Whether you need an entire room’s worth of furniture or just a small piece, shopping for new home furnishings is a chance to make your house feel more like a home. But navigating the latest trends can be tricky—particularly when you’re hoping to find pieces that will stand the test of time. We consulted a few furniture experts to get the scoop on what to look for this year.
Curves
As a counterpoint to the sharp, geometric shapes that have been popular in recent years, rounded lines are emerging as the new furniture trend to watch. Often asymmetrical, these organic forms are inspired by nature and serve to draw the eye through a room, creating a sense of calm and relaxation. This trend can be seen in everything from curved sofas and chairs to ottomans and coffee tables.
Another defining feature of this year’s furniture is texture, particularly in the form of blackened and burnished woods. We saw examples of both in many showrooms, from the simple black wood stumps that appear on this vignette of vanities from Made Goods to the natural maple burl veneer on this Emil etagere from Villa & House. This trend also extends to more abstract, almost fractal patterns and asymmetrical shapes. We’re seeing them in rugs and other textiles, including this Dawn collection indoor-outdoor rug from Loloi, as well as in the painterly Cubist-inspired pattern on this Mosaic TV panel by Ethnicraft.
Mix-and-match eras
Art Deco, 1970s, classical, midcentury Brazilian, and modern-meets-traditional were all strong themes at this year’s High Point market, but there was an especially noticeable lean toward mixing and matching styles and eras in showroom vignettes and even within individual pieces. This trend will continue as a way to add depth and interest to rooms, by pulling elements from different periods together in a balanced manner that still feels cohesive and fresh.
Sustainable materials
From rattan and grass cloth to bamboo, jute, and other plant-based options, these furniture pieces are designed to bring people closer to nature. The look can be dressed up or down with the use of bold color—emerald green, deep red, and cobalt blue are some of the most popular choices. The most successful blends combine earthy tones with a touch of glamour, and work best when they are offset by softer, more muted hues.
For a more contemporary spin on this trend, try pairing a sleek, minimalist silhouette with a luxe, metallic accent. A sofa or chair in gold, rose gold, or bronze can immediately update a space while providing a nod to the latest design aesthetics without feeling overly trendy or over-the-top. As with all of these furniture trends, it’s important to balance them against other elements in a room, to ensure that the overall effect is harmonious and livable. Start with just a small accent, such as a throw pillow or pouf, and see how you like it before committing to a larger piece.
