Custom Sofas in Melbourne: 7 Measurements That Matter

Finding a sofa that looks right is one thing. Finding one that actually works in your living room is another. You might love the fabric, the shape and the way it looks in a showroom, only to discover that the seat feels too deep or the arms take up more room than expected.

That's where having a sofa made to order can make a real difference. Instead of working around fixed furniture sizes, you can choose proportions, upholstery and cushion comfort that better suit your home.

For anyone comparing custom sofas in Melbourne, there are a few practical details worth checking before placing an order. The same applies if you're furnishing an apartment in Richmond, updating a family home or planning a new open-plan living area.

At MOMU, sofas are designed and made in Melbourne, with options for custom sizing, fabrics and comfort. You can discuss the way you like to sit, how much room you have and what will work with the rest of your furniture before the sofa goes into production.

Here are seven details that can make all the difference, along with three Australian Made sofas worth seeing in person.

1. Measure the Whole Living Area, Not Just the Wall

It's easy to measure the space along a wall and assume that's all you need to know. But a sofa can fit along the wall and still make the room difficult to use.

Think about the way people move around the furniture. Is there a clear path to the balcony? Can someone walk between the lounge and dining area without squeezing past an armrest? Will you still have enough room for a separate chair or an ottoman?

These questions are especially useful in Melbourne homes with open-plan living areas, where the lounge, kitchen and dining spaces often share the same floor area.

In Richmond apartments and terrace homes, the arrangement of doorways, narrow passages and existing joinery can also influence where a sofa should sit. The exact requirements depend on the individual property.

Start with a floor plan or sketch of the room. Mark the entrances, windows, television, existing furniture and main walking routes.

If you're uncertain, MOMU offers a room-planning service. The team can work from your floor plan or measurements, prepare a scaled furniture layout and use a CAD drawing to help you visualise the arrangement.

This can be particularly helpful when comparing a straight sofa with a made-to-order modular sofa.

2. Check the Seat Depth Before Choosing the Cushions

One of the most overlooked details when buying a sofa is how far back you sit.

A deep seat can be lovely for stretching out, but it doesn't suit everyone. If you prefer to sit upright, you may find yourself moving forward or placing an extra cushion behind your back.

On the other hand, a shallow seat may feel restrictive when you're relaxing after work or settling in for a film.

When you try a sofa, sit right back against the cushions and check whether your feet rest comfortably. Then lean back and test the way you normally sit at home.

At MOMU, you can discuss changes to seat depth and height, depending on the selected design. That's one of the practical advantages of choosing a sofa made specifically for your Melbourne home.

Cushion filling matters as well. MOMU offers three comfort options:

• Premium Comfort: A firmer, supportive sitting feel.
• Luxury Comfort: Softer cushioning with a memory foam layer.
• Feather Comfort: A plumper, more relaxed cushion feel.

The best combination depends on your preferences. A softer cushion won't necessarily solve the problem if the seat itself is too deep or too high.

Trying the different options at MOMU's Bentleigh East showroom is a useful way to understand what feels right.

3. Three Custom Sofas Worth Comparing at MOMU

Different sofa designs offer different seating proportions, arm shapes and overall appearances. Understanding these differences can help you decide what deserves customising.

Here are three Melbourne-made sofas with distinct features worth comparing.

Bailey Sofa: A Defined Shape That Works Across Different Spaces

The Bailey sofa is a contemporary design with a distinctive, structured outline. Its upholstered arms, separate seating cushions and clean profile make it a useful starting point if you want a sofa that feels considered without relying on an unusual arrangement.

Bailey is worth comparing for both apartment living rooms and larger spaces where you want a sofa with a clear shape.

Design: Bailey has a confident upholstered outline with straight arms and separate seat and back cushions. Its structure gives it a defined appearance while allowing the cushions to provide a softer sitting experience.

Construction: MOMU makes Bailey in Melbourne using sustainably sourced FSC/PEFC-certified Australian hardwood frames. The company's cushioning materials include GECA-certified foam and Oeko-Tex-certified Dacron fibre made from over 99% recycled bottles.

Comfort: Bailey can be ordered with MOMU's different cushion fillings. Premium Comfort suits those who prefer a firmer seat, while Luxury Comfort and Feather Comfort provide softer alternatives.

Customisation: MOMU offers custom sizing, fabric and configuration choices. Changes to depth and height can also be discussed, and leg styling can be selected where the design allows.

Upholstery: Bailey can be upholstered in fabrics or leather selected to suit the home. MOMU's designers can help narrow down the options and arrange samples for you to compare in your own living room.

Best suited to: Contemporary apartments, separate sitting rooms and open-plan spaces where a defined sofa shape works with the surrounding furniture.

Before ordering: Pay attention to the arm proportions and how the cushions support your back. Consider whether the sofa should sit against a wall or help create a separate seating zone.

If you're furnishing a home around Richmond or elsewhere in Melbourne, bring photographs and measurements to the showroom so the available custom options can be discussed in relation to your actual room.

Carmen Sofa: Generous Arms and Room to Relax

The Carmen sofa makes a stronger visual statement, with bold proportions and generous upholstered arms.

Its substantial outline is worth considering when you want the sofa to anchor a larger lounge room. However, the arm proportions also make it important to check how much seating space remains within the overall footprint.

Design: Carmen features broad upholstered arms, a substantial frame and separate cushions. These features create a bold, grounded appearance that works well when the sofa is intended to be a significant part of the room.

Materials: Carmen is made in Melbourne using FSC/PEFC-certified Australian hardwood frame materials, premium GECA-certified foam and Oeko-Tex-certified Dacron fibre made from over 99% recycled bottles.

Comfort: MOMU offers different fillings for Carmen, including the firmer Premium Comfort, softer Luxury Comfort and plumper Feather Comfort. Comparing these options helps you decide whether you prefer upright support or a more relaxed sitting feel.

Customisation: The design can be made in different sizes, fabrics and configurations. Depending on your requirements, the team can also discuss changes to seat depth or height.

Fabric choices: Carmen can be upholstered in a wide selection of fabrics and leather. A fabric with noticeable texture may complement its generous form, while a smoother material can produce a more defined finish.

Best suited to: Family lounge rooms, larger sitting areas and open-plan homes where generous seating is a priority.

Before ordering: Check the relationship between the arm width and usable sitting area. Make sure you have enough floor space for moving around the sofa and any nearby furniture.

For additional seating, it may be more practical to include one of MOMU's Australian Made armchairs rather than increasing the main sofa's size beyond what suits the room.

Aquila Sofa: Deep Cushions and Soft Angles

The Aquila sofa is designed with soft angles and deep cushions, offering a more relaxed alternative to sofas with a strongly upright appearance.

Its low upholstered profile and generously cushioned seat make it worth trying if you prefer lounging rather than sitting in a particularly formal position.

Design: Aquila combines soft upholstered angles with deep seat cushions and a low-profile base. Its shape is suited to relaxed family living without relying on heavily structured detailing.

Construction: The sofa is made locally using sustainably sourced Australian hardwood frames. MOMU also uses GECA-certified foam and Oeko-Tex-certified Dacron fibre made from over 99% recycled bottles.

Comfort: Aquila offers a deeper sitting experience, and customers can choose from the available Premium Comfort, Luxury Comfort and Feather Comfort fillings.

Custom sizing: The sofa can be ordered in different sizes and configurations. Seat depth and height can also be discussed, which is especially helpful if you like Aquila's design but prefer a different sitting position.

Upholstery: Fabric and leather options allow Aquila to be adapted to different interiors. MOMU provides fabric samples so customers can compare colour and texture at home before confirming the order.

Best suited to: Family lounges, media rooms and open-plan living areas where stretching out and relaxing are common uses.

Before ordering: Test the seat depth with your back against the cushions. If you find yourself moving forward to sit comfortably, ask whether a shallower seat would better suit you.

If you're considering a larger seating arrangement, compare Aquila with the options in MOMU's modular sofa collection.

4. Think About Arm Height and Back Support

Two sofas with similar overall proportions can feel very different because of their arm height, back cushions and seat construction.

A lower arm can make stretching out more comfortable for some people, while a higher upholstered arm may provide a better surface to lean against.

Back height matters as well. If you tend to sit upright, check whether the back cushions support your usual position. If you prefer to recline, try the sofa that way too.

This is why visiting a showroom is helpful. At MOMU's Melbourne showroom, you can compare designs and discuss adjustments to the seating proportions rather than deciding from photos alone.

5. Choose Fabric for the Way You Actually Live

It's tempting to choose upholstery based on colour first, particularly when you've found a shade that works well with the rest of the room.

But the way you use your sofa should influence the decision just as much.

For a busy household, consider how the fabric handles regular use, everyday marks and cleaning. If you have pets, ask about snagging, pet hair and maintenance requirements.

For a quieter sitting room, you may have more flexibility with texture and finish, although care instructions are still important.

MOMU offers an extensive selection of upholstery fabrics for custom sofas. Some have built-in fabric protection, while other suitable materials can be professionally treated.

You can explore natural-look fabric options, velvet upholstery or leather upholstery choices.

Before making a final decision, take your preferred samples home. Compare them in natural daylight and under your evening lighting, alongside the flooring, curtains and other furniture.

6. Consider the Furniture Around Your Sofa

A custom sofa should work as part of the complete room, not simply fill the available wall space.

Think about the position of your rug, table area, television and any additional seating.

An armchair can create a comfortable conversation area without requiring an oversized sofa. An ottoman can provide a flexible footrest or occasional extra seat.

MOMU offers armchairs made in Melbourne and upholstered ottomans that can be considered alongside your chosen sofa.

If you're trying to fit several pieces into a compact living room, use MOMU's furniture planning service to compare the arrangement before confirming the order.

7. Check Delivery Access Before Finalising Your Order

A sofa can fit perfectly in the living room and still be difficult to get through the front door.

That's particularly worth checking in properties with narrow hallways, staircases, tight corners or apartment lift restrictions.

If you're furnishing an apartment in Richmond or elsewhere in inner Melbourne, review the complete delivery route rather than checking only the room where the sofa will sit.

Measure the entrance and note any tight turns. Check building delivery requirements if you live in a managed apartment complex.

MOMU arranges delivery throughout Australia. The team installs and positions the furniture, then removes and recycles the packaging.

If access is a concern, contact MOMU before ordering and provide photographs or measurements of the difficult areas.

What Happens After You Place a Custom Sofa Order?

Once the sofa design, upholstery, comfort and sizing have been agreed upon, the furniture is made in MOMU's Melbourne workshop.

MOMU aims for a production period of approximately eight weeks, while its broader showroom-to-home process describes around eight to ten weeks. Confirm the latest timeframe for your particular order, as materials, customisation and delivery arrangements can affect timing.

The team provides production updates and arranges a suitable delivery time as the furniture approaches completion.

MOMU's sofas also come with a 10-Year Warranty. You can review MOMU's warranty information to understand the current coverage and terms.

For more about the materials and production process, explore MOMU's Melbourne furniture craftsmanship and its approach to sustainable furniture making.

Your Checklist Before Ordering a Custom Sofa

1. Check the complete room: Include entrances, walkways and surrounding furniture.
2. Test your preferred sitting position: Make sure the seat depth and height feel comfortable.
3. Compare arm shapes: Consider both resting comfort and usable seating.
4. Review back support: Sit upright and in your usual relaxed position.
5. Choose cushion comfort: Compare firmer, softer and plumper fillings.
6. Select practical upholstery: Ask about cleaning, fabric protection and everyday wear.
7. Plan the whole seating area: Allow space for other furniture and comfortable movement.
8. Check delivery access: Review doors, corridors, stairs and lifts.
9. Confirm the order: Review customisation details, production timing, warranty and care instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Sofas in Melbourne

Can I have a sofa made to fit an awkward living room?

Yes. MOMU can make sofas to custom sizes and offers room-planning assistance. Bring a floor plan, photographs and room measurements so the team can help work through suitable proportions and configurations.

Can I change the depth or height of a sofa?

Often, yes. MOMU can discuss changes to seat depth, seat height or back height depending on the design. Testing different sitting positions in the showroom helps determine which adjustments may be useful.

Where can I find Australian Made sofas near Richmond?

MOMU makes its sofas in Melbourne and has a showroom in Bentleigh East. Customers from Richmond and surrounding suburbs can visit to compare designs, upholstery and comfort options before ordering.

What cushion filling should I choose?

It depends on your preferred sitting feel. MOMU offers firmer Premium Comfort, softer Luxury Comfort and plumper Feather Comfort. Try the options in person where possible.

Are MOMU sofas made locally?

Yes. MOMU manufactures its upholstered furniture in Melbourne using Australian hardwood frames and certified cushioning materials. Delivery is available throughout Australia.

Can I order without visiting the showroom?

Yes. MOMU offers video consultations and can discuss designs, custom sizing, fabrics and comfort remotely. Fabric samples can be sent to customers for review at home.

How long does a made-to-order sofa take?

MOMU aims for approximately eight weeks of production and describes the broader process as around eight to ten weeks. Confirm the current estimate for your selected furniture and delivery location.

What warranty comes with a MOMU sofa?

MOMU provides a 10-Year Warranty. The exact coverage is subject to its published terms and conditions.

Make Your Next Sofa Work for Your Home

Having a sofa made to order gives you the chance to address details that are easy to overlook when shopping for ready-made furniture.

The right seat depth, cushion firmness, arm proportions and upholstery can make a meaningful difference to how comfortable the sofa feels and how well it suits the room.

Bailey offers a defined contemporary profile, Carmen has generous upholstered arms, and Aquila provides a softer shape with deep cushions. Each gives you a different starting point for a sofa made around your preferences.

Whether you're furnishing a home in Richmond, elsewhere in Melbourne or further afield, it helps to plan the furniture around the way you actually live.

Browse MOMU's locally made sofa collection, compare custom modular sofas or explore more furniture designs before visiting the showroom.