Furniture can be as important as actors in the plot, and just as recognisable as famous characters. Often, they hold shared memories and serve as backdrops for iconic scenes, making it unimaginable to replace them with anything else without losing the charm of the setting. Today, we’ll explore the fascinating world of set decoration and reveal some of these legendary furniture pieces. And who knows, maybe you’ll find design inspiration in the timeless appeal of signature sofas or armchairs, beloved by many movie buffs.

Central Perk Couch from Friends

Sometimes, the most iconic pieces have the most humble beginnings. The burnt orange, comfy-looking couch, destined for sitcom fame on Friends, nearly became just another forgotten relic in the labyrinthine depths of the Warner Bros. studio basement. Luckily, set designer Greg Grande spotted its potential and gave it a new lease on life as the centerpiece of the Central Perk coffee shop.

Transcending its role as a mere prop, the couch became a true star. It featured in the unforgettable intro and nearly every episode, silently observing our favourite gang of friends’ countless laughs, tears, and heartwarming moments. No wonder it became a pop culture phenomenon, inspiring endless parodies and references!

Leather Couch from The Big Bang Theory

Whenever someone says, “That’s my spot,” an image of a slightly worn brown leather couch with an adorable striped throw pillow on the side comes to mind, indicating Sheldon’s favorite place to sit. The legendary line from The Big Bang Theory became an Internet meme and won the hearts of millions of viewers, forging an unbreakable bond with the iconic sofa.

The twist is that this couch was not originally planned as the main prop for the sitcom. Rented for the pilot episode only, it was almost replaced twice – but neither time was a perfect colour match. Faced with a tight deadline, set designer Anne Shea had no choice but to convince the prop house to break the rules and sell them the original one. So, you could say that fate had other plans!

Chesterfield Wing Chairs from The Matrix

Years will pass, but the famous “red pill or blue pill” scene from The Matrix, where Neo was offered a choice between truth and comfortable ignorance, will remain iconic, causing everyone to question our reality. This scene became a real attention-grabber, featuring numerous parodies and references, and securing its place in movie history.

Equally memorable are the deep red leather wing chairs used in the scene, which visually reinforce Morpheus’ power and leadership. While the backstory of these iconic props remains shrouded in mystery, it’s hard to imagine a more fitting choice. With deep button tufting, rolled arms, and high backs, the classic English design exudes authority and sophistication that perfectly complements Morpheus’ character.

Gag Couch from The Simpsons

Although this sofa isn’t physically real, it’s one of the most iconic pieces of furniture in television history. The three-seater couch boasts a simple design, typically presented in a muted brown with a rounded, slightly tufted back. Regardless of its unadorned look, it has become a star of the animated sitcom, appearing in every episode as part of the opening sequence.

Depending on the scenario of the intro, the appearance of the sofa may change in what is famously known as “couch gags.” These are unique bits of animation in the opening sequence of The Simpsons, just before the episode begins. The gags can range from spooky to funny to downright bizarre, often featuring famous parodies and pop culture references.

Bocca Lips Sofa from Austin Powers

When it comes to bold and conversation-starting movie props, the unforgettable lip-shaped sofa from Austin Powers, with its 60s flair and sensual vibe, takes the cake. There is actually a surprising history behind this eye-catching piece.

While the original design dates back to Salvador Dalí’s 1936 creation, inspired by the lips of American actress Mae West, the one we see in Austin Powers cleverly pays homage to another Hollywood legend, Marilyn Monroe. This particular version of the lip-shaped sofa was created by the design group Studio 65 in 1970.

Blue Swivel Chairs from The Hunger Games

One of the first times the brutal reality of life in the Districts clashes with the excesses of the Capitol is when Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark board the train. There, an opulent dining car reveals itself, filled with extravagant, roomy swivel chairs upholstered in deep blue velvet and accented with rich, dark wood trim – a stark reminder of the unimaginable luxury the Capitol enjoys while the Districts fight for survival.

Despite symbolising the extravagant opulence amidst poverty, the elegance and beauty of the blue velvet swivel chairs captured the attention of many viewers. This led some to desire similar chairs for themselves. Interestingly, the chairs lack a specific historical background, yet they perfectly embody the futuristic and luxurious aesthetic of the Capitol in The Hunger Games universe.

Floral Couch from Married with Children

This worn, outdated sofa is far from aesthetically pleasing, especially considering the countless tortures and struggles it has endured under the Bundy family’s roof. In fact, it was even destroyed in one of the episodes of the famous American sitcom. Even though it looks quite shabby, the couch holds a special place in viewers’ hearts. Whenever we see it, we’re reminded of the show’s endless jokes and hilarious moments.

With no official backstory, the show’s creators left fans wondering about the origin of the legendary floral sofa. Theories range from a thrifted find to a wedding gift, or even a hand-me-down from relatives. Even the set director’s source for the couch is a mystery. Despite the unknown background, there is no denying the importance of this furniture prop in the show, which makes it truly priceless.

 

As you can see, these iconic pieces of furniture aren’t CGI wizardry – you can find them in stores, or get creative and recreate them with a DIY spirit using existing furniture and a splash of paint or consider transforming your own with sofa slipcovers with Mamma Mia armchair covers! So, if you’ve ever craved a touch of your favourite movie or TV show in your own living space, take it as a sign to turn your dream into reality.

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