Meet Plump and Fat: The Latest Designs by Tom Dixon

Decoranytime

To some, “plump” and “fat” might seem like unconventional names for sofas, but at this year’s London Design Festival 2024, they represent the latest innovations from British designer Tom Dixon. With Plump and Fat, Dixon reimagined the everyday sofa, adapting it to the dynamic needs of modern living.

A modern living room with a beige couch, a side table holding a green apple, large windows, and potted plants on the window sills. Natural light illuminates the space

Plump Sofa

Dixon observes: “We have witnessed an almost invisible revolution taking place in living rooms, lobbies, and lounges. Where previous generations gathered around a single focal point – be it the fireplace, television, or radio – we now find ourselves in increasingly deconstructed communal situations. Social media, wireless technology, and even the pandemic have transformed our spaces, where couches and sofas have taken on a central, omnidirectional role as platforms for slouching, working, shopping, and entertainment.”

beige sofa next to a metallic lighting fixture

Plump Sofa

To address this shift, Dixon’s vision for the sofa transcends its traditional role, inviting it back to the forefront of our living spaces. “Sofas must evolve to reflect and enhance our changing behaviors. It’s time they moved away from the corners and walls and became platforms for individuality, greater flexibility, and occasionally, unexpected uses,” he explains.

Modern living room with a white sofa, side table holding a glass vase and decorative piece, and two organic-shaped pendant lights; one hanging from the ceiling and one on the windowsill

Plump Sofa

A modern living room features a beige sofa with a throw blanket and cushion, a black side table holding a glass of water and green fruit, a metallic desk lamp, and a pendant light near a window

Plump Sofa

Inspired by the Chesterfield design, which has remained a British classic in English typology, the Plump sofa combines generous curves with an sizable frame, making it a standout piece without overpowering the rest of the room. Though Plump isn’t a modular sofa, it can be configured into an L-shape chaise sectional, or a 2.5- or 3-seater. “We aimed to create something reminiscent of this design in terms of proportions but with a distinct departure in appearance,” Dixon notes. “Specifically, we envisioned a low back that envelops you, serving as our starting point. With Plump, we sought to imbue it with a modern essence, stripping away any ornamental details and focusing solely on the essentials. This led us to embrace simple outlines, a semi-circular profile, and straight lines.”

A modern living room features an orange couch with beige pillows, a black side table with a silver globe sculpture, and lush green plants in the foreground

Plump Sofa

A modern living room with a red sofa, a small black side table, a chair, two floor lamps, and a painting on the wall. A small window offers an outdoor view

Plump Sofa

A cozy living room with a bold red sofa, a wooden cabinet with glassware, a red lamp, and a large leafy plant, viewed from an adjacent room's doorway. A small window shows greenery outside

Plump Sofa

A modern living room features a curved white sofa with an orange throw blanket, a coffee table with a vinyl record player, and a large window letting in natural light

Fat Sofa

Conversely, Fat is a fully modular system designed for maximum adaptability across a variety of spaces. Its steel leg bases add a metallic contrast to the upholstered design, maintaining coherence with the rest of the Fat range. With its curved design, Fat can function as a “living island,” positioned away from walls to fully showcase its form – ideal for homes, offices, hotels, airports, and lobbies.