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
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Tips & advice
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
To many, bringing your cherished box of Christmas tree lights down from the loft signals the beginning of Christmas, but it’s not all fun and games once you tear it open. Inside, a tangled mess of lights may await, while finding the one faulty bulb that’s letting the whole string down can be a nightmare.
And that’s before you’ve even started to think about getting the lights on the tree. Horizonal? Vertical? Bottom-to-top? Top-to-bottom? Before the decorations or after?!
Have a glug of mulled wine and relax. We’re here to show you how to put lights on a Christmas tree while demonstrating the best ideas to make yours shine the brightest. It’s time for the big switch-on.
The basics of Christmas tree lighting
How many Christmas lights do you need?
Firstly, figure out how many lights you need for your specific tree. As a general rule of thumb, 100 lights for every foot of tree, but it’s always a case of the more the merrier – especially if you want the professional look of a dressed spruce in a department store or boutique hotel.
Luckily, we’ve got sets featuring up to 720 LED lights in a single pack, so it’s easy to make yours look abundant. Next, plug in your lights to check that all the bulbs are working before you go to all the trouble of putting them on your tree only to find something’s wrong (we’ve got a wide range of Christmas lights if you need new ones).
Leave them on while you’re working so you can see how they’re looking and address any dark spots as you weave the string over and under the branches. Then, start from the bottom-up closest to the power outlet so you don’t have to run an extension cord to the top – the opposite is true when removing them after Christmas – and always add your lights before your decorations.
If you want to install your Christmas tree in a space without a power socket, use multiple sets of battery-powered lights, such as these from Sirius.
Vertical VS horizontal: which method suits you?
We’d recommend wrapping your lights around your tree horizontally – the most traditional and popular way – by placing lights over and under branches as you work your way around and up.
For a professional look, nestle some lights further back into the tree and others closer to the front for depth and interest, alternating so the arrangement looks natural. But how do you put lights on a Christmas tree vertically? Vertical arrangements started as a trend a few years ago as a modern twist on the traditional method.
The technique makes the lights shine brighter because more of them are on show as they’re less likely to be covered up by branches. Starting with the end of the strand without the plug, simply cascade lights from the top to the bottom of the tree in an ‘S’ shape or zig-zag down the front.
Certainly, this arrangement is easier to remove once Christmas is over. For best results, choose something with a ‘loose’ string over a structured wire – such as these with weighty sultan-shaped glass lights – as they’ll hang better.
Safety tips for Christmas tree lights
There’s nothing quite like Christmas lights to get you into the festive spirit, but take the time read our list of precautions to keep you safe, ensuring yours bring you nothing but comfort and joy.
Replace missing or broken bulbs.
Use a ladder if decorating outside your home or hard-to-reach spots.
Choose the right kind of light – outdoor for the garden; and indoor for the home.
Similarly, use an outdoor extension cord for the garden, not an indoor one.
Don’t overload power outlets.
Avoid feeding cords through doors and windows.
Always turn off lights when you’re not home or overnight when you’re asleep.
Integrating your tree into your home décor
It’s not only your tree that can be integrated into your home décor – traditional VS contemporary, for example, or green VS white – but your Christmas lights, too. Consider the style of your interiors and existing lighting scheme.
Does a layered mix of wall lights and table lamps emit a golden glow? If so, choose warm lights with a yellow tinge. Alternatively, does a combination of ceiling lights and floor lamps create a silver wash? Then opt for cool lights with a blue tinge.
Contemporary Christmas décor concepts
Every year, trends dominate our trees – from disco to underwater and gothic (yes, really) – and Christmas lights are no exception. This year, it’s all about ‘quiet luxury’ in every aspect of our lives, with a less-is-more approach that whispers rather than shouts.
To get the look, why not consider a tree that’s only decorated with lights rather than a cacophony of baubles? Choose a set that’s beautifully simple, such as a festive string of LED lights on a gold wire, and let your lights be the loudest thing in the room.
Other creative Christmas tree décor ideas
On the opposite end of the spectrum, maximalism is back with a bang, eschewing a minimalistic approach in favour of all things outrageous. In the spirit of excess, dress your tree with more lights than it needs, and consider a combination of different styles for an abundant and eclectic aesthetic: throw together the Millie, Trille and Knirke.
For something altogether more traditional – a big trend as we seek comfort in nostalgia during tumultuous times – try the Molly cone battery garland with a rustic, country vibe.
Remember: lights don’t just have to be wound around or draped down Christmas trees. They can fill vases; snake between banisters; wind around windows; or even hang down doors.
The more ‘pockets’ of Christmas you can create, the more festive your home will feel, so think big and get creative. Once you know how to put lights on a Christmas tree, you’ll save time and stress each and every year, while being able to dress your spruce like a stylist.
Find more bright ideas by browsing our collection of Christmas lights.
‘Tis almost time to deck the halls – whether you decorate the tree, dress the table or do everything – but how do you make sure your home shines with originality and reflects your style?
Luckily, we’ve rounded-up the boldest and brightest ideas for how to decorate at Christmas to help you on your merry way, whatever your taste and space. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, after all.
Christmas tree decor ideas
Luxury Christmas baubles are best when it comes to Christmas tree decoration ideas. Classier than tinsel and easier than lights, they usually come with a convenient metal hook or string loop that you can slide on to branches, while they add instant colour and texture to green foliage.
Top tip: for less delicate baubles, we recommend nestling them among branches rather than hanging, which adds more bulk and depth. Simply rest larger baubles furthest inside the tree and smaller ones towards the end of branches for a professional ‘layered’ look.
Opt for the 'vintage' look
Retro never goes out of style, so stock up on a collection of vintage-inspired decorations to recreate all the splendour of Christmases past, such as these colourful Glass Spot Baubles by Thie, this quirky Glass Santa Riding a Dinosaur Shaped Decoration by Sass & Belle or this classic Wool Mix Brown Christmas Pudding Decoration.
Look for baubles with a handcrafted feel in delicate glass or soft wool materials for elegant Christmas décor.
Let your personality shine
From hobbies to favourite animals or places and interests, baubles allow you to express your personality, while incorporating the colours, motifs and textures you hold dear.
This Metallic Resin Dinosaur Decoration Brontosaurus by Gisela Graham is a case in point – sure to be a talking point on the tree – while this Glass Glitter Lobster Shaped Decoration from Sass & Belle is a tongue-in-cheek take on the tangerine crustacean.
London-lover? This Glass London Bus with Garland Decoration will let everyone know. Christmas tree decoration ideas don’t get more fun.
Try Scandi minimalism
Quiet luxury is having a moment right now with neutral colours, understated motifs and a less-is-more approach, so why not try Scandi minimalism for classy Christmas decorations?
Consider these modern Deko Decorations by Broste Copenhagen, this simple Robin Clear Bubble Effect Decoration from The Original Winters Tale and these Glass Lines Ornaments by ferm LIVING.
Alternatively, a couple of crisp white Honeycomb Ball Decorations tucked between branches or stacked at the base of the tree will add simple Nordic charm.
Go full glam with all that glitters
On the opposite end of the spectrum, maximalists may want to go all-out with glitz and glamour, such as this shimmering Silver Mirror Ball Bauble, pearlescent Glass Jellyfish Shaped Decoration or sequinned Clear Glass Ball Decoration.
Focus on statement finishes, rich colours and unusual shapes for a tree that’s as eclectic and as it is fabulous. The star of the show when it comes to Christmas tree decoration ideas.
Christmas table decor ideas
Once your tree is up – sparkling like a diamond in the centre of the living room– it’s time to think about Christmas table decoration ideas. Tablescaping has become quite the art in recent years, whether a festive flourish here and there or a full-scale winter wonderland, adding a touch of drama and a sense of occasion to proceedings.
Whatever event you’re hosting, from a dinner party in the build-up to the main event itself or a festive soirée during ‘Twixmas, our christmas tableware will make yours the talk of the town.
Plump for candlelight
Candlelight makes all the difference when it comes to setting the scene for a festive get-together. Cluster a group of pillar candles of differing heights in a tray on a circular table or line them up down the length of a regular table for dramatic effect.
Nothing says ‘Christmas’ quite like the flicker of a flame between friends. A festive scent such as our Frankincense & Pine Short Pillar Candle or Winter Spice Tall Pillar Candle can be used to fill the room with seasonal fragrance before or after dinner to avoid fighting with the aromas of food.
Incorporate natural elements
If you’ve got an outside space, a quick forage will unearth all kinds of festive spoils, from pinecones to branches and winter flowers. Otherwise, you’ll be hard-pressed to tell the difference in our range of realistic faux foliage, such as this Pine Branch and Mimosa Grass by designer superstar Abigail Ahern.
Display in a vase as a gorgeous centrepiece or lay down the length of the table as a makeshift garland. Top tip: a spritz of a seasonal fragrance will make them smell as authentic as they look.
Discover the art of layering
Have you noticed the one thing that professional tablescapes all have in common? Lots of layering. Start with a tablecloth as a blank canvas for your creativity – our classic linen style in a rich colour like midnight blue, pool green or wine red is a stellar choice – then simply add placemats (select the same colour as your tablecloth for a tonal look), statement plates – Nordic Sea, Ottolenghi Feast Face or Pearl White – and a series of glamorous glasses (for water, white and red wine, plus fizz) in an inward diagonal from the top-right of the place setting. Finish with gleaming cutlery on either side of the plate (laying from starters to desserts from the outside in).
Add a festive centrepiece
With the rest of the table set, there’s only one thing left to do, and that’s add a spectacular centrepiece as a sure-fire conversation-starter.
The easiest way to do this is with an elegant vase, like Moon by up-and-coming ceramicist Talia Nidam Warshawsky, Thyra from Broste Copenhagen or Buée by renowned French brand Ligne Roset.
Look to wintery colours, interesting shapes and warming textures to suit the season and avoid filling with foliage to let their designs do the talking.
Christmas light ideas
You don’t have to wait until ‘the big switch-on’ in your city, town or village to have your own switch-on at home, as it’s never too early. Whether wrapped around your tree, snaking between the bannisters on your staircase or enveloping your entrance, Christmas lights add twinkle, magic and warmth to Christmas decorations, whether indoors or outside.
Here’s our most illuminating Christmas light ideas.
Make your Christmas tree sparkle
The golden rule is to add Christmas lights before decorations, but how do you know what kind you need? First, decide if you prefer a classic or contemporary style, from simple Warm White LED Lights for the former to ornate Millie LED Glass Garland Lights for the latter.
Next, are you after a warm, yellow glow or a crisp, white light? Both give off very different effects. And, finally, do you want a set you can plug into a power socket or a cordless style that operates via a battery pack? Nova LED string lights by Sirius are perfect for lighting up a tree that’s in the centre of a room like a grand hallway, for example.
Add twinkling lights to your staircase
You don’t have to festoon a garland around the staircase to style it up for Christmas, as string lights will look just as stylish, while being significantly quicker and easier to decorate with.
Molly Cone LED garland will lighten and brighten your landing while adding interest with its nature-inspired design; while the Knirke LED indoor string lights will fill any space with an ethereal glow.
Light up your entrance
Welcome one and all with an entrance that ushers loved ones inside with the warm embrace of a long-lost friend. No less than 160 LED lights are attached to a subtle green wire that blends seamlessly with nature on this set by Sirius which can be easily manipulated into the shape of your doorway to pick out striking architectural features.
Otherwise, why not invest in a battery-powered set you can weave around a wreath that you hang on your door?
Don't forget about window lights
Finally, why not get inspired by an advent calendar with an illuminated feature in every window of your home to get the neighbours talking? The Hanging Circle Light in silver will look spectacular against glass while a cluster of Sara Flameless Candles creates the cosy on internal windowsills.
Get inspired by browsing and buying our collection of Christmas decorations.
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
Whether wool or velvet, a throw can be one of the simplest ways to cosy up a space for the season, from your bed to the sofa.
Certainly, they’re a quicker way to refresh a room than a piece of furniture, while being significantly more economical than cranking up the central heating.
That said, they can be notoriously hard to style when not in use, often looking messy rather than chic. Here, we show you how to style them up so they’re as pretty as they are practical.
Choose the right throw
First thing’s first: choosing the right throw. As with everything, there are endless options out there to ponder, but as a general rule of thumb we’d recommend starting by selecting the size. If you’re after a throw for your sofa, you don’t want it to drown the frame or mask the fabric, so choose something that’s generous but not oversized; if you’re looking for a throw for the bed, then you’ll need a large one to make an impact, especially if you’re folding it.
Colour-wise, go tonal – beige on beige, grey on grey, or blue on blue, for example, albeit a different shade - or choose something that contrasts or clashes (in a good way) with the hue of your sofa or bedding. Plain sofa? Consider pattern. Patterned bed? Plain is best.
Fold it neatly
So, how to arrange a throw on a sofa or bed? Arguably, the easiest way is to fold it lengthways and drape it over the back of the former or width of the latter, creating a neat and tidy silhouette and displaying its texture, pattern or colour beautifully.
For best results, keep your sofa clear of too many scatter cushions to allow the throw to take centre stage, and drape it off-centre to avoid an overly-fussy look.
On the bed, drape it about one-third of the way from the bottom, perhaps over a bedspread for a layered aesthetic.
You can never have too many throws on a bed, so play with multiples of varying textures and colours, while alternating between neat and looser iterations.
Drape it casually
If you’re crazy about cushions and want to keep a generous collection on your sofa, there’s an art in how to drape a throw on a sofa over one arm.
Create a neat-and-tidy fold – not dissimilar to how it can be styled over the back – by folding in lengthways into thirds and halving in the other direction.
The longer section should be hanging over the side of the arm – tassels, pom-poms or fringing look great on display – with the shorter section tucked neatly into the seat cushion on the inside of the sofa.
Alternatively, plump for a casual-and-crumpled appearance by bunching it up for a look that’s a little less perfect and more ‘lived-in’.
Create a corner
For those who prefer their styling a little less put-together, the cosy-corner method is the best, resulting in an organic and flowing look.
Simply fold your throw in half along its length, draping part over the back and extending down onto the seat, then open the fold where it cascades from the back to the front and fiddle a little until it looks pleasing to the eye.
For the more structured amongst you, create a tidy version simply by folding the throw into thirds lengthways and repeating the same steps, albeit keeping the fold rather than loosening it towards the front of the sofa.
To finish, add cushions on front of the throw so it takes a backseat behind them, adding to the cosiness of the corner – something you can’t help but sink into after a hard day at work.
Get the edge
For a bed, why not drape your throw over the edge at the bottom of the mattress, either folded or crumpled, for a dramatic and luxurious look? Pull it down from the bed at the corner until it hangs at just the right level on the side. For added panache, add a small tray with accessories or a couple of coffee table books onto the top of the throw to recreate the feel of a five-star hotel.
Fashion a ‘waterfall’
Don’t worry – this isn’t as complicated as it sounds. To create a ‘waterfall’ effect with your throw, simply fold it lengthways into thirds so the sides are crisp and clean. Then, drape it over the back of your sofa, down the front of the back cushion, onto the seat and just beyond. A cushion can be added in front of the cascade or not – it looks effective either way. Minimum effort, maximum impact.
Display in a basket
For something altogether different, keep a convenient and decorative basket near the sofa or bed for storing your throw when it’s not styled on your furniture or wrapped around your shoulders. Throw it in the basket with one of the corners hanging over the edge for a stylish flourish; or roll and place together with others for a chic collection. You could also roll up your throws and lean against the wall if you don’t have a basket to hand.
Ladder up
Finally, if you don't want to display your throws on a sofa or bed, but equally don’t want them stored away out of sight, then invest in a small ladder or shelving unit beside either to hang beautiful throws and blankets from. A clever storage solution that means they’re within easy reach, too.
Now know how to put a throw on a sofa? Browse and buy from our collection of luxurious throws.
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