We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
Finding the right sofa is one of the trickiest parts of designing a living room. It has to be the right size, work with your palette, and—let’s be honest—look good from every angle. After all, this is where you’ll actually be living, so aesthetics matter just as much as comfort.
For the past few years, super-structured silhouettes have been the norm—crisp arms, tight backs, sleek legs. But in a recent Instagram Q&A, designer Nate Berkus made the case for softening things up. When asked to share his thoughts on slipcovered sofas, he didn’t hesitate: “They’re making a comeback,” he says. In fact, he argues, they never really went out of style.
If the phrase slipcovered sofa brings to mind saggy, wrinkled seating from the “shabby chic” days of the ’80s and ’90s, you’re not alone. But the new generation is more tailored and refined—less slip-on, more custom. Picture something you’d find in a Nancy Meyers movie: relaxed yet pulled together, cozy without looking careless.
The key? Keep it intentional. A well-fitted cover that hugs the frame and cushions makes all the difference. It should follow the lines of your sofa, not drown them. And to elevate things even further, Berkus recommends dressing it up with classic tailoring. “I like adding dressmaker details like a box-pleated skirt, contrast piping, or a grosgrain trim around the bottom hem,” he says.
Ready to get on board? Pair your slipcovered sofa with structured throw pillows, a soft blanket, and maybe even a side table stacked with your favorite design books. When someone compliments your setup—and they will—you can just say Berkus told you so.
