Interior designers reveal the top sofa trends for 2024 – yes, this staple really can be reinvented

What's fascinating about reviewing sofa trends every single year is just how inventive furniture designers are at coming up with a new take on a staple. 

From a return of 80s chintz florals to sweeping, sculptural silhouettes, these are the sofa trends that are going to dominate interior design trends for the year ahead. The overall feeling is that living spaces are ever more informal and so sofas, while sumptuous enough to sink into, still look smart. Designers are moving away from matching sets and looking to add vibrancy through different shapes, colors, and textures, too.

So, if you are in the market for one of the best couches, our pick of the top sofa trends of 2024 might just help with your decision process.

10 sofa trends to look out for in 2024

A sofa is one of the most important pieces of furniture that you will purchase for your living room ideas. As the central seat space, your chosen design should be comfortable and supportive to sit in, crafted from durable, long-lasting materials, and ultimately look beautiful and embody your sense of style – this is a purchase that needs much thought and consideration.  

We know that sofa trends can come and go, but many of these furniture trends will last way beyond 2024, we hope they leave you feeling inspired.

1. A nod to nostalgic designs

Of course, many trends are influenced by designs and styles of the past, and one nostalgic trend that is back in a big way for 2024 is an 80s influence on interior design – we explore the 1980s interior design trends that everyone will want in 2024 in our dedicated feature. 

A fabric trend that has seen a resurgence across upholstery in homes both classic and contemporary, and that is synonymous with an 80s style, is charming chintz. 

Chintz is often defined by beautiful patterns of lively, colorful florals, and can be a wonderful style to use for both your curtain ideas and living room seating ideas – especially for an English country decor look.

A patterned sofa is a great way to introduce a dose of color and visual interest into a space without overwhelming the room – think of it as a more subtle alternative to patterned wallpaper ideas, and depending on your chosen style, the effect can be both bold and understated. 

Designer and co-founder of British brand Andrew Martin, Martin Waller says, 'in fabrics, we are seeing a trend for vintage florals, which are relaxed and colorful, being punctuated with rich velvets for casual and comfortable living.'

2. Soft and sculptural shapes

Fluid, sculptural sofa designs featuring elegant curves have been popular sofa trends over the last few years, and are still proving popular in 2024. Helping to create a more relaxing and calming atmosphere, these softer silhouettes come in all shapes and sizes, from grand three-seaters to compact and cozy loveseats, and create a cozy, cocoon of comfort.

Vermont-based interior designer Joshua Smith says, 'we are seeing more sectionals become curved instead of square. Curves reemerged in the past few years but are coming to a climax in 2024, from sectional sofas to dining tables to coffee tables. The curves lean more biophilic and biomorphic as we crave more nature. Mother Nature does organic shapes best, so it makes sense we’d want to pull that inspiration into our homes.'

We explore in our dedicated piece, are curved couches still on trend? Spoiler: it's a yes.

3. Bold and bright colorways

'A sofa is a great place to make an impact with a colorful, bold and bright design, and this humble piece of furniture can really transform the look of a room. Often the main focal point in a space, you can use your living room sofa ideas to celebrate a favorite color or pattern, or to create a stylish contrast with the color palette used in the rest of the room,' says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor at Homes & Gardens.

This statement, sweeping asymmetrical sofa in a warming terracotta finish works in perfect harmony with the cool blue walls, with the large patterned trim at the base providing a luxurious yet playful design feature. Design by Studio Duggan.

For more guidance on working with contrasting colors, we explore using the color wheel in interior design in our separate piece.

4. Tailored, quilted looks

Establishing a neat, tailored look, a quilted sofa definitely has a classic, retro feel, and trend forecasters TrendBible say that there will be a rise in more 'modern quilting' for 2024 sofa trends.

Shown above is the aptly named 'Quilton Sofa', designed for popular Danish furniture brand HAY by Jonathan Levien and Nipa Doshi. Described as a 'quilted landscape sofa system', the design has a relaxed, spacious and contemporary feel, with the quilted detail adding a sophisticated touch and a nod to styles and upholstery techniques of the past.

5. Prioritize extra depth

For many of us, the key things we look for when purchasing a new sofa is how comfortable and cozy the design is. 

Of course, these factors are not so much sofa trends, but more crucial requirements, however, the year of 2024 will see sofas that exaggerate these important features, with big, oversized designs with deep, plump cushions taking center stage.

Martin Waller, Founder of Andrew Martin says that 'a mix of both oversized sofas and chairs is key to making sure everyone gets a seat. Extra depth means these remain relaxing even with lots of people and an array of cushions are essential for both comfort and providing additional seating when necessary.'

6. An elegant mix of materials

Last year, we attended High Point Furniture Fair in North Carolina, a huge event that showcases the latest in home furnishings styles, trends, and products. 

One of the main things we took away for sofa trends for 2024 were designs that showcased a mix of materials, colors and patterns.

Homes & Gardens' content director, Lucy Searle, who attended the event, says, 'I saw lots of beautiful couches with exposed frames, from warming wood to sleek metal; this use of materials not only created striking contrasts, but allowed for a real appreciation of the craftsmanship involved in creating the design.'

7. Eco-conscious, sustainable design

Throughout interior industries and beyond, eco-conscious design is at the forefront; helping to establish an important new era that champions sustainable and enduring product design.

As consumers, we are asking more and more questions about how products are made, and whether they are environmentally friendly – especially when we are investing in new products for the home such as sofas. 

'Sustainable living continues to be at the forefront of customer’s minds, so maintaining a responsible approach to sourcing is imperative,' says Kris Manalo, senior upholstery buyer at Heal's. 

From recyclable materials and greener manufacturing processes, to adaptable modular modules and parts that can easily be fixed and replaced, there is definitely a demand for brands to be more honest and open about their sofa production, and to produce enduring designs that meet sustainable requirements.

8. Colors of nature

Calming greens, deep blues and warming neutrals, all colors of nature, can help to create a more restful and grounding atmosphere when used in interior design. 

If bolds and brights are not your thing, then do not worry, this sofa trend can cater for those who prefer a more neutral, subtle look. 

'A strong color for 2023, and one that shows no sign of diminishing in popularity in 2024 is green. Natural interpretations of this typically restful hue are perfect for sofas, helping to create an uplifting mood. Particular favorites for 2024 are likely to be those that reflect natural tones, such as an olive or sage green, perhaps set again a natural background tone, we would also recommend deeper shades, such as a rich forest, fern or juniper,' says Suzi Rae from Sofas & Stuff.

9. A designer look with modern functionality

Another trend we took away from visiting High Point Furniture Fair was statement sofas that looked beautiful and luxurious, but still prioritized comfortable, reclining comfort and support. 

It is fair to say, reclining sofas are often not the most stylish, and we couldn't be more on board with furniture brands and designers uniting exquisite, modern design with more practical and ergonomic needs. 

We shouldn't have to choose between a sofa that looks good and one that is the most comfortable, these two features should always work together as one.

10. Adaptable and modular designs

2024 will see the rise of sofas intended to grow with spaces for years and years to come, embodying flexibility that allows for designs to be modified over time and adapt to changing spaces and requirements. 

From adding modules to create a larger sofa in a new living room, to additional modules that can double up as ottomans, many brands that offer modular couch designs allow you to choose a configuration that perfectly aligns with the needs of you and your home.

FAQs

What Sofa Colors Are In For 2024?

From 'new neutrals' to warming, bright color palettes, there are many sofa colors to look out for in 2024 sofa trends – as well as what couch colors to avoid.

It seems we are stepping away from classic neutrals such as gray and beige, and making way for a new era of neutrals with roots in the natural world, from deep sea blue to moss green.

Dani Burroughs from Snug says, 'we are definitely seeing a rise in blues – a deep blue with a gray undertone is the new hottest hue in town. Matching up with dark and dramatic or a calming and chic vibe, what’s not to love?

Contrastingly, we are taking more risk when it comes to using color in our homes, with many of us using furniture pieces such as sofas to make a real statement with color.'

Charlie Marshall, founder of Loaf supports this and says, 'light, pastel tones always work well in interiors but we’re seeing homeowners become more adventurous with color by using brighter shades. We’ve noticed that customers are looking to come away from the gray and similar neutral shades and instead are opting to inject more color into their homes.'

If you're currently in the market for a new sofa and are struggling to pick the right color, we explore the most underrated sofa colors in our dedicated feature – these are the colors that deserve a little more love.