Here’s a hot tip: If you’re furnishing a small living room, check out Castlery’s sofas. The Singaporean-founded brand knows a thing or two about small-space living (around 80% of the population lives in flats rather than free-standing houses), which is why most of its sofas are modular, come in a range of configurations, and some even conceal storage.
The online sofa brand (though it sells way more than just that) may be relatively new to the UK, but it’s been a stalwart in Australia for years and has grown exponentially since launching in the US back in 2019. Earlier this year, I was flown to NYC to preview Tan France’s collaboration with Castlery, and while I was there, I took the opportunity to sit on every sofa in the city’s breezy, new showroom.
My biggest takeaway from Castlery is that the brand is all about ease. Its furniture is designed to be easy to live with; there is a limited choice of fabric colors — mostly neutrals — to reduce decision fatigue (the designers know what you really want); and it’s simple to shop online and have it delivered straight to your home (and most of the time, for free).
Castlery’s spacious NYC showroom brings a bit of Singapore’s signature style to the city.
(Image credit: Future/Emma Breislin)
Another thing I like about the sofa-buying process at Castlery is that you can filter the website by sofa length, seat depth, height, and softness (all important sofa dimensions to consider), as well as dispatch times and fabric choices — again, it just makes everything so easy.
And while I didn’t get to sit on all 17 of Castlery’s sofa styles, I did get to sit on quite a few, including its best-sellers, and these were my six favorites (and why).
Auburn
If you’re a regular host, you’ll like Castlery’s Auburn sofa.
(Image credit: Future/Emma Breislin)
This was the first style that caught my eye in the Castlery showroom — its curvaceous form feels very aligned with current sofa trends. It’s mostly available in a ‘Chalk’ bouclé performance fabric, but some sections also come in a chambray-look ‘Basalt’ fabric (pictured above). The biggest selling point is that it comes in 16 different configurations. In particular, the slightly curved style (which you can also choose with or without arms) is cool. It might not be the best use of space, but if you’ve got the room, curved sofas do tend to look more expensive when they peel off the wall slightly.
I sat on the standard three-seater style. The back was quite firm and supportive (quite upright), but the seat was bouncy. Definitely not a sofa you’d sink into, but I could imagine it being great for people who host a lot (it’s more of a sitting/conversing sofa than one you’d sink into). It also comes with two loose throw pillows, which is nice for styling and adding a bit of extra softness.
Castlery
Auburn Performance Fabric 3 Seater Sofa
Agnes
(Image credit: Future/Emma Breislin)
If you’re a fan of classic slipcover sofas, you’ll like Agnes. It’s the kind of classic style that would look just as good in a modern home as it would in a more traditional interior. The fabric looked a little more… relaxed in-store than it does online, but I like the single-seat cushion and that it comes in four different colors (Caramel, Dark Gray, Dusty Blue, and Cream). You can also remove the covers for washing or to switch out for another color.
But the part that really sold me was when the store assistant lifted the seat to reveal hidden storage beneath (see the second image above). Available in both straight and L-shaped configurations, this sofa had one of the smallest footprints of those I tried, and would work especially well in smaller homes — the added storage only reinforcing that fact.
Comfort-wise, it felt quite upright with medium-firm seats, so good if you’re looking for something quite supportive. I’d say this is a great option for young families (especially those with pets), as you can build it out with added sections as your family grows, refresh the covers when needed, and hide clutter underneath.
Castlery
Agnes Slipcover Storage 2 Seater Sofa
Jaron
(Image credit: Future/Emma Breislin)
If the showroom staff hadn’t told me that this was a recliner sofa, I honestly wouldn’t have known, and that should say a lot. Its plump silhouette and feather-filled cushions are sink-in squishy and cleverly conceal the controls (you run your hand between the inside of the armrest and the seat to find a button — yes, it was a bit fiddly and didn’t work at first, but once you know where it is and the amount of pressure required, I think you’ll appreciate its discreetness).
In terms of the recline, it goes very, very far back, to the point where you wouldn’t be able to see a screen in front of you (unless it was on the ceiling), so great if you’re after the feature for circulation. Cleverly, the way the chair rotates is also forward, so you don’t need to leave space behind it like old-fashioned recliners (a particularly good thing, as the back of this sofa isn’t very aesthetic, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re planning to float it in the middle of a room).
As for the upholstery, the tan-colored leather I sat on was buttery soft, but it also comes in an off-white textured performance fabric that’s spill-resistant. In terms of configurations, there’s the standard three-seater and an ‘extended’ three-seater, as well as two L-shapes and an armchair. It’s got a pretty deep seat, and you can also choose between wide or narrow armrests, depending on your preference or the size of your space, which I thought was a particularly nice detail.
I really, really liked the look and feel of this sofa. Upright, it’s got quite a low profile, but once you start reclining, the headrest folds up to support your neck, and then it’s as if you’re floating on a cloud. The only downside was that there were some technical issues getting the seat to recline initially, but I find that often tends to be the way with anything ‘smart’, and it could also have been the fact that it was in a showroom and not always plugged in.
Castlery
Jaron Leather Recliner 3 Seater Sofa
Jonathan
The Jonathan sofa was surprisingly squishy without looking slouchy.
(Image credit: Future/Emma Breislin)
There is something quite smart-looking about the Jonathan sofa. It’s boxy and sits quite low to the ground, which helps to anchor it in the space. But sit on it, and you may be surprised by how soft and squishy it actually is, especially the backrest. I also quite like how it goes all the way to the ground, as opposed to having feet, but I like a quite weighty-looking sofa.
The Castlery staff tell me this style is a best-seller, and I’m not surprised. It’s available in three fabrics — the creamy white performance fabric seen above, as well as a gray and ‘moss’ twill fabric — and two brown leathers. The exaggerated seams also make it feel a bit more design-y.
There are 15 configurations available, but I really liked the one on the showroom floor, which is open and extended on one end. It felt particularly social, and would be good for flow if you’ve got an open-plan space, or if you’re planning to float it in the room as a sofa island. Someone could also easily perch on the armrests while you’re entertaining (they’re super wide and also squishy-soft).
Castlery
Jonathan 3 Seater Sofa
Kagan by Tan France
Noticeably more expensive than Castlery’s other sofas, but… it’s designed by Tan France.
(Image credit: Future/Emma Breislin)
As I mentioned, I was flown to NYC for the launch of Tan France’s collaboration with Castlery, which included the Kagan sofa. It’s available in a ‘caramel’ or ‘cream’ basketweave fabric, as well as a ‘moss’ or ‘cocoa’ leather. I initially had a strong reaction to the words ‘green leather’, but honestly, coupled with the timber detailing, I was really impressed. It’s a really deep, rich green, which I can only imagine will patina beautifully. My favorite, however, was the ‘caramel’ basketweave — it’s an almost khaki-brown in-between shade thanks to its chambray-like weave, which already feels soft and lived-in.
The timber detailing itself gives the piece a heritage-like feel, and speaks to Tan’s unique cultural perspective (though I imagine many others will be able to relate, too). The etching is inspired by patterns found throughout South Asian design, while the ‘pillars’ nod to British architecture.
It is modular and comes in 14 configurations, including a footstool, and will be shipped within three days.
Castlery
Tan France Kagan 3 Seater Sofa
Mori
If you like a Japandi-style, the Mori sofa is the perfect pick for you.
(Image credit: Future/Emma Breislin)
The Mori Sofa is Castlery’s lowest and deepest sofa, and it’s quickly becoming a best-seller in the UK. It’s so deep, in fact, that if you were to remove the back cushions, it could almost act as a single bed for guests.
Aesthetically speaking, it has a very Japandi style, thanks to its timber floating platform base. I particularly liked this sofa for all the different configurations (15 in total) and add-ons available, especially the low-profile Mori Side Table that extends the base when you opt for an armless design. You can also choose between two wood finishes (‘Natural’ and ‘Walnut’) and two neutral fabric colors (‘Alpine’ and ‘Oat’).
In terms of squishiness, I’d rate this as medium-soft, though Castlery classifies it as very soft. Perhaps it has something to do with the timber platform. That said, it’s certainly not uncomfortable.
Ultimately, I think the biggest selling point of this sofa is the multitude of configurations you can choose from, which allows you to really make the most of whatever space you’ve got and how you like to lounge.
Castlery
Mori Performance Fabric Single Arm 2 Seater Sofa With Side Table
Honourable Mentions
Castlery
Solari Performance Fabric Corner Sofa in Performance Margot Olive
I didn’t get to see this Castlery sofa myself, but Livingetc’s editor Hugh Metcalf has, and he says: “I got the sense, seeing the Solari in real life, that it would soon become one of the brand’s most iconic designs. It has a real presence to it, and its choice of fabric is something that stands apart in the market. The fabric itself feels a little like a tweed suit — it’s not the softest of materials, but the sofa itself lets you sink into it. It’s a deep sit, and its rounded arms are proportioned so that it feels pleasingly comfortable to prop yourself up in the corner.”
Castlery
Marlow Performance Bouclé Curve 3 Seater Sofa
Perhaps one of Castlery’s most trend-led designs, I didn’t get to sit on the Marlow, but its design credentials are obvious — it reminds me of de Sede’s iconic DS-600 Snake sofa, especially in this curved configuration. It’s also available in a rust colored bouclé, and you can customize the timber footings, too. That said, if you’re a fan of this style, it’s currently on clearance, so I’d act fast.
Castlery
Fable Performance Fabric Sectional Sofa
I also haven’t personally seen Castlery’s Fable sofa, but Hugh says: “The Fable looks like the sort of sofa you’d avoid if you don’t want a low back, but it’s soft and deep enough that when you’re sitting on it, it doesn’t feel low. You’re not propped, you can get properly comfortable on it. The curve of the back to the arm holds you nicely too, giving you an efficient use of space where even people in the corners feel cozy, not squashed.”
Castlery doesn’t have any showrooms in the UK (yet!), so if you’d prefer something you can ‘try before you buy’, John Lewis’ sofas are very popular for good reason.