Modular Couches vs. Sectional Sofas: What’s the Difference?

For many homes, sectional and modular sofas are becoming the go-to choice for furniture that compliments intelligent and contemporary design. While they have several similar features, with the terms often being used interchangeably, modern sectional and modular sofas have certain design choices that set them apart.

Here we will look to define what modular couches and sectional sofas are, highlight the differences, and explore the relevant benefits when it comes to deciding which is the perfect sofa couch for your living room. 

What is a Modular Sofa?

A modular sofa is, in essence, a sofa that can be made up of different components or modular pieces. Each component can be arranged in endless configurations, and depending on the size of your space, you can always add additional pieces to fill the space perfectly.

For example, a small space might suit a chaise sofa. These are typically upholstered sofas in the shape of a chair but with an extended space to put one's legs up and with the backrest usually assembled at just one end. This makes them the ideal choice for comfort in a smaller space.

For a large space, chaise sofas can complement modular seating sections by creating an extended side or a literal u-shaped sofa.

This truly sets modular sectional sofas apart from a more traditional sofa. Not only are they super comfy, but they offer an unlimited choice of arrangements for your needs, with throw pillows and back cushions providing additional design choices depending on how extravagant and bespoke your tastes are.

How Do They Differ From Sectional Sofas?

Modular couches and sectional sofas are largely interchangeable. Sectional and modular both refer to the design concept of assembling a series of custom parts, as opposed to the more rigid regular sofa, to create the perfect seating space for your living room that is both elegant and eco-friendly.

However, sectional sofas are generally seen as the less versatile option and are usually most suited to a larger living space. Typically, a sectional sofa comprises an extended seating arrangement designed to sit two or three or a love seat combined with a chaise. As a result, the level of customization is often more limited when compared to modular sofas.

When it comes to a modular design sofa, each aspect of the whole sofa arrangement is intended to be fully versatile, with a wider variety of entirely separate pieces to choose from. They are more applicable to awkward spaces than sectional sofas as the size of the sectional pieces can be modified as well.

There is also less scope for change when it comes to sectional sofas. They are often the centerpiece for most living rooms, with the main sofa or love seat a fixed feature of the space.

Should you wish to change the aesthetic or arrangement of your living space further down the line, a modular sofa is an ideal choice as it can easily be disassembled and reassembled, with additional pieces and features such as back cushions and throw pillows being added as desired.

The Benefits of Modular Sofas

With the wide variety of living spaces now available to the modern homeowner, the versatility and customization options of a modular sofa are a clear appeal for many, with this advantage over more traditional sofas now well-established.

However, these are not the only benefits a modular sofa can provide. A number of others should be taken into account when deciding on the best seating option for your living room.

Multi-Purpose

With such a wide variety of modular design options on offer, both a sectional and modular sofa can serve several different purposes depending on the needs of your living space. For smaller spaces, a single sofa section and a chaise sofa will provide all the seating capacity you will likely need without cluttering the space.

For awkward spaces, the shape of the seating area can be manipulated, with both l- and u-shaped sectional arrangements possible. If you live in high-rise flats or have tight hallways, the ease with which modular sofas can be disassembled and transported is an obvious boon.

For larger spaces, you can always add additional connected pieces to the arrangement to give modular sofas the obvious advantage over a regular couch. If there is a change in living circumstances, the modular couch can be adapted so that your living space can still cater to the whole family.

Conversely, if you require more space for other purposes, modular furniture pieces can be removed where necessary.

Comfort

All sofas are intended to be comfortable. But once again, the versatility and variety of options can give modular and sectional sofas the edge. Each component will come in a variety of fabric options to suit your tastes and aesthetic aims.

You can alter seat depth depending on whether you want a cozy area to snuggle with your children or loved ones during family movie nights or a more formal, professional atmosphere. Alter the length of your chaise long, depending on your height, to make the space for lazy afternoon naps.

And for many people, it is never possible to have too many throw pillows and back cushions!

Easily Replaceable

It is possible to choose from several spill-proof fabrics for your new sofa. However, some spills are worse than others. Sometimes, no matter the care you take, it is not possible to prevent damage to your sofa.

Unlike a more traditional sofa, where damage can often result in the entire sofa being discarded, it is easy to replace damaged sections of the sofa with sectional and modular furniture. Again, this can lead to additional choices, as the replacement sofa sections do not need to be an exact copy of what came before.

Out of the inconvenience of damage can come the opportunity to update your design with a more robust fabric or simply an alternative aesthetic choice.

Conclusion

With today's living spaces often serving multiple purposes, your sofa must be equipped accordingly. Modular and sectional sofas are ideal for providing your living room with versatility and comfort.

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