The 1977 Sofa redefines timeless design.   

Building on the foundations of the very first King Living sofa crafted in the seventies, the contemporary design incorporates modern engineering while retaining the integrity of the classic silhouette.   

For Sebastian Clarke, Senior Designer at King Living, who led the design of the 1977 Sofa, the reimagining honours the brand's enduring legacy.  

“The name 1977 comes from the genesis of King Living. It explains where we've come from and celebrates our history.”   

Here Sebastian takes us on a journey through the design process, what makes the 1977 Sofa unique, and how it felt to redesign a classic. 

The 1977 Sofa design brief 

Tasked with redesigning the heritage King Living sofa – named the Award – Sebastian faced the challenge of preserving the original design's essence while catering to the needs of contemporary consumers.  

For Sebastian, envisioning how to bring the sofa up to date began with understanding modern customers and their lifestyle needs. 

“The process starts with understanding our customer as it does with all our products – we had to consider how to bring it up to date and how to make the design resonate with customers of today,”  Sebastian explains. 

“We identified four essential elements – sustainability, modularity, timelessness and serviceability – which is all about easy-care and maintenance.” 

Reimagining a classic design carries a sense of responsibility, which Sebastian fully owned alongside King Living Founder, David King.  

"It was thrilling yet quite a responsibility to bring such a classic product up to date."  Sebastian shares. “David and I worked very closely together, and it's been wonderful. I've learned so much. We've worked with the height of technology. We are incorporating five decades of King Living engineering.”   

Sebastian rests on the 1977 Sofa in Tempest Wattle Fabric. Arranged in a multi-directional formation, ideal for collaborative spaces.

Curves and comfort 

The most curvaceous design ever brought to the King Living Sofa Collection, 1977 offers an entirely new shape for customers to bring home.   

The gentle curves and contours express a sense of relaxation and softness that communicates comfort.   

“The 1977 Sofa really sets itself apart from the rest of the collection by being a very unique curvy form," Sebastian shares.   

“What I really love about the design is that hidden within the simplicity of it is an engineered comfort system.”  

The real magic is within the design. Unlike the original sofa that inspired the design, the 1977 Sofa is fitted with the latest comfort engineering.  

“The foundation of the design is a steel frame that comes with a 25-year warranty and that supports our Postureflex Seating System,” Sebastian says. “This gives the comfort and longevity King Living is known for.” 

1977 Sofa can be rearranged to perfectly suit your space and lifestyle.

Flexible modular design 

One of the key design points that needed to be retained from the original Award Sofa was the modular flexibility – the ability to move modules around the create your own custom seating arrangement.  

“The Award Sofa was loved for its flexibility – you could expand it, contract it and create an intimate setting for two – it was all about that versatility. That's at the heart of the 1977 Sofa as well.”  

Thanks to the individual sofa modules, customers can easily move the chaise from left to right or reconfigure the setting perfectly to suit evolving lifestyle and space requirements.  

"Customers will love that they can expand or change their sofa as their environment changes. All the pieces can be reconfigured in any way you dream of,” Sebastian says. “There's no ‘left’ and ‘right’ pieces, It's perfectly symmetrical and adaptable.”  

The 1977 Sofa is equally at home in residential settings or collaborative settings that feature breakout areas.  

“Because of the modularity, the design also suits settings that have breakout areas, like waiting rooms or galleries. It suits expansive and intimate spaces equally.” 

The 1977 Sofa in Tempest Wattle fabric. Styled with the Myco Side Table, Issho Side Table and Sadie Cushion.

Designed for longevity 

Creating products designed to last is part of the King Living brand ethos.  

“Sustainability is a key focus at King Living. We look at the whole lifecycle. The parts can be disassembled and recycled instead of going to landfill.”   

From long-lasting, recyclable steel components to a steel frame warranty and complete modularity, many elements work together to make the 1977 a sofa for life.  

“The foundation of the design is a steel frame that supports our Postureflex Seating System," Sebastian explains. The Postureflex Seating System is replaceable. The steel frame has a 25 year guarantee. The springs are all replaceable, and of course, the covers are removable and can be replaced.”  

“What this all means for the customer is that you've got a really easy-care sofa that's designed to last a lifetime.” 

The 1977 Sofa is featured in Leura fabric in Caramel, Biscotti, Natural White and Sandstone colourways.

Washable removable covers

The 1977 Sofa is available in two premium fabrics – and like all King Living furniture, the covers are tailored and completely removable. 

“We've created two exclusive fabrics for the 1977. One is a quilted fabric, and the other is a boucle,” Sebastian shares. “They are machine washable, and due to their flexible nature, they accentuate the sofa's contours.”  

“The flexible fabric also makes it easy to remove the covers for washing and put them back on.”   

Every individual sofa module has its own separate cover, meaning customers can choose multiple colours to create a unique and personalised result.  

“I would definitely use a range of colours in my home. I think that's part of the beauty of this product. It's playful, fun, and colourful, and I think it has a real energy to it when you mix and match those colours.” 

The 1977 Sofa is featured in Tempest Wattle fabric.

Learn more about the 1977 Sofa 

For Sebastian, the heart of the 1977 Sofa is its flexibility and customisation.  

“We want to give our customers the opportunity to change their space, change their covers, and move around the modules as it suits their needs.”  Sebastian shares. 

“At the very essence it’s all about the customer and their changing requirements.” 

To learn more about the 1977 Sofa, read Founder David King’s story about beginning King Living and creating the original design, or shop the 1977 Sofa now.