January 18, 2025
What is a sofa configurator?
A sofa configurator is an interactive tool that lets customers design their ideal sofa online. They choose color, material, dimensions and see the result instantly in 3D. In this article we explain how it works and why it's so effective.
What exactly is a sofa configurator?
A sofa configurator is a 3D visualization tool you place on your webshop. Customers can play with it: choose different fabric, adjust the color, select a different leg finish. Every change they see instantly in realtime 3D.
The difference with regular product photos? With photos you might show 5 or 10 variants. With a configurator you show thousands of combinations. And the customer chooses what they want to see.
Think of it as bringing the showroom experience online. In a physical store, customers can touch fabrics, compare colors, and see how different options work together. A configurator does the same thing digitally. The customer builds their perfect sofa, seeing exactly how it looks before they buy. This removes uncertainty and builds confidence in their purchase decision.
The technology works seamlessly in the browser. No apps to download, no special software needed. Customers simply visit your product page, start configuring, and within minutes they've designed their ideal sofa. The barrier to entry is zero, which means more customers engage with your products.
How does it work?
The configurator uses 3D models of your products. These models consist of separate parts (frame, cushions, legs) that can be combined. Each part can have different materials, colors, and finishes applied to it. When a customer makes a selection, the 3D model updates instantly to reflect their choice.
The entire experience runs in the browser using WebGL technology. This means customers don't need to install anything. They simply visit your product page and start configuring. The 3D model loads quickly, even on slower internet connections, because it's optimized for web delivery.
- The 3D model is loaded in the browser via WebGL
- Materials and colors are switched in realtime
- Customers rotate and zoom to view every detail
- Optional: AR to place the sofa in your own room
One of the most powerful features is augmented reality. Once customers have configured their perfect sofa, they can use their smartphone to place a life-size version in their own living room. This helps them see if it fits the space and matches their interior. The psychological impact is huge: they can already visualize the sofa in their home before buying.
What does research say?
The effectiveness of 3D product visualization is well researched:
- +94%
- Webshops with 3D see 94% higher conversion compared to those with only photos.
- -5%
- Stores with 3D product visualization see 5% fewer returns. Customers know what they're getting.
- 66%
- When 3D is available, 82% of visitors actively interact with it. They rotate, zoom, and explore.
Who is a configurator suitable for?
A sofa configurator is interesting for any furniture seller with variants. Think of:
Sofa specialists with different fabrics, colors and models
Furniture stores with configurable products
Manufacturers selling directly to consumers
Interior designers who want to show clients options
Does this work for other furniture too?
Absolutely. The technology works for any furniture piece with variants:
- Tables: tabletop shape, wood type, base, dimensions
- Cabinets: layout, doors, handles, colors
- Lighting: shade, color, size, material
- Chairs: upholstery, legs, armrests
- Garden furniture: material, color, dimensions
Read more about furniture configurators and how they work for different product types.
Tips for furniture stores
Start with bestsellers
First create a configurator for your best-selling sofa. Learn what works, then scale up.
Limit choices
Too many options paralyze. Start with 3-4 fabrics, 3 colors, 2 leg options. Expand when necessary.
Combine with AR
The real power is in AR. Let customers place their configuration in their living room.
What do you need to get started?
Setting up a sofa configurator is simpler than you might think. Here's what you need:
3D models of your products
Your sofa needs to be converted into a 3D model. This is usually done from photos or technical drawings. The model is created once and can then be used endlessly.
Product configuration
Which fabrics do you offer? Which colors? Which leg options? This information is configured once in the system. Adding new variants later is easy.
Integration with your webshop
The configurator is embedded in your existing webshop. Customers configure their sofa and add it to cart. The selected options are passed through to your order system.
From idea to live configurator typically takes 2-4 weeks. The 3D modelling takes most time. Once the models are ready, implementation is fast.
Conclusion
A sofa configurator is more than a nice feature. It's a proven way to increase conversion and reduce returns. Customers get control over their choice and see exactly what they're buying. For furniture sellers with variants, it's a logical step. Want to learn more about 3D product visualization for e-commerce?
Try it yourself
Curious what a configurator looks like? Try our demo or explore the possibilities.