Camel-colored couches are making a comeback: designers weigh in |
The color of your couch is an important decision to get right. Beyond practical considerations, your couch will go a long way in influencing the overall style of your living space, and it’s likely something you’ll aim to keep in situ for years.
Neutrals are some of the most popular colors for couches: they’re timeless, versatile, and generally pair well with all design styles, avoiding an overly trend-led look. In 2024, there is one neutral couch color trend we’re noticing plenty of demand for, and that’s camel tones.
Reminiscent of retro living rooms, camel-colored couches are often associated with a vintage aesthetic, but they are indeed just as relevant for modern homes. To learn more about this interior design trend, we asked designers what they make of the retro couch color, and have rounded up our favorites for you to shop.
Designers weigh in on camel-colored couches for 2024
‘Camel is a lovely and versatile color that can lend itself nicely to a number of design motifs – including a vintage-inspired look,’ says interior designer Kathy Kuo.
From light, sandy camel colors to much darker and warmer camel tones, there’s lots of variety to best suit your space, depending on if you want to keep your space light and airy or create a more vintage-inspired look.
While, of course, a camel-colored couch works in various rooms throughout the home, experts say they make an especially good choice for living rooms. ‘Camel colors are very sophisticated and make the perfect grounding component to a living space,’ says designer Diane Rath, owner and principal designer at The Rath Project.
Below, we’ve rounded up three ways designers recommend styling a camel-colored couch for 2024, from minimalist to maximalist; retro to contemporary.
1. Opt for a leather camel-colored couch
(Image credit: Isy’s Interiors, photography Duncan Smith)
‘When we hear camel-colored we think leather,’ says interior designer Isy Runeswe of Isy’s Interiors. ‘We love a leather sofa, especially in an ever-stylish camel colorway.’
Opting for a retro camel couch will certainly enhance the vintage look, so it’s an especially good material choice if your style leans towards mid-century modern. If you prefer a more contemporary look, opt for a similar style to the one above with a curved silhouette.
Be warned, however, that leather couches can often end up feeling cold and uninviting if they are styled too minimally. By incorporating plenty of soft textures through accent pillows and throws, you can ensure your camel leather couch is as cozy and comfortable as it is stylish.
Create a vintage look in your living room with this warm camel-colored couch. Its subtle curved arm details keep the design from appearing too angular, while still capturing a core retro look. Style with warm whites for a clean and timeless look.
Brace Saddle Leather Tufted Sofa
Looking to make a statement with your leather camel couch? Opt for this curved design that’s inspired by 1970s Italian design, providing a comfy yet attention-grabbing focal point to the living room.
2. Create a timeless look with layered warm neutrals
(Image credit: J. Patryce Design/Tim Lenz)
Since camel is a neutral color, it naturally pairs well with other neutrals, especially those with warm tones. To create a cozy and modern look with your camel-colored couch, layer tones like warm whites, beige, and taupe hues for an elevated take on decorating with neutrals.
‘Camel is such a versatile color that works wonderfully with lighter and neutral tones such as creams and beiges and softer lighter brown tones,’ says Jessica Cinnamon, Principal Designer and founder at Jessica Cinnamon Design.
From accent pillows to throw blankets; to rugs and even the color of the walls, there are lots of ways to incorporate lighter neutrals to complement a camel-colored couch, without overpowering the scheme with competing hues.
If you choose to incorporate darker neutrals, such as black, do so sparingly. Too many dark tones against a camel couch can appear drab, according to Jessica: ‘Keep in mind to limit the amount of darker hues and use more mid-depth tones to keep the sofa from appearing dull.’
This velvet, warm-toned camel couch features a boxy design for ultimate levels of comfort and a modern, minimalist look. Style with cream and warm-toned neutrals through pillows and throws to further enhance your cozy living room.
Soho Home Margeaux Velvet Pillows
Featuring fringed edging, these Soho Home velvet pillows would make a stylish addition to a camel couch, bringing even more warmth and texture.
Soho Home Maria Fringed Alpaca Blanket
This beige alpaca throw blanket by Soho Home works well with all variations of camel couches but especially dark camel colors for a contrasting, layered look.
3. Layer textiles and prints for a maximalist look
(Image credit: Matthew Williamson)
Does your style embrace maximalist decor ideas? If so, then base your scheme around a warm camel-colored couch and layer it with plenty of textures and colorful prints to achieve a statement look, much like in this living room designed by Matthew Williamson.
Camel will pair well with most colors, but if you want to achieve a contrasting look, choose pillows and throw blankets in colors like dark blues and greens. ‘While warm and more earthy tones such as taupe, beige, and brown pair nicely, consider styling it with various shades of blues, and greens, teals,’ adds Jessica.
Additionally, decorate with patterns through these soft furnishings to add further interest to your camel couch, going as statement or subtle as you like.
‘If you have a camel-colored sofa that you love and want to give some vintage flair to, add throw blankets and decorative pillows in an eclectic mix of colors and patterns,’ says Kathy Kuo. ‘You could also add an antique lamp to your side table next to the sofa, and vintage and thrifted treasures to your coffee table decor vignette.’
Muir 90″ Camel Velvet Curved Sofa By Lawson-Fenning
This velvet camel-colored couch by CB2 has a sleek, modern design with a curved back and low profile. Use this as your base for a maximalist scheme by layering it with pillows and throws of various colors and patterns.
Add contrast to your camel couch with this dark blue and white patterned cushion by McGee & Co., crafted from wool and silk.
Barrera Indoor / Outdoor Pillow
Alternatively, opt for this green patterned cushion for a maximalist look, bringing warmth and character to your neutral couch.
Camel-colored couches are a timeless choice, creating a neutral and sophisticated look while also being able to link to retro home decor, depending on how you style them. Whether your decor taste is neutral and pared back or bold and maximalist, a camel couch works well in many rooms and interior design styles.
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