FAD OR FOREVER?

IT'S BEEN CALLED CHUNKY, CHUBBY, EVEN VOLUMINOUS. BUT WHATEVER THE LABEL, FURNITURE WITH PLUMP PROPORTIONS IS ON THE RISE. HERE, KIRSTIE CLEMENTS QUIZZES EXPERTS ON WHETHER THE TREND WILL LAST.

- Kirstie Clements

When shopping for a new dining table recently, I found myself musing on the current style trend of chunky, rounded furniture.

I love the sculptural, emphatic boldness of it, but in a few years, will I want my tabletop resting on a pair of boulder-size legs, or an occasional chair that looks like a giant roly-poly marshmallow? Will these oversized, curvaceous shapes date fast or are they forever pieces? Our panel of design experts weighs in.

The chunky furniture trend: love it or loathe it?

Jack: There's something comforting about this new wave of voluminous furniture. It feels playful and protective, with a sense of humour and a big heart. I'm not one for chunky furniture but can surrender to softer curves that contrast against sharper lines.

Rachel: It's a bit of fun. I can absolutely appreciate it when done well. Chunky pieces have a way of grounding a space, they're visually comforting, tactile and playful.

Alice: Love it, when done with restraint. I think the appeal of sculptural, weighty forms lies in their presence. They can ground a room beautifully, but the key is balance. When everything in a space competes for attention, you lose a sense of calm.

Is the trend timely or timeless?