A modular sofa is a couch made from separate pieces, such as corner units, armless units and ottomans, that you arrange into the shape your room needs and can add to over time. It suits rooms that may change, renters who move, and anyone who needs to get a large couch through a narrow doorway or lift. For fixed-frame couches and sofa beds, browse our full range of sofas in Melbourne.
Who a Modular Sofa Suits
Renters and people who move
Pieces can be rearranged for a new room shape instead of replacing the whole couch.
Awkward room shapes
Build along one wall, turn a corner, or wrap around a rug to suit the space you actually have.
Buying in stages
Start with two or three pieces now and add a corner unit or ottoman later.
Narrow access
Each piece arrives in its own carton, which is easier to carry up stairs and through apartment lifts than a one-piece couch.
Modular Sofa Pieces Explained
Every modular layout is built from a small set of piece types. Knowing what each one does makes it easier to plan the couch you need.
Piece
What it has
Where it goes
Footprint in our current range
Corner unit
Backrest on two sides
At each end of a straight couch, or at the turn of an L or U shape. Can also be used on its own as a chair.
99 x 99 cm
Armless unit
Backrest only, open on both sides
Between corner units to lengthen the couch
99 cm wide
Ottoman
No backrest or arms
In front of a seat as a footrest or chaise, or on its own as extra seating
See each product page
Modular Sofa Layouts Compared
The same pieces can form very different couches. Choose the layout by the walls and floor space you have, then count the pieces.
Layout
How it is built
Best for
What to measure
Straight
Corner units at each end, armless units between
Along a single wall, or facing a TV
Wall length
L-shape
A corner unit forms the turn
Corner positions and zoning an open-plan room
Length of both walls or both sides
U-shape
Two turns, each formed by a corner unit
Large family lounges and entertaining
Room width and depth on both sides
With ottoman
An ottoman placed in front of a seat
Putting your feet up without a fixed chaise
Extra depth in front of the couch
How to Plan a Modular Sofa Layout
Measure the space. Note the length of each wall the couch will run along and the depth of floor in front of it.
Count the pieces. In our current range each corner or armless piece is 99 cm wide, so three pieces in a row measure 297 cm.
Allow for an ottoman. If you add one in front of a seat, include its depth in your floor measurement and keep a clear walkway past it.
Check delivery access. Each piece ships in a 100 x 100 x 63 cm carton weighing around 30 kg. Measure doorways, stair turns and lift doors against the carton, not the finished couch.
Plan for later. If you are buying in stages, choose a layout that can grow, for example a straight couch that becomes an L-shape with one more corner unit.
Every piece in our current modular range comes from the Cloud series. For its seat depth, cushion construction and washable covers, see the cloud sofa page.
Elechome has supplied Melbourne homes from our Clayton South warehouse at 19/14-26 Audsley St since 2012. Modular pieces are available for pickup or local delivery.
Modular Sofa FAQs
What is a modular sofa?
It is a couch sold as individual pieces rather than one fixed frame. Because you choose how many pieces to buy and how to arrange them, the same set can work as a straight couch in one home and an L-shape in the next.
What is the difference between a modular sofa and a sectional sofa?
A modular sofa is made from individual pieces that can be moved and rearranged independently. A sectional usually has a few larger sections in a set arrangement.
How do I work out how many modular pieces fit my room?
Measure the wall the couch will run along and divide by the piece width. In our current range, corner and armless pieces are 99 cm wide, so three pieces in a row measure 297 cm.
Can I add pieces to a modular sofa later?
Yes, that is one of the main advantages. Choose a layout that can grow, and check that the piece and colour you want are in stock when you are ready to add it.
Are modular sofas easier to get into an apartment?
Generally, yes. Each piece arrives in its own carton, so you are carrying several smaller boxes rather than one large couch. Measure doorways, stair turns and lift doors against the carton size.
Are modular sofas good for small living rooms?
Yes. You can buy only as many pieces as the room fits, and rearrange them if the room changes.
