A modular sofa is one of the most flexible pieces of furniture you can invest in, as it can be adapted to suit your space or the evolving needs of a home. Whether in terms of its shape or size.
Allowing for more customised seating, a modular (or sectional) sofa is made up of individual units (or modules) that can be configured according to your space and taste while maximising floor space. In short: a win-win.
Read more: What is a modular sofa?
Why buy a modular sofa?
Modular sofas are perfect if you’re the kind of person who likes to shake things up now and then to keep things fresh, or if you’re not in a permanent space because you’re renting, as they’re so easy to take apart and move.
Because versatility is key, they come in a variety of styles with the option of different components, from arm and back pieces to left and right-hand chaises – as well as ottomans – while they can be assembled in a number of configurations.
Whether a two-seater set-up that accommodates couples for settling down with a movie, or a U-shape for gathering friends and family in a social arrangement, the world really is your oyster.
Our favourite modular sofas
Luckily, Heal’s is home to a collection of the best modular sofas, the latest and greatest of which we’ve rounded-up below, from a supremely comfy modular sofa to modular sofas for small spaces and contemporary modular sofas. Be swept off your feet.
Best velvet modular sofa
Timeless yet on-trend, velvet adds a touch of glamour to your interiors while being irresistibly soft and tactile. Good news, then, that Astrid – which offers cloud-like comfort with super-soft seat cushions filled with duck down and feathers – can be upholstered in the opulent fabric in a range of rich jewel tones, including grape, petrol and teal, as well as luxe velvet, which looks like a cotton velvet but is woven in Italy using strain-resistant polyester, making it perfect for busy households (sumptuous hues such as cognac, dusky pink and azure mean there’s no compromise in style). Envelop yourself in luxury.
Best contemporary modular sofa
Created exclusively for Heal’s by Danish design studio Says Who, the Lili modular sofa offers a contemporary style for modern homes with a gently-rounded silhouette, soft curves and comfortable foam cushioning.
Small accents like the pull-in stitch detailing across the back rest and recessed natural beech feet add to its appeal while the six individual modules in the collection mean it can be tailored to suit both small and large spaces. We’re obsessed with the sweeping corner unit for a creating a seamless arrangement that will sit flush against the wall.
Best modular sofa for dividing large spaces
A modular sofa is a great way of carving up open-plan spaces – the experts call it ‘broken-plan’ living – by positioning your seating with its back away from a dining area, for example.
With a high, structured back, the Tailor is the best for dividing your room, featuring classic British tailoring, a serpentine sprung base and goose feather-filled seat and back cushions.
With left- and right-hand corner designs, there’s a configuration to suit your particular space. We suggest creating an L- or U-shape that wraps around your living area and separates it from the rest of the room.
Best comfy modular sofa
Flexibility doesn’t have to come at the expense of form as the Morven collection of modular sofas by Says Who demonstrates, comprising two and three-seaters in addition to 16 individual units.
Each piece features a sumptuous, pillow-like silhouette inspired by its namesake mountain while expert craftsmanship provides optimum support. Made from duck feathers, a deep seat comes with a high back and integrated side cushioning to soften the sofa’s frame and add to its comfort.
Whatever you choose, it’s the kind of comfy modular sofa you can relax in all day, every day.
Best modular sofa for small spaces
Togo, the immediately recognisable modular sofa by Ligne Roset, might not be the most obvious choice when it comes to modular sofas for small spaces, but the small settee is nice and compact, the fireside chair is neater than traditional armchairs and the clever corner seat makes the most of floor space, while all modules feature a low back that doesn’t take up visual room or interrupt lines of sight.
Of course, for those who do have the space, the complete corner sofa is a generous configuration that will accommodate your nearest and dearest more than comfortably. Characterised by signature pleats of crumbled fabric, the iconic collection of hand-sewn sofas – now celebrating half a century in production since they were first designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973 – are a design classic.
Design your own modular sofa
Looking for a tailor-made buildable sofas? Giving you creative licence, our complimentary modular sofa builder enables you to design the sofa of your dreams.
Simply select the units, drop onto the floorplan and assemble the sofa. Then, save the image, share the link or start from scratch. Sure to spark your creativity.
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Tips & advice
Comprising individual modules that can be configured to suit your taste and space, a modular sofa offers flexible seating for contemporary homes, while freeing up floor space and making the most of rooms.
Heal’s is home to a range of modular styles, from Lilli – designed by Danish studio Says Who and featuring soft curves with foam cushioning – to Morven, characterised by a sumptuous, pillow-like silhouette – and Tailor, combining traditional British tailoring with modern form. Here's everything you need to know before finding a style that’s right for your home.
Why is it called a ‘modular sofa’?
The clue’s in the name: a modular sofa is called such because of the modules it comprises. The individual pieces can be pulled apart or slotted together in various configurations to suit, from a compact two-seater to an L-shaped sofa and convenient ottoman. Think of modular sofas like Lego to make any size or shape you like – within reason, of course – without the need for tools.
Are modular sofas comfortable, though? In short, yes: comfort doesn’t come at the expense of versatility with plump cushioning and the option of a chaise that means you can really stretch out and relax, while offering a sleeping solution when guests stay.
The benefits of modular sofas
As well as looking stylish and being comfortable, whether entertaining friends or watching a movie, the practical benefits of modular sofas are endless.
Perfect for any size living room
Because the sofa can be customised, you can maximise every available inch of floor space, particularly important in smaller living rooms.
You can change the layout
Better still, as modular sofas are so easy to customise, without the need for additional kit, you can change them up whenever you like to keep things fresh. We suggest choosing a style in a neutral or timeless shade and going big on colour in accessories like cushions and throws that you can swap out when you fancy a change.
Easy to take apart when moving
Likewise, modular sofas are easy to take apart and pack away when moving house, while fitting easily through tight doors and narrow hallways – not to mention going up staircases. Sofas that come in parts are always going to make your life easier.
Adapts for lifestyle changes
When you’ve got a traditional sofa, you may find that you need to change it as your life evolves, whether it’s a fabric sofa that becomes a leather one when you have children for easily wiping away spillages, or a four-seater that becomes a two-seater when the kids fly the nest.
More cost-effective
Finally, modular sofas can be more cost-effective than traditional styles as you can start with a couple of modules to make up a two- or three-seater, then splash out on additional units, such as a corner module or ottoman, down the line.
Design your own modular sofa
Allowing you to play artistic director, our free modular sofa builder enables you to design the sofa of your dreams. Simply select the units, drop onto the floorplan and assemble the sofa. Then, save the image, share the link or start from scratch. Sure to spark your creativity.
Browse our collection of modular sofas
There’s a present for every personality at Heal’s this season, from little luxuries to grand gestures. Get inspired by our expert curation of the very best gifts and show them you really do know them. It’s time to tick everyone off your list.
For haute hosts
Forgo the usual bottle of wine in favour of something that lasts longer than the evening. Our Winter Spice pillar candle will fill their rooms with festive scent while the Heal’s + LF Markey mug will enable them to enjoy a hot cup of cocoa.
This Yatzy Game by Printworks is perfect for playing after dinner, too, and a quirky Christmas decoration is always warmly received. If you still want to take a drinkable gift, our mulling syrup is this season’s must-have, while making the warming tipple is something you can do together.
For stylish stockings
No matter how old you are, a Christmas stocking is always a joy, so fill yours with festive treats and hang with pride for the whole family. These lambswool socks by Catherine Tough are the last word in luxury; this skincare set from MALIN+GOETZ contains a trio of beauty essentials; and the Miaow for Now tea towel by ARTHOUSE Unlimited is a colourful but practical gift for cat-lovers everywhere.
And what stocking would be complete without a traditional giant chocolate coin featuring the much-loved Heal's Cat?
For him
What do you get the man who has everything? Here’s what: our Sintra mug for a stylish way to enjoy his morning coffee; the Wideboy clock from Newgate for a Mad Men-style addition to his home office; and a lambswool beanie hat for keeping him warm during the winter months.
Otherwise, these cheese knives by Georg Jensen are a cut above and the Tank decanter from Tom Dixon is a solid investment.
For her
Raise a toast to strong female leads with this set of Champagne saucers by ferm LIVING; put her firmly in the frame with the Vogue December 1968 print by Cecil Beaton by King & McGaw; and show her you know her with this quirky jug by Harlie Brown Studio.
When in doubt, give the gift of ‘you time’ with a care package featuring spa stars like pomegranate body lotion, a silk eye mask and lambswool ankle socks.
For cool kids
Santa could only dream of coming up with gifts as good as these for little ones. From a wooden Noah’s Ark play set by Little Dutch to the Eames elephant stool from Vitra and a cotton lion music mobile by OYOY, everything is made to endure. Not the kind of things that will be discarded the day after Christmas or left collecting dust at the back of a cupboard.
For four-legged friends
Our furry friends deserves the best, whether it’s a luxury dog toy, an ultra-chic collar, a stylish bowl, or all three. Have they been a very good boy or girl this year? Then spoil them rotten with something extra-special like this cosy dog blanket.
Mucky pup? This dog shampoo is made with natural ingredients including coconut oil and citrus fruit. Now all you need is an on-trend dog shower.
For power couples
Gift to the power of two with something both of them will enjoy. Think covetable crockery they’ll cherish forever; a luxurious throw for cosying up on the sofa together; and a design statement to take pride of place in their home. We love the Cobra salt and pepper shakers by none other than Georg Jensen.
For glam gourmands
‘Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry, so why not make your gift edible this year? But forget making anything yourself. Truffles from Charbonnel et Walker, biscuits by Cartwright & Butler and shortbread by ARTHOUSE Unlimited will go down a storm.
For tech heads
Gadget geek? There’s only gift to buy this year, and that’s the compact but powerful aGO II Bluetooth portable speaker by Kreafunk, proving that good things really do come in small packages. Expect 10 hours of play time from a single charge, water-resistance and a clever function that means you can connect two at once to enjoy music in stereo.
Get inspired by more gift ideas
Flexible, space-saving and social, left or right corner sofas are seriously worth considering when choosing new seating for your living room, while neither compromise form for functionality. In our expert guide, we show you how to choose left or right corner sofas according to your style and needs, and all just in time for hunkering down at home this winter. Now all that’s left to decide is your next box-set binge.
What is a corner sofa?
The clue’s in the name when it comes to defining what a corner sofa is – a style with a corner somewhere along its frame so that some of the seats are at right angles to each other.
Most are L-shaped, with one side of the corner longer than the other, although some have equal lengths. As one of the most flexible and customisable sofas you can buy, they come in a variety of configurations and sizes to suit every taste and space.
Why choose a corner sofa?
A corner sofa is one of the best styles to consider buying if you’re looking to save space, as they can usually accommodate a generous number of people without the need for additional seating, such as armchairs, other sofas or ottomans, while being L-shaped means they can be pushed neatly into a corner to open more floor space in the rest of the room.
Not only that, but corner sofas offer comfort in spaces, as an extensive number of seats enable those curling up on it to stretch out, put their feet up and kick back. They’re highly sociable, too, whether it’s a group of friends chatting over cocktails on a Saturday night or the whole family huddled together to watch a movie mid-week. Who doesn’t like huddling up in the corner of a cosy room?
Do I need a left or right hand corner sofa?
One of the trickiest things about choosing this highly adaptable style is working out if you need a left or right hand corner sofa. First thing’s first: assess the style of a corner sofa when it’s facing you, rather than sitting on it. From this position, ‘left hand’ and ‘right hand’ refer to the longest piece of the sofa. An ‘equal’ or ‘standard’ corner sofa, meanwhile, comprises two seating areas measuring the same length and connected at a right angle.
How do I choose a corner sofa to suit my space?
Thanks to their 90-degree angle, or L-shape, this style of sofa works particularly well in square rooms by slotting tidily into their corners. As a general rule of thumb, the longest piece of the sofa usually works best along the longest wall in a rectangular room, although it’s all down to personal preference – really, there is no wrong or right way.
When you’re choosing a corner sofa for a specific space, don’t forget to take into account features like radiators, doorways, windows and fireplaces, all of which can stop yours from sitting flush against the wall.
What about a modular sofa?
If you’re still worried about getting a left or right corner sofa wrong, opt for a modular corner sofa, which offers superior flexibility by enabling you to ‘build your own’ configuration.
Comprising individual ‘modules’, you can essentially create a corner sofa from separate pieces pushed together, making the longest piece on whatever side you want. It also means you can create different configurations whenever you please, which is perfect for accommodating different groups and occasions.
Whatever orientation of corner sofa you select, don’t forget to measure the size of the sofa and your space to ensure the latter can accommodate the former. You may also want to consider the other pieces of furniture you have in your room, and measure those accordingly, from the coffee table that will sit in front of it to the side table that needs to fit alongside it.
What sort of style do you want?
From contemporary to classic, Heal’s is home the best left or right hand corner sofas, whether upholstered in durable leather or stylish fabric. Another element to consider is whether a corner sofa has a chaise end – an extension to the seat with no back at one end – designed for putting your feet up or displaying coffee table books on an oversized tray when not in use. The integration of an ottoman is also available as a left- or right-facing option, too.
For more help with choosing a sofa, read our handy sofa buying guide here.
Browse and buy a corner sofa to suit your taste and space
Moving into a new home is a milestone that deserves to be celebrated, especially as it’s considered as one of the most extreme things anyone can do in their lifetime, from the paperwork to the finances and the practicalities.
Luckily, Christmas provides the perfect chance to make recently-moved friends and family feel right at home with a well-chosen housewarming Christmas present. Whether it’s a close friend, neighbour or cherished family member, a little something can make a big difference to how someone feels in their new space, so we’ve rounded up the best new home Christmas gift ideas to help you get it right and put a smile on their face.
Practical Christmas gift ideas
Presents that are practical as well as personal are the sweet spot when it comes to new home Christmas gifts. Not only can the recipient actually use them, but they’ll think of you every time they do, from top-notch tableware to beautiful bath linen and A-list accessories. Here are just a handful of pressies we think are practically perfect.
Tableware gifts
Throwing open the door to welcome friends and family is one of the most rewarding aspects of settling into a new home – and signals that most of the boxes have been packed away and you’re more or less sorted.
So why not take stylish tableware as well as a bottle of wine if you’ve been invited over? A dinner set is always a safe bet and our Nordic Sea collection comes with 12 hand-glazed pieces in a striking grey-blue colourway that is sure to set the scene for many a soirée in a new home. Covetable cutlery always goes down a storm, too, such as the stainless-steel Santol set by Charingworth featuring no less than 42 gleaming pieces.
Otherwise, dazzle with a pair of Champagne saucers from The Vintage List –hand-blown and hand-engraved – for clinking and drinking with; get then talking with a centrepiece in the abstract form of the Thyra vase by Broste Copenhagen; or sprinkle a little magic with the Cobra salt and pepper shakers from Georg Jensen. All practical Christmas gifts that equally pretty.
Bath linen gifts
For moments when new homeowners aren’t packing away the last of the boxes or showing friends and family around, the bathroom provides a welcome sanctuary to rest and recharge.
So why not invest in some luxurious bath linen that envelops loved ones in five-star style? The check collection from Hay is as cosy as it is chic, whether the hand towel, wash cloth or bath mat, and adds instant style to even the most unfurnished of spaces; while our waffle range is crafted from ring-spun Turkish cotton for a pleasingly textured finish. New home Christmas gift ideas don’t come more chilled out.
Home bar gifts
Whether mixing and muddling cocktails on a Friday night, or simply pouring a glass of well-deserved wine mid-week, home bars help you to switch off from the strains of everyday life – and have spiked in popularity since the pandemic.
You don’t even need a dedicated bar, either: it can be a zoned area on the worktop in the kitchen or a built-in cabinet in the living room that conceals a secret ‘speakeasy’. From the simple but beautiful Anna G corkscrew by Alessi to the Aurelia Carafe from LSA International and the Indulgence Champagne cooler by Georg Jensen, we’re home to a range of practical Christmas gifts that will help new homeowners create their very own watering hole, whatever their taste or space.
Cosy Christmas gift ideas
From the packing to the moving and the unpacking – not to mention the sorting and styling – it’s hardly surprising that new homeowners can feel exhausted once the dust has settled. So why not spoil them with cosy Christmas gifts that help them feel truly at home?
Sleep gifts
Show them you know them with the gift of sleep. Cosy up their bedroom so it’s conducive to quality slumber with the likes of the lambswool Hottie set from Catherine Tough, our wild fig-scented glass candle and the Mulberry silk eye mask by Gingerlily, sure to soothe them into a deep sleep. Positively dreamy.
Wellness gifts
Amid the chaos, it’s important for new homeowners to carve out time for themselves, and our wellness gifts will encourage them to do just that. Lotions and potions add a touch of luxury to proceedings, from the vitamin E face moisturiser by MALIN+GOETZ to the polyphenol hand pomade from Pelegrims, while the Mulberry silk pillowcase will give them five-star hygge from the comfort of home.
Candle gifts
Whether for the beside or bath, scented candles are always a stellar choice when it comes to Christmas gifts for new homeowners, particularly when they feature seasonal fragrances.
Make like the three kings and bestow precious frankincense in the form of this short pillar candle, infused with the evocative scent of pinewood, or our winter spice brick candle, blending clove, orange and cinnamon in an unusual format.
For something a bit different, a set of six Twisted candles from Hay are sure-fire conversation starters, while the Underground candle by self-taught British designer Tom Dixon will never disappoint. Cosy Christmas gifts that are certain to help new homeowners get a glow-up.
Designer Christmas gift ideas
Designer Christmas gifts make for real investment pieces and are received all the more gratefully by new homeowners when you’ve really nailed their taste. Whether it’s a cult designer they’re a fan of, or simply an objet d’art they’ve been coveting, design aficionados deserve the best.
Designer vase gifts
A vase isn’t just a vessel for seasonal flowers or foliage at Christmas, but another way for homeowners to express their personalities, whether oversized and maximalist or delicate and understated.
The likes of the Massimo Bobble vase, the Ada vase and the Hourglass plant pot look as beautiful by themselves as they do brimming with stems or blooms. Why not take them full of flowers rather than wrapped?
Designer drinkware gifts
There are so many things to buy when you first move into a new home that sometimes the most practical items – such as glasses – get completely forgotten about. Give them the gift of gorgeous with stylish glassware such as the Terrazzo tumbler by Late Afternoon, Tint wine glasses from Hay or the Tank whiskey glasses by Tom Dixon. The perfect excuse to use them as soon as they’re unwrapped.
Designer wall art gifts
Walls can be one of the last things to decorate but artwork can be one of the most transformative ways to make a house feel like a home. You’ll need to have a handle on the homeowner’s taste, but consider modern pieces such as the Monstera print from Paper Collective, typographic treatments as in All Is Pretty by Andy Warhol via King & McGaw or surrealist prints such as the Magic Pods by Print Sisters.
Eco-friendly Christmas gift ideas
The most sustainable gift you can buy for a new homeowner is something you know they’ll love and won’t sit collecting dust at the back of a cupboard. But you can also prioritise eco-friendly Christmas gifts that bring together stylish design with sustainable materials and sound craftsmanship.
Cruelty-free beauty gifts
From the 100% vegan Fragrance Discovery kit by MALIN+GOETZ to the all-natural Bloomsbury gift box from Soapsmith and the paraben-free Dinosaurs design organic soap by ARTHOUSE Unlimited, good choices also make for thoughtful gifting with a clean conscience.
Gifts made from recycled materials
Eco-friendly Christmas gifts don’t come much more elegant than the Beach Clean placemats by Liga – crafted from sustainable cork and recycled EVA plastics – our Romilly rug, woven from yarn made from recycled bottles, or the Bit stool from Normann Copenhagen, comprising small bits of 100% recycled household and industrial plastic.
Get inspired by more gorgeous Christmas gifts for stylish new homeowners.
Now, more than ever, a bedroom needs to be conducive to rest, relaxation and plenty of quality sleep. But chaos and clutter can thwart even the best-laid plans, from piles of paperwork to stacks of clothes and towers of shoes.
Luckily, a good clear-out and clever storage can turn chaos into calm and help you carve out a sanctuary that helps you switch-off. Here’s how.
Decluttering a bedroom
First thing’s first: a declutter to help you make the most of your space. In particular, small bedroom storage can only accommodate so much, so you can need to clean the decks before you start. Take stock of everything you have and ask yourself what you actually need or want.
Start with your clothes and divide them into two piles: items you want to keep and those you want to donate (the general rule of thumb is the latter if you haven’t worn something for a year). Do the same with everything else – shoes, toiletries, makeup – until you’re only left with the things you want to keep and store.
Next, sub-categorise each category to help you store items in a way that’s intuitive for retrieving, grouping like-for-like (winter jumpers, for example, versus summer dresses). Think of this sorting as key to efficient storage – much like preparation is to painting.
Bedroom storage ideas
Now for the fun bit: sorting your storage. There are plenty of bedroom storage ideas, but we’d suggest starting with the basics.
Underbed storage
Underbed storage is one of the most obvious, albeit clever, ways of maximising redundant space. Boxes and baskets are perfect for stashing things out of the way (and out of sight) beneath the bed.
But if you’re in the market for a new bed, why not invest in a divan style that features built-in storage for smart two-in-one furniture? Function doesn’t have to mean compromising on form, either, with designs that are as beautiful as they are practical.
Our lift storage divan bed features concealed storage that’s accessible via an easy-to-lift base, while the deep divan bed comprises optional storage drawers. Both avoid taking up valuable floor space by incorporating storage into their designs and can be teamed with a range of upholstered headboards for added style. Underbed storage is perfect for items you don’t need often: bedding and pillows or seasonal clothes, for example.
Chest of drawers
Next, you’ll need a quality chest of drawers for storing things you use regularly, such as everyday clothes. Consider popular styles like Amira, Brunel and Lars containing individual drawers to separate sub-categorised clothing – consider putting your most-used items at the top and your least-used at the bottom for ease of access – with a finish to suit every taste and space.
If you don’t have built-in cabinetry, a new wardrobe can house hanging clothes for viewing your collection at-a-glance, whether models such as Artie, Morten or Shiro. Bedroom cupboard storage doesn’t have to come in the form of traditional pieces, either. Hanging rails are a good solution for small or awkward spaces.
Bedroom tables as storage
With your clothes sorted, it’s time to think about storage for your bedroom items, from sleep masks to books and reading glasses. Having a dedicated space for such essentials can help make your bedroom feel even more organised while providing a welcome accent either side of the bed.
Made from a range of quality materials, from wood to metal and plastic, there’s something for everyone in our collection of bedside tables. Those with drawers, like Artie or Verona, are best for concealing items when you don’t need them. Generally, keep the surface free of clutter with no more than three carefully-curated items at any one time, such as a lamp, objet d’art and candle.
A collector of jewellery or makeup fanatic? You may want to invest in a dressing table – making quite the comeback in modern spins on the classic concept – in sleek designs like Teramo by Ercol and Pala by Case. Display what you want and conceal what you don’t.
Utilise shelving
But it’s not just about furniture. Shelving can be your best friend when it comes to storage. Units such as Agnes and Ballatta make for brilliant bedroom wall storage that maximise the height of your room; while the modular Lars units can be hung on the wall or stacked on the floor according to the needs of your storage or space.
Browse and buy more bedroom storage to optimise your space.
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