Classic furniture design is undoubtedly a safe choice. But keeping up with the trends can help freshen up your space and stay current in interior design. And it's not just for pure aesthetics' sake. Some trends took shape from the desire to make homes more functional and comfortable—and they may help enhance the quality of your life.
From organic shapes to sustainable materials, there are some exciting furniture trends to look out for this year. In this article, we will explore what some of these trends are, so you'll have some inspiration for when you choose to update your home.
Curves
Curves are a big trend in furniture design for 2024, offering a contrast to the sharp, straight lines of minimalist furniture seen in the past few years.
Make no mistake curves in furniture aren't entirely a novel concept. It has been present for centuries, as you can see from the intricate details of Baroque Furniture from the 17th century. But the merging curved furniture designs these days are less extravagant and more understated, with an organic shape and feel to them.
This recent shift towards softer shapes may reflect a desire for more natural and inviting spaces. Curved lines, resembling elements found in nature such as pebbles, leaves, and clouds, create a sense of calm and flow in a room. Soft curves can also be viewed as more inviting and comfortable than sharp corners, which may encourage people to relax and linger in a space.
Darker Wood
This year, rich, dark wood furniture is trending in natural furniture. Wood has always been a classic choice. But this time, darker woods like mahogany and walnut are replacing the light, beige, grayish, and whitewashed tones that have been trendy in recent years. These warmer undertones in the darker woods can help to create a cozy atmosphere.
Sustainable Materials
Sustainability is a significant trend in 2024, driven by a shift in consumer preferences towards environmental consciousness. This trend is influencing furniture design, particularly in terms of the materials used to create a piece of furniture. We can see this through the use of:
Recycled and reclaimed materials
Repurposing old materials has become a hot trend lately. For example, there are furniture makers these days that transform reclaimed wood from old barns and wood scraps into one-of-a-kind pieces with a story to tell.
Natural materials as hardwood alternatives
Materials like bamboo, rattan, and cork are becoming more popular for their natural beauty and eco-friendly attributes. Bamboo, for instance, is a fast-growing and renewable resource that provides a durable and adaptable option compared to hardwood.
Sustainably sourced wood from managed forests
Managed forests can be sustainable if they're carefully balanced. Trees are selectively harvested to make room for new growth, in a way that mimics the natural patterns in a woodland environment. This helps keep the forest healthy while still providing timber and other resources to people.
Sustainable forest management also includes considerations for wildlife and soil health to maintain the productivity and benefits of the forest for future generations.
Gold Detail
The growing popularity of gold details in furniture for 2024 may be partly influenced by the reemergence of Art Deco design, which is characterized by its glamorous style of geometric shapes, bold colors, and luxurious materials like chrome, lacquer, and gold.
Apollo Dresser in Walnut with Brass Handles
But while Art Deco is a driving force, gold’s inherent beauty and versatility make it a trend in its own right. Gold can be used in a more contemporary way, with brushed finishes or sleek lines, and can be paired with a variety of colors, even warm wood. Practicality-wise, other metals like brass are often used instead of real gold for furniture pieces.
Performance Fabrics
Performance fabrics are becoming increasingly popular in the furniture industry in 2024. Technological advancements have improved the quality of these fabrics, which are typically a combination of synthetic and natural fibers, making them more comfortable and durable for everyday use.
These innovative textiles can offer the best of both worlds: the luxurious aesthetics of traditional materials like velvet or chenille but with advanced features such as stain resistance, easy cleaning, and long-lasting durability. This makes them ideal for homes with pets or children, offering convenience without compromising style.
Biophilic Design
Biophilic design grows increasingly popular as more people seek to connect with nature in their homes for a calm, stress-free environment. It's a trend that's likely to go beyond 2024.
While biophilic design is a more holistic approach to creating spaces, it can be applied specifically in furniture design through:
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Natural Materials: Materials like wood, stone, bamboo, and rattan evoke a sense of authenticity in our homes. By bringing the textures and colors of nature indoors, we can create a calming and grounding atmosphere.
- Organic Shapes: Think curvy lines, branching details, and silhouettes reminiscent of natural forms like leaves or pebbles. Moving away from harsh geometric shapes creates a more inviting and comfortable ambiance in our spaces.
- Nature in Upholstery: Botanical prints can bring a touch of nature indoors, making it a good alternative when incorporating live plants is difficult.
Vintage Aesthetic
The vintage aesthetic is a huge furniture trend for 2024, and we're seeing a resurgence of several key styles:
- Rich, dark woods with ornate details are becoming more popular, replacing the lighter, minimalist wood finishes that have been trendy in recent years. This trend exudes a classic and sophisticated feel.
- Another consistent trend is blending vintage pieces with contemporary furniture to create a unique space combining old-world charm and modern sophistication.
- Mid-century modern furniture remains a favorite, offering timeless design and functionality.
- There is a renewed interest in 1970s furniture, known for its funky shapes and pops of color. Pieces from this era, or those inspired by the designs of that time, can make a bold statement in any space.
Artisanal Quality
The rising popularity of sustainable furniture has positioned artisanal furniture as a potential trend for 2024. As consumers become more conscious of the impact of their choices, there is a growing demand for furniture made from sustainably sourced materials and crafted with a human touch.
Artisanal furniture offers exactly that. These pieces are often built from reclaimed or locally sourced materials, which aligns with this desire for eco-friendly furnishings.
With mass-produced furniture dominating the market, there's also a growing appreciation for the unique quality and history each handcrafted piece embodies. Artisanal furniture offers an opportunity to connect with the human element behind beautiful design, fulfilling an innate need to be in touch with the natural.
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Each year, new trends emerge in the world of furniture design, influenced by changing tastes, technologies, and lifestyles. Whether you're a design enthusiast or simply looking to refresh your living space, understanding the upcoming trends can help you make informed decisions when it comes to decorating your home.