10 Best Modular Sofas of 2023, According to Testing

May 22, 2023

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We surveyed over 5,800 sofa sitters to find the most flexible options.

A sofa is a big decision. Although you might think your couch will be with you from place to place, it might not always be the best fit. But with a modular sofa, the piece of furniture will literally grow (or shrink) with you from place to place, allowing for a more customized seating arrangement. They're also great for those not in a permanent space because you can easily take them apart when you move. With a variety of options — from budget-friendly couches and loveseats to top-rated sectionals — you’ll want an option that will last you for years, especially if you plan on expanding the sofa later on.

The fiber scientists and engineers in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab evaluate sofas to find the best couches of a wide variety of lengths, shapes and features (including sleeper sofas) to fit every space — many of which are modular options. Aside from researching different sofa brands, materials and special features, we've surveyed thousands of sofa owners to get an in-depth feedback on the longevity of the couches in their home, how seamless the delivery was and if the comfort holds up (or was ever there in the first place!).

Most recently, we surveyed more than 5,800 people and required looking at more than 156,000 data points before choosing the best modular sofa on the market. Our editors also added selects based on independent research on top-rated sofas. For more information on modular sofas, you can dig into the nitty gritty of materials and features that you should consider, how we evaluated models and why you should trust the Good Housekeeping experts for all your sitting needs.

Dubbed the Sactional (a combo of the brand’s name and sectional), you can truly create a sofa that accommodates your space — L-shaped or not. Lovsac’s unique configuration options range from two seats and four sides to the massive 10 seats and 12 sides that feels more like a giant cozy den than a couch for ultimate comfort.

Each seat and side is a separate piece, meaning you can get innovative beyond the preselected options and add more pieces later if you so desire. Everything is completely customizable from the arm style, fill material and cover color and material. Dealing with dirt and stains is easy too as the covers are removable and machine washable.

Our reviewers also appreciated this flexibility of changing the layout. Not only have they been able to change the layout to mix things up, but they’ve also been able to “break up” the pieces to use in different rooms as needed. Some noted it was a bit challenging to put together at first, but overall it’s one of the most functional options on the market.

Dimensions: Customizable | Seat depth: 29 inches | Configurations: 19 | Seat fill: 3 options: Standard (foam with polyester), Lovesoft (plush synthetic fiber over foam) and Down Blend (down, feathers and polyester over foam) | Upholstery fabric: More than 200 options, including velvet, chenille, weave, cross weave, poly-linen and leather | Delivery: Free shipping in boxes for DIY setup

This Amazon-brand sectional is affordable and comes with free shipping and fast delivery for those with a Prime membership. It has a minimal look to match most rooms and comes in five colors, and it is modular in the sense that you can swap the chaise on either the left or right side. The darker tones that it is available in also mean that minor stains aren’t the end of the world.

Despite being so inexpensive, the couch has more than 1,500 5-star reviews with owners claiming it’s quite comfortable. It’s not too spacious for a sectional, but it’s a good bet for an apartment or starter home. It comes in boxes and the legs pack inside the sofa, making it easy to move in to assemble or move out later on.

With a similar style to the RH Cloud Sofa, the Harmony collection from West Elm earns points for supreme comfort at a fraction of the cost. Similarly, it has extra deep seats that are made to sink into and the included cushions are just as comfy. Aside from the classic two seat sofa, there are seemingly endless sectional options as a modular sofa. You can sift through a two-seaters, chaises, corner pieces and more to create a truly custom model to fit your home.

You also pick your upholstery, with dozens of colors and fabrics to choose from to match your interior. Attaching your chosen design is easy too as components click together with metal clips on the sides. Although some reviewers noted it doesn’t hold up perfectly over time, most agreed it was quite durable. Plus, you can’t beat the comfort.

Dimensions: Customizable | Seat depth: 20, 26 or 32 inches | Configurations: 20+ | Seat fill: Foam wrapped in poly fibers | Upholstery fabric: Dozens of options, including velvet, linen, chenille, bouclé, basket weave, canvas and twill | Delivery: Full-service setup (cost varies based on location and order value)

Known for their affordable options, IKEA’s KIVIK is a great option if you want to start small and grow your couch over time. You can start with a two seat or sectional, and add on a chaise or even a sleeper seat that pulls out to a twin sized bed. You also have five bold color options to choose from. The medium firm foam is a little hard at first but sinks in over time, according to reviewers.

The deep seats make it ideal for lounging, and the wide armrests allow you to rest things like a cellphone or a tray for some additional multipurpose usage. Like most Ikea furniture, it can be a bit of a puzzle to build, but overall reviewers are impressed by the look, quality and number of options.

Dimensions: Customizable | Seat depth: 24 inches | Configurations: 8 | Seat fill: High resilience foam | Upholstery fabric: Kelinge fabric in soft polyester | Delivery: Store pickup (free), doorstep delivery ($49) or in-home delivery ($79) for DIY setup; IKEA will also coordinate a quote from TaskRabbit if you prefer to pay for assembly

The Kova collection from Albany Park gives you plenty of configurations from the small two-seat sofa to the grand six-piece U-shape. The box brand makes it easy to move into an apartment or home and it doesn't require any tools for assembly. The shipping is also fast and free, so you won’t end up waiting for an additional piece to arrive — if you so happen to choose to build out your sofa later on. Reviewers also agree that the velvety material has a super soft feel, though because the back cushions are reversible, they do tend to move around a bit compared to attached ones.

Although it’s not customizable aside from several color choices, you can always add in another block for an additional configuration later. You’ll also get a 30-day in-home trial and unlimited warranty, if you're unsure the shape is best for you.

The RH “Cloud Sofa” took over social media for a reason and started a revolution for sink-in, pillowy couches that are ideal for lounging. Fair warning: It’s pricey — but completely worth it, according to our reviewers. It’s modular as well with each piece running you over $1,000, so you can always start out small and add on later. The brand claims it to be "the world's most comfortable sofa," with it designed to be deep, spacious and feel like a cloud.

Aside from customizing the pieces you get to choose everything from the frame style to the configuration to the upholstery. The frame is a handcrafted, kiln-dried hardwood and the couch itself uses a proprietary spring suspension that claims to give you just enough support. Because it’s so popular, you’ll find many of the in-stock fabrics options available for you to have at your door in a few days but more custom options have a much longer wait time.

Dimensions: Customizable | Seat depth: 20, 26 or 32 inches | Configurations: 7 | Seat fill: Foam wrapped in poly fibers | Upholstery fabric: Dozens of options, including velvet, linen, chenille, bouclé, basket weave, canvas and twill | Delivery: Full-service setup (cost varies based on location and order value)

With more than 80 fabric options, depending on the configuration you choose, the Joybird Holt allows you to truly choose a sofa that will match your personality and style. You’ll find nearly every fabric option under the sun, including microfiber, velvet and chenille in shades of neutrals, blues, rose, teals and yellows. It has 10 modular options to choose from, including one with additional storage built underneath the sectional cushion. The plush cushions are ideal for cozy movie nights as well.

Note that the customization will take longer to ship, but the most popular fabric options are also in-stock for faster shipping. It also has a 90-day return period, which is longer than most furniture companies, though you're responsible for shipping the return on your own. Our reviewers were mixed with how plush and durable the couch is, but they all agree it’s quite comfortable. They also noted how wonderful the customer service is from the online-only company.

Dimensions: Customizable | Seat depth: 28 inches | Configurations: 10 | Seat fill: High-density polyurethane foam | Upholstery fabric: Dozens including microfiber, velvet and chenille | Delivery: Curbside delivery for $49 or full-service set up (cost varies by location)

The blocky relaxed style of the Tatum collection by Interior Define makes it ideal for configuring long after you purchased your original sofa. The brand claims there are "infinite" configurations and you have more than 125 fabrics to choose from — so the options really do seem endless. You can also customize other options, including leg color, chaise length, cushion fill and even an added storage within ottomans. Some reviewers warn that some of the fabrics don’t hold up as well as others, so it might be worth opting for the more durable options.

There are plush cushions are meant to be sunk into regardless of the pieces chosen. It also balances a sleek design with a soft feel that you’ll want to curl into. Note that because these pieces are so custom, you may need to wait months to get the exact sofa of your dreams.

Dimensions: Customizable | Seat depth: 24 inches | Configurations: 13 | Seat fill: Down blend or down alternative | Upholstery fabric: Multiple options, including velvet, chenille, woven, leather and tweed | Delivery: 12 to 14 weeks for customizable options with a flat rate of $99-$249

If you want a configurable sofa that also offers some extra relaxation, this La-Z-Boy is a popular option. You can customize the sectional by changing the shape and number of seats within the configuration that have a built-in recliner seat on one end that can open with a manual latch or power release. Designing it online can be a little tricky, but you can make it super long, which is ideal for an entertainment room with a casual look and feel. Even the arms are cushioned so you can rest your head while you watch!

There are also plenty of color and print options for the upholstery that you can match with your current design. Our reviewers love these casual recliners, particularly the comfort and look of it. The brand is also known for great customer service and you can even try it IRL at one of the many locations throughout the U.S.

D2C brand Burrow is all about convenience and especially great for those apartment hopping. While all of the brand’s sofa offerings are modular, the Nomad is one of its most popular among reviewers. People love that it’s easy to set up and has a smaller footprint (though that may make it look too small in larger spaces). You have plenty of customizations to choose from, including five fabric colors, six leg colors, three arm styles, two cushion styles and the option to add a chaise or an ottoman. You can place the chaise in the left, right or middle seat, in case you need to mix anything up.

It should ship within one to three weeks, and there's a 30-day return period. Each piece comes in a separate box, which makes it easy to get through tight hallways or small door frames to fit through. You can also break it down quickly when you plan to move again. There are neat features like a built-in USB port and optional “sleep kit,” and while the minimalist aesthetic is pleasing, some note it's still not the most comfortable couch they’ve owned.

Modular sofas vary in configurations and styles, but here are the best things to keep in mind while shopping.

✔️ Configurations: Measure out your space and determine the number of seating before you start shopping for a modular sofa. While most modular options will come in boxes, it’s important to measure your door frame so there are no surprises on delivery day. You can always expand your modular couch later on, but think about what pieces you want. Most options include seats, removable sides, corner pieces, chaises and ottomans as well as hidden storage and even sleeper sofas.

✔️ Frame: It can be tricky to find specifics, depending on the site, but most sofa frames are made out of wood, which is considered durable. Even more quality (but expensive) is kiln-dried hardwood, as the wood goes through a finishing process to help make it stronger and prevent warping. Cheaper couches will use particleboard, which is a wood blend that is not as durable.

✔️ Material: With customizable pieces it’s especially important to consider the material when you're overwhelmed with pretty options. Some upholstery is easier to clean or better suited for pets, which can affect the softness and longevity of the piece. If you do have messy pets or younger kids, opt for stain-resistant and durable options like polyester. While pricey, leather is the most durable over time and has a luxurious look, but it's harder to clean and may get scratches. In the middle of fussiness are natural fibers like cotton and linen, which have a beautiful appearance but maybe less durable for everyday use. Luckily, most brands will send you a free sample swatch, so you can determine which material is best for you and if the color is right.

✔️ Cost: A sofa is a major investment and modular sofas are typically priced by the number of pieces you choose. Generally, a modular will cost between $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the number of pieces, materials, delivery cost and brand power. The least expensive option we found around $500, but it offered the least amount of customization. Note that more custom options sofas are generally not eligible for returns and can take longer to ship.

✔️ Fills: Seat cushions are typically filled with a firm foam that's wrapped in a softer layer. If you want something more plush and cloud-like, a down or down blend cushion fill is best. Polyester, which is more affordable, may be a little stiffer as theDown or down blends, which are typically plusher. Also, double check that the foam is free of flame retardants that can be endocrine disruptors, which are chemicals that have been linked to negative effects on hormones, according to the NIH, particularly in children and pregnant people. Most sofas will have a clear label explaining whether or not a flame retardant was added.

A modular couch is made up of individual that pieces rearranged in multiple configurations, which can also include a sectional. Traditional sectional sofas come in connected pre-determined sections and may only come in two pieces that can not be reconfigured. Aside from being able to be shaped as loveseats, pods and U-shaped sectionals, modular sofas have a greater flexibility, allowing owners to mix up the configurations later on if they wish.

While a modular sofa is a fantastic choice for someone who lives in apartments or wants something with more flexibility, there are a few things that make them unideal to some:

If you have a large family (or a growing one!), a modular sofa can be completely worth it. With the ability to shape a couch to a large living room for entertaining, these flexible furniture pieces can be added to over time for the ultimate lounging spot. You can choose more unique designs such as U-shaped or pod-like configurations that can make use of corner spaces and maximize every inch of your living room. Additionally, modular sofa are a great option for apartment dwellers because they come in pieces that can be taken apart to fit tight hallways or doorframes.

This roundup was written by Courtney Campbell, who has written product reviews on a variety of topics over the course of her career, testing everything from reusable straws to standing desks. For this piece, she consulted experts in the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute who researched popular options from more than 50 stores and brands, then surveyed more than 5,800 people on our tester panel to get in-depth information on their experience and analyzed more than 156,000 data points.

Courtney (she/hers) has spent the past 5 years testing everything from reusable straws to standing desks to homemade kombucha kits. A longtime reviewer, deals hunter, and lifestyle writer, she currently heads up the American Kennel Club's product review site Retrievest and previously worked as the Shopping Editor for USA Today’s Reviewed. Additionally, she has covered design and lifestyle trends for Apartment Therapy, Domino, SELF, and more. A graduate of Elon University, she loves telling everyone about what race she’s planning on running next while raving about her favorite running headphones (they’re bone conducting!).

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the piece of furniture will literally grow (or shrink) with you from place to place, allowing for a more customized seating arrangementwe've surveyed thousands of sofa owners to get an in-depth feedback Our top picks:meaning you can get innovative beyond the preselected options and add more pieces later Dimensions Seat depthConfigurations:Seat fillUpholstery fabric:Deliveryyou can swap the chaise on either the left or right sideDimensions Seat depthConfigurations:Seat fillUpholstery fabric:Deliveryit has extra deep seats that are made to sink into and the included cushions are just as comfy.Dimensions Seat depthConfigurations:Seat fillUpholstery fabric: Deliverystart with a two seat or sectional, and add on a chaise or even a sleeper seat that pulls out to a twin sized bedDimensions Seat depthConfigurations:Seat fillUpholstery fabric: Deliveryeasy to move into an apartment or home and it doesn't require any tools for assemblyDimensions Seat depthConfigurations:Seat fillUpholstery fabric: Deliveryyou get to choose everything from the frame style to the configuration to the upholsteryDimensions Seat depthConfigurations:Seat fillUpholstery fabric: Deliveryevery fabric option under the sun, including microfiber, velvet and chenilleDimensions Seat depthConfigurations:Seat fillUpholstery fabric: Deliverythere are "infinite" configurations and you have more than 125 fabrics to choose fromDimensions Seat depthConfigurations:Seat fillUpholstery fabric: Deliverybuilt-in recliner seat on one end that can open with a manual latch or power releaseDimensions Seat depthConfigurations:Seat fillUpholstery fabric: Deliveryall of the brand’s sofa offerings are modular, the Nomad is one of its most popular Dimensions Seat depthConfigurations:Seat fillUpholstery fabric: DeliveryConfigurationsFrameMaterialCostFillsmodular couch is made up of individual that pieces rearranged in multiple configurationsModules can separate. They can be expensive. There are long lead times. It can be overwhelming: a modular sofa can be completely worth it.

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