We Asked Designers What Sofa Colors People Always Regret

In the market for a new sofa? Given that sofas can be an investment (and aren’t easy to physically move, either), you’ll want to be absolutely sure that what you do decide to buy is right for your space.

As such, you might want to rule out certain sofa colors from the get go, interior designers say.

In pros’ minds, there are a few shades that could pose issues in the long run, whether for practical reasons or aesthetic ones (and in some cases, both).

Here are the sofa colors pros say people regret most—and what to look for instead.

Sofa Colors People Always Regret

White

White sofas may seem elegant and chic, and they definitely do brighten up a space — until they start to stain and discolor quickly.

This is true “especially in homes with children, pets, or frequent entertaining—making it difficult to maintain long-term,” Ashleigh Clark of Ashleigh Clark Interior Design Group, says.

Susie Novak, the founder of Susie Novak Interiors, echoes this perspective.

“Every crumb and stain shows, and they create anxiety for the homeowners,” she says of white sofas.

Black

On the total opposite end of the color spectrum, a black sofa has its own drawbacks, Clark explains.

“Black sofas often reveal lint, fading, and texture wear more than expected and can feel visually heavy over time,” the designer shares.

And if you have a dog or cat, black is also not your best choice for a sofa given how easily it will show pet hair that has shed, adds Jennifer McKissick, the founder of Jennifer McKissick Interior Design.

Trending Colors

As a whole, designers will urge you to steer clear of buying a sofa in a color that is currently super hot—what’s in now may be so last year in just a few months down the line, after all.

That said, designers’ views on what colors to avoid will vary. While yellows and greens have been trending over the past few years, you may not want to purchase a sofa in either of these hues, Novak warns.

“Yellow and green can be very hard colors to decorate with, so unless you have a great eye for color, I would avoid,” she says.

McKissick, on the other hand, is cautious about purchasing sofas in pink, red, or orange.

Sofa Colors Designers Are Loving Right Now

When it comes to sofa colors to focus in on instead, interior designers are leaning into darker, warmer, and earthier tones.

Novak says copper velvet and indigo linen are two of her current favorite picks.

“Darker fabrics hide all those sins so you don’t need to worry about getting up every time someone spills something,” she says.

Other colors to consider include muted blues, olives, and clay tones, Clark adds.

“The key is choosing colors with depth and softness so they feel enduring rather than trend-driven,” she says.

More into subtle shades? Try a warm neutral such as camel, taupe, or mushroom, which Clark cites as three of her go-to more subdued choices for sofas.

“These tones are incredibly versatile, age beautifully, and allow the space to evolve without needing to replace the sofa,” she says.