A modular sofa promises flexibility and adapts to various room situations. But which modules are truly necessary, and which remain unused? The decision depends on the room size, its use, and the number of people who will regularly be seated. Choosing too many elements wastes valuable floor space. Choosing too few means uncomfortable seating or having to direct guests to chairs. This article shows which components a room truly needs and how to sensibly determine their number.
The Basic Elements: Seats and Corners
Every modular sofa consists of seating modules and corner elements. A seating module typically measures 80 to 100 cm in width and provides space for one person. Corner modules connect two sections and usually measure 90 to 110 cm per side. For a room of 20 to 25 m², three seating modules and one corner element are often sufficient to form an L-shape. In larger rooms of 30 m² or more, you can expand to five to six seating modules and two corner elements to create a U-shape.
Ensure that there is at least 40 cm of space between the sofa and the coffee table so you can get up comfortably. To the opposite wall, at least 120 cm should be free to avoid narrowing the room. Measure the available space before deciding on the number of modules.
Ottomans and Chaises Longues: When They Make Sense
An ottoman is a seating element without a backrest, serving as a footrest or additional seating. It typically measures 80 to 100 cm in width and 60 to 80 cm in depth. A chaise longue, on the other hand, is an extended seating element with a backrest, on which you can stretch out your legs. It is approximately 150 to 180 cm long and replaces two regular seating modules.
Ottomans are suitable for rooms where you want to remain flexible: they can be moved and used as a side table. Chaises longues are ideal if you regularly read or watch TV while reclining. However, in rooms under 20 m², a chaise longue takes up a lot of space without gaining more seating. Check if the length fits your room geometry before committing.
Armrests: Fixed or Flexible Positions
Armrests visually define the sofa and provide support when getting up. Some manufacturers offer armrests as separate modules that you can attach to the left or right. Others integrate them permanently into the seating elements. An armrest adds about 15 to 25 cm to the total width. For a three-part sofa with two armrests, you should therefore expect a total width of approximately 290 to 330 cm.
Do without armrests if you place the sofa against a wall and the wall itself serves as a side boundary. In open-plan concepts or freestanding arrangements, however, armrests are useful to clearly define the seating area. Keep in mind that armrests reduce the usable seating width: a module with a width of 90 cm offers more space without an armrest than one with.
Guidelines for Different Room Sizes
| Room Size | Recommended Modules | Seating Capacity | Total Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 20 m² | 2 seats, 1 corner | 3 people | approx. 240 cm |
| 20 to 30 m² | 3 seats, 1 corner, 1 ottoman | 4 people | approx. 320 cm |
| 30 to 40 m² | 5 seats, 2 corners | 6 people | approx. 450 cm (U-shape) |
| over 40 m² | 6 seats, 2 corners, 1 chaise longue | 7 to 8 people | approx. 550 cm |
How Many People Sit Regularly
The number of modules depends not only on the room size but also on actual usage. For a two-person household, two to three seating modules and an ottoman are often sufficient. If you regularly entertain guests, you should plan for at least four to five seats. Note that while corner elements define the shape, they are less comfortable than straight seating modules: most people prefer the middle of a section.
Measure how many people should sit on the sofa at the same time, and calculate 60 cm width per person. For four people, you therefore need at least 240 cm of pure seating width, excluding corners and armrests. Add the dimensions of the chosen modules and check if the sum is sufficient.
Expandability and Future Adjustments
One advantage of modular systems is the ability to add or remove elements later. Ensure that the manufacturer carries the model long-term and that replacement modules remain available. Some collections are discontinued after a few years, making expansion impossible.
Start with a basic configuration of three to four modules and test if this is sufficient for everyday use. After a few months, you will know if you miss an ottoman or another seating element. This gradual approach prevents you from buying too many pieces that overcrowd the room.
Which Modules You Can Omit
- Ottomans, if you already have a coffee table or stool and do not need an additional footrest.
- Chaises longues in small rooms under 20 m², as they take up a lot of space without increasing the number of seats.
- Additional corner elements, if you prefer a straight arrangement or the room does not allow for an L- or U-shape.
- Armrests on sides that are against a wall, as the wall itself serves as a boundary.
- More than six seating modules in rooms under 30 m², as otherwise there will be hardly any moving space left.
You can find suitable pieces under Sofas and Pillows. Details on how the pieces are constructed, available dimensions, and delivery times can be found on Eichholtz Sofas and Eichholtz Pillows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many modules do I need for four people?
For four people, three seating modules and one corner element are usually sufficient. Calculate 60 cm of seating width per person, totaling 240 cm. With three modules of 90 cm each, you reach 270 cm, which provides ample space. An additional ottoman offers flexibility but is not strictly necessary.
Can I buy modules later?
That depends on the manufacturer. Before purchasing, check if the model will be available long-term and if replacement modules can be bought individually. Some collections are discontinued after a few years, making expansion impossible. Ask the retailer about the expected availability.
How much space do I need between the sofa and the wall?
Between the backrest and a wall behind it, 10 to 15 cm are sufficient to accommodate cables or plugs. To the opposite wall, at least 120 cm should remain free so you can walk past comfortably. For the coffee table, allow at least 40 cm to be able to get up without bumping into it.
Are ottomans or chaises longues more comfortable?
A chaise longue offers more comfort if you want to fully stretch out your legs, as it forms a continuous reclining surface. An ottoman is more flexible: it can be moved, used as a footrest, or as an additional seat. For small rooms, the ottoman is often the better choice, as it takes up less space.