Are curved couches still on trend? Designers say this style is a classic in the making

When it comes to trends, I pride myself on not jumping on them as soon as they appear. I like a trend to settle first, check it has some longevity before I commit. There are of course some looks I embrace pretty quickly, like the wavy mirror I bought last summer and the gingham bedding I have just pulled out again for spring. But these were small investments, if a few months down the line they fall out of fashion no major harm done. 

However, there's been a 'trendy' piece on my wishlist for the best part of a year that's a big investment – a curved couch. These have been on trend for a while I know, but I wasn't sure if in 2024 the love was dropping off. Would I regret this large purchase? Would it look dated in a years time?

Luckily, I have the expertise of interior designers to guide my shopping choices, so I asked some of my favorites for their thoughts. Is a curved couch still on trend? Is it worth the investment, and will it last through all the ever-changing interior design trends?

Spoiler, all the designers I spoke with convinced me a curved couch was a good idea and worth the investment. New York-based designer Allison Garcy told me 'A resounding Yes! Ever since 2021 when we saw the rise of vintage curved modular sofas all over social media, curved furniture and specifically upholstery pieces are not going anywhere.'

And she made a very good point that swayed me too. My apartment isn't huge and this curved couch will actually be the second couch in my living room, since I want to add more seating but not make the space feel crowded. She explained, 'Curved couches offer resourcefulness in making spaces seem larger than they appear as well as creating more cozy seating arrangements, and offer an intentional asymmetry to a room.'

'In recent months, we've witnessed a profound cultural shift from the pursuit of perfection (read static, minimal or overly curated interiors) to the celebration of authenticity of space and those who dwell in it. Design is moving away from curated images of flawlessness and embracing the beauty of imperfection. I think we will now see curved furniture not as it has been, solely upholstered in white bouclé and velvety neutrals, but now in warmer peach and jewel tones, and deco patterns that stand out more in the room than blend in, reflecting the unique personality of the homeowner and vibes of the space.'

So it's perhaps more about the fabric choice than the shape that will ensure my curved couch has longevity. I decided a while ago that bouclé was a no-go since I do believe that couch trend will date eventually.

My other concern with a curved couch was that it would feel too modern. My interior design style is quite transitional, but I tend to lean more soft and cozy than modern and sleek. However, designer Kathy Kuo assured me that curved sofas can work with both cozy spaces and uber-modern ones. 

'A curved sofa is a great way to make a strong visual statement with what is arguably the most important piece of furniture in your living room. I love that a curved sofa has the potential to feel very modern and upscale, but also very organically inspired and soft and cozy,' she explains. 'If you select a beautifully made curved sofa in a versatile color and with high-quality upholstery, there's no reason to think it wouldn't have the same level of staying power as any other style. It's all about trusting your aesthetic instincts!'

Founder of Folding Chair Design, Jennifer Walter also makes the point that while the curved couch is on trend now, the design has always existed in some form and has been adapted over the eras. 

'The curved sofa has been around since the Egyptians, and in the 50s and 60s Italian designers as well as the likes of Vladimir Kagan in the 70s have been embracing it,' she explains. 'A staple of mid-century design, the curved back and subtler lines of this style appeal to modernists at heart.'

'However, in recent years, the curved sofa has branched outside of its customary frame and outside of its niche. From the likes of retailers like CB2 and West Elm to traditional trade favorites like Hickory Chair and Vanguard, everyone seems to offer a version of curve!'

'No one can dispute the impact of a large, semi-circular seating arrangement in a large room, or the sexiness of a settee situated in the corner of a room where a linear framed chair or chest could have easily fit. There’s a boldness and confidence a curved piece infuses into a room, and it can surely provide a bit more circulation when space planning. The evolution of it will continue even as the hot trend dims but it’s likely here to stay.'

This 'circulation' appeals to me, as curved couches do appear more... fluid than most sofa designs with solid square silhouettes. The way I intend my living room layout to work with this sofa is to float it, which curved couches do lend themselves well to.

Designer Bethany Adams told me, 'Curved sofas have been around for decades and they're not going anywhere, anytime soon. But they're not correct for every space, so make sure you have the proper amount of circulation around your sofa, as these behemoths are usually not designed to fit up against a wall on all sides like their rectilinear counterparts.  Similarly, be careful when pairing a curved sofa with a coffee table and chairs – everything needs to look good from every angle.'

'We love a good curved sofa even if it is just ever so slightly curved, especially when it comes to balancing out the rigid lines of a square room and other furnishings. The contrast between the soft, flowing curves of the sofa and the hard angles of the room creates a harmonious balance that is visually pleasing,' says designer Jennifer Davis. 

'We also love to create spaces that tend to lean more masculine and a curved sofa introduces a soft, feminine touch with its gentle, flowing lines and instantly creates balance. Curved sofas often stand out in the sea of boxy, neutral sofa frames found in big box retailers. The lack of mainstream availability also means they're less likely to be seen in every other living room, adding to their allure and giving a space a distinct, upscale feel.'

I did have one valid word of caution. When investing in any large piece of furniture, you should always consider will you love it in years to come? And there are always risks when bringing 'on trend' pieces into your home. 

'In the whirlwind of ever-changing trends, the allure of curved couches has captivated many for months. Yet, when it comes to investing in furniture, wisdom whispers a different tune. I would advise against purchasing curved couches; they've already peaked and are on the decline. Instead, prioritize quality timeless pieces that endure the test of time, or explore fresh, innovative designs that promise the 'wow' factor without the looming expiration date of trends. Remember, once something becomes a 'trend,' it's already 'over,'' says designer Julie Anne Burch.

So the main takeaway? A curved couch might be an investment, but it sounds like one that will be worth it. It will work in my smaller, open-plan layout and there's longevity in the style too. The key is to find a piece I really love and will work in my space. And that's true of any trend-led pieces really, if you love them and they work in your space then whether it's 'on trend' or not really doesn't matter all that much.