Forget feature walls and statement rugs, 2025 is all about sofascaping. This emerging interiors trend makes your sofa the key focus of your room through good design and accessorising, from placement and zoning to feng shui principles. And, a small change like sofascaping can bring fresh energy to the entire living room.
At Cult Furniture, we know the sofa isn’t just somewhere to sit — it’s where you binge-watch, catch up with friends, snooze after brunch, and host those 10pm deep chats. Here’s how to make it the star of your space.
Accent Sofas
For years, accent chairs have taken the spotlight when it comes to injecting personality into a room. But now, it’s the accent sofa that’s stealing the show. Whether it’s a bold colour, luxurious fabric, or sculptural silhouette, choosing a sofa with stage presence is the easiest way to ground your design scheme.
Sofas should be comfortable, but don’t be afraid to treat your sofa as a piece of art too. An earthy-toned velvet, curved boucle, or even a colour-blocked modular piece can become the anchor for the entire room — think statement piece meets comfort zone. Our top styling notes:
- Curved sofas – Keep it flowing with round coffee tables and mushroom lamps.
- Mid-century modern sofas – Pair with angular furniture, slim-leg side tables and retro colour palettes like olive green, rust, or ochre.
- Boucle or velvet fabrics – Balance plush textures with pared-back accessories and warm lighting.
Pair a statement sofa with neutral surroundings to let it shine, or coordinate with complementary tones and textures through cushions, throws, and wall art for a bold look.
Position With Purpose
The position of your sofa doesn’t just impact how your room looks — it can also affect how it feels. Lean on feng shui principles by placing it against a solid wall with a clear view of the door, creating calm, control, and flow.
Good layout supports relaxation and connection too so avoid pushing the sofa too far into a corner unless space is tight. Where possible, create breathing space around it so the room doesn’t feel boxed in.
In broken-plan or open-plan homes, a centrally positioned sofa can also act as a divider, offering visual separation between zones without sacrificing flow or light. Choose one with a low back if you want to keep sightlines open, or go bold with a high-backed piece for privacy and drama. A rug beneath helps to ‘ground’ the space.
Soft Furnishings That Work Hard
Cushions in threes, layered textures, seasonal pops of colour — these are the finishing touches that take your sofa from practical to Pinterest-worthy. Add a throw for effortless style (and Netflix naps).
Style The Surroundings
An ottoman with a tray, stacked books on a console, trailing plants, or a sculptural side table — accessories are your supporting cast. Don’t forget lighting: a floor lamp, wall sconce, or slim table light does wonders for ambience.
What’s Behind Counts
An often-overlooked detail in sofascaping is the area behind the sofa, especially when it sits away from the wall. Introducing a slim console table here creates a purposeful zone that feels both functional and decorative, while ensuring a seamless transition in open-plan layouts.
Style it with low-profile accents; think stacked books, a trailing plant, or sculptural ceramics for an elevated look. In more compact spaces, consider a bench, storage unit, or narrow bookshelf to add utility without interrupting the flow.
Quote from Cult Furniture:
Sofascaping is a smart, stylish way to reimagine your living room around the piece of furniture we use most. Whether you’re working with a small flat or a spacious family home, making your sofa a statement can enhance the comfort, flow, and style of your lounge.
The right positioning, thoughtful accessories, and attention to layout can turn any seating area into a centrepiece. So next time you think about updating your living space, start with the sofa and let everything else follow.
- Laura Migales, Interiors Expert at Cult Furniture
