Short answer: Our Gaia sofa is a soft modular sofa with a padded seat base, a high backrest and loose cushions. The Regular seat is 24.2 inches (61.5 cm) deep and the XL seat is 25.6 inches (65 cm) deep, both at a seat height of 21.3 inches (54 cm). You can build it as a sofa, a sectional, or a sofa with a chaise or storage ottoman, and the covers are removable and washable.
A soft seat only works if the size, layout and care suit your home. This guide covers the measurements, construction, fabrics and cleaning routine for Gaia, and says plainly who it suits and who it does not.
On This Page
- What is the Gaia sofa?
- How soft and deep is the Gaia seat?
- Should I choose Gaia Regular or XL?
- Which Gaia layouts and sizes are available?
- Which fabrics and colours does Gaia come in?
- How do I care for the loose cushions and covers?
- Who is Gaia for, and who is it not for?
- Our recommendation
- Explore our sofas
What is the Gaia sofa?
Gaia is one of our modular sofa collections. It is made of separate seat, corner, chaise and ottoman modules that connect together, so you can start with a two-seater and add to it later. It has slim arms, French seam cushions and a high backrest, and you can choose two arms, one arm or no arms.
Here is what is inside:
- Seat cushions: each one is 9.4 inches (24 cm) thick, made of polypropylene fibre fill around a 2.4 inch (6 cm) core of D35 high-density foam.
- Seat base: a further 1.5 inch (about 4 cm) layer of D35 foam sits on top of the base, under the cushions.
- Back and arm cushions: loose cushions 7.9 inches (20 cm) thick with polypropylene fibre fill.
- Frame: larch and plywood.
- Legs: plastic, screwed into the underside of each seat base, with anti-slip pads.
- Capacity: each seat supports up to 350 lb (159 kg).
Setup is tool-free and takes about 20 minutes per module. Our guide to how long it takes to assemble a Cozey sofa explains the steps.
How soft and deep is the Gaia seat?
The Gaia seat is soft because of how it is built: a thick, fibre-filled cushion over a foam core, on top of a padded base. The seat is also deep, which means you can sit back with your legs up or sit sideways in a corner. Our sofa seat depth and height guide compares seat depth across our collections, and our guide to how comfortable our sofas are explains how to read those numbers.
How soft and deep is the Gaia seat?
| Measurement | Gaia Regular | Gaia XL |
|---|---|---|
| Seat width | 31.8 inches (81 cm) | 33.9 inches (86 cm) |
| Seat depth | 24.2 inches (61.5 cm) | 25.6 inches (65 cm) |
| Seat height | 21.3 inches (54 cm) | 21.3 inches (54 cm) |
| Overall height | About 39 inches (99 cm) | About 39 inches (99 cm) |
| Chaise depth | 55.1 inches (140 cm) | 59 inches (150 cm) |
Softness is a personal judgement, so we describe construction rather than promise a feel. Expect the cushions to settle gradually in the seats you use most, which is normal for a loose-cushion sofa. The routine below keeps them even.
Because the seat is 21.3 inches (54 cm) high, a fixed-height side table will sit below the seat cushion. Our side table guide shows how to choose one that still works for a drink.
Should I choose Gaia Regular or XL?
Both Gaia sizes use the same cushion construction, the same foam and the same high backrest. XL is bigger in each direction, and the two sizes cannot be mixed in one sofa.
- Regular: an armless module is 31.5 inches (80 cm) wide and a corner module is 33.9 x 33.9 inches (86 x 86 cm). It suits a lounge or living room where floor space matters.
- XL: an armless module is 33.9 inches (86 cm) wide and a corner module is 36.2 x 36.2 inches (92 x 92 cm). It gives a deeper seat and a longer chaise, and it suits a larger room or anyone who likes to stretch out.
In a comparable three-seater, XL adds roughly 7 inches to the overall width, according to our product page. Check the room before you choose, and our sectional sofa size guide shows how to measure it. If the room is small, Regular is the safer starting point.
Which Gaia layouts and sizes are available?
Gaia is configured by seat count and layout, from a single seat to a large sectional, and you can add modules later. These are the Regular sizes listed on our collection page, shown as width x depth x height:
Which Gaia layouts and sizes are available?
| Layout | Size |
|---|---|
| 2 Seater Sofa | 67.75 x 33.75 x 39 inches (172 x 86 x 99 cm) |
| 3 Seater Sofa | 99.25 x 33.75 x 39 inches (252 x 86 x 99 cm) |
| 3 Seater Sectional | 99.25 x 67.75 x 39 inches (252 x 172 x 99 cm) |
| 4 Seater Sectional | 99.25 x 99.25 x 39 inches (252 x 252 x 99 cm) |
An armless seat, a corner seat and a second seat form a compact L measuring 65.4 x 65.4 inches (166 x 166 cm). For other shapes, our Gaia sofa page lets you choose arms, a chaise and a storage ottoman.
- Chaise: 55.1 inches (140 cm) deep in Regular and 59 inches (150 cm) in XL. It lengthens the seat so you can stretch out.
- Storage ottoman: 31.5 x 31.5 x 21.3 inches (80 x 80 x 54 cm), the same height as the seat, with a hidden space inside of 26.8 x 26.8 x 7.6 inches (68 x 68 x 19.3 cm). It works as a footrest and can create a chaise-like arrangement.
Our guide to modules helps you turn a wall length into a module list, and our storage ottoman guide compares the ottoman with those in our other collections. If you are unsure whether you want one long run or an L shape, read sofa vs sectional.
Which fabrics and colours does Gaia come in?
Gaia covers are 100% polyester in four fabric families. The colours below are on our site now, and availability can change, so check the product page.
Which fabrics and colours does Gaia come in?
| Fabric | Colours | Martindale abrasion |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Fabric | Silken Sand, Flax Haven, Mocha | 48,000 |
| Chenille | Sage, Espresso, Bordeaux, Harbor Blue | 48,000 |
| Aquaforte | Sesame, Snowdrift, Basalt, Limestone | 78,000 |
| Aquaforte Velvet | Aqua, Chocolate, Crumble | More than 200,000 |
Martindale counts are rub tests, so a higher number means more abrasion resistance. Our product page describes Aquaforte and Aquaforte Velvet as water-resistant and stain-resistant. Our guides to performance fabric and to the most durable sofa fabric for pets explain the differences, and how to choose a sofa colour helps with the shade. You can also order free swatches before you commit.
How do I care for the loose cushions and covers?
Gaia has removable, machine-washable upholstery that includes the seat cushions, back cushions, arms and base. Compatible replacement covers also let you change the colour later without replacing the sofa.
- Spills: wipe them promptly with a damp cloth, or blot with minimal water and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner.
- Washing: machine wash cold on a gentle cycle and air dry. Avoid bleach and high heat. Test any cleaner in a hidden area first.
- Everyday: vacuum regularly with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and pet hair.
- Cushions: fluff them regularly to redistribute the fill, and rotate the seat cushions so wear is shared.
- After delivery: vacuum-packed cushions can take up to two weeks to expand fully. Fluff and plump them by hand to restore their loft.
Our guide to cleaning a sofa covers stains by fabric type. Gaia also has a 5-year limited warranty, described on our warranty page.
Who is Gaia for, and who is it not for?
Gaia suits you if you want a deep, soft seat for lounging, like the idea of reconfiguring the sofa later, or want covers you can remove and wash. It also suits households where several people sit at once, because each seat supports up to 350 lb (159 kg).
It may not suit you if you prefer a firm, upright seat, or if you have a very small room. A Regular armless module is already 31.5 inches (80 cm) wide, and the seat is 24.2 inches (61.5 cm) deep. Our guide to cloud sofas and guide to choosing a sofa compare other options.
Our recommendation
Pick the size first, then the layout.
- Standard living room, soft seat: Gaia Regular in a 3 Seater, with two arms.
- Larger room or you like to stretch out: Gaia XL, with the 59 inch (150 cm) chaise.
- Putting your feet up and storing throws: add the storage ottoman.
- Small room: start with a 2 Seater at 67.75 inches (172 cm) wide and add modules later.
- Kids or busy households: choose removable covers in Performance Fabric, Chenille or Aquaforte, and keep the washing routine above.
If you are still comparing, our Ciello vs Gaia guide sets the two soft sofas side by side, and our Ciello sofa guide covers the other. For a curved shape, see our Cassini sofa guide.
Explore our sofas
Product specifications can change. Check the current dimensions on the product page before ordering.