Sinuous coffee tables and crescent sofas are having a moment — here’s how to incorporate the curved furniture trend into your home
It may be the hottest topic in the interior design world this year, but strictly speaking, curved furniture isn’t a new trend. Back in the 1920s and 1930s, classic art deco designs featured pleasing arcs and curves, such as a tub armchair with a rounded back or an elegant, glass-and-brass side table.
These sensual curves were in sharp contrast to the linear aspects and bold geometric shapes particular to the era. The circular form was also popular in the 1950s, with everything from sofas to armchairs given a softened edge.
Having gone out of fashion in the late part of the last century, curves are now back in vogue, by way of rounded corners and arched shapes. They feel luxurious — especially in light colours such as white and cream — and welcoming, too, creating a sense of space in more compact settings. Curves and rounded shapes also connect us to nature, with contours reflecting the softer lines found in the wild.
The harmonious and relaxing feel soft shapes create is ideal for a living room; think big sofas and stylish coffee tables you can move around to suit your mood or need. Aside from being comforting, curves are practical, too — you can fit more chairs around a round table than a square or rectangular one.
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Sabina Miller, buying director at Heal’s, further explains the appeal of soft-edged pieces and how to make them work in your favour: “Paired with tactile materials, such as boucle fabric or natural stone, curves can create interest both visually and physically, to invite interaction within a space,” she says.
“When it comes to larger pieces like a sofa, opting for a curved design can make a seating arrangement feel much cosier, with a cocooning backrest as opposed to traditional upright alternatives. You can also add the trend through finishing touches, with a bulbous vase, sculptural object or shapely table lamp, breaking up rigid lines in the space.”
Three must-have curved pieces
Heal’s Lilli sofa collection
When it comes to larger pieces of furniture like a sofa, opting for a curved design can make a seating arrangement feel much cosier, with a cocooning backrest as opposed to traditional upright alternatives. With its soft curves and foam cushioning, Heal’s Lilli sofa is fast becoming one of the British furniture brand’s best-selling sofa collections, with a two-seater from £2,598, as well as modular units from £1,039 that you can mix and match.
Soho Home’s velvet Willis Bench
Soho Home is the sister brand to the Soho House private members’ club, and its interiors collection’s SS/23 range celebrates curves, from deep-seated sofas to wavy headboards and clubby brass chandeliers with white glass orbs. The rust-coloured velvet Willis Bench, £995, will add vintage-style texture to hallways or at the end of your bed.
West Elm’s Glass Globe Pendant
Pendant lights can be an easy and more affordable way to tap into the trend for curves and add elegance to a dining room, kitchen, hallway or study without feeling overpowering. West Elm’s Sculptural Glass Globe Hardwired Pendant comes in brass, bronze or nickel finishes with clear, gold, milk or silver ombre glass. The choice doesn’t end there – go for subtle or statement effects with sizes ranging from 15cm to 33cm. From £76 to £140.
Read more: Earthy interiors: how to bring the outside into your home
