Of course, trends come and go, and, ultimately, your sofa should reflect your style and integrate perfectly with the decor and size of your space. However, there are a few couch styles that are no longer feeling as fresh for 2024, according to designers and interior experts.
A sofa is an important investment piece, and there are many valuable things to consider before making a purchase: comfort, durability, material, size, color...the list goes on. And if you're an avid follower of the latest interior design trends, then being in the know of the very best styles and sofa trends favored by designers is also key – as well as the designs that are no longer the height of fashion.
Choosing a sofa is one of the biggest design decisions you'll face when styling your home, so we are on hand to provide you with the top sofa trends to avoid in 2024.
Sofa trends to avoid in 2024
Whether you're in the market for a new sofa or are simply intrigued by the styles that are now falling flat, explore the top sofa trends to avoid in 2024 below.
1. All-white looks
It may seem an obvious no-no for many, but an all-white sofa can be tempting when embracing a more serene, minimalist scheme. Although crisp and clean, a white sofa is far from practical, and when investing in large pieces like a couch, you want your chosen design to be able to grow with your home for years to come – and for this, it has to be both beautiful and incredibly practical.
'While minimalism has its place, the trend of extremely minimalist sofas in shades such as white and cream is waning. Homeowners and designers alike are opting for 'new neutrals' such as green and blue for their living room sofa ideas, inspired by the calming and timeless beauty of the natural world,' says interior designer, Bree Steele from RJ Living.
2. Velvet sofas
Statement sofas are definitely one to watch out for in 2024, and velvet was once an extremely popular choice, adding a striking, plush statement to any space.
However, it seems that throughout 2023, this material has slightly dropped off in popularity, with individuals embracing more practical, high-performing and sustainable fabrics such as cotton and linen.
Joanna Ross, general manager of design at Sheridan, shares with us how to think about velvet differently for 2024.
'This coming year, we are celebrating the beauty of contrast in the home, this means being comfortable experimenting with coordinating elements in unexpected ways. Think over-scale modern florals with yarn-dyed checks; suiting-inspired fabrics with elegant embroidery; and a new era of velvet that plays off semi-matte cotton weaves.'
Of course, some will argue that a velvet sofa is utterly timeless, and can establish an elegant and luxurious atmosphere of sophistication in an interior space.
3. Rattan designs
Rattan is undeniably beautiful, and for many, is an enduring furniture trend. A sustainable material that can be beautifully woven to create a tactile, textured and Bohemian look, rich with an organic and natural appeal, the material is used across living room furniture design, from sofas to tables, cabinets and decorative accessories.
However, rattan has become an increasingly popular interior trend over the last few years, with some designers arguing it has lost its magic.
Lucy Ward, brand director of Vinterior says that 'in the last three months, Google searches were down 65% for rattan sofas. This model became immensely popular in recent years, fitting into the neutral, clean styling of chic city apartments. But due to its wide-spread popularity, it has become less of a statement and more of an obvious choice.'
4. Matching sets
More and more of us are becoming progressively adventurous and playful when it comes to decorating our homes, rejecting traditional practices and ideas of what is 'expected' of our spaces. Many of us are taking bigger risks to create interiors that feel truly authentic and personal; reflective of a more transitional design style that blends a collection of different trends.
Jennifer Ebert, Homes & Gardens' digital editor says 'we are seeing many designers use a real eclectic mix of furniture and seating when styling a space, each with its own story to tell. From uniting second-hand pieces with brand-new designs to using a mix of different styles, 2024 is the year to mix things up and worry less about coordination and matching sets.'
Maximalist decor ideas are back in a big way, with fewer rules and more play, so in terms of sofa trends to avoid, matching sets are a definite no.
5. Sleek, straight structures
Homes & Gardens' head of interiors, Hebe Hatton recently wrote a feature on, are curved couches still on trend? Spoiler: they're very much here to stay. Soft and sculptural, cozy and cocooning, there is so much to love about this inviting and relaxing sofa shape.
Interior designer Natalia Miyar says, 'sofa curves have a sense of inclusiveness - they feel like an extension of space with one sweeping curvy statement. They can look really grand yet at once feel super comfortable which makes them great in both a formal and social sitting room space. I love the idea of making a room fun and I think that is why a curved and non-severe design just works so well. Boxy sofas can be stern-looking and sometimes corporate. It works better to experiment with shapes to create varying atmospheres in a room.'
Declan Ee, Castlery co-founder, also supports this and says, 'Our curvaceous Elias and Marlow seating ranges have been designed to be angled to facilitate conversation and a more relaxed atmosphere around the living room, helping to promote a more engaging and inviting seat space.'
6. Style over substance
Even though 2024 will see a rise in more bold and colorful sofa trends, we are moving away from 'overly-stylish' designs that feel impractical and occasional, and instead, are choosing sofas that prioritize comfort and properly work with the layout and functionality of our spaces.
'Gone are the days of exaggerated, high-drama designs that are merely for show, a sofa is one of the central seat spaces in the home, and, even though it sounds obvious, should always provide comfortable seating for you and your guests,' says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor at Homes & Gardens.
We should never have to choose between style and substance, a sofa should look good and be incredibly comfortable, long-lasting and practical, too.
7. Fast furniture
Sustainability is more important than ever in the world of design, and of course, beyond.
Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of their purchases, from food to fashion and interiors, and are choosing to make more sustainable choices that are less harmful to the environment, with fast furniture one of the main sofa trends to avoid.
Narchie founder Harriet Pringle, says, 'in 2024 and beyond, we will see a rise in the use of sustainable materials in homeware. We're seeing a real shift in consumer behavior when shopping for the home, people are now wanting to know where their items are made, where they have come from and what materials they have been made from. This will lead to an increase of locally crafted and handmade small batch items, as well as sustainable materials including aluminum and responsibly sourced wood.'
From sofas made from recycled materials to decorating with antiques, there are many options to consider before buying into fast furniture.
FAQs
What are the sofa trends for 2024?
Some of the key sofa trends set to be popular throughout 2024 include:
- Curvaceous, cocooning styles
- Sustainable, pre-loved designs
- Maximalism - bold colors, layered materials and patterns
- Comfort is key - smart sofas that offer the latest in both style and support
- A natural focus, relaxing, grounding color palettes
- Modular, flexible designs
What sofa color is currently trending?
As we move away from cool, classic neutrals such as white and gray, designers are working with richer neutrals that provide more depth and visual interest for living room seating ideas– often taking inspiration from the timeless colors of nature.
From rich, deep browns to beautiful green and sky blues, these sofa colors are proving immensely popular for 2024, helping our spaces feel more colorful yet restful and grounding.
A brown couch will always be a classic choice, especially brown leather, and can create an irresistibly cozy feel for your living room ideas. We explore brown couch living room ideas and what colors go with a brown couch in our dedicated features.
For further sofa inspiration, we explore the most underrated sofa colors – interior designers share the top six colors they think need a little more love.
