couch

There is not much detail to describe the Orbit Lounge, but a picture is more than enough in this case. The system is made up of five differently shaped pieces that can be lined up to create any design of seating arrangement in any size you might possibly need. Two pieces could be arranged to make a modular couch or a warehouse could be filled with snake-like seating before being turned into a nightclub. Use your imagination and you'll only be limited by how much you want to spend. As pictured, the system costs $19,386, but because each section is sold individually, the price will radically vary by design.

The black and white Marimekko print upholstery on this Milo Chesterfield sofa makes a classic design contemporary. The simple contrast makes a bold statement that would look great in a well-decorated apartment or loft. It would make a striking addition to a room that is already done in black and white and would really pop out in a room with bright, but solid, wall colors that makes minimal use of other patterns. Sale price: $3,398 (list: $3,998).

The Fandango Sectional is the couch of choice for those who don't want to shy away from bold colors and enjoy rearranging furniture in a room as though each piece was part of a puzzle; this couch is made to be rearranged and fits together in several interesting ways. The eye-like centerpiece can be used as an ottoman, a seat extension or even as a table, for example. As flamboyant as the name, the couch comes in any of over 100 different color combinations and is made to order. You can select from leather (add $900) or microsuede, which is still a very popular material at the moment. Price: $2,999.

Unlike most sofas, the Baia Island Sofa is meant to be placed in the center of a room, rather than up against a wall. It was designed by Milan-based Jacob Pringiers, and its unique shape allows people to site comfortably on all sides, facing any direction; it is far more versatile than the average couch. It comes in five rich colors, including red (pictured), orange, lime green cream and black. The upholstery is polyurethane and it comes with a removable eco-leather cover. The only downside of the sofa is that, even though it seats six, the six cannot necessarily easily converse with one another - but since this is true of most linear couch designs, it is not a problem that cannot be overcome. Price: $2,655

The Anti-Quaint Sling Seat is a cross between a sleek, leather couch and a hammock in that it is both elegant and incredibly comfortable. The chair has a plush leather and fabric cushion that is supported by an aluminum frame. Since the chair is all black, it looks modern and very masculine. It would be a great alternative to having an overstuffed easy chair or recliner set up in front of the television. Price: £375-590.

Even though furry accessories are usually more popular during the chilly winter months, the Barbarella sofa looks as though sitting in it would be the equivalent of getting a hug from a teddy bear. They plush sofa is completely upholstered in natural sheepskin, which is available long or short, and could not be softer. It is a low rise couch, so it's great for lounging and watching TV. It is available as a single, double or triple seater and in a loveseat size. The matching ottoman is sold separately. The triple seater, pictured, is $16,348.

The modern-looking Polder Sofas get their name from the Dutch name for the artificial land built up around dams and canals. The land is flat and low-lying, as are the Hella Jongerius-designed couches. Each is upholstered in a combination of five slightly different colored fabrics, giving the couches an unusual, building block appearance, as though the pieces simply happened to fit together. The frame is wood, with cushions and upholstery in microfibers and polyester wool and filled with polyurethane foams. The sofas are all custom made and are available with the armrest on the right or the left side. Colors include green, cream, red, dark brown and anthracite. Prices start at $8,750 for the large sofa, $9,450 for the xxl version. Shipping is included.