I Tested 13 Different Modular Sofas, and This One Is the Best for Every Home
One of the most common questions I get when I meet new people is, “Which couch should I buy?” This is a relatively normal question when you consider that I test furniture for my job. My response used to fall into one of two categories: “How would you describe your home and lifestyle?” or “I don’t know, I’m off the clock right now.” But recently, I found a faster response that works for pretty much anyone who asks, and that’s to buy a modular couch. The truth is, it doesn’t matter what your interior decor style is, how big your apartment is, or whether you have kids or pets — a good modular sofa will fit into any lifestyle.
To take it a step further, I would recommend a modular sofa from Burrow. I’ve tested pretty much all of the living room seating the retailer has to offer, so I can say with confidence that when it comes to reconfigurable furniture, Burrow does it best. You really can’t go wrong no matter which of their models you go with, but the Nomad is a classic at this point. Of the 13 modular sofas I’ve tested from retailers like Burrow, West Elm, and Pottery Barn, the Nomad is my top pick for anyone who asks.
Arch Nomad Sofa
Burrow
$1,699
Buy Now
What Is the Nomad Sofa?
Out of all of Burrow’s three-seater sofas, the Nomad is the most compact at 85 inches long. But because it’s modular, you can size it up or down depending on your needs. The sofa is available as a two-seater if you’re dealing with especially tight confines, or you could add modules to make it a four-seater or even a sectional. If you thought that’s where the customization ends, you’d be sorely mistaken.
With the Nomad, you get to choose between three arm styles (block, slope, or arch), wood or metal legs (with three finishes for each one), and you can also upgrade your purchase by adding any of the following: lumbar pillows, a moveable ottoman, a moveable chaise, and a sleep kit that turns the sofa into a bed for overnight guests. The sofa’s cushions go from a basic flat style to a tufted style when flipped.
As for upholstery, you have a choice of fabric, leather, or velvet, and each option comes in a number of colors. Whew, that was a lot. And we haven’t even mentioned yet that the Nomad has a built-in USB charger! I tested the charger in the store with my phone, and yes, it really works.
Why We Love the Nomad Sofa
Clearly, the Nomad is incredibly versatile. Thanks to all of the customizable options, you can tailor it to fit your living room’s aesthetic. You can keep the sofa compact, or you can opt for a chaise sectional style if you like to lounge or host movie nights. Your guests will definitely appreciate the ability to charge their phones without leaving their seats! Additionally, every available upholstery fabric is a performance fabric. That makes this pick all the better for parents (or pet parents) because you don’t have to worry about not being able to clean up a stain, spill, or scratch.
If you decide to eventually switch up the layout of your space or move into a new home altogether, you can always add more modules later. Because each seat is its own module, that means the Nomad is super easy to assemble — each part comes in its own box that you’ll have no problem carrying to your walk-up. It also means that when you move, you won’t have to saw your couch in half to get it into your new place.
When I saw the Nomad in person, I was even more impressed with its modernized mid-century design. “It’s the stylish answer to the common question: ‘How do I outfit my tiny living room without defaulting to a sofa that looks like it belongs in a dorm?’” my initial review reads. “This seating staple strikes the perfect balance between modern and traditional. In other words, it’s timeless in design but fit for everyday life.” One year since my first store visit, and my verdict still stands. The Nomad would make a solid pick for any home, or any new home that you move into in the future.
Buy: Nomad Sofa, $1,699
