When boucle started trending in the mid-20s, I was obsessed with the look. I loved its wooly texture, its loopy appearance, and the curved furniture it upholstered. Almost ten years later, I've seen thousands of boucle chairs, sofas, and ottomans, and I'll admit, I started to grow a bit bored. That is until I saw Jane Fonda's take on the style.
The actress debuted her boucle living room sofa in a recent Instagram post, singing the praises of another controversial design trend, Sneex. She is sprawled across a rectangular, cream-colored boucle sofa with a gray decorative pillow behind her. A rounded wooden coffee table and circular wooden side table introduce a contrasting shape and rustic material. Behind the sofa, her blue-gray walls echo the green-gray accents in her geometric rug.
After analyzing the picture, I discovered the primary way Fonda refreshes the living room furniture trend is by pairing it with natural wood. Kanika Khurana, principal designer at San-Francisco-Bay-based Kanika Design, explains: 'For me, the magic of a boucle sofa paired with natural wood lies in the balance of textures. Boucle, with its soft, looped fabric, introduces a tactile warmth that feels luxurious yet approachable.'
This pairing goes a long way in making the trendy material appear timeless. She continues, 'When combined with natural wood, which brings in an earthy, organic element, the result is a space that feels both cozy and sophisticated. This combination resonates with various design styles such as mid-century modern decor, Scandinavian, or even bohemian—making it a versatile choice that can evolve with changing trends without losing its charm.'
Fonda's deep blue walls also stand out to me. This living room color contrasts the cream of the sofa, making it look more modern and interesting. To recreate the look, Khurana recommends: ' To elevate a cream boucle sofa, I love the idea of bold, colorful walls. A deep burgundy or a rich mustard yellow can create a stunning backdrop that makes the sofa pop. These colors not only add vibrancy but also set an inviting tone for the space.'
She adds: 'If you're hesitant about going too bold, consider using a jewel tone. Think sapphire or emerald that can bring a sense of sophistication while allowing the boucle’s texture to shine. Adding art pieces or decorative mirrors can further enhance the visual interest and reflect the colors beautifully.' These pairings elevate the fabric trend for a fresh, original feel.
Shop the Look
This mid-century modern boucle sofa is perfect for bringing some curve and texture into your living room
This colorful rug is unlike anything you've ever seen with pops of color and unexpected pattern
This natural wood rounded table adds a warming twist to a boucle scheme
If you're wondering 'what's replacing boucle?' the answer is boucle with more accessories. To create your own fresh spin on the look, Khurana advises: 'When it comes to styling your boucle sofa, start by considering the layers. I recommend incorporating a mix of pillows in various shapes and fabrics, such as silk, wool, or even a bit of leather for contrast. This layering not only adds depth but also invites comfort.'
The other furniture is just as important to remaking the style timeless. 'Next, think about your coffee table,' says Khurana. 'Choose one with clean lines and perhaps a natural wood finish to echo the sofa’s elegance. You can add a soft, textured table runner or a stack of art books to introduce personality. For additional charm, consider using an oversized throw blanket draped casually over the arm of the sofa. This adds both comfort and style, making the space feel lived-in.
She concludes: 'Lastly, don’t forget about lighting. A sculptural floor lamp or a pair of modern table lamps can highlight the sofa while providing ambient light that enhances the overall atmosphere.'
With the proper styling, boucle will always be a calming, timeless look.
