Why Round Furniture Is Stealing The Spotlight In 2024

After what feels like forever spent living with boxy designs and sharp edges, curves are finally having their moment–and honestly, it’s about time! But are they here to stay, or just a passing phase? And what exactly makes them so irresistible? Let’s dive in below.

Weekly Learnings & Findings

Going Back In Time

The popularity of curved furniture isn’t new. It dates back to the Art Deco and Streamline Moderne architecture that emphasized sleek, flowing shapes. Curves symbolized movement and progress, reflecting society’s fascination with speed and travel by train, plane, and automobile. This era saw curved features prominently in everything from buildings to furnishings, evoking the dynamism and excitement of the early 20th century.

Fast forward to the 1970s, and we see a resurgence of these curved forms in furniture. Designs from this period were bold, soft, and sensuous. Iconic designs like Michel Ducaroy’s Togo sofa and Pierre Paulin’s Pacha lounge chair are still killing it today, proving that curves never go out of style.

And now in the 2020s, we’re once again embracing round furniture. After years of hard-edged minimalism and trying to make our homes look like Apple stores, we’re over it. We want to sink into our furniture, not perch on it like awkward guests at a fancy party.

Enter curved furniture: soft, inviting, and designed to make you want to stay awhile.

Why Rounded Furniture in 2024?

Sure, curves have a history, but their comeback isn’t just a nostalgic nod to the past. In 2024, rounded furniture is a macro trend, not a fleeting micro-trend that’s gone before you know how to pronounce “bouclé.” It has staying power because it looks good, feels good, and let’s be real our brains are wired to love circles.

Science even backs it up: we’re naturally drawn to round shapes because they feel safe, calming, and soothing. Plus, round pieces temper all the angularity in a room. They’re softer on our eyes –exactly what we need after a day of staring at screens. We could all use a little less harshness in our lives.

Plus, rounded furniture is super practical. Round dining tables are great for avoiding the awkward “who’s at the head of the table” drama. And all of these pieces provide more circulation when space planning.

How The Trend Is Evolving In 2024

While curves have been around for at least the past 3 years, 2024 is seeing them take on a new life. Remember the white bouclé craze? It’s on its way out. Instead, we’re getting playful with warmer muted tones and also seeing fabrics like linen, chenille, and velvet.

So if you’re thinking of hopping on the trend, steer clear of that white bouclé everything looks–it’s headed straight for “dated” status. Maybe an armchair here or there, but not a whole room decked out with bouclé finishes.

Ideas To Get You Started

If you’re ready to bring some rounded furniture into your home, here are a few fun ideas:

Curved Sofas

Pro Tip: If you’re considering a curved sofa, remember that you need to have circulation space around it – they’re not designed to be pushed up against a wall like rectangular ones!

Accent Chairs

Light Fixtures & Round Mirrors

It’s Not Just Furniture

The curve craze doesn’t stop with furniture. Round windows, arches, and even curved ceilings are making their way into homes. And don’t forget filleted corners on walls–yes, that’s a thing now. It’s all about creating spaces that feel more organic and less rigid.

So there you have it. Curves aren’t a fleeting design trend–they’re a movement. Whether you’re transforming your space with a bold statement piece or adding a simple round mirror, adding some kind of rounded piece will make your home that much more playful, cozy, and inviting!

Trends can be fun, but there’s definitely a point where they become overkill and just look “trendy”. I always encourage people to stick with what they genuinely love, instead of just hopping on the hottest bandwagon of the moment.

And remember, function always comes first before form—because a design that doesn’t work is, frankly, bad design. If you’ve got something that already works for you, don’t feel like you need to tear it all up every few years just to keep up with the latest trends :)

Beautiful Space

Melbourne’s Studley Park mid-century home| Written by Miriam McGarry, Photo by Derek Swalwell

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