A sofa represents one of life’s pledges. It may not last an eternity, yet it ought to remain visually appealing and comfortable for quite some time. Therefore, if you’re browsing for furniture soon or in the coming years, being aware of the hues that will fall out of fashion from 2025 onward could be beneficial.
What’s trending and what’s not isn’t simply a caprice of style. ‘Just like language, design progresses—certain styles fade from use not because they were incorrect, but because they no longer convey what we require,’ explains Rachel Blindauer, an interior and product designer.
In this section, interior design specialists share their insights on which
living room sofa
Curtains are the items to avoid, the explanations for why they aren’t currently making much of an impact on interior design, and what
timeless couch colors
You may prefer to choose instead.
1. Cool gray
Previously a dependable option for a
living room
, sleek grays with bluish hints have enjoyed popularity recently. However, cool gray tones are not trending for 2025; they’ve actually been declining in favor for quite some time now, so steer clear of this hue when choosing your palette.
choosing a couch color
.
‘Black was a constant throughout the
farmhouse
and
minimalist
“However, they are now considered too chilly and lacking depth,” remarks Alice Moszczynski, an interior designer based in New York.
Planner 5D
, of the shade commonly referred to as millennial gray.
However, this doesn’t mean all neutral tones are off-limits; just steer clear of cooler variants. ‘People seem to be opting for warmer neutrals such as taupe, camel, and mushroom shades, which provide similar adaptability yet come with greater warmth and richness,’ according to Alice.
Therefore, nothing in shades of gray; however, subtle neutral tones are acceptable. The sectional available on Wayfair offers various hues, yet the gentle beige version stands out as an timeless option. It’s currently discounted to only $600, making it quite a bargain for such a spacious and fashionable sofa. Additionally, numerous highly satisfied customer testimonials attest to its quality.
2. Bright white
The same charge of stiffness is being made against bright white for the central sofa.
living room furniture
Similar to cool gray, a white sofa might not provide the warmth and depth that contemporary interior designs favor, notes Rebekah Moore Murphy, who is both the co-founder and an architect of design.
Murphy & Moore Design
.
‘While bright white upholstery remains timeless when used sparingly, it often proves impractical for typical homes and lacks the sense of patina and luxurious wear that many people desire,’ she explains.
The alternatives for shades should be similar to those that could substitute cool gray. Interior designer and founder suggests considering ‘warmer tones such as mushroom, ivory, soft taupe, and creamy off-whites’.
June St George
Ally-Catherine Trenary.
If you’re looking for a light and vibrant hue for your couch, opt for a cream or soft off-white shade that’s both functional and trendy for 2025. Additionally, the charming pleats featured on this Lulu and Georgia sofa embrace the nostalgic trend, offering a classic yet enduring look.
3. Dark gray
Indeed, gray once more, yet there’s an additional perspective on gray you ought to be aware is outdated for sofas: specifically, charcoal.
“For many years, charcoal gray was the preferred ‘safe’ choice: dark enough to conceal spots, yet neutral enough to complement every fashion,” according to him.
Rachel Blindauer
But its dominance is gently fading away. Nowadays, charcoal appears more business-like rather than welcoming—especially within open-plan spaces bathed in natural sunlight.
The drawbacks of this hue include feeling ponderous and chilly in well-lit or seaside-themed areas; frequently dulling rather than complementing other shades in the space; and being linked to mainstream, developer-standard design from the 2010s, according to her observations.
Rachel mentions that the options to consider are ‘earthy neutral tones such as mushroom, oat, or warm flax’.
This sofa boasts a classic design and offers numerous color options. However, if you’re seeking an earthly neutral shade like Rachel suggested, the Cognac Velvet variant would be ideal.
4. Navy blue
Even the staples of
living room color
can fall out of sync with current trends. ‘The Navy color has been popular for being both safe and fashionable,’ notes an interior designer and operations manager.
123 Remodeling
Lior Kahana. ‘Recently, however, it might seem somewhat heavy or too formal.’
You don’t have to abandon hope.
decorating with blue
However, ‘Dusty blues or slate tones provide a comparable calming influence but have a more laid-back and organic vibe,’ according to Lior. ‘These colors complement wood, leather, and woven materials nicely, making them ideal for informal, multi-layered environments.’
Given the 103 different shades and fabric choices available, you’re bound to find one that matches your taste; however, if you prefer a gentle blue hue, Basketweave Sky makes for an excellent choice.
5. Aqua
Swerve sofas covered in tones ranging from blue-green hues.
color wheel
, also, if you wish to stay fashionable, recommends Rachel Blindauer.
‘Aquatic-hued sofas were popular for a time, particularly during
coastal
or
boho-inspired interiors
She explains, “However, as design trends lean towards more nuanced representations of location and individuality, these vibrant blues are beginning to seem overly boisterous and excessively themed.”
The issue with this color is that it’s overly associated with beaches, she notes, along with the fact that it’s hard to incorporate into changing color schemes or seasonal decorations.
Some attractive options include ‘soft sage green, slate blue, or earthy olive,’ according to Rachel. She notes these colors appear revitalizing yet stable, providing a connection to nature without becoming overly trendy.
A greenish-brown slipcover sofa represents both classic style and current fashion trends. Olive-colored sofas have become highly popular recently, gradually taking over from greys and navies as the go-to hue for couches.
6. Millennial pink
Another hue that has turned into a throwback trend.
room color ideas
It’s all about millennial pink now. Think back when every trendy living room on social media featured a pink velvet couch?
‘That delicate blush shade has been prominent on sofas and accent chairs for many years, but it is gradually making way for richer color palettes,’ explains Alice Moszczynski. ‘Deeper shades such as terracotta, clay, or even oxblood can add warmth and romance while providing a more mature look,’ she recommends.
Across the global interior design scene, terracotta has emerged as the latest trend replacing traditional pinks. If you fancy the gentle coziness of a pink sofa yet desire an enduring and refined appearance, consider opting for terracotta tones. For a particularly stylish aesthetic, choose terracotta velvet upholstery.
If you’ve seen the
indicators your sofa needs replacing
It’s not about blindly adhering to trends by discarding outdated hues for their replacements. Select shades that complement the era, and your living room can become both a nourishing environment and sophisticated.
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