HGTV's Leanne Ford Loves That These Sofas Are Making A Comeback

Design trends often follow a cyclical trend, rising in one moment only to fall shortly after and re-emerge years later with newfound appreciation. Entire styles can come back into vogue, or bygone articles may reappear to make bold new statements. With a name like the "boomerang sofa," it's perhaps no surprise to see one stylish piece of mid-century living room furniture coming back around. At least one interior designer expects it to be one of the top retro designs making a comeback in 2025. HGTV's style expert Leanne Ford recently shared her excitement about the revitalized decor direction via Instagram, showing off a classic white sectional in a relaxed sitting arrangement.

With its often geometric and offbeat form, the boomerang sofa is a throwback that's sure to capture attention as the highlight of the layout. Offering intrigue from every angle and helping give shape to a space, it's a perfect match for another mid-century staple, the open floor plan, where it can shine in the room's center. A slight crook or curve creates a feeling of intimacy, a cozy arrangement for settling in for a movie at the end of the day, talking with friends, or snuggling up in front of a crackling fire. In today's home, angled sofas may only seem like a rare solution for an awkwardly shaped space. But with a fresh perspective, you'll see why they're one of today's best living room design ideas and potentially an excellent fit for your home.

The original boomerang sofa was created by 1960's mid-century furniture designer Adrian Pearsall. Available in various models, the seating solution found a happy medium between straight sofas and L-shaped sectionals. The pieces typically had the footprint of a long sofa chaise. Their sharp, polygonal geometry was dynamic and exciting. Simple shapes evolved into interesting forms, with contrasts of hardwood framing and upholstered cushioning creating a light yet striking definition. 

Modern boomerang sofas share the same 45-degree inclination halfway into the seating. While they work in corners, they can also sit against flat walls, leaving room on either end to tuck a floor lamp or plant behind the back. Though you can still find those with mid-century details like vibrant colors and tapered legs, many of the shapes are softer and more rounded, making them more appropriate in high-traffic areas. Whether a vintage sofa or a modern interpretation, boomerang sofas look great when all sides are exposed. As Ford explained, via Elle Decor, "With a boomerang-shaped sofa, you are able to bring the sofa off the wall and create a layout that works for you and how you want to live in that space. It's very freeing."

If you love the boomerang look, you'll be glad to know their resurgence has put a generous selection on the market, including some authentic Pearsall pieces. Unfortunately, these come with a catch. Alongside the potential wear, damage, and need for new upholstery, originals also boast a hefty price tag, often well exceeding $10,000. Justifying the cost can be tricky, to say the least, so instead, look for close duplicates. There are plenty to consider, many with the same abrupt obtuse angles, simple yet sophisticated upholstery, and high-rising tapered legs.

You may find Pearsall-style reproductions at a fraction of the cost of an original. Or, you could expand your options to the broader definition of a boomerang sofa — or "angled corner sofa," as they're sometimes called. Now, the term can encompass everything from kidney-shaped sofas to modular sectionals. Options like the YOPENG Oversized Curved Sectional Sofa from Amazon or the Tobagon Fabric Sofa with Angled Chaise from Kardiel offer a classic, chic aesthetic. Alternatively, you could look for a more versatile sectional that can fit exactly as you need in your room. If you can find sectionals with a cuddler or half-circle on the end, such as the Bryant Semicircle Sectional from Joybird, you can rearrange the pieces to suit the space. With more modular and expandable units, you can even get creative by splitting your sectional for a dramatic look and reconfiguring it into accessible and comfortable boomerang shapes.