A Curved Sofa is definitely a conversation starter. While it effortlessly encourages engagement and makes lounging look luxurious, it also solves design problems. Vladimir Kagan created his “Serpentine Sofa” in the 1950’s for a client who was a serious art collector and had a need for guests to see the art from all vantage points. Thanks to that iconic piece and many subsequent iterations, designers have had a little more creativity when designing a living room. And internationally known designer Pierre Yovanovitch placed one in the corner of his office. It was fitting, chic and stylish.
We asked Cami Weinstein of Cami Weinstein Designs, LLC, Christina Roughan of Roughan Interiors and Prudence Bailey of Prudence Home & Design to give us tips on how to make this functional piece of furniture work in your modern cottage.
Pros to selecting a curved sofa?
Cami Weinstein: I love the way a curved sofa envelopes you and your guests for more intimate conversations.
Christina Roughan: A curved sofa creates soft lines in a small space and lets other pieces in the room breathe.
Prudence Bailey: I tend to choose curved sofas that feel more classic and timeless than trendy. The biggest thing to consider is how well does a curved sofa fit the space and will it last the test of time stylistically. Anything too trendy may feel outdated before it should.
Design by Cami Weinstein Designs, LLC
In the space you designed, did you have the couch first or was it part of the overall design of the space?
Cami Weinstein: The curved sofas were a design decision. This space was very large, and we did not want three of four rectangular sofas to take over the space. We decided to put the curved sofas closer to the fireplace for more of a conversation area. We also put a large sectional in the room for TV viewing and family nights. (Above)
Christina Roughan: I made the sofa for a Showhouse and called it “The Slane Sofa”. It fit in my office space perfectly. It was a bit serendipitous. (Below)
Prudence Bailey: The curved “sectional“ was part of the overall design. The room is not large, and this allowed for maximize seating without a boxy look. I designed the sofa, so that multiple people could sit on it and conversations could flow. (Below)
Design by Roughan Interiors (left, white sofa) for Rooms with A View Showhouse; On right, light blue sofa: Design by Prudence Home and Design
Does the curved sofa become the focal point?
Cami Weinstein: The two curved sofas do become a focal point for quieter moments. You are drawn to the enveloping nature of the two curved sofas.
Christina Roughan: It’s small in scale, yet incredibly comfortable. There are a lot of sculptures and interesting objets placed around it. But, yes, that is the focal point when you walk into the room.
Prudence Bailey: This sofa is definitely a focal point because it is so different and beautiful, but it does not overtake the room.
What type of coffee tables look good with curved sofas?
Cami Weinstein: A round or organic shaped coffee table looks best with a curved sofa. The angles don’t start fighting each other in the space. It is easier on the eye.
Christina Roughan: Ovals, circles, amorphic shapes always fit well with the curve.
Prudence Bailey: I am putting a hexagon upholstered ottoman in the space with the curved sectional. Round coffee tables look fabulous as well. I would avoid square or rectangular tables. They sort of feel like a round peg/square hole situation.
Upper Westside Apartment Designed by Roughan Interiors; Photography by Read McKendreel
And from a rug standpoint is there anything important to consider?
Cami Weinstein: We went with a square rug. I am not usually a fan of round rugs and a round rug with curved sofas would be too repetitive.
Christina Roughan: Absolutely! You need to ask yourself, would you like the carpet to follow the curve of the sofa? Or for the sofa to sit on the carpet and be part of a larger seating area? Once you understand how the sofa will function, it will be easier to place it appropriately.
Prudence Bailey: I always think a rug looks best if all the seating furniture is on it entirely. The biggest thing to consider with rugs is that they are the right size for the space. One of the biggest mistakes I see time and again are rugs that are ill-fitting. No matter how beautiful the furniture plan, an ill-fitting rug will ruin it.
Do curved sofas look better in solid vs a bold pattern?
Cami Weinstein: I prefer curved sofas in solid patterns because the curves could cut off some of a patterned design, making for a choppy look.
Christina Roughan: It’s all in the “Eye of the beholder.” I love it both ways. A beautiful wool satin or boucle on a curved sofa is incredibly chic and inviting in a city dwelling. However, a printed linen with large palm trees would look stunning in an all-white beach cottage. So fun!
Prudence Bailey: In my opinion, curved sofas are meant to stand out, so why not make a statement in every way! I am all about “go big or go home!”
Whether you go the straight and narrow or like curves, make a statement with whatever type of sofa you select.
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Photo Credits:
Featured image of Upper Westside apartment designed by Roughan Interiors. Photography by Read McKendreel
Rooms with A View Showhouse image – Christina Roughan
Prudence Bailey: Photo by Prudence Bailey
Cami Weinstein: Photo by Cami Weinstein
