Rolling Stone examines the growing use of couches as onstage props by pop musicians including Lily Allen, Charli XCX, Hilary Duff and Lucy Dacus. The trend matters because it reflects a shift towards performances that feel more intimate, domestic and conversational, while also giving artists a practical place to rest or stage emotionally personal songs.

Although beds have long appeared in concert productions, couches are increasingly becoming a staple of touring sets. Dacus began using them after back injuries required her to perform lying down in 2022, and now uses them to host guest performers; Duff uses one during “We Don’t Talk”, though she rejects fan theories that its colour carries hidden meaning. Allen’s tour also features real furniture while performing material widely interpreted as addressing her divorce.