Perhaps build a platform for underneath it?

Is it because it sags? Don't know the inner workings of this sofa but you could put a board under the cushions to prevent sagging or have the webbing replaced so that it is firmer.

I'd be more inclined to direct friends and family who may have a hard time getting up off the couch to other chairs rather than attempt to put the sofa on risers. I can't think of an aesthetically pleasing solution to raise the sofa. It just goes against the very nature of low-level modern furniture. I was made to be low-lying.

I agree with ArchDarling; I'd get some other chairs that are easier to get out of for my guests that need that. If space won't allow for more chairs, perhaps you could get some extra cushions that could be put down to add some height to the seats. You could pick a fabric that goes well with the couch and stash them in a closet when you don't need them. If you're handy with a sewing machine you could probably make them yourself.

Make that three for ArchDarling. Mid-century is low to the ground. Buy some chairs that are easier to get up and out of for guests who have a hard time with that.

My mother-in-law has severely arthritic knees, so I put the armchairs from my dining set (Heywood Wakefield Stingray chairs) in the conversation area when I know she or others would have difficulty with our low living room furniture.

Find some nice, sturdy side chairs that will complement the rest of your stuff, and you'll be all good.

We've re-done the webbing under the cushions and so that has good support and yet still maintains the comfort of a sofa.

I'd thought about a platform but like most of you, I can't comprehend a way that won't distract from the beauty of the frame.

As for chairs, great idea... yet our small abode lacks the space for additional seating. KRDavis may be on to something with additional cushions to add seat height.

Other thoughts?

Low is good!

Leave it original and awesome. Do like we do with my husbands mother , stand in front of her , offer a hand and PULL! Upsy daisy.

as a purist, i'd leave the sofa as is. if you're set on better accommodating guests though, you might consider replacing the cushions. get seat cushions that are 1"-2" thicker, with denser foam. a couple of inches can really make a difference in seat height.

Am I the only person who thinks it's silly to have a piece of furniture that is uncomfortable? Who cares what it looks like and that it's "vintage"? Not everything old is good.

I have seen a low rise couch put up on a platform and it actually didn't look to bad. Check out ikea

The sofa you love is too low for an infirm guest, and there's no room for permanent additional seating. Shift a chair from the dining area or desk visible behind the sofa, or perhaps from a bedroom or patio, just for the visit. Have your guest lean forward, her palms pressed against her thighs or the chair arms, for balance and support as she rises. You may want discreetly to suggest rehab therapy for your guest--it helped my grandmother, may she rest in peace. She also required waterproof seating toward the last, but that's another post.

That is a downside to modern. The low-slung look is cool, but can be a challenge to get up from. And I've always thought that, even when I was a teenager. It's difficult to watch my ageing parents try to get up from low furniture. Fortunately, not all modern furniture is low, but you have to look for it.

Great input, thanks for the ideas! Now to lurk on CL for some great mod chairs.

cheers,
Laura

I'm thinking adding the wood under cushions, like another reader suggested, will not only add more stability but it'll also make it higher. It's probably going to be your cheapest and more subtle solution. There are wood risers out there, maybe you can find or make some that match or compliment the colors on the couch. By the way, love the fabrics you chose for the pillows.

"Authenticity to the period" is for museums displays. This is your HOME, and it's not the mid-century period anymore. Why not at least try a platform underneath? Best case scenario, it ends up looking pretty cool while also making the sofa practical. Worst case scenario, you decide not to use it after all.