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Design Court: Curved Sofas On Trial

As a kid, I heard the refrain “you’d make a great lawyer” more times than I could count. At 11, I internalized it as a compliment. At 33, I realize that “lawyer” may have been a stand-in for “annoying” or “exacting” or “pedantic.” (To be clear, it was absolutely a stand-in for those terms.) NO MATTER. Today, I am finally taking my rightful place – well-earned through years of curiosity and debate – as the prosecuting attorney in our inaugural session of DESIGN COURT. The defendant? Curved sofas. The charge? Entrapment! Court is now in session – let’s proceed to opening arguments.

Opening Arguments

Hello. My name is Caitlin, I have been writing about design for nearly 6 years (!!!), and I was still tricked by a curved sofa. My vintage leather Kagan lured me in with beautiful lines, its sensual shape, and its freshly reupholstered cognac leather. It whispered vows of simultaneous formality and ease, of design meeting function, and of chic cocktail lounging. And then, it left me stranded in an ergonomic purgatory.

Curved sofas make false promises of elegance and comfort. Sure, they look luxurious, but they underperform on all core functions: seating capacity, lounging, flexibility, and day-to-day livability.

Now normally, this is where the defense would make their opening arguments. But this is my post and not an actual court of law (it turns out that Design Court doesn’t, in fact, stand up to “real” legal scrutiny), so I’m making the rules here. We need to regulate this rapidly growing trend before it infiltrates the comfortable living rooms, family rooms, dens, basements, and homes en masse.

The Prosecution

design by caitlin higgins | styled by emily bowser | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: caitlin’s living room reveal

Is it “fair” or “legal” that in this case, the prosecution (me) will also be serving as judge, jury, and executioner? By traditional American standards, no. (By recent American standards…maybe?) But again – this is Design Court. Let me break down my entrapment case…

Deception in the First Degree: Curved sofas misrepresent their comfort, functionality, and usability through professionally-styled magazine shots, Instagram videos, and showroom vignettes. The reality? A curved sofa is just a sitting sofa – if you enjoy traditional activities like “stretching out” or “not becoming intimately acquainted with your friend’s knees,” the curved sofa will cause you to develop some sort of stress-induced eye-twitch.

Conspiracy to Reduce Seating Capacity: My sofa was, theoretically, long enough to fit 4 people. But comfortably? It sat 2. I could push it with 3 or 4 under certain circumstances – I don’t mind rubbing legs with my friends, albeit not being my preference – but what if you just got a sofa that didn’t require you to sit squished against your loved one’s thigh meat?

Accessory to Inefficiency: My curved sofa – while beautiful and show-stopping – took up an inordinate amount of space. (So much space, in fact, that I’ve since swapped it with this massive sectional.) I’ll concede that I loved how it looked floating in the living room, but I’ll also concede that I could never quite crack making the most of the space behind it. (I mean – there aren’t a ton of curved sofa tables out there, you know?)

Obstruction of Napping: With no corners and no portion long enough for a biiiiiig stretch (you know the kind – that about-to-wake-up, arms overhead, full body reach), the curved sofa can actively prevent casual rest. Are there workarounds? Sure – and we’ll get to a few of them when the defense makes their case. (I will also be filling the defense role, because Design Court has gone the way of the court in Air Bud. There are no rules anymore.) ANYWAY, you shouldn’t have to hack your own furniture to take a nap.

Domestic Endangerment: Let this be my lesson to you: a curved sofa in leather is to be avoided at ALL COSTS. I don’t care how pretty it looks; I don’t care how much you paid for it; I don’t care if it’s the finishing piece for your dream home. An armless curved sofa – in leather, no less – is the kiss of death for any belongings. Say goodbye to your throw pillows, your remotes, or even your pets – they’ll be sliding right off your sofa, thanks to poor angling and awkward geometry. Are there more workarounds here? Yeah (and I found them, for what it’s worth), but again: why go through the hassle when you can invest in a sofa that won’t trick you?

The Defense

Alright, alright – let’s be fair. (I mean, I am a Libra, which does uniquely qualify me to make some counter arguments here.) The curved sofa isn’t guilty of malicious design – it’s guilty of needing the right environment to thrive, just like fancy olive oil or a rescued greyhound. It requires thoughtful placement, not punishment.

Aesthetic Supremacy: A curved sofa will instantly elevate a space. It brings an architectural presence without the need for actual architectural changes. It comes off as bespoke, high-end, and editorial in a way that most linear sofas just…don’t. (Prosecution note: this is what hooked me, for the record. I didn’t even think about the function – I just thought it was beautiful.) It breaks up the boxiness of living rooms, most of which are a grid of rectangles. Curves bring both softness and tension – they’re a great (and deliberate) visual foil to angular floors, walls, and art.

Great…in the Right Room: Curved sofas aren’t for every room, and that’s okay. Not all sofas are meant to hug walls or to binge watch Severance. In large rooms, open floor plans, or statement sitting rooms, they work beautifully. And they create a sense of intimacy by encouraging a rounder conversation arc – it’s an easy way to create a zone in a larger living room.

Styling Advantages: Let’s be real: there is no bad angle. You can photograph a curved sofa from any direction; it’s beautiful anytime you catch a glance. And as rounded forms, arches, and biomorphic shapes continue to seep into contemporary design, curved sofas are a natural extension – they’re part of a larger design language that’s coming into fashion.

When Done Right, They Work: Designers do use these for a reason. Nate Berkus, Jake Arnold, Athena Calderone – all have used curved sofas in spaces that both function and photograph beautifully. Are they styling unicorns? No – they’re proof that in the right home, curves make sense. (Prosecution note: They also are kind of unicorns, if we’re being honest.)

It’s Not for Regular Life: The curved sofa was never trying to be your weeknight crash pad. It wasn’t designed to fit four people and a pet. It’s a statement piece; a mood setter; a room-changer. If it’s being misused, that’s not a crime of the sofa – it’s the fault of the buyer. This case should be thrown out of Design Court!!!

Closing Arguments

seen here contemplating my life choices | design by caitlin higgins | styled by emily bowser | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: caitlin’s living room reveal

Look: I knew what I was getting. I wasn’t expecting a La-Z-Boy. But the curve oversold the fantasy and underdelivered on literally everything else. I had to buy special pillows that wouldn’t fall off; I had to create new napping positions; Dennis and I spent night after night, sitting straight up, unable to find an angle apt for lounging. The sofa felt like a Danish fertility clinic – it was beautifully-designed (stunning, even!)…and weirdly hostile. They’re conditional. They’re fussy. They’re unforgiving. They’re layout dependent. That’s not good design – it’s maintenance drama. (This isn’t part of the case, but I’d also like to anecdotally add that every single one of my male friends called this my “hot dog sofa,” which is specific but could happen to you, too. Do you want to be the house with the hot dog sofa?)

But I’ll be fair – every single one of those friends found the sofa itself sublimely comfortable as a seating option. And in a lot of ways, it helped me build better habits – it made it easier to not waste a day rotting on the couch; it made me engaged with whatever I’m watching; it fostered some wonderful and close conversations. (Even 6′ tall Dennis found a way to nap comfortably on it and was disappointed to see it go! But even he’ll admit that he far prefers our sectional to our curved sofa.)

The Verdict & Sentencing

The curved sofa promises sinuous lines, ease of use, and comfortable seating. It fails at 2 out of 3 in 90% of real homes. This isn’t a misunderstood object – it’s a marketing lie. (Albeit a beautiful one. Hats off, marketers.) But if a sofa only works in perfect situations, it’s not a piece of furniture – it’s just a prop. You deserve pieces you can live on, not just sit on! Most of us have to contend with outlets and weird doors and radiators and general home quirk – we don’t need to add another factor into the mix.

And now: the moment you’ve been waiting for. In the case of the curved sofa, we find the defendant guilty on one count of entrapment. The sentence? House arrest. (It’ll end up in a New York brownstone. That’s how these things go, isn’t it? Don’t feel too bad for the curves. They’ll be fine.)

The prosecution, defense, judge, jury will now rest. I don’t even know what is happening at this point – this metaphor has really gotten away from me. All of this to say: DON’T BUY A CURVED SOFA. Don’t fall for the trend hype. Let me de-influence you! You will fall so in love and you will have your heart so broken. I wish I had enough room to keep mine – it’s still the most beautiful piece of furniture I’ve ever owned, and if it’d fit in my dining room, I’d have used it as a banquette in a heartbeat – but man, nothing beats a sectional with enough room for two sprawled, grown adults.

this is how happy and COMFY you and your pups should be on your sofa! | photo by kaitlin green | from: farmhouse family room reveal

5,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians built elevated platforms and wove the world’s first daybeds and couches from wood and reeds. Since that time, we have amassed 5 solid millennia of evidence to prove that the straight-line sofa is, in fact, the superior shape for livability. And I had the audacity to think I knew better! Never again. CASE CLOSED.

Opening Image Credits: Design by Caitlin Higgins | Styled by Emily Bowser | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp |From: Caitlin’s Living Room Reveal

Fin
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Kles
20 days ago

”…just like fancy olive oil or a rescued greyhound..” so funny.

Colleen
20 days ago

Funny post! Thank you, Caitlyn, for confirming my suspicions. I too have made a couch error: without measuring the room, I ordered a Joybird leather sofa with a left side chaise, and it is too small (my husband’s legs hang off the end of the chaise side), the leather immediately started looking roughed up in the middle, and it was not well built (one of the legs is broken). The dogs like it but after just 2.5 years we are looking to replace it.

Lauren
19 days ago
Reply to  Colleen

I too have been unhappy with the quality of my Joybird sofa. The fabric started showing signs of wear almost immediately despite being described as durable and pet-friendly.

Leigh H
20 days ago

I’ve been worried about your comfort, and questioning my comfort desires, since you bought that round sofa! So pleased with this revelation :) Can’t wait to see the new sofa in your space! Also where is your diamond patterned natural weave rug from? Thanks for this much needed levity!

Anita
13 days ago

haa

LouAnn
20 days ago

What a fun read! And the correct verdict, too. ;)

Brenda
20 days ago

Hilarious!

Kate
20 days ago

You made me laugh out loud during these scary times when we all really need something to give us a moment of joy:) Thank you and I will never look at a curved sofa without cracking a smile❤️

Jen
20 days ago

Fun read! Awaiting the next episode to see the victorious sectional!

Sally
20 days ago

I’d like to see your room with the new sofa. I was sure it was coming as I scrolled down the page!

Poor Sue
20 days ago

So cleverly written and so true! A curved leather sofa is like the selfish domineering boyfriend who’s ruining your life but you don’t want to break up because he’s so hot. Eventually, if we’re lucky, we find a kind, supportive guy and we realize he’s the man of our dreams. Same goes for furniture. Congratulations on knowing what’s right for you. I hope you and Dennis and your new sectional enjoy many years together.

steph
20 days ago

I feel like curved sofas are meant for true living rooms… like you know the formal living room vs the den (in 80s parlance). Great if you have a beautiful spare room to take visitors, but not so practical when you have a single room that does double duty on guests and lounge.

Kleo
20 days ago
Reply to  steph

I was going to say exactly this: Curved sofa for your living room and comfy sofa for your family room.

I would also like to see “matching parallel sofas flanking the living room fireplace” put on trial. I fell for the “lewk” in our living room but have decided it is way too formal and uncomfortable for how our family lives. Ooops.

Julie
20 days ago

Hahaha!! I never thought about any of these things (not being in the market for a sofa) but yes, it sure was beautiful… until I heard hot dog sofa and can never think otherwise. We needed an updated living room photo with your non fussy sectional at the end!

Caitlin
20 days ago

This was hilarious (and useful!), loved it. Thank you for the giggles! 🤭

Juni
20 days ago

I think you picked the wrong defendant. Armless sofas are the culprit: straight, curved or sectional. Lock them up and throw away the key.

MKP
18 days ago
Reply to  Juni

Agreed! Every time I see an armless sofa – Caitlin’s or otherwise – I am completely flummoxed. Do these ppl not want to lie on their sofa with their head on a throw pillow that doesn’t immediately fall to the floor??? Why on earth would an armless sofa be chosen for a room with only one sofa? I will never understand.

Kleo
20 days ago

Blog Comment: when you click “All Posts” at the bottom and then, on that page, click “View More” at the bottom, about ten posts are missing. Today it skips from June 4 to May 25, no way to find the posts in between these two dates.

megan
19 days ago

i looked at an ikea lamp the other day, SIMRISHAMN. and remembered i like Italian modern design. after a few beautifully styled rooms, long, open, cavernous rooms. i remembered that the curved sofa, (the fuzzy rugs, the all white room, impractical sculpture) looks great in those conditions. so funny to see the same here today! i love it! i finally gave into the pop-up footrest, so no room to speak on design. Love

Olivia
19 days ago

Caitlin, you are a NATIONAL TREASURE! Thank you for saving us from the tyranny of curved sofas. Enough other tyranny stomping about in 2025.

laura
19 days ago

best post ever

19 days ago

Oh my gosh, thanks for this, Caitlyn! Not only was it hilarious, but it makes me feel better about the amazing-looking vintage Kurt Ostervig curved sofa frame that I ultimately decided NOT to get in favour of something available locally. My woulda coulda shoulda moments are over! (And I definitely wouldn’t have thought hard enough about the functionality, and my household definitely wouldn’t have tolerated it.)

Olivia Green
19 days ago

What a fun and fresh take on interior trends I loved this playful format! Your insights on curved sofas are both stylish and practical, with just the right amount of personality.

Lane
19 days ago

Looks like something for the sitting lounge (very formal living room or a party room) where you wouldn’t want to sit too closely to someone anyway. Beautiful for sure. I’m not against. However it doesn’t seem to fit in an average home for Family living and I say this in a most positive sense.

katie
19 days ago

damn so these sofas are incredibly photogenic but do not stand up to the comfort standards we need!!! i am wondering though, if your specific couch is both too slippery (pillows can’t stay on it) AND the wrong shape. i almost feel like a boucle or something more textured wouldn’t have been so bad, but the combination of the slippery leather and the shape is just not working!!

Robin in NoCo
18 days ago

Curved sofas are the home furnishings equivalent of the “cold shoulder” blouse or -sorry to every semi-affluent mom blogger – barrel jeans.

Erin Dae
17 days ago

“By recent American standards…maybe?” had me laughing out loud. Love me a good Caitlin read any day, and this was such an on pointe comment. Long live Libra snarkiness! (Love, a fellow Libra.) I am so excited to see how this room has evolved over time.

Colin
16 days ago

If it pleases the court, I can’t wait to see justice for the accomplice to the curved sofa’s many crimes: the low, lounge-y couch. They look like 70’s style vibe pads in pictures, but in practice the low seat, low back, and deep cushions steal support away from every major joint in your body. I charge this sofa style with aggravated assault and mental distress, because it wrecked my back and left me feeling too insecure to make decisions about major purchases

Cici Haus
15 days ago

My goodness this was a fun read! And informative!

Anita
13 days ago

HILARIOUS!

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