Sofas are an investment piece you’ll have for years, so we totally get wanting to choose a neutral, goes-with-everything shade. But hear us out: when the rest of your space is neutral, why not opt for a bold sofa? A beige-tone sofa is an easy, obvious choice, stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to stunning results and serve as the focal point of the room. If you’re the type who craves a new look every year (or even every season), you can still change up your space through art, decor and accessories—just as you would with a beige sofa. And going bold has other perks, too. Since many of these sofas feature rich hues and a riot of pattern, you won’t need to worry as much about everyday stains and spills.
Here are eight of our favorite bold sofas that aren’t beige, complete with styling tips.
Go Green...
A deep, artichoke green sofa in sumptuous velvet adds instant elegance to a space (just ask Keltie Knight, who used one as the focal point in her Cali-boho living room). For a refined, traditional look, we love this beautiful option from Lulu & Georgia, which has a European feel thanks to wooden spindle legs (with casters!) and a bench-style seat. Or, for a more modern look closer to Keltie’s, try this curved, asymmetrical sofa from Anthropologie. Though pictured in teal, it’s also available in a mossy green chenille fabric for added texture.
Styling tips:
- Since velvet sofas have a soft, sumptuous texture all their own, opt for nubby linen throw pillows in shades of cream and beige.
- Worried velvet will feel too heavy in summer? Bring in airy accessories like a light cotton throw. This one, from our exclusive Roam Common line, adds a hint of boho flair.
...or Go Gingham
Gingham is graphic, cheerful and totally classic, making it a fun choice for a bold sofa. This couch from Kardiel radiates mid-century vibes with subtle button tufting for a sweet touch. For a more English countryside take, try this houndstooth tight-back sofa from Anthropologie, which features curved lines and pretty turned legs. Both pieces come in timeless black and white, meaning there are endless opportunities to incorporate pops of color (or keep it neutral).
Styling tips:
- Pair these sofas with a light-colored rug to keep things bright.
- A gallery wall would look incredible with a gingham sofa — its windowpane pattern mimics the look of framed artwork.
- Instead of several throw pillows, try using one oversize throw pillow.
Rug It Out
Some rug patterns are so beautiful they deserve more than the floor. Enter these two rug-patterned sofas from Anthropologie, available in classic blue and red or moss green with a touch of teal. If boho design is your thing, a rug-patterned couch is the perfect choice, adding instant texture, patina, pattern and color in one easy piece.
Styling tips:
- Bring on the boho! Don’t be afraid to mix in even more patterns when it comes to pillows and throws—you’ll create an eclectic, free-spirited look.
- Think about texture when it comes to rugs and accessories. Mongolian wool — like this ottoman or this pillow—would look incredible with either of these picks.
Embrace Warm Tones
We absolutely adore the warm, paprika shade of this sleeper sofa from West Elm. It’s more versatile than you think: you can play with contrasting cool tones like blue-green, or complement the sofa’s spice-inspired hue with accessories in shades of turmeric and mustard. The texture — a nubby basket slub weave—also adds depth and interest.
Styling tips:
- Since this is a sleeper sofa, keep woven baskets nearby with stocked dreamy essentials, like a throw and extra pillows.
- Cultivate a global look by using texture, not color, in the rest of the room: think a jute rug and live-edge coffee table.
Split the Difference
If you’re worried to commit to a chili-colored sofa, we’ve got a solution. This sofa from Anthropologie features a subtle, tonal woven pattern in neutral tones. It has a beige effect without actually being beige. Win-win!
Styling tips:
- Since this couch features a neutral color, you can incorporate any shades you like via throw pillows and blankets.
- Technically an indoor-outdoor piece, the couch features super resilient fabric and a stain-hiding pattern—perfect for families.
Ready to color your world (or maybe just your living room)? Get started with our design style quiz.