Furniture trends - shapes, material, and fabrics.

The Major Furniture Trend Makers in 2023

Eco-friendliness

As people become aware of their environment, they tend to embrace simpler styles that cause less damage to mother earth. This eco-friendliness influences the kind of furniture they choose.

Furniture experts forecast that this will influence the trends this year. Karen Rohr of Mackenzie Collier Interiors said, "Consumers and designers alike will continue to go green in 2023". She added, "One of the biggest trends were seeing is a move toward sustainable, eco-friendly materials,".

"Natural wood finishes are becoming increasingly popular as consumers seek products that will have a minimal environmental impact.

Covid-19

Another key factor that will influence furniture trends in 2023 is the post-effect of COVID-19. The pandemic made working remotely popular and this introduced a new normal. Most jobs have very flexible schedules, which is making a lot of people spend more time in their homes. This is why comfort will also be a key factor that will influence furniture trends this year.

As people work from home, there will be a need to focus on comfort and this will influence the trends in 2023. Aleem Kassam of Kalu Interiors, says, “With a continued aspect of spending more time in our homes, comfort has taken a front-running role when it comes to selecting the perfect seating for any primary room or space,".

"Our clients are looking for something to sink into from day to evening, all while sporting a chic style, of course. In the coming year, we dont see this trend slowing down at all."

Other factors that will influence the furniture trends are the come-back vintage materials taking society by storm alongside the increase in self-awareness, which has made us fearless enough to explore beyond normal colors. People are becoming bolder in their color choice.

We will be looking at furniture trends under three (3) categories. The shape, material, and fabric.

Shapes

A good place to start exploring trendy furniture will be from the most obvious- shape. Highlighting just a few of these amazing works of art, we have;

1.     Curvy furniture

The most common trend we see is curved furniture. This shape offers comfort and innovation all at once. Karen Rohr, amongst other furniture designers, predicted at the end of 2022 that curved furniture will continue making waves in 2023 since there was an increasing need for comfort as people now spent more time at home. This is quite similar to what Betty Brandolino, founder and creative director of Fresh Twist Studio, had to say about curved furniture: “A trend we’re seeing in furniture design is the implementation of curvaceous lines in upholstered furniture silhouettes and case goods. For example, we’ve noticed the emergence of rounded sofa backs and curved sideboards, to name a few.”

2.      Rustic furniture

As stated earlier, people are becoming more aware of nature and their environment and this has also affected the trends. Many people prefer furniture shapes that look natural to help them feel closer to nature. The biophilic style also is a current trend as it takes the shapes of tree branches as its inspiration, maximizing space and bringing people together.

3.      Geometric furniture

Everyone likes to create a good impression of their home. Even if we are becoming simple and eco-friendly, the world will be boring without a touch of luxury. This is why we also have geometrically shaped furniture. They also help to maximize small spaces, making these spaces look bigger.

Materials

There are common materials used in the production of furniture, some of which are wood, metal, leather, etc. However, it is predicted that other materials like linoleum, mycelium, and the cork will also be incorporated in the creation of modern furniture designs, since they help to support an eco-friendly environment.

1.     Linoleum

This material is used basically for flooring but we have seen recent furniture designs incorporating the use of linoleum or “lino” as it is called. The use of lino helps us preserve more trees thereby sustaining our environment. The lino is mostly used as a surface material. It is used for cabinets, tables, and even chairs. It brings an air of elegance and is durable.

2.      Mycelium

Mycelium serves as a good alternative to wood-centered furniture, incorporating the use of fungi and sawdust. This concept was used by Phil Ross to make furniture surfaces, minimizing the use of wood and promoting an eco-friendly environment.

3.      Cork

As we grow into an eco-friendly environment, some furniture designers and customers are embracing cork material as a new normal. This has increased its usage in present day time and a lot of Lagos residents are opting for this type of furniture.

Fabric

A very important compartment of furniture making is the fabric. Other than regular leather, we also see people embracing wool with bold colors and other expressive fabrics. Fabrics are a huge decider to what should be used for what furniture, in what weather and at what location in the house. Its best to get an experienced installer to help decide the best to use.

1.     Wool

The goal of furniture designers and customers is to create comfort, this is why the use of wool fabric will be increased this year. Its soft texture speaks comfort and with the different colors available, it brings ambience and simplicity to the room.

2.     Vinyl

Speaking of durability, vinyl gained popularity due to its synthetic nature. It has become a trendy alternative to leather. It is also soft and it lasts long.

3.     Parachute

The use of parachute fabric for furniture became popular because of its durable nature. It is water and heat-proof. It has become the favorite of some designers as it combines comfort and durability.

Its time to introduce fresh ideas to your house, outside and inside, with amazing furniture. Allow your furniture and your decor to speak about your love for an eco-friendly environment while also maximizing the need for comfort. Give your house a breath of fresh air and explore with the wide of range of furniture you can get.

Which of these are you dying to try?