It's no secret that a sofa is often the most statement part of any living room, but in Gwyneth Paltrow's Montecito home, it's more than a furnishing: It's a piece of art.
In her living room, designed by her friend, celebrated designer Brigette Romanek, Gwyneth exhibits a U-shaped gray sofa that commands attention. It revives the case for gray furniture, proving this hue feels anything but boring when used correctly.
Its curved silhouette is one of the most beautiful I've ever written about, and, when paired with the subtly patterned rug and artwork, it proves this color's timelessness, while tapping into some of the biggest sofa trends of the year (and into 2026).
'I don’t remember where I first saw this couch, but I knew that I wanted it for the house when I saw it. I ordered it, then I was like, Brigette, help me. Then she modified the size a little bit. I just love that it’s already in a U-shape, so that people feel like they can pile in,' Gwyneth shared during her house tour.
'There’s something almost 70s about that, which I love. We actually use this all the time.'
Shop the look
Embodying both elegance and ease, this sectional is upholstered in corduroy and accompanied by eight throw pillows. Cloaked in a deep charcoal gray that lends a timeless modernity, the Gwyneth-inspired piece balances refinement with comfort, impressing long into 2026 and beyond.
Textural materials, like velvet, offer variations in tone, perfect when decorating with a shade like gray. Use alongside other textiles to introduce tonal layering. It's the easiest way to get the look without a sizeable investment.
Upholstered in luxuriously soft velvet (that’s a shade darker than Gwyneth's sofa), this piece exudes contemporary elegance. Its sleek silhouette instantly elevates your space, while the rolled back cushions invite you to sink in and stay awhile.
Gray sofas, or gray living rooms as a whole, sometimes risk feeling dull, but Gwyneth's space ends this for good, thanks to its stunning silhouette and considered styling. Sadly, we can't all have a Monteictio mansion on this scale, but we can still style gray expertly in our homes, as designers explain.
'The key to styling a gray sofa is layering texture and introducing subtle contrasts. Start by thinking beyond a basic monochrome palette. Gray pairs beautifully with earthy tones like olive green, rust, and natural wood tones, which can inject warmth and depth into your space,' comments Jolyon Allpress, the owner and company director at Jo Alexander.
'Soft furnishings are also where you can really transform the look of your gray sofa. Think linen or velvet cushions in muted jewel tones, plush oversized throws with interesting weaves, and an eye-catching statement rug to ground the room.' The latter is also exemplified in Gwyneth's room – so for the ultimate blueprint, look to this space.
'Ultimately, a gray sofa should be a canvas, not the full picture. With thoughtful styling and a mix of natural textures, your gray sofa can become an elegant, grounding anchor to a space that evolves with you.'
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