As Europe’s second-largest furniture market, the UK is expected to see an impressive growth rate of more than 3.2% by 2026.
The country has a large and well-developed manufacturing industry, which provides a strong base for the growth of the furniture sector. With new designs and innovations being introduced every year by leading furniture manufacturers in the UK such as Nicky Cornell, the market has become highly competitive, with many companies vying for a share of the pie. For furniture companies to stay ahead of the competition, it is important to be aware of the latest trends in the industry.
Here are some of the top furniture trends that are expected to take off in 2022:
1.Online Sales are Expected to Continue Growing Rapidly
The furniture industry has been one of the slowest to embrace e-commerce, but this is changing rapidly. Online sales are expected to grow by more than 17% in 2022, which is faster than the overall growth rate of the retail sector. This trend is being driven by a number of factors, including the growing popularity of online shopping, the increasing number of people with access to the internet, and the growing number of furniture companies that are now selling their products online.
Younger customers, such as millennials, are also driving online furniture purchases because they are more comfortable purchasing items over the internet even if they can’t see or touch them beforehand.
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There is Increased Demand for Eco-friendly Furniture
As awareness of the impact of furniture manufacturing on the environment grows, there is an increasing demand for eco-friendly furniture. Furniture manufacturers have been influenced by the business and consumer demand for environmentally friendly items and a heightened emphasis on sustainability. This has led to the production of furniture made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo and recyclable wood. Consumers are also interested in furniture that is produced using sustainable methods, such as FSC-certified wood.
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Minimalist Designs are Becoming Popular
In recent years, there has been a shift away from the traditional, ornate furniture designs to more minimalist, clean-lined designs. This trend is being driven by the growing popularity of contemporary and modern design styles. Minimalist furniture is often made from sustainable materials and has a simple, functional design. This type of furniture is also easier to clean and maintain, which is appealing to busy consumers who don’t have the time or inclination to polish and dust their furniture regularly.
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There Is Growing Demand for Multifunctional Furniture
As homes become smaller and more people live in urban areas, there is a growing demand for multifunctional furniture. This type of furniture is designed to serve multiple purposes, such as doubling as a storage unit or being able to be used in different ways. For example, a coffee table that can also be used as a work surface or a bed that has built-in storage. This trend is being driven by the need to make better use of limited space and by the desire for furniture that can be easily adapted to changing needs.
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Furniture Companies Are Focusing on Customization
With the increasing popularity of online shopping, furniture companies are now offering customers more options for customization. This trend is being driven by the desire for unique, one-of-a-kind items that reflect the customer’s personal style. Furniture companies are now offering customers a wider range of choices, such as different woods, stains, and finishes, as well as the ability to have furniture made to specific dimensions. This trend is also being driven by the increasing popularity of 3D printing, which allows for more complex designs to be created.
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There Is a Growing Interest In Antique And Vintage Furniture
As the world becomes more digitized, there is a growing interest in items perceived as more authentic and unique. This includes antique and vintage furniture, which is seen as being more durable and of better quality than mass-produced items. Antique furniture often has a patina that can’t be replicated, and it can add character to a room. On the other hand, Vintage furniture is often seen as being more stylish and contemporary. It can also be easier to find well-made vintage furniture that will stand the test of time. This trend is being driven by the increasing popularity of rustic and shabby chic design styles and the desire for furniture with a history and a story.
Conclusion
The furniture industry is changing in response to consumer demand. As you can see, there are a number of trends that are influencing the furniture industry. These trends are changing the way that furniture is manufactured, sold, and used, and they are having a major impact on the furniture industry as a whole. For furniture companies to stay ahead of the curve, they need to be aware of these trends and adjust their business strategies accordingly.
