Fact: The living room is one of the most-used spaces in any home. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, it’s often the centerpiece—especially since a couch is more than just a piece of furniture. It’s the anchor for the rest of the room and sets the tone for your space’s style. That’s why finding the right sofa matters. While it can be tempting to go with a trendy shape or bold color, sometimes choosing something simple and understated is actually the smarter move.

Bland, unassuming couches—think clean lines, neutral tones, and no bells or whistles—are having a major moment in the design world. But with furniture trends constantly evolving and new aesthetics popping up on your FYP daily, picking a plain piece can feel like a misstep. Many people are quick to embrace the latest sculptural silhouette or statement hue (and we get it—trends are fun). Still, after creator Kiva Brent (@kivabrent) shared her video aptly titled Living Room Lies, seeing the beauty in a “boring” couch starts to make a lot more sense.

@kivabrent

Stop buying trendy sofas and do this instead! #sofas #homedecorating #interiordesignmistakes #bestsofas

♬ original sound – Kiva Brent

What Is a Cookie-Cutter Couch?

The basis of Brent’s series is simple. In each episode, she aims to spill the tea and debunk the stigmas and myths surrounding living room decor. This time, she’s tackling trendy sofas and explaining why cookie-cutter couches are the better choice. But what exactly is a cookie-cutter couch? As the name suggests, these are the most basic designs you can find. Devoid of flashy colors, unique shapes, and anything else that may make them stand out, a cookie-cutter couch is all about blending into the background. The foundation, shape, and shade are streamlined to fit a clean and minimal aesthetic.

In her video, Brent notes that there are three main boxes a cookie-cutter couch should check off. The first is height. Since longevity is the goal, she says it’s best to purchase a couch with a height that works with you as you age. For example, something too low may not be as appealing at 45 as when you were 32. Second, she notes that a modular sectional is ideal for growing families. The third box is another that’s rooted in preserving the longevity of your sofa. She recommends purchasing a couch with feather-filled cushions instead of foam to ensure they hold their shape over time.

What Are the Benefits of a Cookie-Cutter Couch?

If you think about your living room from a styling perspective, it’s easy to see why a boring, cookie-cutter couch fits the bill. As the largest piece of furniture in the room, you want to be able to build around it, incorporating unique and personalized touches that speak to your style. A plain couch is the foundation that allows you to do that. It’s flexible and easy to adapt to your changing taste preferences. As Brent explains, cookie-cutter equates to more versatility, and that is essential for styling. With small decorative items, you can transform the look and feel of your couch, be it for seasonal or personal changes.

Finding a boring couch is also not a difficult task. With many brands offering stylish designs, you have lots of options to choose from. Brent suggests looking at stores with a track record for durable construction and minimal designs. RH, Pottery Barn, and West Elm are all ideal for finding a sturdy and plain sofa. But as Brent notes, affordable options can be found at big chains such as Value City.