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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.
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
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
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.
Summer is here, and with long, hot days and even longer, hotter nights, it can be particularly difficult to sleep over the coming months. Certainly, you can swap your sheets, pillows and duvet for lightweight, breathable ones and allow cool air to circulate via a ceiling fan or an open window, but it can still prove uncomfortable and disruptive to even the most sound of sleepers.
The good news is that Heal’s offers arguably the best mattress for hot sleepers – plus a collection of other styles conducive to quality shut-eye – thanks to expert construction and specialist materials known for their cooling properties.
Reasons to have a cooler mattress
1: Whatever the season, your body's temperature changes at different stages of your sleep cycle, with increases interrupting the cycle and decreases sustaining it. Therefore, the aim is to keep your body temperature low throughout the duration of the night.
2: Some people are generally hotter – women are 50% more unlikely to control their temperature while sleeping than men, for example – while the likes of injury, pregnancy, menopause and illness can all have an impact on snoozing. So, a cool, breathable mattress is a solid investment, summer or otherwise, to avoid trapping heat and moisture that contribute to unwanted temperature changes.
Types of mattresses that are good for hot sleepers
With over two centuries of mattress craftsmanship, Heal's has been perfecting sleep comfort since 1810. Founder John Harris Heal introduced French-style mattresses to London, and we now offer a diverse collection of mattresses to suit every type of sleeper, from Orthopaedic and Premium to Organic and Natural. Among these are some of the best mattresses for hot sleepers available.
Natural hybrid mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine various materials like coils, memory foam and latex. Look for hybrids with cooling features, such as gel-infused memory foam or coils with airflow channels. These provide a balance of comfort and breathability.
Our Natural Hybrid Mattress stands out as the pinnacle of better sleep, expertly combining our signature pocket springs with sustainable natural latex. Unlike foam or memory foam, the latex in this mattress promotes superior air-circulation and breathability, ensuring a cooler sleep experience.
Enjoy hypo-allergenic, anti-bacterial and anti-dust mite properties, all wrapped up in one unparalleled mattress. The deep layer of moisture-wicking cotton with temperature-regulating properties means you can sleep cool and comfortable even on warm nights. Investing in this mattress is a solid return for your sleep quality and overall well-being.
Wool-infused mattresses
Experience the embrace of luxury and temperature regulation with our wool-infused mattresses. The firm Premium Sleep Silk mattress, hand-filled, -tufted and -stitched, offers a sumptuous blend of merino, lambswool and cashmere, providing excellent breathability and unparalleled comfort.
For those seeking support and entry-level cooling, the Classic Pocket 1400 mattress, elegantly tailored in a luxurious fabric, incorporates cooling cotton and lambswool. These mattresses not only promote effective airflow and reduce moisture build-up, making them the perfect mattresses for hot sleepers, but provide excellent body support and relief from aches and pains – a combination that ensures a well-rested and revitalised you.
Innerspring and Vispring mattresses
Traditional innerspring mattresses offer good airflow due to the open space between the coils. This design promotes ventilation and keeps the mattress from trapping heat. Case in point is Vispring, the esteemed sleep specialist, which combines the pocket-springs of its mattresses with the finest materials that nature has to offer for superior comfort. It’s the assurance of a good night’s sleep long after you’ve made your choice.
Cotton mattresses
Organic cotton mattresses are an excellent choice for hot sleepers due to their natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties. These mattresses are made with cotton fibres, which allow for excellent airflow and heat dissipation, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
The soft and airy texture of cotton helps prevent heat from getting trapped, creating a more refreshing sleep surface. Additionally, cotton is hypoallergenic and tends to be more eco-friendly than synthetic materials, making it an appealing option for those with sensitive skin or environmental concerns.
Look for mattresses that use high-quality organic cotton or blends with other natural materials to maximise the benefits. Cotton mattresses offer a cool and comfortable sleep environment and a cosy and supportive feel for a restful night's sleep.
Nickel-infused mattresses
For hot sleepers looking for innovative cooling solutions, nickel-infused mattresses like the Organic Sleep 3000 Mattress are worth considering. These mattresses incorporate nickel into the foam layers, which helps regulate temperature and prevent heat retention. Nickel is an excellent conductor of heat, and when infused into the mattress, it facilitates the efficient transfer of heat away from the body.
As a result, these mattresses can keep you cool even in warmer climates or during hot summer nights. In addition to their cooling properties, nickel-infused mattresses offer other benefits, such as pressure-relief and support. They can be particularly beneficial for people with chronic pain issues, as the cooling effect can help alleviate discomfort.
What to look for when choosing a mattress for hot sleepers
1. Breathability
Opt for mattresses with materials that allow for good airflow, preventing heat from getting trapped.
2. Cooling features
Look for mattresses with cooling gel, copper-infusion or other heat-dissipating technologies.
3. Firmness
The right firmness level varies for each individual, but generally, a medium-firm mattress is recommended for hot sleepers. This firmness provides adequate support while still being comfortable and less likely to cause heat-retention.
How to stay cool at night
Once you’ve invested in the correct mattress, there are a few other tips and tricks to help keep you cool.
1. Choose a breathable mattress topper
Enhance your sleep experience with a breathable mattress topper. Look for options like this one from premium Swedish brand Carpe Diem Beds, featuring a cotton-lined side that effectively transfers heat and moisture away from your body. This ensures a cooler and more comfortable rest throughout the night.
2. Choose temperature-regulating bed linen
Create a cosy yet cool sleeping environment by opting for lightweight, temperature-regulating bed linen. Consider our own-brand Duck Down 9 duvet, designed to keep you comfortably cool. Additionally, explore quality sheets like our versatile washed linen, perfect for staying cool during summer and warm during winter.
Available in various colours, our chic set from Portugal, including shades like slate blue, mustard and dusky pink, adds a touch of elegance to your space.
3. Choose a cooler pillow
Experience the ultimate coolness with a pillow designed for comfort. The British Duck Down Surround pillow is a great choice, providing excellent cooling support. Enjoy a refreshing night's sleep and wake up feeling rejuvenated.
4. Keep your bedroom windows shut during the day
Maintain a cooler ambience in your bedroom by keeping the windows shut during the day. This prevents hot air from circulating and heating your space. Limiting sunlight and warmth from radiating through the glass, you’ll ensure a refreshing and tranquil atmosphere.
5. Open your bedroom windows in the evening
As the sun sets and temperatures drop, crack open your bedroom windows to allow fresh, cool air to circulate. This revitalises your room and ensures a pleasant environment when it's time to settle in for the night.
6. Switch to LED lights
Optimise your bedroom's cooling efforts by swapping traditional bulbs for LED lights. Unlike traditional bulbs that emit a significant amount of heat, LED lights are energy-efficient and produce minimal heat. This not only keeps your room cooler but also helps to lower energy bills.
By following these simple steps and choosing the right bedding and bedroom setup, you'll create a sleep sanctuary perfect for those warmer months. Enjoy restful nights and wake up feeling refreshed and revitalised.Browse and buy from our range of mattresses for hot sleepers.