I'm seeing this sofa pop up everywhere this year – this is how to make it work for your living room

You’ve probably seen curved sofas make their appearance in homes and interiors over the last couple of years. And while admittedly, the curved sofa trend is not necessarily brand new this year, I’ve noticed it’s becoming more popular as more and more people embrace this more unexpected silhouette and almost every brand has at least one curved sofa design in their latest offering.

If you are currently looking for your next best sofa to add to your living room then a curved design might be the one for you. There are various takes on the sofa trend available on the market – but the one that I’ve been seeing the most at the various spring/summer collection previews and in lookbooks is where the seat dips back in the centre and the curves outwards from the sides, as illustrated below.

‘Curved sofas bring a sense of fluidity and softness to interiors, breaking away from the rigid lines of traditional seating,’ says Monika Puccio, head buyer at Sofa Club. ‘As people embrace a more relaxed, inviting aesthetic, curved designs naturally lend themselves to creating a cosy yet elevated space. They also tap into the growing love for organic, sculptural furniture that feels both contemporary and timeless.’

Is the curved sofa trend going to last?

While the majority of home decor trends come and go, sofa and interior experts believe that curved sofas are here to stay – at least for a while anyway. Curved edges in interiors in general - from larger pieces of furniture to architectural features and even smaller home accessories - have been popular for the last few years. And this is not showing any signs of slowing down.

‘Curved sofas have a timeless appeal,’ says Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin. ‘While trends evolve, the desire for inviting, well-balanced spaces remains constant. Their ability to create flow in a room, soften architectural lines, and add a sense of luxury means they’ll continue to be a popular choice, particularly in spaces that prioritise comfort and aesthetics.’

The beauty of this living room trend is that, as already mentioned, it can take on many different looks. So while this season’s (or year’s) hottest curved shape might not be the one that’s popular say next year, curved sofas in general will still be in. That’s why it’s important to choose the curved sofa design that’s best for you and your lounge.

‘Although colder months demand a cosier approach to life, curvy and cocoon shaped furniture is here to stay year round,’ says Gisela Lancaster, head of buying at Sofology. ‘There has been an uptick in recent years, of sofa pieces where style and comfort combine to create a designer edge that works in both modern and traditional spaces. Cloudlike sofas with wide arm pads and soft back cushions deliver inviting silhouettes, whilst slimmer frames offer cosseting shapes that are hard to leave.’

The pros and cons of curved sofas

The experts and I’ve already touched on the pros of getting a curved sofa over a more traditional, angular design. But it should be said that there are some potential downsides to curved sofas, especially if small living room ideas is what you’re after.

‘Curved sofas come with both advantages and challenges,’ says Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village. ‘Their biggest advantages are their striking aesthetic impact, organic appearance and ability to define open spaces.’

Monika at Sofa Club confirms that they make the ideal open-plan living room idea, ‘Curved sofas work beautifully in open-plan spaces where they can create natural zoning, defining a seating area without the need for partitions. They’re perfect for larger living rooms that benefit from a statement piece that doesn’t feel bulky.’

As for the cons, Monika continues, ‘However, in very small, boxy spaces, a curved sofa might not be the best fit – it can dominate the room and make layout planning trickier. They can be trickier to position against walls and may not maximise seating as efficiently as a straight-edged sofa. That said, if styled correctly, even a compact curved loveseat can soften a space and add a touch of luxury.’

However, you can opt for a sofa shape that has a straight back which positions well against the wall and doesn't take up extra space while also rocking some curves through the armrests, for example. Much like my curvy modular sofa, the King Living 1977, does. Or if you want to incorporate the curved look without making such an investment of both money and space then you can opt for smaller curved accessories and pieces.

How to style a curved sofa

When styling a curved sofa in your living room, the first thing to consider should be your choice of coffee table which should ideally feature some curves itself. ‘To style a curved sofa, consider pairing it with a round or oval coffee table to complement its form,’ advises Lena Gierasinska, head of product and displays at Barker and Stonehouse.

Lean into the cocooning nature and cosy living room feel of a curved sofa by layering soft and inviting textures on and around this living room seating idea.

‘Layering with cushions in different sizes, complementary colours and textures, a soft throw, and a plush rug can amplify the inviting feel. Positioning the sofa to face a focal point – be it a fireplace, a statement artwork, or a beautiful view - ensures it becomes an integral part of the space,’ Martin at Andrew Martin says.

Monika at Sofa Club concludes, ‘Since curved sofas already make a statement, I’d recommend keeping the surrounding decor clean and considered. For contrast, pair it with sleek, structured accent chairs or sculptural lighting to create a dynamic but cohesive look. And of course, soft linen or textured boucle cushions will enhance the inviting, tactile feel.’

Are curved sofas comfortable?

Just like with any sofa, when it comes to curved sofas and their comfort, it depends on the particular design – there are super comfortable curved sofas and some uncomfortable ones, too.

‘Many curved sofas are supremely comfortable, designed with deep seats, plush cushioning, and ergonomic support, making them just as cosy as traditional sofas. Their gentle, enveloping shape can have a wonderful cocooning and inviting feel,’ Shelley at Furniture Village says.

Martin at Andrew Martin adds, ‘Comfort depends on the depth and angle of the seating. Some designs prioritise aesthetics over comfort, so choosing one with supportive cushioning and an appropriate seat depth is key. As with any sofa, testing it in person ensures it suits your needs both visually and functionally.’

I see curved sofas only going from strength to strength as the year goes on. What are your thoughts on this intriguing sofa look?