Koala’s Torquay Modular Sofa Is the Ultimate Family-Friendly Couch That Assembles in Less Than 10 Minutes

Tested by Theresa Holland

Picking out living room furniture can be a process, to say the least. You have to find something that pairs well with the rest of your furnishings, fits the space, is comfortable to sit on, isn’t ruined by the smallest spill and, hopefully, won’t make you go broke. In my household, it also needs to stand up to kids who treat it like a jungle gym.

At first glance, the Koala Torquay Modular Sofa appeared to check all the boxes. To see how it looks and performs in real life, I tested it at home.

Here’s my honest review.

What Is the Torquay Sofa's Main Appeal?

Koala is a relatively new direct-to-consumer furniture brand based in Australia. The company prides itself on “thoughtful design,” including functionality, simple setup, and sustainability (the couch is made from FSC-certified wood and some recycled materials), without sacrificing appearance.

This sofa’s main draws are its exceptionally easy assembly and durability, both in terms of stain resistance and sturdiness. It’s also versatile thanks to its modular design. You can add, remove or reconfigure the seats at any time.

How I Tested the Koala Torquay Modular Sofa

The Torquay comes in several sizes and configurations. I went with the three-section sofa in the regular width, upholstered in premium fabric in the color Silver Sand, a light, cool-toned beige with subtle dimensional texture.

Here’s how I tested the sofa at home.

Assembly Test: It arrived in seven boxes and came with super-simple, clear instructions. Assembly doesn’t require any tools and can easily be done by one person. You simply slide the pieces together using the pre-attached “Quick-Lock connectors.” It took less than 10 minutes to assemble; unboxing and flattening the cardboard took longer than putting the couch together.

Sturdiness Test: The Torquay Sofa has a solid wood frame and high-resilience foam cushions with sinuous springs and edge support (not unlike a high-end hybrid mattress). It doesn’t wobble, creak or shift on the floor when I sit down — or even when I throw myself onto it with extra force. The couch also stands up well to kids climbing all over it, bouncing on the cushions and my 7-year-old “practicing his WWE wrestling moves.”

Comfort Test: This sofa is firmer than most others I’ve sat on. It doesn’t have that plush, sink-in feeling, but it’s much more comfortable and supportive than I expected. (Maybe I need a firmer mattress?) It’s comfortable for sitting upright, curling up with a book or lying flat while working on my laptop.

Stain-Resistance and Cleaning Test: The performance fabric is treated to resist stains. Spilled liquids roll off and can easily be blotted away if you act quickly. Marks that aren’t cleaned immediately — like chocolate smeared onto the couch by my kids — scrub out easily with a damp cloth.

The cushion covers also zip off and can be machine-washed. I washed one cover, and it didn’t shrink or become damaged in the laundry.

Aesthetic and Versatility Test: This sofa features rounded pieces that give it a somewhat bubbly appearance. The low-profile design leans mid-century modern with a slightly more contemporary feel. Even with its trendy silhouette, it’s versatile enough to complement a wide range of design styles. I also like how substantial the armrests are.

What I Loved About the Koala Torquay Modular Sofa

It's extremely simple to assemble.

Putting the couch together was a breeze. It only took about eight minutes, and no tools were required.

It's stain-resistant and easy to clean.

This is especially important to me as a mom of young, active kids. We also like to eat on the sofa while watching movies, so it’s nice not to worry too much about stains. Spills blot up easily, and other spots scrub out without much effort.

If the couch gets especially grimy, you can always wash all the covers.

It's comfortable and supportive.

Despite the unexpected firmness, it’s not overly stiff. Overall, the couch feels comfortable and supportive in multiple positions. It also comes with two matching throw pillows that you can place wherever you need extra cushioning. They’re weighty yet soft and malleable.

It looks good in my living room.

I love the way this sofa looks. It has a striking yet versatile appearance, and the neutral upholstery blends effortlessly with the rest of my living room decor.

The cushions never need adjusting or refluffing.

The cushions are firm and full, and they stay that way without sagging — even after sitting or lying on them for a while. As a result, they never need refluffing.

What I Didn't Love About the Torquay Sofa

The armrests aren't flat.

While I like the large, rounded armrests, I do wish they were flat enough to hold a drink.

It doesn't have a bench-style seat cushion.

This comes down to personal preference. A single bench cushion makes a sofa look a little more high-end, but this is often a sacrifice with modular designs and sectionals.

Bottom Line: Is the Koala Torquay Sofa Worth It?

After testing the Koala Torquay Modular Sofa at home for a few weeks, I absolutely think it's worth buying. It’s not cheap, but it’s not the most expensive option either, and the quality is undeniable. Unlike made-to-order furniture that can take months to arrive, this couch is delivered within a couple of weeks.

Also, the brand backs it with a five-year warranty. And if you want to return it within 120 days, they'll pick it up for free and give you a full refund.

Why You Should Trust Our Tester

Theresa Holland is a freelance shopping writer and product tester specializing in consumer tech, small appliances, home decor, household linens and lifestyle. She has substantial experience with hands-on testing and a keen understanding of what to look for when buying towel warmers and other plug-in devices. For HGTV.com, Theresa has covered the best cooling fans, essential oil diffusers, canister vacuums and automatic drip coffeemakers.

Why You Should Trust HGTV Shopping Experts

HGTV Shopping Experts believe the best method for testing products is based on how our fans are going to use them in the real world. In each of our Tested and Reviewed stories, products are not tested in sterile laboratory settings that don't mimic real life. Instead, we test products in real homes that reflect our readers' real lives, which can also include pets, kids, partners and more. We follow rigorous testing rubrics designed by our expert editors and take copious notes during the testing process. When choosing our top picks, we evaluate all of our testing data and take into consideration many factors, including ease of use, price, product availability and practicality. Our goal is to choose the best products for our readers.