- Design Inspo
Designers’ Picks: The Best Curved Sofas & Why You Need One
The allure of a curved sofa is undeniable. At once, sleek, curvy, and comfy, it’s hard to resist its chic demeanor. Indeed, this ultra-modern concept is finding its way back into stylish spaces everywhere.
While a curved sofa poses some practical issues, unless you have a circular window bay, some might fear they would lose floor space, for example. However, it creates creative pockets for a well-placed floor lamp or statue-sized objet d’art for an intriguing and dramatic look that makes up for any square feet sacrificed.
Conversely, curved sofas can bring wide-open loft-like spaces or cookie-cutter apartments a sense of much-needed intimacy and charm. Furthermore, many chic curved sofa options on the market appeal to a range of budgets to give anyone access to try it in their own space. Without delay, Nest Casa breaks down all you need to know about this iconic styles’ provenance.
S-Shaped Curved Sofas
The sinuous style was made famous by midcentury modern furniture designer Vladimir Kagan, who created the iconic Serpentine sofa in 1950. Since Kagan’s passing in 2016, this sofa style's popularity has increased among design professionals. Presently it’s even lead to heated bidding wars for Serpentines on sites such as 1stDibs.com.
The Serpentine sofa wasn’t only Kagan’s preliminary dive into these rounded couches, of course. His 1952 Floating Curve sofa, accented by poignant walnut legs and back support, had a Jetsons vibe, in a good way. By 1970, Kagan’s take on the signature style became the unforgettable Cloud sofa — at its boldest in navy mohair and resting on circular walnut pedestals — with lines wrapped around the back end, creating an S curve.
High-Backed Curved Sofas
Of course, Kagan wasn’t the only midcentury modern furniture designer to embrace the slinky sofa. Italian husband-and-wife duo Ico and Luisa Parisi, who together formed the design studio La Ruota, unveiled their version sofa, an important style that was sharp and soft at the same time.
Minimalist Curved Sofas
The iconic curved sofas of the '70s belonged to Pierre Paulin. At first, the French designer began as a sculptor but switched gears after an arm injury and a newfound love of Scandinavian and Japanese design. On the whole, he was best known for foam-padded seating creations that sensually cradled the body. Paulin's work ranged from furnishings for French presidents Georges Pompidou and Francois Mitterrand to inspiring the chair featured in Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. His Big C and Alpha sofa (reminiscent of his Pumpkin chairs) designs are still sought after today to demonstrate.
Sectional Curved Sofas
Although Paulin wasn't alone, similarly, he had an Italian counterpart, Paolo Castelli. The designer turned a sleepy, family-owned cabinetry workshop into a globally recognized design force with the 1970 introduction of the Plia folding chair. Subsequently, he launched his modular furniture designs. His Durban curved sofa and remarkable Vao 380 sofa, a rounded three-piece sectional with a spongy appearance, are standouts in the curved sofa category.
Futuristic Curved Sofas
Notably, the future-facing work of architect Zaha Hadid also influenced the winding couch design. Hadid, whose design nickname was Queen of the Curve, passed away in 2016, leaving a legacy of the Moon System sofa in partnership with B&B Italia. In particular, their modernistic curves reside in the coolest of homes.
Modern Curved Sofas
At present, a new generation of designers has been intrigued by the style as well. Internationally known, Paris-based designer India Mahdavi, dubbed Queen of Color and noted for her use of lacquer, rattan, and ceramic, is an Instagram darling among the interior design. Her Cap Martin curved sofa in bright green combines retro styling with an au courant aesthetic.
Curved Sofas with Wooden Legs
Additionally, Egyptian-born, Parisian-bred Patrick Naggar certainly gives blue velvet. It's the ultimate resting place on this couch for Ralph Pucci. Smooth, rounded, and thrilled to look at, as if an ocean wave turned into a wave.
Semicircle Curved Sofas
Finally, the atomic age is alive and well again thanks to this semi-circle sectional from Restoration Hardware. Created by acclaimed midcentury designer Adrian Pearsall in the 1960s, this couch allows for ample seating - or space. These days though instead of the distant galaxy in the solar system, its appeals to those in need of social distance. Comparitively speaking, its is also comfortably priced.
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