How To Get In On The Oversized Furniture Trend In Your Home
Minimalistic design, sleek accents, and clutter-free spaces have dominated the design world for the past few years, but now, the tide is shifting in favor of something a little more cozy. Instead of pared-down rooms, people are transitioning to bolder expressions in their homes that feel unique to them — look to the cluttercore and maximalism movements as examples. Naturally, the trends for furniture are following along in this shift, and we're seeing extra-large, ultra-comfortable pieces making their mark, especially in the living room.
By far the most popular expression of this change is in the form of the oversized sofa, defined by SeatUp as a jumbo take on the regular, traditionally sized couch. In some instances, that can mean an ultra-deep seat — 42 inches compared to the regular 38 — and in others, an extra-large sectional that's made for entertaining. Styling pieces like this can be a bit intimidating, especially if you're living in a smaller space, but there are easy ways to incorporate this trend without feeling suffocated.
Bring in some balance
The number-one worry when it comes to incorporating bigger pieces is that they'll make a room feel too stuffy or claustrophobic. To avoid this fate, all you need to do is pare down your other pieces to provide some balance. According to Hatch Design, each item in a room carries visual weight. Bold colors, large pieces, and loud patterns provide more weight than items that are sleek and simple. To create dynamic interiors, all you need to do is mix and match.
Oversized furniture can be quite dominating, especially in smaller rooms, but if you combine it with airier, lighter pieces, it can act as a focal point instead. A regular, two-seater sofa might work well with a cozy recliner and heavy wood coffee table, but, if you bring in a larger sectional with a deep seat, try pairing it with a simple glass table and chairs that sit higher off the ground to bring some more flow to the room.
Find what's realistic for your space
Unless you have a massive, open-plan living room, you're going to want to measure your space and be realistic about your furniture's dimensions before settling on anything. Oversized furniture can still work well in smaller rooms, but it's important to give yourself enough space between pieces so it doesn't feel cramped. Walking paths in the home should be at least 2 feet wide to prevent any awkward shuffling, coffee tables should be about 18 inches away from the couch to provide leg room, and seats should be at least 3 ½ feet apart when facing each other (via Wichita Furniture).
Just because a piece technically fits, it doesn't mean that it's a functional size. By factoring proper spacing into your furniture's dimensions, you'll be able to make a more educated decision on what's ideal for your room. If something like an oversized couch isn't feasible but you still want to get in on the oversized trend, look to oversized décor pieces instead. Extra-fluffy throw pillows, statement floor lamps, and ultra-chunky knit blankets are an easy introduction to the look without a major investment in money or floor space.