Choosing Between Traditional and Modern Sofas for Your Home

Choosing the right sofa for your home involves a delightful mix of tradition and modernity. Traditional sofas, with their plush upholstery and intricate designs, bring timeless elegance, perfect for classic interiors. In contrast, modern sofas offer sleek lines and minimalism, ideal for contemporary spaces. Gubi’s stunning range, including the Pacha, Stay, and Croissant sofas, beautifully bridges these styles, ensuring comfort and sophistication in any setting. Whether you prefer classic charm or modern simplicity, Gubi has the perfect sofa to enhance your living space.

Rhiannon Hills | January 30, 2025

Rhiannon Hills

Founder |

"Traditional sofas invite you into timeless comfort with classic designs, while nontraditional sofas break the mold, offering bold statements and innovative style—both create a space to unwind, just in their own unique way."

2 seater sofa designed by Gubi for Space Copenhagen

1. Stay Sofa

The bare essentials – thats what the Stay Sofa embodies. It boasts an organic and sculptural shape, giving it a contemporary look. At the same time, it embraces the user and convinces him or her to stay seated, hence the name. The characteristic shape of this beautiful sofa is similar to a singular and continuous pencil stroke as it wraps around a solid texture. Suitable for both public and private spaces, this sofa is a furniture shoppers dream. It comes in a myriad of sizes and depths, making it shockingly easy for one to find a model that suits their interior needs.

Signe Bindslev Henriksen and Peter Bundgaard Rützou form the Danish design duo known as Space Copenhagen. This studio has been widely known to push design boundaries but still manages to pour in personal vision into their genuine designs. Space Copenhagen’s design portfolio range from interior design, furniture, everyday-use refined objects, art installations and art direction.

Many of their furniture design work have been for clients in the hospitality and luxury retail sector – a field the studio is strongly known for. Space Copenhagen has done interior design for some of the world’s most influential restaurants such as Nordic pioneer restaurant NOMA, Geranium, owned by Bóchuse D’or winner Rasmus Kofoed and newcomer Geist, run by Michelin star chef Bo Bech.

Some of their furniture designs carried by Danish Design Co here in Singapore are manufactured by designer brands Gubi and Fredericia.

3 seater sofa designed by Gubi for Illum Wikkelso

2. Croissant Sofa

The Croissant Sofa by midcentury Danish architect and designer Illum Wikkelso was created with the belief that a sofa was not just for sitting upright, but that it should be comfortable no matter the angle at which you sit. The sofa features a base-frame and legs, with a slight front-to-back downward tilt and curved detail. Its horsehoe curve backrest enables alternative sitting and lying positions. The powerful and contemporary design of the Croissant Sofa is true to Wikkelsos inspiration from the classic and elegant club member-styled lounge chairs

Illum Wikkelso was a Danish furniture designer who’s well-known for his masterpieces created in the 1950s and 1960s. Wikkelso’s designs are characterized by clean lines and waves that he found in the Danish landscape. His work is considered to be an excellent example of a wonderful pairing of being both naturally organic and highly functional

3 seater sofa designed by Gubi for Pierre Paulin

3. Pacha Sofa

The pacha sofa gives the sensation of sitting on an entire cloud sensation is made possibly by the many modular combinations available. Its organic and hyper-relaxed feel comes through its ergonomic precision and craftsmanship in this striking creation. Optional added armrests on either sides provide even more support, and its elegant choice of Black or Pearl Gold base offers a wealth of possibilities in ones living room, lobby of foyer.

Pierre’s greatest childhood influence came from his uncle motorcar designer Georges Paulin as well as great-uncle sculptor Freddy Balthazar Stoll. While studying at the Camondo Decorative Arts School in Paris, his teacher, Maxime Old, recommended Paulin to Marcel Gascoin’s workshop. It was there that Paulin embraced Scandinavian aesthetics and later begun to admire the clean lines of American designers. Paulin created his most iconic models during his collaboration with Kho Liang Le from the late 1950s to 1975, many of which are still in production.

Pierre Paulin had a rather productive design career, with numerous exhibitions and publications but expressed that he had a desire to mass-produce some of his unreleased work. Currently, Paulin, Paulin, Paulin is a family business succeeded by his wife, son and closest business collaborator Michel Chalard. They carry the torch to continue his dream when Paulin passed in 2009.

Timeless Comfort: Choose Your Ideal Sofa Style Today

Choosing the Right Sofa: Traditional vs Non-Traditional

When it comes to furnishing your home, few pieces are as essential as the sofa. It’s not just a seat; its where we unwind, share laughter with family, or entertain friends. So, when the time comes to choose a sofa, the decision can feel overwhelming. Should you opt for a traditional design that exudes timeless charm, or a modern sofa that offers sleek lines and contemporary appeal? Let’s explore the differences, particularly highlighting Gubis stunning range, which beautifully marries both styles.

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Traditional Sofas: A Touch of Timeless Elegance

Traditional sofas bring an undeniable warmth and character to any room. Characterised by intricate woodwork and plush upholstery, these sofas often feature deep, comfortable cushions wrapped in luxurious fabrics like velvet or damask. Their ornate carvings and vintage detailing create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for those who appreciate classic aesthetics. In a traditional living room, the sofa often serves as the focal point, seamlessly blending with antique furniture and rich colour schemes. This choice is ideal for anyone who loves old-world charm and desires a space that feels both grand and cosy.

Modern Sofas: Sleek, Stylish, and Functional

On the other hand, modern or non-traditional sofas offer a clean, minimalist look that suits contemporary homes beautifully. With sleek lines and neutral colours, these sofas are perfect for apartments or open-plan spaces, where maximising space is crucial. Modern designs, such as L-shaped or corner sofas, are particularly popular as they provide ample seating while maintaining an airy feel. These sofas create a dynamic environment where family and friends can gather, making them excellent for bustling urban living, such as in the vibrant city of Singapore.

Gubi: The Perfect Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Gubi stands out for its ability to merge traditional and modern designs in a remarkable way. Their collection offers elegant yet functional pieces that can adapt to various interior styles. Here are a few standout options: 1. Pacha Sofa: The Pacha Sofa is an embodiment of comfort and sophistication. Its plush upholstery and inviting shape combine the classic appeal of traditional sofas with the modern desire for sleek lines. The rounded edges and low profile create a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for both vintage-inspired and contemporary spaces. 2. Stay Sofa: For those who appreciate clean modern lines yet desire warmth, the Stay Sofa is a brilliant choice. Its minimalist design is complemented by a soft, inviting form that prioritises comfort. This sofa adapts effortlessly to various home styles, making it perfect for Singapore’s urban living environments where space is at a premium. 3. Croissant Sofa: The Croissant Sofa is a showstopper in Gubi's collection. With its innovative, curvaceous form, it makes a striking visual statement. This sculptural piece is perfect for creating inviting conversation areas, balancing modern aesthetics with lasting comfort.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

Ultimately, the decision between a traditional or non-traditional sofa comes down to the atmosphere you wish to create in your home. Traditional sofas offer warmth and a sense of timeless beauty, perfect for those who adore classic design. In contrast, modern sofas reflect simplicity and functionality, ideal for contemporary homes that value space efficiency. For those seeking to bridge the gap between these two worlds, Gubi provides an impressive selection of sofas that combine the best of both styles. The Pacha, Stay, and Croissant sofas, along with the Gubi Pouffe and Revers Sofa, embody an exquisite balance of traditional craftsmanship and modern design. Investing in a quality sofa from Gubi ensures you have a piece of furniture that is both functional and beautiful—truly a centrepiece for relaxation and conversation in your home. Whether you’re revamping a family room in Singapore or creating a chic living space elsewhere, the right sofa can make all the difference, allowing you to enjoy every moment spent in your home.

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Reviews

★★★★★

My fiancée and I were searching for modern furniture pieces that not only look beautiful but also are practical. Danish Design ticked all the boxes - superb comfort and aesthetics value, a decent variety of different furniture lines, and staff who are willing to take their time to explain the pieces to you. For many of their sofa lines, they have a wide array of different fabrics (and colours) to suit your lifestyle (eg, warmer or cooler materials). We ended up getting a Bolia couch and a Skovby dining table - wish we had gotten more! Definitely will return again

Joshua Foo

★★★★★

Was hunting high and low for a modern and sleek looking sofa and finally found in at Danish Design. Fell in love at first sight and decided to up the budget to get a set in leather for ease of maintenance. Excellent service from Danish Design. While the six month wait was long, they kept us updated regarding the progress. Picture showing our “princess of the house” enjoying on the comfy sofa. Well worth the.

Jonathan Lee

★★★★★

Great selection of furniture (there are some avail online and not in-store which they can order for you). Got our lights and sofa from here. Staff was very helpful in providing advice on material selection, customization and styling.