For a good period of time the general population resigned itself to two types of sofas. The straight-lined, modern contemporary (shudder) Ikea sofas. And the squishy, country-style oversized Pottery Barn sofas. I don’t really remember anyone having anything else growing up. (We’re talkin suburbia here people.)
Those time have changed. Design has become more accessible, more daring, more personal. It’s not just the pages of magazines brimming with innovative sofa shapes – you can find them in many mass market stores too. Done well? Hmm… maybe not quite yet. But we’re getting there. And if my time spent at market last spring was any indication, you may start seeing a lot more of this:
Well, not this in particular. But the curved sofa? It’s making a little comeback. I say little because, let’s be honest, this only works in certain homes and areas. Linear sofas will always be the norm, as they’re easier to work with and come in more options for styles, but the curved and wedged styles are gaining in popularity.
In my opinion, the vintage ones are still the best in many ways. Their scale is wonderful and their lines a bit more original.
And where, exactly would you put one? Well, really, wherever you want. But I particularly like the way the smaller ones fill a little niche in the house, while the larger ones make an amazing statement piece centered right in the middle of a room. Talk about creating a layout that invites conversation!
While many of these sofas are custom, there are plenty of options for us everyday shoppers too…
derby sofa from thomasville // memphis and sandy sofa from flores design
My favorites are the ‘new traditional’ styles. Based in classic design, but a bit more updated, they are versatile in any room.
reese and hess sectionals at room&board // vintage sofa by osvaldo borsani
For those who enjoy a little retro styling, a rounded sofa is actually a natural choice. The contrast between strong lines and a curved seat strike a nice balance!
belissario from drexel heritage // riviera sofa from thomasville // vivien sofa from c.r.laine
And then there are the classics – how we’re most used to seeing a soft curve in upholstery. Usually skirted, smaller scale, and with rounded backs, these are more often than not an accent piece in a home. But before you dismiss them as too old-fashioned, take another look at the first photo and you can see how, when mixed with graphic art and natural woods, they fit right into a modern space.
Do any of you own a curved sofa in your own home? Use them in your decorating for clients?
*images: pamplemousse design / house and home / pierre yovanovitch / barrie benson / atlanta homes mag
Love the idea of a curved sofa! it´s a great option for those who are tired of the conventional!
LOL @ the ikea sofas (I agree) I really love the sofa in the first picture, I think because the fringe at the bottom keeps it from looking too mod. May have to consider this shape, it’s really growing on me.
I have a curved loveseat but I am LOVING the modern curved sofas. Must find a place (or a client) to use them.
A slightly curved sofa definitely looks aesthetically pleasing and I suppose it improves your productivity if you can’t comfortably take a nap on it!
I like a good curved sofa as it contours a sometimes overly square space and moves the eye. Vincente Wolf uses this well! ~best
These sofa’s are so special my fave is the Curved one. I just to find a client who will want one now!
I just ordered an ultra-mod curved sofa for a movie we’re working on. So glad it falls under your new traditional favorites!!
I love the new traditional ones! The retro ones remind me to much of my grandma’s house
http://www.anna-bird.com
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OAh4Xl94vrU/SykTqd_4a9I/AAAAAAAAPEI/HpADGxh6XhM/s400/a+single+man+via+cinema+style.bmp
the sofa from “single man” by tom ford!
Love the curved sofa – a little different and oh so pretty!
I own the Bellisario! Drexel Heritage customizes so I had it upholstered in silk (a little scary at the time and pricey), added a tufted back and removed the skirt so you could see the legs. The lines are very pretty and feminine. Now that we’re doing a remodel, I’m thinking of re-upholstering it again in a different color.
Wow. Never ever thought I’d like this look but that first image is pretty awesome and I can totally see this working. Nice to mix it up a little!
-Heidi
http://www.therusticmodernist.com
Some excellent un-straight choices! Just placed a Kagan kidney repro in a West Palm Beach Condo.