Burgundy couches have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years as part of the wider trend toward bolder, richer colors in home decor. After years of muted, neutral palettes dominating, deep red hues like burgundy are making a splashy comeback in all sorts of furniture from sofas to armchairs. But does this mean burgundy couches are actually “in style” right now or just flashing in the design pan?
The History of Burgundy Furniture
Burgundy has long been a staple shade in home furnishings. The deep reddish-purple tone has been used in everything from velvet chaise lounges in European castles to penny-pinching department store sofas. Here’s a quick look at the history of burgundy furniture:
- Middle Ages: Burgundy gained favor among European nobility in the Middle Ages. The rich, wine-inspired hue lent a sense of luxury.
- 1600s: Burgundy upholstery became trendy again in the 1600s as French aristocracy embraced the color. King Louis XIV lined his royal residences in regal burgundy.
- 1800s: In Victorian England, burgundy couches and chairs grew popular once more. Deep reds and purples suggested wealth.
- early 1900s: Burgundy fell out of fashion as brighter, lighter colors came into vogue in the early 20th century.
- 1950s-1960s: Shades of burgundy revived in mid-century modern furniture. Deeper hues provided an earthy contrast to pastels.
- 1980s: The 1980s favored beiges and pastels again. Burgundy furniture was mostly out.
- 2000s: After years of fading away, burgundy makes a dramatic return in the 2000s as people embrace jewel tones once more.
So while burgundy may fade in and out of popularity, it always seems to make its way back to prominence eventually as tastes evolve!
Burgundy Couch Pros
There are many reasons burgundy couches have stood the test of time and interior design trends again and again:
Dramatic Impact
Few colors make as bold and dramatic an impact in a living room as burgundy. The deep, saturated shade is inherently eye-catching and luxe. Burgundy couches can lend a sense of gravitas.
Warmth
While made bolder with a touch of purple, burgundy is still in the red family. So it naturally suggests warmth, passion, and energy as accent colors. Burgundy delivers all the visual heat of true red without being overwhelming.
Versatility
Burgundy plays well with a wide range of styles and accent colors. Pair it with creams and golds for traditional elegance. Mix it with grays and navies for contemporary cool. Or add pastels for an eclectic twist.
Timelessness
As a color associated with fine wine, high society, and royalty through history, burgundy has an inherently timeless quality. Burgundy couches transcend trendy looks.
Texture
The rich depth of burgundy makes it ideal for showing off the texture and sheen of fabrics like velvet, chenille, leather, and more. Burgundy couches pop in luxe upholstery.
Potential Cons of Burgundy Couches
However, burgundy couches also come with a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind:
Boldness
For some, an entire burgundy couch may seem overly bold and intense as the dominant furniture piece in a neutral room. It’s a standout shade.
Red Undertones
While subtle, burgundy’s red undertones may read overly “passionate” or sensual for some decor styles. The color could overwhelm a room.
Allergies
Deeply pigmented burgundy fabric may be more likely to trigger allergies in sensitive individuals compared to light neutrals. Dye chemicals can cause reactions.
Fading
Like any rich, saturated shade, burgundy is prone to fading when exposed to regular sunlight. This can quickly make a burgundy couch look worn and dull.
Permanence
Unlike a pillow or throw blanket, burgundy is a major commitment on a substantial piece like a sofa. The bold color choice is harder to reverse or update quickly.
Are Burgundy Couches Actually in Style Right Now?
So when you weigh both the pros and cons, are burgundy couches truly on-trend at this moment? Or are they more of a passing fad likely to date quickly? Let’s look at a few factors:
Color Forecasters
Trend forecasters like Pantone have burgundy/oxblood shades like “Vintage Port” and “Marsala” on recent annual top color lists. This suggests continued momentum.
Design Publications
Influential interior design magazines like Elle Decor, House Beautiful, and Architectural Digest have all proclaimed burgundy a “color to watch” or highlighted it in model rooms lately.
Retail Inventory
Major furniture stores like Crate & Barrel, West Elm, and Pottery Barn currently offer dozens of new burgundy sofa options. Broad retail availability indicates rising demand.
Social Media
Search Instagram or Pinterest and you’ll find countless stylish burgundy living rooms from top designers and influencers. Burgundy sofa photos get high engagement.
Runway Fashion
Burgundy is hot on the runway right now too. The width of color trends across industries hints the shade has real staying power at the moment.
Expert Insights
I reached out to two top interior designers known for their bold use of color to get their insider perspective on burgundy couches in 2023:
Jonathan Adler – Founder & Creative Director, Jonathan Adler
“Burgundy is one of my favorite colors for sofas and chairs right now. It’s rich, sexy, and sophisticated. After years of an onslaught of greige, it’s time to embrace vibrant colors again. Burgundy works beautifully with patterns and textures like velvets too. It has an Old World decadence I’m obsessed with.”
Nate Berkus – Founder, Nate Berkus Associates
“Don’t be afraid to take risks with bold colors like burgundy in your home’s biggest investments, like a sofa. It instantly makes a dramatic statement. Burgundy is a classic, grounded neutral that transcends fleeting trends. It works in almost any style space from modern to traditional. Just layer in plenty of lighter accent colors and textures to balance it out.”
The Bottom Line on Burgundy Couches
Based on all the evidence, burgundy couches are definitively “in” right now. The color is gracing the pages of leading shelter publications, saturating design-forward social media platforms, and taking center stage in showrooms nationwide. After years out of favor, burgundy is officially back in vogue in a major way as part of the larger “red revival” sweeping interiors. While risks come with choosing any statement shade, interior design experts agree stylish, moody burgundy sofas feel fresh and current for 2023. However, trend cycles suggest the color’s popularity may start to wane again in the coming years. So if you’re on the burgundy sofa fence, now is an ideal time to indulge the impulse! Those drawn to classic, luxurious looks can confidently invest in rich burgundy pieces knowing they transcend temporary fads.
Burgundy Couch Styling Tips
Sold on incorporating a dramatic burgundy sofa into your home décor? Here are some top designer tips for styling and decorating around a burgundy couch:
Lighten things up. Let your burgundy couch be the deep, moody anchor. Choose lighter hues like creams, taupes, and pale blues for your walls, rugs, and accessories to create an airy counterbalance.
Incorporate metallics. The contrast between burgundy and metallic finishes like brass, gold, silver, and copper is striking. Add metallic accents with pillows, frames, lamps, tables, and more.
Play with patterns. Pairing busy, colorful patterns with a solid burgundy sofa keeps things from feeling too somber. Try pairings like floral pillows, striped rugs, or abstract art.
Mix in natural textures.Elements like wood furniture, jute rugs, linen throws, and rattan accents complement the plushness of a burgundy couch. Leather works too.
Highlight with neutral walls. Let the sofa be the main color event by keeping the walls, ceilings, and trim neutral. Warm ivory or greige tones work well.
Burgundy Couch Color Combinations
If you’re concerned a bold burgundy couch may be limiting, rest assured it lends itself to all sorts of versatile color pairings. Here are some of the most stylish combinations:
Burgundy + Cream/Ivory
The classic combination of burgundy and ivory or cream has an elegant, traditional vibe. Use textured whites to keep it fresh.
Burgundy + Navy
Mossy, earthy navy pairs beautifully with the red undertones of burgundy. Great for transitional spaces.
Burgundy + Gray
Cool, moody grays (greige or charcoal) temper the warmth of a burgundy sofa nicely.
Burgundy + Camel
For boho flair, blend rich burgundy with natural camels, taupes, and light wood tones.
Burgundy + Blush
The stunning blend of burgundy and soft blush pink offers a vibrant, modern twist.
Burgundy Couch Material/Textile Options
Burgundy couches today come in diverse fabrics and textures. Here are some of the most popular:
Velvet – Velvety burgundy sofas have a formal, vintage vibe. The plushness amplifies depth.
Cotton/Linen – For lightweight linen or cotton, burgundy adds softness and durability.
Leather – Buttery burgundy leather sofas have an indulgent, glamorous feel.
Chenille – Chenille’s shaggy texture infuses dimension into burgundy. Kid and pet friendly.
Tweed – For an English countryside feel, a nubby burgundy tweed sofa adds cozy flair.
Corduroy – Stretch corduroy makes burgundy sofas feel approachable and casual.
FAQ
Still have some questions about embracing the burgundy couch trend? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is a burgundy couch hard to keep clean?
Like any darker color, burgundy does require more frequent vacuuming to keep clean. Pretreat any stains immediately to prevent setting. But new stain-resistant fabrics help minimize everyday wear.
Does burgundy furniture go out of style quickly?
Burgundy has proven itself a versatile classic color that waxes and wanes but never disappears. And bold color choices make less of a style statement than trendy shapes or patterns.
Is a burgundy couch child/pet friendly?
With durable, stain-resistant performance fabrics now the norm, burgundy works fine for family-filled homes. Just look for highly resilient, easy-clean sofa materials and fabrics. Washable slipcovers help too.
Can you successfully mix burgundy and brown?
Definitely! Layering rich chocolate or caramel browns with burgundy creates a luxe, inviting look. Just add lighter tones too for balance.
What colors go well with burgundy walls and couches?
If doing both walls and sofas in burgundy, add light neutrals like cream, gray-brown, and pale blue as accents for contrast and brightness. Metallics also pop beautifully.
Conclusion
After its recent resurgence back into vogue, the verdict is clear – burgundy couches are decidedly in style for 2023. The dramatic hue brings warmth and richness to any space when used as a bold foundation piece or accent. Design experts agree burgundy has staying power as a new neutral versatile enough for varied aesthetics from traditional to contemporary. While the iconic wine-inspired color will eventually fade again down the road, for now, embrace and indulge the burgundy couch trend in all its moody, textured glory. Just remember to keep the rest of the room light and layered. Then you can confidently join interior designers everywhere in saying cheers to the dramatic return of deep, romantic burgundy!
