Many people opt for a white sofa, not because they love the look, but because they are nervous to try something bolder. We certainly understand this impulse. When done wrong, a red, green, or blue sofa can completely overwhelm a space, crowding out any other shades one wants to bring in. However, the right styling turns a brightly colored couch into a stylish accent that transforms the living room.
Archival photos from Bernadette Peters' living room in 1994 offer the perfect example of how to style a red living room sofa for a chic effect. The actress's living room is a masterclass. First, she uses a patterned sofa to offset the feeling of a red block in her living room. Then, To offset the boldness of the couch color, she begins with a white wall, which keeps the look modern. Finally, she layers the sofa with multi-colored cushions to turn it into a fun statement piece that draws the eye. This counterintuitive mix perfectly balances the boldness of the sofa for a look that is just as stylish 30 years later.
