Trends We Love: ’80s-Inspired Curved Furniture

It’s official: We’re filing curved, textured furniture under “design trends we can’t get enough of.” Beloved by interior designers and fashion influencers alike, this retro trend has been reimagined for the 21st century—and we’re here for it.

With roots in the 1970s and ’80s, the curved furniture of 2020 serves as living proof that trends are, and always will be, cyclical. Thanks in part to influential designers like Tali Roth, Pierre Yovanovitch, and Dorothée Meilichzon as well as furniture designers like Mario Milana and Pierre Paulin, curved furniture has been granted a second lease on life. Rounded sofas and amorphous chairs are currently a hallmark of on-trend spaces, particularly if upholstered in textural fabrics, like bouclé, sheepskin, and velvet. 

What’s more, curved styles are slowly usurping sharp, mid-century modern designs. From sofas to coffee tables, go-to retailers like West Elm, CB2, and Target have all embraced the kitschy look, further solidifying its mass appeal. Just look at Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop x CB2 collection, which is awash in curved furniture upholstered in funky bouclé and shearling. 

Interested in trying out the trend for yourself? Gather design inspiration below, and heed our advice to make the look work in your space. 

Play with texture.

If you’re a minimalist at heart, you can easily breathe warmth into your space with textured fabrics. Stick to a low-key tonal color palette and add visual interest with bouclé, velvet, shearling—the sky’s the limit. If you’re not quite ready to invest in a faux fur accent chair or sofa, test drive the trend with a throw pillow or ottoman. 

Add an edge.

Balance out curved furniture with angular accents, rich materials, and sharp artwork. Take the above right space by Tali Roth and Nicole Cohen, for example. The two expertly pair the rounded sofa with a geometric rug, edgy artwork, and a retro pleated lamp, adding just the right amount of edge to the space. To the left, the wood paneled wall and square tiling clash perfectly with the round chairs and tables. 

Mix and match decor styles.

Purchasing a curved piece of furniture does not beholden you to the pinks and pastels of the 1980s. Take notes from Giancarlo Valle and pair your piece with ultra-modern marble, abstract artwork, and unexpected pops of color, like ochre, red, and turquoise. Not only does this contrast create visual interest, it ensures that you’re not beholden to one specific decor style.