The team has moved floors, the new breakout area is an awkward L shape, and the old three-seat sofa fits nowhere. A modular lounge solves that with separate seats, corners and curves that join into whatever shape the room needs, then change shape when the room does.
This guide explains how modules work, the main layouts, backless pieces and table modules, and how to plan a run, using seven products and their stated specs. Our modular lounges range holds more modules.
What makes a modular lounge different
A fixed sofa is one frame with a set number of seats. A modular range is a kit of parts: single seats, multi-seat sections, corners, curves and backless pieces that sit side by side or clip together. You choose the pieces, so the same range can fill a narrow foyer wall or the middle of an open floor.
The Ola Modular - Straight 2 Seater - No Arms ($1,851) shows the idea. Its armless design and included joining clips let you link several modules into one continuous run. It is upholstered in green EcoPlush recycled fabric on black powder-coated diecast aluminium legs, with a recommended weight capacity of 140kg per seat and a 5 year warranty.
Armless modules sit in the middle of a run, so people can slide along without an armrest in the way. If you want arms at the ends of a run, check each module's name and photo before ordering, because ranges label these pieces differently.
Straight, corner, curved and island layouts
Most layouts are built from four shapes. Straight runs line a wall or face a window. Corners turn a run into an L or U shape. Curves soften the line, and islands stand free in the middle of a space with seats on more than one side.
The Corner Seat ($585) turns a run of seats around a corner, measuring 780mm x 780mm x 760mm. It belongs to the Simple Modular Lounge Range, so it mixes and matches with the range's other pieces along walls, in the middle of a space or back to back. It is made to order in a wide range of fabric colours, with a 3 Year Warranty.
For a softer line, the Single Seater Curved A ($680) is a curved single seat from the same range, measuring 1050mm x 820mm x 760mm. Several curved seats in a row create a gentle arc for a reception or waiting area.
The Simple Circle Lounge ($10,434) is a complete island: a circular configuration in an O shape for lobbies, breakout rooms and waiting areas. Its lightweight sections are easy to move and clip together, and it carries a 5 year warranty.
Backless modules, ottomans and inline tables
Backless pieces keep a layout open, so people can sit facing either way. Some ranges also sell the seat and the back as separate modules. The Grove Sofa F - Straight Cushion (from $611) is a straight seat measuring 900W x 600D x 425mmH, designed to pair with the Grove I straight back cushion.
It works in single or double-sided configurations, so the same pieces can line a wall or form an island open on both sides. The internal spring system is suitable for 24-hour use. Upholstery is Spotted Grey Wool or Ash Grey commercial fabric, and the warranty is 10 years.
The Grove Sofa E - Inline Table ($1,131) is a plywood module that sits inline as a break or side table. At 900W x 600D x 425mmH, it shares the F seat's footprint, so a run can mix seats and table space without a separate coffee table.
For a single backless seat, the Simple Rectangular Stool ($396) measures 700mm W x 780mm D x 460mm H. It joins Simple runs, sits against walls or in corners, and works back to back. Nine colours are listed, from Yellow and Orange to Black and Dark Grey. More stools and tub chairs are in our ottomans and tub chairs range.
Modular lounge pieces compared by type and size
Sizes are width x depth x height as stated on each product page.
| Module | Type | Size | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ola Modular - Straight 2 Seater - No Arms | Straight, armless | Not stated | 140kg per seat, joining clips |
| Corner Seat | Corner | 780 x 780 x 760mm | Turns a run around a corner |
| Single Seater Curved A | Curved seat | 1050 x 820 x 760mm | Builds a gentle arc |
| Simple Circle Lounge | Island, O shape | Not stated | Complete circular setting |
| Grove Sofa F - Straight Cushion | Seat module | 900 x 600 x 425mm | Pairs with a separate back |
| Grove Sofa E - Inline Table | Table module | 900 x 600 x 425mm | Plywood, sits in the run |
| Simple Rectangular Stool | Backless stool | 700 x 780 x 460mm | Nine listed colours |
Planning modules for your space
Start with a floor plan and mark doors, windows, columns and power points. Draw the run first, then count modules, so you buy the shape the room needs rather than a seat count. Leave clear walkways around islands and in front of runs, especially near fire exits and lift lobbies.
Check seat heights within one setting. The Grove F seat is 425mm high and the Simple stool 460mm, so mixing ranges in one run can leave a step between seats. Keep one range per run where you can.
Power is the last detail to check. None of the seven pieces here lists built-in power, so place the lounge near floor boxes or wall outlets if people will charge laptops.
Modular seating in Australian offices
Many Australian offices use lounges for informal meetings as well as waiting, particularly on in-office days for hybrid teams. A modular setting can grow as headcount does, or move with the team to a new floor at the end of a lease.
Deliveries go to the ground-floor entrance, so measure lifts, doorways and corridors before ordering long sections. Each product page has a Delivery line naming its metro cities. The Ola and Grove pages list metro Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, while the Simple range pages list Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, not SA.
The Simple pieces are made to order, so plan them early in a fit-out. For lounges that do not need to change shape, read our guide to choosing office sofas that last at work.
Modular lounges — frequently asked questions
What is a modular lounge?
A modular lounge is a sofa made from separate modules, such as straight seats, corners, curves and backless pieces, that sit together or clip into one setting. You can rearrange or extend it instead of replacing it.
Can you add to a modular lounge later?
Yes, you can add modules later, as long as you choose pieces from the same range so they match in height, depth and fabric. Record the range, module names and fabric colour when you first order.
What is an island lounge layout?
An island lounge layout stands free in the middle of a room, with seats facing out on more than one side. The Simple Circle Lounge is a complete island, and Grove seat modules also suit double-sided layouts.
Are armless or arm modules better for an office lounge?
Armless modules are better for long runs and islands, because people can sit closer and the run reads as one piece. Arm modules suit the ends of a run, where people expect somewhere to rest an elbow.
Shop the range
Every piece in this guide is listed below in order of appearance. Browse our modular lounges, office lounges and ottomans and tub chairs for more modules and colours.
- Ola Modular - Straight 2 Seater - No Arms ($1,851): an armless two-seat module with joining clips for continuous collaboration runs
- Corner Seat ($585): turns a Simple lounge run around a corner along walls or back to back
- Single Seater Curved A ($680): a curved single seat for building soft arcs in reception areas
- Simple Circle Lounge ($10,434): a complete O-shaped island lounge for lobbies, breakout rooms and waiting areas
- Grove Sofa F - Straight Cushion (from $611): a straight seat module suited to 24-hour use in double-sided layouts
- Grove Sofa E - Inline Table ($1,131): a plywood table module that sits inline between Grove seats
- Simple Rectangular Stool ($396): a backless stool in nine colours for runs, corners and back-to-back seating
Metro delivery is a flat $75 per order, and prices include GST.
