Amthal Karim – Head of Design at Furniture And Choice – shares her monthly overview of on-trend styles and interior looks currently inspiring furniture buyers.
The furniture industry is in no doubt – the revival of the home cinema has begun. Recliner sofas and home cinema-style seating is trending. Pinterest is full of inspiration for cool cinema rooms or chill-out dens to enjoy your favourite movies and binge watch the next big TV series.
As this trend gains popularity, customers are looking for the perfect sofas and chairs to re-create the cinema experience in their own home. Recliner sofas are a furniture classic but are fast being re-invented in modern and exciting ways — whether it’s a sleek, leather recliner with space for snacks and drinks, or a plush corner model with a roomy chaise so that everyone can put their feet up.
Contemporary home cinema seating has come a long way from the traditional La-Z-Boy style seating we recognise. We’re noticing new materials, colour and features coming into play such as plush fabrics and even velvet and chenille adding a contemporary touch to this style of sofa. The trend for recliners is also moving away from neutral greys and browns and moving into bright, fashionable colours. What’s more, tech additions have become popular such as USB charging ports or space for your mobile phone.
The modern home cinema aesthetic is pushing furniture brands to innovate and bringing new ideas to market. Now the sofa-bed has been re-envisaged as a modular package that combines to create a full-sized bed with enough room for the entire family. No more arguing about who gets the chaise.
The L-shaped and corner sofas we’re used to seeing have gone super-size and the seats are deeper to accommodate this new style of lounging. Fibre-filled Oxford pillows have replaced standard sofa cushions for a softer, cosier sit. Recliners are trending in velvets and soft fabrics making them not just a practical buy, but also a chic fit.
It’s important to note that this obsession with home cinema seating is not restricted to movie nights in. Multifunctional furniture such as a sofa that doubles as a bed allows customers to maximise home space. Modular sofas are ideal as guest beds when you have friends to stay and larger, roomier sofas with a chaise seat more. It seems furniture customers want it all —space, looks, and of course all the drama of the cinema.
