A sofa is more than just a place to sit—it anchors your space, influences your colour palette, and plays a major role in how your living area feels. Whether you’re redecorating or moving into a new home, a modern sofa is often the first piece of furniture people notice and use.
What Makes a Sofa ‘Modern’?
When we talk about a modern sofa, we’re referring to pieces that prioritise clean lines, functional form, and comfort without excessive ornamentation. These designs typically embrace low profiles, modular shapes, and a neutral or muted palette. They don’t shout for attention but still have presence.
Materials also matter. Soft fabrics like linen and boucle add warmth, while structured upholstery creates a tailored, high-end look. A modern sofa should do both: offer comfort and polish.
Consider Scale Before Style
Before falling for a particular shape, think about proportions. A modern sofa that overwhelms the room will throw off everything else, no matter how beautiful it is. In open-plan spaces, low-slung profiles work best—they keep the sightline clear and enhance a sense of flow. For smaller rooms, opt for a slim-armed two-seater or a neat corner configuration to maximise usable floor space.
Modular sofas are ideal for flexible layouts. You can easily shift components to suit your lifestyle or adapt to seasonal changes. It’s this adaptability that makes them so popular with people who want a living space that functions just as well for entertaining as it does for relaxing alone.
Neutral Doesn’t Mean Boring
A neutral-toned modern sofa might feel like the safe option, but it opens the door to endless styling opportunities. Think of it as a base layer—you can dress it up or down with minimal effort. Add depth with throws, texture with cushions, and contrast with a bold side table or an oversized artwork.
If you do want to inject colour, try muted earth tones, olive green, or terracotta. These shades feel considered but not overdone. Plus, they work across seasons, especially in Melbourne where the weather shifts often and so does how we use our homes.
Texture Adds Depth
One of the easiest ways to lift a room is by playing with texture. A boucle modern sofa introduces a tactile element that instantly feels more current. Pair it with smooth finishes like metal or marble in your coffee table to build contrast.
Linen upholstery is another versatile option. It’s breathable, softens with time, and pairs well with natural timber furniture. When styled with a tall ceramic lamp or raw-edged rug, the entire space feels pulled together without being overdesigned.
How to Style Around a Modern Sofa
Your sofa sets the tone, but what you place around it defines the mood. Avoid clutter. Choose one or two standout accessories—an oversized mirror, a sculptural floor lamp, or a statement coffee table. Then layer in smaller details like books, ceramic bowls, and a plant or two to soften the lines.
Lighting plays a key role, especially in spaces that don’t get a lot of natural light. Go for a combination of overhead lighting, floor lamps, and task lighting to ensure the sofa is well-lit without feeling clinical.
Don’t Forget the Floor
What sits underneath your sofa matters. A large rug grounds the room and helps delineate zones in an open-plan layout. If you have timber or concrete flooring, a wool rug under your modern sofa adds warmth and softens acoustics. Go oversized if you can—it makes the room feel more generous and intentional.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Going too bold with your sofa: While it's tempting to pick a loud colour or pattern, it limits your styling options long-term.
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Ignoring leg style: Sofas that sit directly on the floor can make rooms feel heavy. A modern sofa with slim, visible legs keeps things light.
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Buying too fast: Take time to consider the scale, material, and colour. It’s one of the most used pieces in your home, and it should last.
Why a Modern Sofa is the Best Investment for Your Home
More than any other furniture item, your sofa sees daily use. From weeknight dinners on the couch to movie marathons and Sunday afternoon naps, it has to be durable and comfortable without dominating the room.
A modern sofa balances design with practicality. It’s a smart choice if you want to build a space that looks cohesive without trying too hard. And with so many configurations and finishes available, you’re not locked into one style. Whether you’re after a 3-seater, L-shape, or modular design, you’ll find something that suits how you actually live—not just how it looks online.
Why These 3 Modern Sofas From MOMU Are Worth Talking About
If you're thinking about updating your living space, a modern sofa is often the smartest place to start. It's where your eye goes first in the room—and where your guests end up sitting. MOMU, based in Melbourne, have released three new designs that are not only made locally but also come with serious comfort credentials.
Below, we break down what makes each design a standout, from the soft lines of Aquila to the sculptural form of Porter.
Aquila: Softly Structured for Modern Living
Price: $5,950
Size: 2.0 Seat – L 170 x D 100 x H 83cm
Custom sizes available
Made in Melbourne
10-year warranty included
The Aquila is what happens when a modern sofa is designed with both visual appeal and comfort in mind. The soft angles create a relaxed shape that feels easy in any space, while the deep cushions do the heavy lifting for everyday comfort. This is a sofa that looks sharp without trying too hard.
Features:
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Deep seating for laid-back lounging
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Gentle curves for a softer silhouette
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Premium comfort cushions included
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Upholstered in MOMU’s signature fabric
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Displayed in the MOMU showroom for viewing
The Aquila makes itself at home whether you’re entertaining or just winding down at the end of the day. It’s versatile enough to suit a range of interiors but structured enough to make a subtle statement.
Bobbi: Bold Curves Meet Everyday Comfort
Price: $6,350
Size: 2.0 Seat – L 165 x D 100 x H 85cm
Custom sizes available
Made in Melbourne
10-year warranty included
If you're drawn to shapes with a bit more personality, the Bobbi might be the one. It’s curved in all the right places, giving your living room an easy sense of movement without feeling over-designed.
Features:
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Sculptural profile with rounded arms
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Tailored cushioning for balanced support
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Comes with MOMU’s premium comfort cushions
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Upholstered in your choice of MOMU fabrics
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Available to view in the Melbourne showroom
The Bobbi works well in open-plan areas where you want your modern sofa to add something visually interesting. It's relaxed, but not in a messy way—it knows what it's doing.
Porter: Understated Form, Maximum Comfort
Price: $6,350
Size: 2.0 Seat – L 160 x D 103 x H 85cm
Custom sizes available
Made in Melbourne
10-year warranty included
Porter does things a little differently. With its low profile and slimline legs, it keeps things visually light while still offering serious depth for lounging. The curved sides add a sculptural element, making it a practical option that still turns heads.
Features:
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Refined metal legs give a floating effect
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Curved arms for an architectural finish
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Deep seat for comfort without the bulk
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Includes MOMU’s comfort-focused cushioning
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Available to try in the Bentleigh East showroom
For those who want a modern sofa that feels fresh but not overbearing, Porter strikes a smart balance between design and function.
Final Thoughts
A modern sofa is more than just a furniture choice—it’s a design strategy. It helps define your space, influences your palette, and becomes the backdrop to your everyday life. Whether you're starting fresh or updating an old favourite, this is the piece that will make the biggest impact.
When styled thoughtfully, it won’t just look good—it’ll feel right, too.
Local Employment
1 in 5 furniture makers in Australia are employed in Melbourne
Craftsmanship
Handcrafted by skilled artisans, ensuring attention to detail and quality
Materials
High-quality materials used, ensuring durability and comfort
Warranty
Melbourne-made sofas come with a 10-year warranty
Contact Us
Want to see one of these sofas in person or chat about custom options? Here's how to reach us:
Phone:
Call 1300 052 495. We're available Monday to Saturday, 9am–5pm (AEST).
Email:
Send us a message at enquiry@momu.com.au
Visit Our Showroom:
12 Ardena Ct, Bentleigh East VIC 3165
Opening Hours:
Thursday to Saturday: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Appointments outside these hours (including virtual consultations) can be arranged.
Easily accessible from nearby Brighton, Hampton, and Sandringham. It's a straightforward drive south from Richmond and South Yarra, and the journey from Kew, Balwyn, and the northern suburbs, including Fitzroy, Thornbury, Ivanhoe, and Northcote, is a breeze. Visit the MOMU showroom at 12 Ardena Ct, Bentleigh East VIC 3165. You can find MOMU here in Google Maps.