fabrics are hand-stitched for an extra layer of durable construction, too.
This couch also has a kiln-dried engineered wood frame that promises to resist warping and cracking for many years under heavy use. It can be configured multiple ways and expanded with additional pieces from the Logan line. If you can swing the steep price and don't mind waiting weeks to receive your made-to-order furniture, we recommend it.
Price at time of publish: $6,441
Dimensions: 136 x 68 x 30 inches | Material: Various fabrics, engineered wood | Seat Configurations: 4 (expandable)
Best Velvet
CB2 Terrain 4-Piece Bronze Brown Velvet Sectional Sofa
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CB2
Ultra-soft, light-catching upholstery
FSC-certified wood frame
Expandable with Terrain collection
Removable legs
Expensive
Only one color
Infuse your living room with a little luxury and all of the convenient versatility of a modular sofa with CB2's Terrain 4-Piece Sectional Sofa. The cotton and acrylic blend velvet upholstery feels luxuriously soft and catches the light throughout the day. Though it only comes in one bronze color, the warm hue makes a striking statement, and with the right decor approach, it's more versatile than you may think.
This sofa has walnut wood legs, which you can remove if you’d like, and a solid pine and engineered wood frame. The lumber is sustainably sourced from responsibly managed forests certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). The entire Terrain collection can be rearranged into different shapes and configurations. You can use the pieces as standalone seats or expand your couch into an oversized sectional to fill a large space. Aside from the expensive price tag, we really have no complaints.
Price at time of publish: $4,496
Dimensions: 136.75 x 38.25 x 29 inches | Material: Velvet, solid and engineered wood | Seat Configurations: 2 (expandable)
Best Leather
Apt2B Wilco 2pc Leather Modular Sectional Sofa
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Apt2B
Buttery-soft weathered upholstery
Long-lasting frame and cushions
Easy to change orientation
Expensive
Only one color
For those partial to genuine leather furniture, we recommend the Apt2B Wilco Sectional. This couch has 100 percent natural, top-grain Italian leather upholstery with a slightly weathered finish that builds character and relaxes into a buttery softness over time. The frame is solid hardwood, and the high-density foam cushions offer long-lasting support.
This two-piece sofa features a reversible configuration, allowing you to position the armless portion on either side to accommodate the shape of your space. Without any hardware connectors, it's super easy to switch around. The Wilco only comes in one color, but the brown hue is endlessly versatile. And while it's pretty expensive, Apt2B backs the frame and workmanship with a lifetime warranty and delivers it fully assembled into your room of choice.
Price at time of publish: $4,348
Dimensions: 97 x 95 x 28 inches | Material: Leather, solid wood | Seat Configurations: 2
Best Pit
Albany Park Kova Pit Sofa
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Albany Park
No tools needed for assembly
Supportive, cloud-like cushions
Sturdy kiln-dried wood frame
Expensive
Pillows flatten with time
A pit sofa is essentially a large couch with seat cushions and footrests that can be arranged into a bed-like formation, allowing multiple people to lay back and stretch out their legs. Our favorite is the Kova Pit from Albany Park. This oversized lounger features a durable kiln-dried hardwood frame. The base is a foam-topped spring suspension system, and the removable, reversible back and seat cushions are filled with a cloud-like blend of feather and synthetic fibers.
In addition to all the lounging space offered by this 30-inch-deep pit-style sofa, you can rearrange the pieces into several configurations, including a standard couch and an L-shaped sectional. Thanks to the mesh backing, the cushions stay in place, no matter where or how you place them. You'll have to assemble the Kova at home, but it's a pretty easy process and doesn't call for any tools. While the feather-filled pillows do flatten with use, they’re easy to re-fluff and plump once again.
Price at time of publish: $3,994
Dimensions: 121 x 79 x 34 inches | Material: Fabric, solid wood | Seat Configurations: 6
Best Eco-Friendly
Inside Weather Modular Bondi 3-Seater Sofa
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Inside Weather
FSC-certified wood frame
Recycled cushion fill
Extra-deep seats
Expensive
Takes weeks to ship
With 36-inch-deep seats and soft, yet supportive, cushions, the Bondi Sofa is welcoming, spacious, and oh-so-plush. Like the rest of the Bondi collection, this conveniently modular couch system can be rearranged to accommodate your needs. Each piece can be used as a standalone seat or ottoman, or you can attach them to create numerous configurations.
We also like that you can choose from several upholstery materials, including various fabrics and vegan leather, and multiple frame finishes. This generously sized sofa is sustainable, too. The solid, kiln-dried ash wood frame is sourced FSC-certified forests, ensuring they were responsibly grown and managed. And that's not all. The cloud-like cushion material is made of recycled down-alternative fibers sourced from plastic bottles. Note that this couch is made to order and will take weeks to ship out.
Price at time of publish: $7,648
Dimensions: 118.25 x 41 x 33 inches | Material: Fabric, solid wood | Seat Configurations: 10
Best Mid-Price Range
Honbay Reversible Sectional Sofa with Chaise
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Amazon
Many configurations
Solid wood frame
Hidden storage
Two-person assembly required
Extra-firm cushions
If you're in the market for an affordable couch but are wary about buying something too cheap, Honbay is an excellent choice. The brand's Reversible Sectional is a six-piece modular sofa that can be configured into a U-shaped couch, an L-shaped sectional with the chaise on either side, or an extra-long six-seater sofa. You can also use the pieces individually and create a sofa and loveseat combo or a sofa with two matching chairs.
This reasonably priced furniture system comes in your choice of gray, blue, or neutral blueish-gray fabric upholstery. Unlike many couches in this price range, it has a solid wood frame. What's more, each seat features hidden storage for stashing blankets, throw pillows, toys, magazines, you name it. The only potential downside is that it calls for two-person at-home assembly.
Price at time of publish: $1,400
Dimensions: 112.21 x 55.9 x 33.86 inches | Material: Polyester, solid wood | Seat Configurations: 5
Overall, we like the Burrow Nomad Sofa. Available in an array of upholstery options, this attractive, customizable couch boasts a durable birch wood frame and allows for plenty of customization, whether you’re adding extra modules or changing up the sofa’s shape. If you're looking for something more affordable (but not questionably cheap), go with the Honbay Reversible Sectional Sofa with Chaise. And if you need something that'll stand up to stains, kids, or pets, the Joybird Logan Modular U-Sofa Bumper Sectional is your best bet.
What to Consider When Buying a Modular Sofa
Size
"When buying a modular sofa, you need to make sure your space is large enough to handle the multiple pieces," says Morse. If your living room is on the larger side, consider a more spacious, deep-seated model, like the Inside Weather Modular Bondi 3-Seater Sofa. But if you're working with limited square footage, look for a more compact option, like the Burrow Range 3-Piece Open Sectional Lounger. As always, be sure to carefully measure (and remeasure) your space before buying anything.
Material
You'll also want to consider the material. For the frame, solid wood is ideal, though engineered wood can be just as sturdy if it's kiln-dried to prevent cracking and warping. As for the upholstery, you can choose from various fabrics, like velvet, twill, bouclé, chenille, canvas, linen, or performance polyester, which will repel stains and resist tearing.
"For wear and tear, I always like to recommend performance fabrics," says Morse. "Leather is also always a great option that looks good and lasts a lifetime." The Apt2B Wilco Leather Modular Sectional Sofa is a stellar choice for those who prefer genuine leather.
Customization Options
Many sofas are customizable, meaning you can choose from multiple sizes, a wide range of upholstery materials, and sometimes even different leg finishes. Beyond that, modular models like the Honbay Reversible Sectional Sofa are designed for several configurations, allowing you to change the shape and seating arrangement any time at home.
Assembly
Lastly, check whether the modular sofa you're buying calls for at-home assembly. Putting it together yourself might be a quick process without any tools needed—many are as easy as screwing on the legs. However, some models require two-person assembly, so make sure you have a buddy available to help. If you're not up for it, consider hiring someone to put it together, or spring for a couch that arrives pre-assembled, like the West Elm Remi Modular Sofa.
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Are modular couches worth it?
Modular couches are worth the investment for lots of folks, as they give you more flexibility in terms of your seating arrangement and allow you to change things up at any time. Due to the larger size and innovative, adjustable designs, they can be more expensive than standard sofas. We found many well-made options at reasonable price points.
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How do modular sofas stay together?
Modular sofas usually have hardware that connects the pieces together. The pieces might slide into place with metal brackets, or they might require a wrench or screwdriver each time you want to change the configuration. There are also models without hardware connectors, in which case, the pieces just push up against each other.
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What is the difference between a modular sofa and a sectional?
Modular sofas can be sectionals, but not all sectional sofas are modular. Modular means that a piece of furniture can be rearranged into different configurations, such as a U-shape or L-shape. It may also mean the couch can be expanded with other pieces from the collection or simply that the chaise is reversible. A non-modular sectional is a U- or L-shaped couch that can't be adjusted.
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What is the greatest advantage of modular furniture?
The greatest advantage of modular furniture is the flexibility to change your seating arrangement without having to buy new furniture. For instance, some modular sofas can be reconfigured into L- or U-shaped couches, while others allow you to reverse the orientation of the chaise lounge. This allows you to fit it in different rooms or change things up to suit your evolving needs.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance writer and product tester who specializes in home improvement and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed interior designer Andi Morse of Morse Design, who offered insight into sizing and upholstery selection for modular furniture. Next, she researched today's best modular sofas, narrowing it down to well-made, attractive models with comfortable seats that are easy to set up and adjust. Theresa has been covering furniture, textiles, home decor, and storage solutions at The Spruce since 2019.