Top Furniture Trends to Watch in 2022

As we move into 2022, the furniture industry is set to experience a wave of new trends. These trends reflect our evolving lifestyles, environmental consciousness, and the integration of technology in our daily lives. From the rise of multifunctional furniture to the return of vintage styles, here’s what to expect in the world of furniture design in the coming year.

Key Takeaways

• Multifunctional furniture, including space-saving designs, innovative storage solutions, and convertible pieces, will continue to gain popularity as living spaces become more compact.
• Sustainable and eco-friendly furniture will be on the rise, with increased use of reclaimed wood, recycled materials, and eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
• Vintage styles will make a comeback, with influences from mid-century modern, Art Deco, and retro futurism seen in furniture design.
• Natural materials like rattan, wicker, stone, marble, and natural wood will be embraced in furniture design, reflecting a growing preference for organic and tactile materials.
• Technology will significantly impact furniture design, with advancements like smart furniture, 3D printed pieces, and virtual reality shopping experiences becoming more commonplace.

The Rise of Multifunctional Furniture

Space-Saving Designs

As homes evolve to fulfill more purposes, the demand for space-saving designs has surged. One such innovation is the skinny Shaker cabinet, a perfect blend of aesthetics and practicality. These cabinets are not only sleek and stylish but also offer ample storage without taking up much space.

Here are a few key features of skinny Shaker cabinets:

• Slim profile
• Ample storage
• Versatile design
• Easy to install

Remember, when it comes to space-saving designs, it’s not just about reducing clutter. It’s also about creating a sense of openness and flow in your living spaces.

In the quest for space optimization, dining rooms are becoming nearly extinct, and living spaces are being designed for flexibility. The expanding kitchen island, for instance, has become the new dining room. This trend is all about making every square foot count, without compromising on comfort or style.

Innovative Storage Solutions

In the realm of furniture design, innovative storage solutions are becoming increasingly important, especially in the context of multifunctional furniture. These solutions are not just about providing extra space; they are about creating a seamless integration of storage into everyday furniture pieces, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.

Consider the trend of mobile offices, for instance. As more people continue to work from home, the need for workspaces that can be packed away at the end of the day is growing. Multifunctional furniture plays a pivotal role in this scenario. Extendable dining tables, feature chairs, and worktop organizers are all examples of furniture pieces that can serve dual purposes, providing a functional workspace during the day and reverting to their original function at night.

Remember, the goal is to create a clear divide between business and pleasure within your home. Your furniture should help you achieve this balance.

Here are a few examples of innovative storage solutions in furniture design:

• Mobile Office Furniture: These pieces can be easily moved or packed away, allowing you to reclaim your living space at the end of the workday.
• Extendable Dining Tables: These tables can serve as a workspace during the day and a dining table at night.
• Worktop Organizers: These items can help you maintain a clean and organized workspace, which can then be stored away when not in use.

Convertible Furniture Pieces

In the realm of multifunctional furniture, convertible pieces have gained significant traction. These items, which can transform from one type of furniture to another, are particularly appealing for their space-saving and cost-effective attributes. For instance, a coffee table that can extend into a dining table, or a sofa that can unfold into a bed, provides multiple uses while occupying the space of a single piece.

Examples of Convertible Furniture:

• Sofa Bed
• Extendable Coffee Table
• Murphy Bed
• Ottoman with Storage

Tip: When shopping for convertible furniture, consider the ease of transformation and the quality of each function. A piece that’s difficult to convert or doesn’t serve its multiple purposes well can be more frustrating than functional.

The popularity of such pieces is reflected in the growing market. As per a recent report, the folding furniture market, a subset of convertible furniture, is projected to reach 4.7 million by 2027. This trend indicates that investing in convertible furniture can be a smart financial move, especially for those living in smaller spaces or solo homes.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Furniture

Reclaimed Wood and Recycled Materials

The trend of using reclaimed wood and recycled materials in furniture design is gaining momentum. This approach not only gives a second life to materials that would otherwise end up in landfills but also adds a unique, rustic charm to the furniture pieces. Reclaimed wood, for instance, is sourced from old buildings, barns, and even wine barrels, ensuring no new trees are felled for your furniture.

The use of recycled materials extends beyond wood. Old metals, glass, and plastics are also being repurposed into innovative furniture designs. Here are a few examples:

• Recycled metal: Used in everything from table frames to chair legs.
• Recycled glass: Often used in tabletops and decorative accents.
• Recycled plastics: Can be transformed into modern, stylish chairs and tables.

Remember, choosing furniture made from reclaimed wood and recycled materials not only makes your home unique but also contributes to a more sustainable planet.

Eco-Friendly Manufacturing Processes

In the quest for a greener future, furniture manufacturers are increasingly adopting eco-friendly manufacturing processes. These processes not only reduce the environmental impact but also contribute to the creation of unique and sustainable pieces.

One of the key aspects of eco-friendly manufacturing is the use of sustainable materials. Furniture makers can consider natural wood, bamboo, or recycled elements to craft eco-friendly furniture. In contrast, they can avoid substances that harm the environment.

Another important aspect is the reduction of waste during the manufacturing process. This can be achieved through efficient design and production techniques. Here are a few methods being used:

• Utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) to optimize material usage
• Implementing lean manufacturing principles to minimize waste
• Recycling or reusing waste materials in the production process

Remember, every step towards eco-friendly manufacturing contributes to a healthier and more sustainable planet.

As we move forward, the integration of technology with eco-friendly practices is also becoming prevalent. The possibility of AI-powered home assistants and smart furniture pieces that coexist with eco-friendly practices is an exciting prospect for the future of furniture design.

The Appeal of Handmade Pieces

Handmade furniture pieces speak of quiet luxury and bring forth a certain air of nostalgia without going overboard. They create an ambiance of 19th-century European flair given a totally trendy and current twist. This is a trend that is expected to grow in popularity in 2022, as more people seek unique and personalized items for their homes.

Ironically, brown is making a big comeback except… in wood. For 2022, wood is painted and stained in bold, bright and vibrant colors. Chartreuse, teal, periwinkle, cobalt, and magenta are just some of the hues that wood would assume for the coming year. Expect center, side, and console tables to be made of wood but rendered in bright palettes to give off an exciting and dynamic feel to the room.

Remember, the appeal of handmade pieces lies in their uniqueness and the personal touch they bring to your space. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles and colors to create a truly personalized look.

Here are some of the key benefits of handmade furniture:

• Uniqueness: Each piece is one-of-a-kind, with its own unique characteristics and charm.
• Quality: Handmade furniture is typically made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
• Sustainability: Many handmade pieces are made from reclaimed or recycled materials, making them a more eco-friendly choice.
• Personalization: With handmade furniture, you can often customize the piece to fit your specific needs and preferences.

In conclusion, the appeal of handmade pieces is clear. They offer a unique, high-quality, and sustainable option for those looking to add a personal touch to their home decor.

The Return of Vintage Styles

Mid-Century Modern Revival

The Mid-Century Modern style, a timeless trend that originated in the mid-20th century, is making a significant comeback in 2022. This style is known for its clean lines, organic forms, and high functionality. The revival of this trend is a testament to its enduring appeal and adaptability to contemporary living spaces.

Key characteristics of Mid-Century Modern furniture include:

• Simplicity and clarity of forms
• Organic shapes
• Innovative use of materials
• Functionality over form

Tip: When incorporating Mid-Century Modern pieces into your home, remember to balance them with contemporary elements to avoid a time-capsule effect.

This year, designers are pushing the boundaries of this style, venturing into more expressive and adventurous designs. The focus is not just on the aesthetic appeal but also on the emotional needs of the homeowners. This trend is all about breaking away from tradition and moving into a forward-thinking adventure of unconventional design trends.

Art Deco Influences

The resurgence of Art Deco influences in furniture design is a nod to the glamour and sophistication of the 1920s and 1930s. This trend is characterized by rich colors, bold patterns, and metallic accents that add a touch of luxury to any space. Geometric shapes and repeating lines are also key elements of this style, reflecting the love for symmetry and order during the Art Deco period.

Here are some ways to incorporate Art Deco influences into your home:

1. Use rich, vibrant colors like teal, cobalt, and magenta to add depth and visual interest.
2. Incorporate geometric patterns and repeating lines in your furniture and decor.
3. Opt for bold, statement-making lighting fixtures.
4. Add metallic accents in silver hues for an environmentally conscious choice.
5. Choose furniture pieces with opulent textiles and designs.

Remember, the key to achieving a successful Art Deco interior is balance. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different elements, but ensure they all contribute to a cohesive, harmonious look.

This trend allows homeowners to break away from cookie-cutter layouts and venture into more expressive design. If you can dream it, go ahead and do it.

Retro Futurism in Furniture Design

The retro futurism trend in furniture design is making a significant comeback. This style is characterized by a unique blend of past and future, combining traditional design elements with futuristic concepts. The result is a nostalgic yet forward-thinking aesthetic that is becoming increasingly popular in contemporary interior design.

Key characteristics of retro futurism in furniture include:

• Biomorphic shapes and forms: These bring back a certain vintage and retro vibe to modern furniture design, revolutionizing spaces. Living room, dining room, and bedroom furniture pieces receive a softer treatment as rounded edges, delicate curves, and smooth corners dominate the interior design landscape.

• Soft edges and curves: Angles and straight lines are out, and soft edges and curves are in. This trend emphasizes comfort and relaxation, doing away with harsh corners and hard edges.

• Tufting detail: A nod to the Victorian Period, tufting detail is given a modern treatment. Buttons become very evident as a design tool in furniture pieces, giving off a plusher and posher appearance.

Remember, the key to successfully incorporating retro futurism into your space is balance. Too much can overwhelm the space and make it feel dated, while too little may not fully capture the aesthetic. Strive for a harmonious blend of old and new.

Embracing Natural Materials

Stone and Marble Accents

The use of stone and marble in furniture design has seen a resurgence in popularity. These materials are not only durable and long-lasting, but they also add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. Stone and marble accents can be found in a variety of furniture pieces, from coffee tables and side tables to countertops and backsplashes.

Here are some popular stone and marble trends in 2022:

• Midnight Blue Marble: This marble type is characterized by its dark brown hues infused with midnight blue undertones. It’s perfect for creating a lavish and opulent ambiance.

• Sable Renaissance: This trend involves the use of dark brown hues and exquisite marble aesthetics. It’s all about creating a space where each element tells a unique tale of timeless elegance.

• Watercolor Wonder: This trend involves the use of icy greens, subdued blushes, sky blues, peaches and cream, and soft blonde surfaces. It’s all about creating a graceful atmosphere with whimsical hexagons, herringbones, stacked subways, and delicate floral leaves.

Design Tip: Use hard surfaces like flooring as your neutral base. Color can always be added with textiles, paint, and furnishings!

In conclusion, stone and marble accents are a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your space. Whether you prefer the dark and opulent tones of Midnight Blue Marble, the timeless elegance of Sable Renaissance, or the graceful atmosphere of Watercolor Wonder, there’s a stone and marble trend to suit every taste.

The Warmth of Natural Wood

The trend for 2022 is not just about the type of wood used in furniture, but also about the finishes. We’re starting to see a shift towards darker, richer woods. Long Island-based designer Danielle Chiprut notes that these finishes can lend your space a cozy, inviting ambience. They can be used on your coffee table, floors, kitchen cabinets, or in carefully chosen accessories. Designer Jennifer Acito of the New Jersey-based studio Dama + Wood particularly loves the look of finishes like walnut or ash on vintage pieces.

"Bonus points for anyone who can score a dark wood antique piece to incorporate into their home," she said.

Interestingly, brown is making a big comeback in wood. For 2024, wood is painted and stained in bold, bright and vibrant colors. Chartreuse, teal, periwinkle, cobalt and magenta are just some of the hues that wood would assume for the coming year. Expect center, side and console tables to be made of wood but rendered in bright palettes to give off an exciting and dynamic feel to the room.

Old thrift store finds, and flea market cabinets made from any kind of wood are given a make-over by stripping off the varnish and applying a bevy of color tones. The result is a piece that’s current and modish. Whether you choose to paint or stain it, the results speak for themselves – a new trend emerging in wood finishing.

The Impact of Technology on Furniture Design

3D Printed Furniture

The 3D printing revolution is making its mark in the furniture industry. This technology allows for the creation of unique, customizable pieces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The process involves the use of a 3D printer to create furniture from digital models, layer by layer. This technique opens up a world of possibilities in terms of design, as it allows for the creation of complex shapes and structures that would be difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods.

One of the most exciting developments in this area is the use of recycled materials in 3D printing. For example, Gareth Neal and The New Raw have developed a novel 3D printing technique using thrice-recycled plastic to create their ‘Digitally Woven’ series of objects. This not only reduces waste, but also results in unique, crafts-based designs.

Remember, 3D printed furniture is not only about innovation and aesthetics, but also sustainability.

Here are some key benefits of 3D printed furniture:

• Customization: Each piece can be tailored to the individual’s preferences, resulting in truly unique designs.
• Speed: 3D printing is a relatively quick process, allowing for faster production times.
• Sustainability: The use of recycled materials reduces waste and makes the production process more eco-friendly.
• Innovation: This technology allows for the creation of designs that would be impossible with traditional methods.

Virtual Reality and Furniture Shopping

As we step into 2022, the impact of technology on furniture design is becoming increasingly evident. One of the most exciting developments is the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in furniture shopping. This innovative technology is transforming the way consumers shop for furniture, providing an immersive, interactive experience that allows them to visualize furniture pieces in their own homes before making a purchase.

Here are some of the key benefits of VR in furniture shopping:

• Enhanced Visualization: VR allows consumers to see how a piece of furniture would look in their space, eliminating the guesswork involved in traditional shopping.

• Convenience: With VR, consumers can shop for furniture from the comfort of their own homes, saving time and effort.

• Personalized Experience: VR provides a unique, personalized shopping experience, allowing consumers to customize furniture pieces according to their preferences.

Remember, while VR offers an exciting new way to shop for furniture, it’s important to still consider the quality and sustainability of the pieces you choose.

A 2022 survey carried out in the United States showed that consumers aged 18 to 34 years old were the most frequent users of VR in online shopping. This trend is expected to grow as VR technology becomes more accessible and affordable.

The impact of technology on furniture design has been profound, revolutionizing the way we think about and interact with our living spaces. From smart furniture that adapts to our needs, to innovative materials and manufacturing processes, technology is reshaping the world of interior design. Discover more about these exciting changes and how they could transform your home on our website, Interior Trends – Interior Design Tips and Ideas. Dive into our wealth of resources and let us guide you through the latest trends and tips in interior design. Visit us now and start reimagining your space with the power of technology. Click here to explore more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is multifunctional furniture?

Multifunctional furniture refers to pieces that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a sofa that can be converted into a bed or a coffee table with storage spaces. These are especially popular in small spaces or in homes aiming for minimalistic design.

Why is sustainable and eco-friendly furniture becoming popular?

Sustainable and eco-friendly furniture is gaining popularity due to increasing environmental awareness. These pieces are made from reclaimed wood, recycled materials, or are manufactured through eco-friendly processes. They not only help reduce environmental impact but also add a unique, natural aesthetic to homes.

What does the return of vintage styles mean?

The return of vintage styles refers to the resurgence of design trends from past decades, such as mid-century modern, art deco, and retro futurism. These styles are known for their distinct characteristics and timeless appeal.

What are the benefits of using natural materials in furniture?

Natural materials like rattan, wicker, stone, marble, and wood add a warm, earthy touch to home interiors. They are durable, unique, and often bring a sense of tranquility and connection to nature.

How is technology impacting furniture design?

Technology is revolutionizing furniture design in many ways. Smart furniture integrated with IoT (Internet of Things) can enhance convenience and functionality. 3D printed furniture allows for customization and innovative forms. Additionally, virtual reality is transforming the furniture shopping experience by allowing consumers to visualize pieces in their homes before purchase.

What is biophilic design in terms of interior design?

Biophilic design is an approach to interior design that seeks to connect building occupants more closely to nature. It incorporates aspects of nature into the built environment to enhance people’s health, well-being, and productivity. This trend is now going digital with more digital representations of nature being included in home designs.