Should you actually buy a patterned sofa? Experts reveal whether you should go bold and follow trends with this key piece of furniture

Cozy maximalism with a fresh take on traditional themes is certainly enjoying a resurgence in 2025 and we are seeing far more playful patterns and colors in interiors, with even key pieces following the trend for being bolder.

One furniture piece seems to be leaning into the trend particularly hard – the sofa. Patterned sofas are everywhere, but it has got us wondering should you actually buy a patterned sofa? Or should such an investment piece in fact not follow sofa trends and play it safe?

Should you buy a pattered sofa?

A patterned sofa can feel like a bold step to take, but it can be a beautiful, fresh way to add visual interest and depth to your living room, proving it's not just a relic of the 1980s.

And, as many designers embrace nostalgia and a move away from modern minimalism to more traditional design elements, patterned sofas are becoming more popular than classic colors. As Kerith Flynn, Principal and Founder of Long Island-based Margali & Flynn Designs explains, 'There’s definitely a current furniture trend for choosing bolder sofas. People are moving away from neutral or safe choices and embracing more vibrant, statement-making furniture. Sofas are becoming a key element of interior design, often taking center stage in living rooms and other social spaces.'

Designer Anne McDonald agrees, 'A patterned sofa is such a fun way to make a statement and bring in a ton of personality, especially if your room isn't architecturally interesting. The larger the piece, the more it will anchor the space – consider it the exclamation point for steering the design of your room.'

So far so good, but of course there are drawbacks to going bold with such a large and expensive piece of furniture. Here we break down the pros and cons to buying a patterned sofa, with the expert help of interior designers.

5 reasons to invest in a patterned sofa

1. A patterned sofa creates a chic focal point

Gone are the days when your sofa took a back seat to the rest of your living room. Instead, a patterned sofa can be a 'statement piece that helps tie together colors and textures in a way that a solid sofa just can’t,' says Lauren Lerner, CEO and Principal of Living with Lolo.

The look is all about adding personality and making the sofa feel like a statement rather than just blending into the background. The key to making it work? 'Balancing boldness with longevity by going for classic shapes, timeless fabrics, or deep, muted tones to keep it feeling fresh but still liveable,' adds Lauren.

A stripe is a great example of a timeless classic, and can be given a modern feel with its surrounding styling. Speaking about the stylish space above, Wendy Labrum, of Wendy Labrum Interiors, says: 'A patterned fabric helps to accentuate the medium in which it's on - in this case, the stripe allows the sofa to act as the focal point of the room. A stripe can feel fresh if it's mixed in with contemporary architectural details and/or cabinetry.'

2. A patterned sofa adds character and personality

'Patterned sofas are a fun way to add character and visual interest to a space, making the room feel more layered and intentional,' comments Lauren Lerner. It's a moment where you can express your own preferences in your living room or home office, whether it's blousy florals, bright colors or bold checks.

'The patterned sofa trend is about using furniture to express individuality, making a room feel unique, lively, and more reflective of personal style,' agrees Kerith Flynn. 'If you’re someone who likes making a statement with your home decor, a patterned sofa can be a great way to create energy and personality in a room. It sets the tone for the entire space, letting you be more adventurous with your style.'

3. A patterned sofa is versatile

Whether you want to opt for a talking-point piece or keep things more muted, a patterned sofa can work to both aesthetics.

'The type of pattern can help define the space,' confirms Anne McDonald. 'A large-scale floral will lean feminine, if you're going mid-century choose a print that is small and geometric.'

Bold, bright, heavier prints – like large florals or thick stripes – can make a real statement, but you can also embrace the idea of neutral maximalism and choose a soft pattern that doesn't overwhelm the space yet still adds interest.

Lauren Lerner believes the idea of neutral maximalism is 'a perfect way to get that layered, interesting look without it feeling too loud.' She explains, 'Choosing a pattern in a neutral color – like a warm taupe herringbone, soft gray organic print, or a tonal check – brings texture and warmth while keeping the overall feel relaxed and timeless. It’s a great way to add personality without locking yourself into a bold color or trendy print that might feel dated later. It also makes a space feel more designed and intentional without being overwhelming, which is always the goal'.

4. A patterned sofa is a good choice to anchor a room

Working with an expansive living room or home office? A patterned sofa can really anchor the space. 'Patterned sofas have a heavier visual weight in the space, so they're great for larger spaces that need to feel grounded,' explains Lindsay Olson, Principal and Founder of Lulu Designs.

You can ensure the look doesn't lean old-fashioned or too fussy by choosing abstract or geometric prints.

Commenting on the space above, Marie Flanigan explains, 'The chaise, upholstered in Dedar’s Tiger Mountain, was a bold, artful way to bring movement into a space. An accent piece like this is the perfect spot for pattern, adding depth without overwhelming, and the abstract design keeps it feeling fresh and modern.'

5. A patterned sofa is practical as well as pretty

The practical is never quite as fun as the pretty but, when you can combine both, you're always onto a winner. The obvious functional upside of investing in a patterned sofa is that it will hide a multitude of sins caused by little hands or mucky paws.

'On the practical side, patterns are great at hiding dirt, stains, and everyday wear, which is a huge plus if you have kids or pets,' agrees Lauren Lerner.

Any cons to investing in a patterned sofa?

1. A patterned sofa is not easy to switch up if your taste changes

Let's be honest, over time our tastes can change, and swapping out a piece of art, upgrading your cushions, or even hanging new wallpaper are easier ways to update your space than reupholstering a sofa.

'They’re not as easy to switch up if your style changes or you decide to redo the space,' agrees Lauren Lerner. 'You're kind of locked into the pattern. They can also feel trendy, so what looks fresh and stylish now might not age well over time.'

Some patterns can go out of style faster than solid colors, concurs Kerith Flynn, adding, 'What’s trendy today might feel outdated in a few years, requiring you to replace or recover the sofa sooner.'

2. A patterned sofa can be more difficult to decorate around

If you're somebody that loves prints, a patterned sofa could contribute to making a space feel too "visually busy", and you'll need to be careful about how you style the pieces around it.

'If you're keen on mixing patterns, finding the right balance with a patterned sofa can be tricky,' says Kerith. 'Too many patterns can make the space feel visually busy.'

The trick is to try and find visual balance so as not to overwhelm the room, pairing a print with soft linens and solid accessories. 'A patterned chaise or settee can function like a piece of art, breaking up a sea of solids and adding richness to a space,' explains Marie Flanigan. 'The key is balance – pairing them with neutral elements like linen drapery or natural fiber rugs.'

Lauren Lerner adds, 'Decorating around a patterned sofa takes a little more thought to make sure everything works together without feeling too busy.'

'Patterned sofas are definitely making a comeback,' confirms Lauren Lerner. 'But in fresher ways: think modern checks, organic prints, pretty florals or abstract designs instead of old-school heavy damask.'

A patterned sofa is no doubt a lovely way to add color, character, creativity and personality to your home and most designers seem to be on board but it's a look to approach with slight caution. As Marie Flanigan explains, 'Patterned sofas are gaining popularity as people embrace layered, personality-driven interiors. The most important consideration when choosing a patterned fabric is knowing whether or not you love it enough to live with it for years - if so, it’s a timeless, curated choice.'