The '90s Furniture Trend Erin Napier Is Begging Us To Bring Back

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Feeling nostalgic for the cozy furniture styles of the 1990s? Interior design pro Erin Napier is right there with you. In a recent Instagram post, the host of HGTV's Home Town waxed poetic about missing one trend in the particular: patterned vintage sofas. Napier recalled how couches like this were everywhere in the '90s. As she wrote in the caption of her post, "I want to put down my phone...and cozy into the sofa from Kathleen Kelly's apartment or Lorelai Gilmore's house or the pages of Martha Stewart Living in the '90s."

Traveling back in time might not be possible, but embracing the rise of '80s and '90s nostalgia trends when furnishing your home is totally doable. These familiar styles can make any space feel more charming, cozy, and lived-in. In fact, other interior design experts have predicted that patterned, vintage-inspired couches will make a comeback in 2026. That includes floral, plaid, and striped sofas — though, notably, vintage florals and botanical motifs in general are expected to be extra hot in the new year. Keep reading for more on this emerging furniture trend, including advice for sourcing retro sofas and styling them in a more modern way.

When shopping for patterned vintage sofas, it helps to narrow down your preferred pattern and home decor aesthetic. Are you attracted to clean lines and sleek styles? Then a striped sofa in a light or neutral hue is probably a safe bet. On the other hand, fans of the maximalist aesthetic — another interior design trend that's projected to be popular in 2026 — may gravitate toward splashy floral sofas or plaid couches in deep, rich hues. You can hunt for new sofas in this style from popular online retailers such as Anthropologie or in-person at furniture warehouses and secondhand stores. Just be sure to do your research before purchasing. Neglecting to do so is one of those mistakes everybody makes when buying couches.

If your search for the perfect sofa is coming up dry, double up on 2026 trends by commissioning a well-crafted, locally made piece of furniture. Though it may cost more money or require more research, investing in a custom sofa will give you complete creative control. It's a surefire way to secure the right piece for your space and preferred aesthetic.

As for how to style your vintage-inspired sofa? You can either lean into the nostalgic vibe with other cozy-feeling vintage items or juxtapose it with chic, modern pieces. In general, it's a good idea to incorporate some contemporary accents in a room with retro furniture. Contrasting styles create visual interest and can help prevent your space from looking stuffy or outdated.