Furniture Village explores sofa shopping trends

Mar 15, 2024

The UK’s taste in sofas has changed since the pandemic, based on the latest search data from Furniture Village, which indicates that buyers are increasingly looking for brighter, bolder, and more statement colours, while searches for cosier fabrics have also seen a significant rise in popularity since 2020.

Vibrant colours on the rise, but neutrals not going anywhere

Grey has been the most-searched sofa colour in the UK for three years in a row. Despite the dip in popularity since 2020, grey shades remain firm favourites for those exploring sofa colours online.

Mark Reynolds, retail buyer - upholstery at Furniture Village, comments: “This shows that consumers are still opting for neutral large furnishings, which they can then bring to life by adding cushions and throws.”

Bold and bright colours are embraced by more shoppers, as searches for these vibrant hues are on the rise. Green sofas were the second most-searched colour, and have seen a +22% increase in interest since 2020, says the retailer.

“The colour green is having its moment within interiors this year – not just in sofa colours, but throughout the home," says Mark. "From forest hues to softer muted tones, taking inspiration from nature’s palette can add character and life to your home.”

Searches for cream sofas have also been on the rise since 2020. It is now the third most searched colour, proving that neutrals remain a popular trend.

Sofa style trends reveal people still prefer classic designs

Data from Google over the past three years shows that while interest in colour frequently changes, when it comes to the style of a sofa, buyers tend to stick to their favourite searches. Since 2020, the top three most-searched sofa styles have been the Chesterfield sofa, loveseat sofas and modular designs. The most widely searched sofa keyword remains 'Chesterfield Sofa'.

“Large, luxuriously upholstered in leather or fabric with deep-set tufted buttons and rolled arms, Chesterfield sofas are typically associated as a symbol of great British interiors,” adds Mark.

Meanwhile, practical design options have seen a rise in popularity. Searches for modular sofas that can be arranged to suit most living spaces increased by +22% since 2020. The smaller loveseat sofa designs for tighter rooms also saw a +32% increase within the same period.

Sofa fabric trends – durable and practical fabrics most popular

When looking for a sofa with a specific fabric, leather is the most-searched option, and has been for the last few years.

“Leather is one of the most popular materials for households due to its durability. If you have children or pets, looking for a sofa which will clean easily, and stand the test of time is an important factor,” says Mark.

Boucle is fast becoming one of the top sofa fabric choices, after searches soared to nine times the levels of 2020.

One fabric option which has seen a decline in popularity is velvet with a –91% decrease in searches since 2020. However, the drop in interest could be related to misperceptions about the fabric. As Mark explains: “Most people are unaware of this fun fact - velvet is actually one of the easiest of upholstery to clean due to the nature of its core and weave.”

Interior trends and styles change constantly, but as this recent research reveals, there are also many timeless options buyers look for year after year.

Furniture News is a leading publication for the interiors sector featuring coverage of the latest furniture trends and the furnishings trade in the UK and overseas.