Fancy sofa trends in history: which one suits you best?

Ever since the 17th century, couches have been a key piece of interior design. Whether it was the daybed, the sofa, the fainting couch, or the love seat - these furniture items have been taking many shapes and forms, transitioning from colors and textures like no other furnishings. You can have them in leather, velvet, or plush and the colors are infinite.

Taking inspiration from historical events and the spirit of the time, couches have seen many trends as new architects came in to innovate the seating solutions for homes. Throughout time, sofa trends were shaped and influenced by the changing market, politics, and industrial progress. So here are some luxurious couches from the last 100 years.

The 1920s

Couches in the US have been designed in the Colonial Revival fashion, which started in the late 1890s. The sofas were heavy and had a scrolled arm and a dress around the base. This was a simple and practical option to the opulence and luxury of Victorian designs. What's more, after new, modern styles were being made, this couch trend still stayed one of the most popular for interior design even in the 20th century.

The 1930s

By the 1930s, there was a stylistic influence from Europe that shifted perspective in the US as well. And the most prominent of them was Art Deco - a significant aesthetic in the ’30s that one would see especially in architecture but also in decorative arts and in furniture. 

The 1940s

Finally, we see the modular couches on the market, more affordable and ergonomic than before. `this gives customers the opportunity to buy just what they need and then expand as they might move into a bigger house. Unlike the 1930's style, modernism focuses on simpler shapes and accessible prices.

The 1950s

Midcentury furniture dominated the market during that era, but not only: it is still today one of the most favored designs when it comes to sofas.This special period witnessed a change in the structure of a house, and open-plan houses began to appear. Couches were used to redefine space and rooms, and they were also simple and geometrical.

The 1960s

The 60s experienced more patterns and forms for these dialogue furniture and seating areas that were built into the floor of a space so that people would have to descend to enter the room. This trend became popular in the 60s, and so have gathering areas that were more comfortable than in the previous decade. These were also meant to be entertaining. Plus, there were new technologies on the market so designers and artists could experiment more.

The 1970s

Next, a cultural transformation reached more active types and trends than geometric modernism. Comfort was key and fashion came second, people began to invest in comfy and flexible couches that were organic, round, big, slouchy, and soft. Couches of the ’70s also adopted detailed tufting and draping, with more indulgent fabrics such as velvet, leather, or corduroy.

The 1980s

Instead of the soft plush of the ’70s, the new 80s came with opulent decorations and boxy couches. Geometrical forms are back, and also the modern simplicity, but with an Art Deco revival. In the meantime, the design was also influenced by contemporary pop culture, so one would draw inspiration from films like American Psycho for example.

The 1990s

Probably the most important sofa is the one popular in the 90s. Why? Because it's super functional but also comfortable and made to adapt to your body. This is the era of cushions, recliners, and cup holders - to make your afternoons more pleasurable and to make you stay in front of your TV, a new obsession in almost every home by then.

The 2000s

Maybe you're familiar with the aesthetic known as Shabby Chic, which became popular in the early 2000s. Divans and couches during this era were timeless, but not pretentious. These sofas can be deep, massive, and super comfortable, but at the same time very simple in design. It's also the time when the white sofa becomes famous and decorating it can transform into an art in itself.

The 2010s

This is a time marked by minimalism and minimal impact style - a great time for decluttering, neutral tones, and great architecture. People increasingly shifted toward stripped-back white interiors. It's more about architecture and space, so IKEA couches are popular and mass production of small sofas that would fit into any space.

Today

Nowadays, we see a more eclectic style for interior designs, and it somehow comes naturally after all these trends. Some are drawn to vintage furniture, others to art pieces, and all are very popular. It all depends on your personal style and your beliefs. Because today, design trends are changing constantly. Aesthetic preferences are also changing rapidly: you can see velvet, diverse prints, cotton, wool, or other fabrics. And today, one can say we're seeing a 70s revival. What's your type of sofa?