Furniture trends 2023 – the latest designs set to take center stage (2024)

While we're all for timeless, classic design, it's always fun to spot new furniture trends, and refresh your space with the very latest in interior design.

Whether you're looking for a new sofa, side table or are simply intrigued by the 2023 furniture trends forecast by designers and interior experts alike, the new year is often a time when we start to explore new interior design trends, and think about updating existing pieces of furniture in our homes.

To help guide you in the right style direction and offer the very latest insight from the experts, we have curated a collection of the top furniture trends you need to know about for 2023.

8 furniture trends set to dominate design in 2023

From curvaceous silhouettes, to statement stoneware and reclaimed styles of the past, there is a lot to explore and unpack for 2023 furniture trends.

1. Soft and inviting curves

With the emphasis today on the home as an inviting family space, used for socializing and relaxing, regimented rows, straight lines and clinical design can look a little stark and cold.

The answer? Curves. Full-on voluptuous or gently rounded, curves will lift the layout and soften the overall look of your room, adding a bold design focus or a subtle touch of shaping to your décor.

Juliette Thomas, founder & director of Juliettes Interiors says that 'curved furniture, especially sofas and armchairs, will be popular in the new year – bringing a welcome softness to living spaces. These will be adorned in light colors and textured fabrics like shades of white and cream, with bouclé remaining a favorite.'

2. Biophilic design

The growing focus in design on products made from wood, wool, stone and ceramics is not just to do with a revival of interest in craft; in a world increasingly dominated by synthetic materials and virtual reality, natural materials add a grounding, natural and human dimension to our environment, helping us feel more calm and happy.

‘Natural materials offer a multi sensory experience. They give us something unfathomable that chimes with our humanity,’ asserts texture artist, Kate Blee. ‘Often the least processed materials provoke the deepest responses – think plunging your hands into a bag of rice flour.’

Biophilic design is the theory that humans have an innate connection to nature, and creating built environments that connect to the natural world measurably improves health and well-being. It has a set of clear principles, one of which is to use natural materials.

The design experts at ethical home retailer, The Citizenry, also support this trend, and have said that in 2023, 'nature-inspired spaces are here to stay. Homeowners are looking to create a sense of escapism through landscape inspired forms in woven textiles and art. We expect to see increased appetite for earth tones, organic shapes, and natural textures especially those grounded in sustainability.'

3. Sustainable materials

As many of us are looking into how we can do our bit for the environment, from changing the way we shop and consume across all industries from food, fashion and travel, developing long-lasting and sustainable furniture is more important than ever.

British Interior Designer, Matthew Williamson says that, 'as we venture into 2023, I imagine we will see more interior designers and homeowners alike, continuing to make more mindful choices for their interiors. This includes continued efforts to make environmentally conscious decisions in the home from green energy to paint, furniture, and accessory choices.'

The importance of sustainability will see many consumers move away from fast-furniture and invest in designs that can truly stand the test of time, from the use of wood to furniture crafted from recyclable materials.

4. 70s influences

The retro style of the 70s has been huge across interior and fashion industries in 2022, and this nostalgic nod to styles and trends of the past is set to continue into 2023.

Martin Waller, founder of global design brand, Andrew Martin (coincidently founded in the 1970s) describes this eraas ‘the decade that taste forgot’ and says that‘those of us who lived through that decade thought we had safely reached a distant shore of restraint. But the 21stcentury sees an arms-wide acceptance of iconic 70’s design, and the lens of history allows us to see what an amazing decade it was - full of exuberant energy and innovation. This re-evaluation is evident in the return of orange as the de rigueur accent color, bronze finishes and acrylic coffee tables.'

From bright color palettes and striking, 'space-age' furniture, to rustic rattan and floral upholstery, the 70s was a truly adventurous era for design, and this influence will see many of us taking bigger and bolder risks with the furniture in our homes in 2023.

5. Vintage and thrifted finds

With many of us wanting to approach life in a more sustainable way, it is unsurprising that vintage, pre-loved furniture is having a welcome resurgence.

'We're seeing a big shift in people looking for second hand items over new and this will continue into 2023. With the cost of living rising, consumers are realizing you can get cheaper, better quality and unique designs at a fraction of the price, all without an environmental price tag. It's also being seen as the quickest and most efficient way of purchasing for your home,' says Narchie founder, Harriet Pringle

Designer Matthew Williamson also supports this and says 2023 will see 'a resurgence of antique sourcing, reclaiming, restoring and upcycling. My favorite interiors to work on are those which don’t necessarily start from scratch or have a huge budget, but those which have been designed with all these aspects in play. Considering what you have already and seeing it reworked in a different way can be so rewarding, more personal, and just as effective.’

6. Statement stone

Beautiful and luxurious natural stones such as marble and granite will always prove timeless in interior design, but 2023 will see these enduring and durable materials become more even-more present in the home, and not just reserved for kitchens and bathrooms.

'Statement stone is forecast to be a big upcoming trend in the world of interiors. From travertine, marble to onyx, stoneware brings a sense of luxury to everyday interior items and adds brightness to a space. The timeless material will be seen throughout the home with bold pieces in the kitchen and bathroom, to coffee tables and cabinets, and smaller decorative accessories including trays, candlesticks, lamp bases, bowls and bookends. In 2023, expect an emphasis on new colorways and tones including reds, burgundy's and jewel tones like deep greens and blues,' says Harriet Pringle from Narchie.

7. Carefully considered pieces

Working in unison with other furniture trends such as the use of sustainable materials and pre-loved purchases, 2023 will see many of us carefully considering every piece of furniture in our home, establishing a more 'collected' and individual look.

Experts at The Citizenry are referring to this furniture trend as, 'eclecticism and individualism', and say, 'in dissent from the uber-minimalist trend popular in recent years, consumers are shifting to a more eclectic collector’s approach to designing their spaces. Looking forward, this year we predict consumers moving towards a more decadent, collected home.'

This will result in not only an elegant blend of the old with with the new but a unique union of styles and themes. Charu Gandhi, founder of global design studio, Elicyon, explains, 'over the last decade, there has been a pattern of trends being influenced by historical references and I think this will grow ever stronger. I believe we are going to see an integration of vintage and contemporary design aesthetics to create one cohesive scheme throughout a room or home’.

8. Silver, chrome and steel

Integrating metallic touches into the home is a timeless interior design trend and long-standing focus of industrial decor, but are we moving away from the ever-popular brass, bronze and rose gold metallic finishes? Designers seem to think so.

Sam McNally, director & co-founder at Echlin, says, 'we're seeing more chrome and silver in interiors, as brass, bronze and matt black, which have been the go-to metals of the past few years, feel less unique.'

With many furniture design classics featuring chrome detailing and bases, such as on the iconic Fritz Hansen PK collection, and the beautiful, colorful and chrome modular shelving units from USM furniture, 2023 will see the start of a huge resurgence of silver, chrome and steel furniture pieces in the home.

What color of furniture is in for 2023?

As we have discussed, natural materials such as wood, and earthy, grounding color palettes with a focus on green, brown and cream shades will be popular throughout 2023, helping to establish a calming, and tranquil atmosphere.

Suzi Rae, marketing manager at Sofas & Stuff says, 'a strong color for 2022, and one that shows no sign of diminishing in popularity in 2023 is green. Natural interpretations of this typically restful hue are perfect for sofas, helping to create an uplifting mood.'

However, many of us are using furniture pieces such as sofas and lounge chairs to make a real impact and statement with color and pattern, with rich jewel-tones and playful, primary color-palettes also favored by designers.

Ann Marie Cousins, founder of AMC Design supports this and says, 'we’ve already started to see bold and colorful interiors this year, but they will be even more prevalent in 2023. There has been more of a focus on creating surroundings that heavily influence our moods and wellness, so introducing a vibrant color palette is a great place to start. Explore your more playful and nostalgic side and experiment with patterns and textures to create the ultimate uplifting atmosphere in your home.'

Is painted furniture still popular for 2023?

We envisage painted furniture still being at the forefront of interior design –mainly due to its versatility and the ability to customize looks.

One of the most appealing and varied finishes for cabinetry, paint lends itself to both the classic looks of the traditional home, and to more modern linear designs.

The advantage is in its almost limitless choice of colors, allowing you free rein to express yourself, whether your home is period or contemporary, country or urban.

And you can always re-paint if you want a change or update in the future.