
Top 12 Classic Sofas for Relaxing in Style
Sink in, get on, nestle in or stretch out as we list some of the best sofas available for your home, office or foyer.
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Yet beyond a sofa’s lyrical beauty, it must also justify its place in terms of proportion, comfort and materiality. It must feel good to sit on (and in) and be designed to wear well over time.
A great sofa can , after all, make or break a room. It must make the best use of the space and also forge a dialogue with surrounding architecture. In a grand, warm-toned room, a traditional sofa will form a solid foundation for accents to bounce off, while in a warehouse with high ceilings and concrete floor, a sofa may inject a certain poise or levity.
A great interior designer can help you to select the perfect sofa, but beginners should be prepared for a 6-12 month process. Sofa selection is more than a problem to be solved; colour, texture and shape all matter.
Here we present 12 classic sofas. Each possesses a timeless style with architectural kudos and time-honoured craftsmanship. Choose any of the these and you’ll be adding a piece of high design to your environment.
Camaleonda by Mario Bellini
In 2019 B&B Italia re-released this distinctive 1969 classic. The modular sofa can be ordered in high-back and low-back versions, with or without armrests and is made to order in Italy. Sculptural yet unexpectedly comfortable, the bulbous Cameleonda is a revolutionary statement that looks great in leather, velvet or corduroy. From $47,000; B&B Italia
Dune Ensemble by Pierre Paulin
This wildly modular seating system fits together like a jigsaw puzzle. Modules start from $8,000 and can be configured as a straight-edge rectangle, square or intersecting sofa; Paulin, Paulin, Paulin
Diesis by Antonio Citterio & Paola Nava
Diesis is a favourite of architects the world over. Elegant and sophisticated the load-bearing metal gives a subtle nod to Corbusier’s LC3 sofa but makes it a little more louche and modern. The soft cushions make a terrific foil for its strict architectural lines. P.O.A; B&B Italia
Maralunga by Vico Magistretti

An emblem of Cassina, the 1973 Maralunga is among the most memorable designs penned by architect and industrial designer Vico Magistretti. His revolutionary sofa was inspired by the cardboard flip-top of a cigarette packet. The backrests recoil and bend with the use of an internal bicycle chain and this innovative design, among others, helped Magistretti win the 1979 Compasso d’Oro. From $16,669; Cassina
Marenco by Mario Marenco

Designed in 1970 this contemporary design is an absolute favourite of Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The “blow up” look of the cushions make its equally proportioned pillows, back and arms rests look very playful, while the overall effect is clean and linear. Three-seater from $12,845; Arflex
Cassina LC3 Sofa by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand
Synonymous with timeless style, this two and three-seater sofa has written its own chapter in design history. It’s globally recognisable as a tasty design package, and it works just as well in a corporate as home setting. From $16,280; Cassina.
Strips by Cini Boeri
Cini Boeri is famous for revolutionising sofa design with her futuristic sofa Strips (pictured above). Prototyped in 1968 this sofa with removable cover, paved the way for other pioneering Italian designs. Its relative simplicity has evergreen appeal and no matter how big or small the room, it can be configured into a large L-shaped system, or reduced to a compact straight-edge sofa. From $9,970. Arflex
So Sofa by Paola Lenti

This sculptural two-seater by Milanese designer Paola Lenti has two central elements and partners well with a chaise lounge and pouf to create a setting. It’s dimpled-surface contrasts well with industrial or aged backdrops and adds a certain curvaceous, feminine oomph where it’s needed most. From $15,850 DeDeCe
On The Rocks by Francesco Binfaré
This is pure Edra style. Inspired by the shape of icebergs floating in water this free-wheeling design allows for total flexibility. On The Rocks allows the user to manipulate the backrest and seating structure, which makes it perfect for breaking up a large space, or for alternative view points curving around a fireplace, coffee table etc.,. P.O.A; Edra
Togo Composition by Michel Ducaroy for Lignet Rosset
This classic foam-filled series has become a statement of low-fi luxury. No hard edges mean its design is perfect for people with young children and highly suited to house guests who want to sleep, lounge and dream the days away at your house. Two-seater love-seat starts from $6080; Lignet Rosset.
Tufty-Time by Patricia Urquiola

This wildly popular sofa system is the Spanish designer’s homage to the classic leather Chesterfield. Buffed into submission, Tufty-Time is a sofa perfectly updated for modern interiors. Made to order by B&B Italia it has a starting price of $23,245; B&B Italia
Foyer by Vilhelm Lauritzen for Carl Hansen and Sons
A Danish classic reworked to meet modern needs, the VLA Foyer series comprises a bench, a sofa and an armchair, each characterised by Lauritzen’s signature simplicity. Great for compact spaces like apartments, where minimal design often speaks volumes. $12,000-20,000; Cult Designed
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the best luxury brands for buying a sofa?
Arflex, B&B Italia, Cassina, Carl Hansen and Edra are all great brands. Along with stalwarts including; Living Divani, Maxalto, Minotti and Poliform.
Where do I shop for a great sofa in Australia?
In Australia Cult.Designed, DeDeCe, Great Dane, Living Edge, Mobilia, Anibou and Space Furniture all sell reputable made to order brands.
“Typically a go-to for longevity is leather. This will not suit every home or space so a high quality blended fabric, velvets and corduroy can also be long lasting winners.”
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