Alternatives to Boring White Sofas

One design choice that many people are scared of is a colorful sofa. Everyone wants gray, white, or beige because they think it will go with anything and it will stand the test of time. 

Although that's true, we try to teach our clients a new definition of neutral. 

People commonly associate the term “neutral” with certain colors– shades of white, brown, and black. But when it comes to design, we always urge people to decorate with colors that make them happy. 

So if pink is your favorite color, don’t be scared to make a statement with it in your home. Commit and leave people in awe of your bravery!

5 Colorful Sofas That Make Typical Neutrals Pale in Comparison

If you prefer bold colors to neutral tones, there’s no reason to feel forced to choose a neutral sofa. We love eye-catching sofas, and here are a few pieces that we have selected for our client’s homes. 

Striking Raspberry Pink Sofa

Our client’s condo had modern architecture, but they wanted the interior to have a more traditional undertone with vibrant colors. So, we turned this white, boxlike room into a showstopper with custom millwork and raspberry colors from floor to ceiling. 

The raspberry pink high-gloss paint was the perfect canvas for the raspberry sofa and abstract painting by the client’s father.

And bonus– the sofa’s fabric is a very durable performance fabric to guard against the messiest of spills. It’s also a sleeper sofa for when guests want to stay over! Attractive and versatile for a tight condo space.

This bright space made the perfect den to watch movies and entertain friends. Everyone who enters surely feels like they are being wrapped up in a raspberry hug.

Lisa’s Historic Home with Green Sofa

This photo gives you a peek into Lisa’s 1920s brick rental home in St. Pete. The open living room and dining room combo was perfect for this green sectional from CR Lane.

A sectional sofa with a high back would have blocked the flow of the room, which is why Lisa chose this sofa with a lower back that offered a sightline. This allowed both the dining and lounging areas to feel connected.

Lisa paired the sofa with grapefruit velvet drapes to create a preppy pink-and-green vibe. It is an ideal combination of color and coziness for Lisa, who entertains frequently. 

1920s Bungalow with Pink-Orange Sofa

The Lisa Gilmore Design team redesigned four spaces in this 1925 home in the Historic Old Northeast district of St. Petersburg, including this living room space.

The homeowner wanted a colorful and happy feminine home to showcase her love of art and antiques. To create that feeling, we selected this Verellen sofa in JAB fabric, which is super special because, while it reads pink, when you are up close it has orange threading in the weave and creates an interesting dimension from different angles of viewing. 

It also adds a pop of whimsy to the room, especially when paired with the area rug from Loom + Co. 

Teal Sofa in Beach Condo

When we designed this Gulf Coast vacation condo, our goal was to reimagine the typical coastal look with colorful accents and modern touches.

Though the adjacent dining room is high-contrast with orangey-pink drapery and black-and-white patterns, the sofa from CR Lane has a coastal vibe. And, like many of the pieces we selected for this space, the sofa is made of indoor/outdoor fabric to make beachside living a breeze.

FAQs

1. Which sofa color is trending?

Dark blue, mustard yellow, bright green, and bold patterns are popular now and are expected to continue to be in demand in 2024. And deep, jewel-tone greens and bold patterns are at the top of the list of colors we love most!

2. What color sofa is timeless?

Colors like gray, cream, taupe, and some shades of blue are timeless, neutral shades. Many homeowners choose these colors because they match any decor. However, saturated colors can also be timeless and classic, as well as more forgiving of mishaps.

3. What sofa colors make a room look bigger?

Light-colored sofas create a spacious vibe and can make a room feel more open. Choosing a sofa that is the same color as your walls is another way to give the illusion of openness. But the most important thing to keep in mind when selecting a sofa for a space is the size. A sofa that is too large for a room can make the space feel smaller. Scale, size, and profile shape play a big role in determining whether a sofa is the right fit for your space.

Though we love selecting vibrant, bold sofas for the spaces we design, we know that adding so much color can be a big risk for some homeowners. If you aren’t ready to make the commitment, less expensive items like area rugs, drapery, and pillows are also great ways to add color and fun to a room. 

To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding pops of color and luxury to your home, follow me on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.

Lisa Gilmore Design is an interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida that provides luxury design services to busy professionals. We have been named an Architectural Digest Leading Southwest Florida Designer and a Top 25 Design Florida Firm by Design + Decor. Lisa Gilmore Design has also been featured in top design publications such as Florida Design, Aspire Home, and Rue Magazine. We serve homeowners in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Hyde Park, South Tampa, and worldwide.