Often the centrepiece of the living room, a well-designed modern sofa can easily elevate everything from quiet movie nights to boisterous social gatherings. Here, we’ve rounded up five distinct sofa systems that stand out while sharing one thing in common – they are all supremely comfortable. 

Inspired by Arab majlis, the low-slung form of Patricia Urquiola’s Insula sofa for Kettal encourages socializing on a relaxed and inviting level. Similar to the traditional seating that furnishes the Arabic receiving rooms, Insula is modular system composed of squat seats with smooth edges and rolled backrests, a considered element that accentuates the sofa’s horizontal planes. 

Perched on an orthogonal aluminum base, the well-proportioned upholstered volumes are generous and inviting, and can be completely adapted to meet changing needs and spaces; two sizes of seating modules (one- and two-seaters) allow for both lounging and sitting and can be paired with different rolled backrest options, including single, double or corner. The versatile Kettal design is suitable for indoor and outdoor settings in private homes, hotel lobbies, office reception areas and more. 

Expressing the signature style of Montreal-born, California-based designer Willo Perron, the Pillo sofa for Knoll possesses a playful nature, one that is compounded by its unexpected form – appearing as a pile of oversized pillows, the super-soft sofa is proposed for the home of the future, where fluidity and flexibility will be essential. 

Devised for the long-haul, Pillo’s reconfigurable design means it can grow and move with you, effectively adapting to lifestyle changes while remaining relevant and attractive. As a new classic to be added to Knoll’s portfolio, Pillo is lighthearted, familiar and, made from moulded, flexible polyurethane in different densities, eternally comfortable. A wide range of upholstery fabrics and leathers are available. 

A Ligne Roset icon since its introduction in 1976, the Kashima sofa by French designer Michel Ducaroy was recently reissued and remastered through technically sophisticated means. Colloquially known as the “comfortable Chesterfield,” the all-foam sofa with quilted exterior supports the sitter within its undulating surface, integrated with armrests, lumbar support and headrest.  

Featuring four densities of polyether foam (each wrapped in a layer of polyester for amplified comfort), the internal structure of Kashima is firm and resilient, while its quilted exterior cover, expertly tailored with pinched seams (reinforced by interior laces), lends a touch of casual whimsy to the classic form. The nest-like Kashima is offered as an ottoman and two- or three-seater sofas, along with left- or right-arm versions, which allows for a completely customized and cushioned seating landscape. 

What do an up-turned duffel bag, a string of sausages and a pair of moc toe boots have in common? All three influenced the “design expression” of Patch, the modular sofa system designed by Chris Martin for Massproductions. Comprised of distinctive lozenge-shaped backrests – or “patches” – and ample seating modules, the sofa was intended as a haven for comfort, for sinking in and staying put. 

The Patch system was also constructed with sustainability in mind: rather than large volumes of internal polyurethane foam, the Massproductions team used a steel pocket spring structure common in mattress production to provide a truly buoyant experience while reducing resources. Made to order, the Patch modular family includes 10 different modules that can be used to create limitless custom arrangements, as well as eight pre-configured setups; more than a dozen colourways are offered. 

A design originally conceived in 1971, Wittmann’s Atrium sofa makes an authentically retro statement in today’s living rooms – one that does double duty as both a low-profile lounger and a high-quality sleeper. Recently brought back into production and updated to meet modern-day standards, Atrium maintains its classic cubic forms, relaxed good-looks and attention to detail – all stitching on the individual cushions and base modules are meticulously done by hand and, internally, two layers of pocket springs are stacked to create a sturdy yet comfortable box spring construction. 

Atrium is effortlessly transformed into a sleeper by simply unfolding the generous seat cushions (as single- or double-bed configuration); the backrests are then lowered and held in place by the metal-tube framing. A two-compartment storage element can be incorporated in the sofa’s span to keep bedding accessible but out-of-sight, and an optional lower surface component makes a handy spot to place snacks or drinks, especially when accompanied by a coordinating leather-wrapped tray. 

For more soft seating options, visit our Spec Sheets section.