We don’t talk about this enough, but the 1980s were a phenomenal moment for sofa design. The flabby, drab sofas of the ‘40s and ‘50s were tossed into landfills, and couches with fresh looks and bold designs took over. 

Couches in the ‘80s weren’t shy. They featured bold colors, funky patterns, artsy silhouettes, and eye-catching designs. There’s nothing minimalist or understated about them. 

For the last few decades, nondescript couches have been more or less the norm. But we’re so here for the resurgence of couches that are actually fun (and comfortable). Let’s talk about what defines this righteous trend. And yes, I’ll be using some cheesy ‘80s slang here. 

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Bodacious Colors

First, these couches aren’t contributing to your beige fatigue or the sterile white trends that millennials love oh-so much. Couches inspired by 1980s designs feature lush and rich colors, which can range from neons to pastels. Think electric blues, hot pinks, lemon yellows, and verdant greens. These bright colors can define your space, or you can pile on color after color for an undeniable maximalist feel. 

If neon isn’t your vibe, pastels work here too. Really, we’re just trying to stay away from bland neutrals. I love a deep coffee brown as much as the next Gen Zer, but we want to breathe some life back into our living room seating. Baby blues, ballerina pinks, chartreuse greens, and butter yellows are softer while still being distinct. 

These comfy sofas bring the color so you can turn your sitting room into a welcoming kaleidoscope:

Groovy Patterns

But it’s not just about color! The ‘80s loved some weird and maybe even unsettling patterns. Couches with eyeball-themed upholstery or wacky abstract shapes were common, and they’re coming back. These bring a whole lot of character to your home, so there’s no denying their maximalist influence. 

Not every pattern has to be ridiculously out there. But it shouldn’t be something so basic that you’d see it at Pottery Barn — no offense to Pottery Barn. So seersucker stripes, grandma-esque florals, and other uninspired patterns are out. But there are bolder stripes and more eccentric florals that can work, so don’t discount anything. Ask yourself: Does this feel extra fun or too familiar? Go for the extra fun option. 

These spunky patterns range from uber-abstract to a fresh twist on a classic look:

Totally Tubular Silhouettes

The ‘80s-inspired sofa trend goes beyond upholstery. The silhouettes are also an important factor, and they can range from fluid and curvy to sharp and geometric. First, let’s highlight the more voluptuous designs. Curby couches are delightful, offering plush comfort and a chunky appearance. The couch arms, back, and cushions can be exaggerated in their roundness, creating whimsical shapes that feel artsy and inviting. 

These styles can be paired with other rounded furniture to create a space that looks wavy all over. Or you can mix and match the shapes, using angular coffee tables that bring an interesting contrast. Whatever other furniture you incorporate, these curvy shapes bring a touch of quirky fun.

Here are some ‘80s-inspired sofas that have enchanting bulbous designs:

Hard Geometric Designs

On the other hand, ‘80s sofas could also be more harshly geometric, with well-defined edges and more straight lines. These should still be somewhat exaggerated. Arms can jut aggressively away from the sofa’s seats, or the backside can come up to create sharp corners that almost look like devil horns. 

A classic ‘80s style is the rectangular look, like the Geo sofa below. This has crisp edges and a clear shape. There are also funkier geometric designs that are artistic and impossible to ignore. But they still have those hard angles that create a distinct look. Unlike the angular sofas in the 1980s, modern ones have straight lines but don’t sacrifice comfort. You can mix and match the angular and rounded sofas to get the best of both worlds. 

Check out some angular ‘80s couches below:

The Conversation Pit Revival

Social media design fanatics are all about bringing the conversation pit back — if you haven’t seen it yet, you will soon. Conversation pits were first created in the 1920s, but didn’t reach peak popularity until the ‘70s and early ‘80s. These are couches and seating that are built into the floor, so you sort of climb down into them. They’re often full circles or squares of seating, perfect for a post-dinner party nightcap where everyone can chat. 

The contemporary take on conversation pits isn’t quite as intense. I’m not telling you to rip up the floorboards. Instead, people are using massive sectionals, long, U-shaped couches, and couches that basically look like XLL indented mattresses. 

These styles aren’t right for everyone. But if you love spending a lot of time on your couch (no judgment, I’m very bonded with my couch), these are wonderful. They’re made for relaxing nights chatting over wine, movie marathons, smoke sessions, and more. 

If you love the conservation pit vibe, these oversized sofas bring that energy: