Why Your Home Needs a Curved Sofa

You can find a curved sectional sofa from a variety of retailers and in countless styles, though its shape mostly stays the same (obviously). Think: sizable sectionals, compact love seats that are perfect for a small spaces, colorful and jewel-toned velvets framed in metallics, or a neutral bouclé framed in wood.

Arguably the most stressful piece to shop for, sofas have often been reimagined by such design legends as Pierre Paulin and Isamu Noguchi, who created the seating staple in unorthodox silhouettes. While a sofa with a rounded shape is not groundbreaking, it has typically been reserved for people who can afford to choose an artistic style over a practical one—that is, until recently. Following the death of legendary designer Vladimir Kagan in 2016, those who could manage to drop tens of thousands on furniture were scooping up his iconic Serpentine sofa, a curvaceous plush seat with a partial back. From then on, it seemed like you would spot one in every super-inspiring interior you pinned to your dream board. Now you can find curved sofas inspired by Kagan’s in modest apartments and homes too.

We know what you’re thinking: Wouldn’t a curved sofa take up more floor space than a traditional square one that can fit perfectly into corners and back right up against the wall? Sure. But think of the beauty—the ’70s-esque glamorousness of it all. And while it might mean you lose a few inches in your living room, you’ll gain a stylish piece that can function as home decor and invigorate your space the way a normal modular sofa won’t. Take the insanely creative home of designers (and sisters) Hollister and Porter Hovey. They could have fit an assortment of seating and storage in their living space but opted for a curved sectional instead, which not only creates an intimate gathering place but also defines the look of their home: warm, awesome, fun. And that never goes out of style. Regardless of the vibe you’re on the hunt for, here are a few curved sofas we’ve fallen for.

Everything about this collab between Anthropologie and Amber Lewis feels soft—from the design’s gentle slopes, to its ivory color, deep wood legs, and luxurious woven fabric. Though the shape of this curved sofa brings an extra element of style, the packaging itself stays comfortably subtle in the most inviting way.

Need a couch that’ll take the spotlight amid the rest of your living room furniture? Look no further than this white and gold-bottomed masterpiece. The modern silhouette and sheer size will surely catch any guest’s eye, and the stark color mixed with metallics makes it that much more stylish.

And if you liked both of the above but wish you could ditch the gold, the lovely Camila sofa from Urban Outfitters might be in your future. Available in dark green or a vibrant terracotta, the form and style of this number looks a bit more midcentury modern with the tapered wood legs, wraparound back, and ruching.

Another bouclé-fabric sofa option (that’s also spill-resistant!) is this Odette sofa from Castlery, which has an even more modern style, with its thin gold legs and heart-shaped slopes, that almost makes it look like a chaise.

Of course, all of these selections are curved sofas, but the gentle, wide U-shape of this particular style just looks like the couch is reaching out to give you a hug. It’s especially sizable, sitting up to four people (or just one napper).

If you fell in love with the Divani Casa velvet fabric sectional but don’t have the kind of real estate to fit it anywhere, this might be a worthy alternative. Here we have a velvet upholstered curved sofa that’s the ideal size for your average living room—not too big and not too small—and is available in three richly hued velvet fabrics.

While Williams Sonoma is certainly a household name when it comes to kitchenware, they also have an impressive selection of furniture and other home items through Williams Sonoma Home—including this curved couch. It’s made to order and available in a variety of materials for those especially indecisive. Pick from options such as canvas, basket weave, linen, and some sleek faux leather.

This sofa from Design Within Reach with an asymmetrical design features only a left arm and comes in 11 different colors, but the really stunning feature is the detailing of its wood frame. The back features slim slating made of steam-bent solid wood and woven cord. It’s a great centerpiece for an open concept living area, where everything is situated around a coffee table and none of the furniture gets vanquished to the sides of the wall.

The slight asymmetrical slope on this Infiniti curve back sofa gives it an extra je ne sais quois in the way of style. Plus its plushness makes it looks like it takes up more room than it actually does. Did we mention it’s available in over 200(!) fabric options and colors in stock, including chenilles, textured weave, bouclé, and more?

The Jedson modular corner sectional features a no-armrest design and soft velvet fabric that’s ideal for any ultramodern penthouse apartment in need of refined comfort. Plus you can buy the high-quality seating as a two-piece, three-piece, or four-piece sofa set, depending on how much space you’re working with.

We love interior design expert Jonathan Adler for all of his sophisticated decor and style, and this sofa is no exception—from the top of its richly colored fabric to the bottom of its brass orbed legs (an eye-catching alternative to regular old wood legs). Available in a white teddy fabric, bright apricot, and jewel green or pale blue velvet, the small size of this couch makes it ideal for someone looking to add a bit of high class in the form of a statement corner sofa to their small living room.

This colossal gold and emerald sectional set looks sophisticated and can easily seat six of your best friends. We recommend purchasing a matching tufted ottoman to nestle right in the center of this symmetrical sectional, which might make daily reclining even more comfortable.

The Jasper sofa is available in numerous shapes and widths—variations on L-shapes, U-shapes, sofa chaises, and chaise sectionals that can sit however many people you need. The behemoth five-piece U-shaped sectional in particular is something out of a large-sofa lover’s dream. Whether you need a couch fit for late-night chats with all of your friends or something that’ll double as a sleeper sofa after a long day, the Jasper’s got you covered.

With slightly sharper angles on the sides, the Belmount two-piece sectional sofa feels somewhat reminiscent of your average modular sectional (though it sets itself apart with its lack of arms). Nevertheless, this two-piece is chicly understated in style but loud in size—and could easily sit the guests you plan to invite for your next soiree.

Though the traditional L-shaped sectional is certainly a tried and true sofa staple, this curved sectional couch from One Kings Lane brings just an extra bit of refinement. It’s available in nine understated colors and made of Crypton—an eco-friendly fabric that’s resistant to stains, spills, mold, and bacteria.