Nothing feels quite as luxurious as adding a piece of furniture to your home that you want but don’t strictly need. While there are many choices, 2026 is clearly the year of the occasional sofa. If you’re not familiar with the term, here’s what you should know.

Coined by Jodie Hazlewood, founder of the upholstery studio The House Upstairs, the occasional sofa is exactly what it sounds like: a piece designed for its presence as much as its purpose. This isn’t the dependable, sink-in sofa you retreat to for a Netflix marathon. Instead, it’s more likely to live in the formal corners of a home, used only occasionally.

Because it isn’t subject to daily wear and tear, the occasional sofa offers rare creative freedom. Practicality takes a back seat to personality. Think interesting silhouettes, tactile trims, striking prints, and fabrics chosen for beauty over durability. Forget hardwearing and easy-clean materials. This is your chance to indulge, experiment, and have a little fun with design. “One of the great joys of an occasional sofa is that you can be more expressive with fabric—mohair, patterned linens, moirés, and even something gently eccentric can feel entirely appropriate,” says interior designer Martin Brudnizki.

Undeniably a luxury, their rise signals a renewed interest in conversational seating, says Nasia de la Haye, managing director of upholstery studio Lorfords Contemporary. “They are pieces designed not for sprawling but for connection, encouraging people to sit, talk, and engage.”

Where to place them? Really, anywhere. “I often use them at the end of a bed, particularly if there’s no separate dressing room,” says Brudnizki. “They’re perfect for laying out clothes, enjoying a quiet moment, or indulging in a brief nap with a book.” They can also be tucked into the corner of a sitting room, placed in a generous hallway (where they make a convenient perch for putting on shoes), or positioned beneath a window, styled with cushions to create a picturesque nook.

That said, they’re impressive enough to stand on their own, says Lucy Hammond Giles, director at Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler. “The occasional sofa is freed from the functional demands of a TV sofa, so you don’t even really need a floor lamp or side table,” she notes.

Vogue’s Guide to the Statement Sofa Trend

The Striped One: Nickey Kehoe Tuxedo sofa ($6,400)
The Mod One: Goop Curvo sofa ($2,600)
The Velvet One: Joon Loloi Rosamund sofa ($2,900)

Suitably tempted? Here is Vogue’s edit of the best occasional sofas to know about now.

The Ruffled Ones

A ruffle-skirted sofa is guaranteed to turn heads, bringing a touch of English country charm to any space. Offering a softer take on the trend, this style is as welcoming as it is good-looking—and is made even better with pattern, whether gingham or floral. “With a hint of Dalí’s iconic lips sofa about it, the Haseley sofa is sculptural and easily tucked into a nook for chatting or framed by a window,” Hammond Giles suggests. Wherever you place one, they simply must be seen.

* Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler: The Haseley sofa ($13,180)
* Anthropologie: Bowen sofa ($2,998)
* Society Social Factory: Aurora sofa ($3,595)
* Serena and Lily: Miramar sofa ($7,448)
* Stoffer Home: Thelma settee crafted by Cloth & Company ($1,739)
* Soho Home: Madelyn three seater sofa ($5,814)

The Floral Ones

Kendall Jenner has one in her home. So does Zooey Deschanel. Floral sofas just work: as well as disguising a multitude of sins (including spills), they make a confident statement. “Sofas feel much lighter and less domineering when they have a pattern rather than solid velvet,” says interior designer Rita Konig, whose new homeware and furnishing line—featuring an armless occasional sofa—launches soon.This summer, floral statement sofas are making a comeback. “A chintz is especially classic,” says one designer, who notes they work particularly well in the kitchen—her own is upholstered in Schumacher’s Elizabeth Chintz.

Featured Sofas:
– Heidi Caillier Marella sofa, $4,398 (Lulu and Georgia)
– Arhaus Keegan sofa, $8,500 (Arhaus)
– Joon Loloi Edie sofa, $3,800 (Joon Loloi)
– Arhaus Alina sofa, $5,000 (Arhaus)
– Nickey Kehoe Modern sofa, $6,800 (Nickey Kehoe)
– Anthropologie Irena sofa, $2,498 (Anthropologie)

The Striped Ones
Think stripes can’t work on a sofa? Think again. Whether you choose a classic ticking stripe or something bolder, a striped sofa adds color and personality without overwhelming a space. For a balanced look, try a simple shape like Sabai’s clean-lined green option.

Featured Striped Sofas:
– Arhaus Tangier settee, $3,500 (Arhaus)
– Buchanan Studio sofa, $10,090 (Buchanan Studio)
– Sabai The Elevate sofa, $2,995 (Sabai)
– 1st Dibs Deco sofa, $16,690 (1st Dibs)
– Nickey Kehoe Tuxedo sofa, $6,400 (Nickey Kehoe)
– Lulu and Georgia Buckley sectional sofa, $7,398 (Lulu and Georgia)

The Ones with All the Trimmings
Fringing and trim—ideally both together—are always a good idea. They add depth and craftsmanship to a room. Consider the Goodworth Sofa, inspired by classic English cane furniture but reimagined in a cleaner, more relaxed style. “I wanted it to feel welcoming and evocative of a golden era,” says the designer. “The proportions are deliberately elegant yet comfortable.” For a similar style at a more accessible price, consider Arhaus’ cream settee or CB2’s emerald sofa with white trim.

Featured Trimmed Sofas:
– And Objects Goodworth sofa, $24,000 (And Objects)
– Arhaus Giles settee, $3,400 (Arhaus)
– CB2 Brett sofa, $2,600 (CB2)
– GreenRow Hadley sofa, $6,500 (GreenRow)
– Trove Gypsy sofa, $6,829 (Trove)
– Soho Home Elowen sofa, $9,363 (Soho Home)

The Curvaceous Ones
Since comfort isn’t the only priority, an occasional sofa lets you focus on silhouette and structure. “Curved sofas work beautifully when you have the space,” say Adele Lonergan and Maria Lindgren, founders of Covet Noir. “They soften formal rooms, introduce a sense of play, and encourage a more social flow.”

These shapes are especially suited to libraries, drawing rooms, and studies, where their relaxed lines complement fluid, asymmetrical layouts. “Wherever possible, we keep sofas away from walls,” they note. “Allowing space to circulate around them lets the piece be appreciated from every angle and gives the room a more layered, considered feel.”

Featured Curved Sofas:
– West Elm Kaufman sofa, $1,900 (West Elm)
– Tom Dixon Fat sofa, $10,800 (DWR)
– Ellison Studios Poet sofa, $15,000 (DWR)
– Goop Curvo sofa, $2,600 (CB2)
– Lulu and Georgia Carson sofa, $2,298 (Lulu and Georgia)
– Joon Loloi Rosamund sofa, $2,900 (Joon Loloi)

Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Incorporating a Statement Sofa into Your Home

Q What exactly is a statement sofa
A A statement sofa is a bold eyecatching piece of furniture that serves as the focal point of a room Its defined by its unique color striking pattern unusual shape or luxurious texture rather than blending in neutrally

Q Why should I even consider a statement sofa Isnt it risky
A Its a powerful design shortcut A single statement piece can instantly define a rooms style add personality and create a memorable impression While it feels bold designers use it as an anchor to build a cohesive space around

Q I love the idea but Im nervous How do I choose one I wont get tired of
A Focus on a design you have a genuine emotional connection to not just a passing trend Look for quality construction and a silhouette you love If youre hesitant start with a rich timeless color like emerald green or deep navy before jumping to a wild pattern

Q Whats the biggest mistake people make with a statement sofa
A The most common mistake is then filling the room with other competing busy pieces The sofa should be the star Everything elsewalls rugs other furnitureshould play a supporting role often in more neutral tones

Q My room is small Can I still have a statement sofa
A Absolutely In a small space a statement sofa is the decor Choose one with clean lines and maybe a bold color but avoid oversized bulky shapes that will overwhelm the room It can actually make the space feel more intentional and designed

Q What colors should I paint the walls if my sofa is very bold
A Designers typically recommend neutral calming wall colors Think whites soft grays warm beiges or earthy tones This creates a gallery wall effect allowing your sofa to truly pop without visual competition

Q How do I accessorize around a statement sofa without clashing
A Use your sofas color palette as a guide Pick out one or two accent colors from the sofa or choose complementary neutrals for throw pillows and blankets Add texture with a simple knit throw or a natural material like a wood or stone side table