Bouclé sofas are a trending type of sofa in the world of home decor. I should specify that the bouclé asepct is the material and not indicative of any specific style. With their soft, nubby texture and plush, inviting appearance making them a standout piece in modern living rooms. As you can see by the chart below, the bouclé trend has been underway for a few years.
This trend, characterized by its cozy bouclé fabric and minimalist shapes, has quickly become a favorite among designers and homeowners alike. As we move towards creating warmer, more comfortable living spaces, the bouclé sofa is not only a stylish addition but also one that promises comfort and durability. But how did this trend come to be, and why is it here to stay?
The bouclé trend chart
Bouclé Background
The bouclé fabric trend isn’t entirely new. This looped yarn textile first made its mark in mid-century design, championed by legendary designers like Eero Saarinen and Florence Knoll. It then fell out of favor as sleek, minimalist materials like leather and linen took the spotlight. However, with the growing shift towards cozy, hygge-inspired interiors, bouclé has found its way back into the limelight. Modern consumers, now valuing comfort and tactile richness in their spaces, are pushing bouclé back to center stage, making it the fabric of the moment for luxurious yet laid-back furniture.
About this Newish Trend
The bouclé sofa trend is defined by its thick, textured fabric, often in soft, neutral tones like ivory, beige, and warm grays (see the examples below). The sofas themselves are typically overstuffed, with rounded edges that offer an inviting, cloud-like form. These sofas often feature low profiles and organic shapes, a nod to contemporary design’s ongoing love affair with soft minimalism. In addition to its tactile allure, the fabric’s durability and ease of cleaning make it a practical choice for families and pet owners. That said, this is the current bouclé sofa style – there’s no reason the style itself can’t or won’t shift going forward.
What’s the Bouclé Significance?
This trend is significant not just for its aesthetic but for how it reflects broader shifts in consumer preferences. As homeowners seek to create spaces that prioritize comfort and sustainability, the demand for soft, natural fabrics has soared. Bouclé, often made from wool blends or other sustainable materials, is seen as a more eco-friendly option compared to synthetic fabrics. The trend also ties into a larger cultural movement towards self-care and well-being at home. In an era where home spaces double as workspaces, bouclé sofas offer both comfort and a sense of escape.
Bouclé Sofa Examples
The first example is the Fitz Bouclé Loveseat by CB2.
The second example is the Cambria Bouclé Sofa by Crate&Barrel.
Consumers are driving the trend… as usual lol
Consumers have embraced the bouclé trend with enthusiasm, often posting their cozy setups on social media. On Instagram, hashtags like #bouclé have gained popularity (over 300,000 posts to date), showcasing how people style their sofas with chic throws and modern decor.
Is Bouclé a Permanent Trend or Fleeting Fad?
I’m of the view there’s some staying power, particularly as comfort-first design continues to dominate. Given it’s been on an upward trajectory for five years, that’s a good sign it’ll stick around. But, you never know. That said, it’s merely a material and not a style. While bouclé sofas today are oversized and minimalist, that’s not to say the style can’t or won’t change with bouclé as the material. In other words, as more designers experiment with bold colors and innovative shapes, bouclé could evolve beyond its neutral roots, offering even more variety. Lastly, remember it’s already gone out of favor once which means it’s entirely possible it could again. That’s the nature of trends and styles.