A Moment for Modular

First things first, what exactly is modular furniture? 

The creation of modular furniture is often credited to Poul Cadovius and Harvey Probber. Cadovius developed the original designs for a modular shelving system in 1948 with Probber developing the first modular seating unit in 1944. Modular designs really took off in the 70s and have made a comeback with the recent rise of mid-century modern design. Modular furniture pieces range from shelving to sofas and consist of interchangeable pieces called “modules” these modules can be arranged and rearranged in different configurations to create different furniture layouts, this makes them perfect for small apartments and interior stylists who like to change it up from time to time and with that, makes them perfect for the new generation of renters/homeowners.

Can’t make up your mind?

For most of us, our home isn’t just a place where we eat and sleep, it’s an extension of our identities and like most things in the fast paced world we live in our identities change and fluctuate. This is the charm of modular furniture. You might be a corner sofa person now but who’s to say you won’t be a conversation pit person later down the line? If you think of yourself as quite indecisive which, if you’re reading this to ironically help you make up your mind for going modular, modular furniture might just be the way to go.

The perfect solution for renters 

The functionality of modular pieces comes with a variety of benefits. Most recent statistics show 35.7% of the uk rents, up from 29.5% 20 years ago. While modular furniture certainly isn’t new, it was most definitely before its time. most of the time, large furnishings are long term investment pieces and they will most likely outlive your current living situation. With the uncertainty of not knowing the size or shape of your next living situation makes modular pieces ideal to move with you from place to place. 

It all sounds great so what’s the catch? 

As a final point to be made about modular furniture and understandably one of the most important ones are the costs. While cheaper manufactures like IKEA make some pretty cost effective modular designs, sturdier and higher quality pieces that will last you a lifetime can come with a hefty price tag. The Togo sofa designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973 has seen a recent boom in popularity. It’s simple yet distinct design compliments most spaces from industrial to contemporary, minimalist to maximalist and has quickly become a must have for interior enthusiasts. Tragically, single modules can often cost as much if not more than pre-made pieces meaning your modular 3-seater will likely burn a hole in your pocket 3 times the size of a pre-fab 3-seater. It’s not all doom and gloom though. Due of the nature of modular design, it’s easy to start out small, starting off with one or two pieces that over the years can expand until you’ve got the perfect size for you. 

To summarise, modular furniture offers a versatile solution for modern living, allowing individuals to customize their spaces according to their evolving tastes and needs. From its inception in the 1940s to its resurgence in popularity today, modular furniture has proven its adaptability and practicality, especially in the context of the growing number of renters. While there are considerations such as initial costs and quality, the ability to start small and gradually expand offers a flexible approach to furnishing your home. Ultimately, modular furniture empowers individuals to curate their living spaces in a way that reflects their ever-changing identities and lifestyles.