When developing and deploying new furniture and furnishings, it pays to look ahead. With consumer tastes taking several new directions in 2026-27, Furniture News has again quizzed the industry’s top buyers and trend forecasters on the colours, materials and shapes seeing rising demand, and the lifestyle changes behind them. Here, Elena Mellowes, head of buying at Oak Furnitureland, shares her predictions …
The first trend we’ve seen grow in significance is modular sofas and flexible living. More and more, customers are searching for highly adaptable, reconfigurable sofa systems. They want pieces that evolve with their space – modular units, hidden console or side storage, and practical yet tactile upholstery which feels considered.
Secondly, craftsmanship and material authenticity. Consumers are gravitating towards furniture with visible craftsmanship – solid wood, hand-finished details, artisanal joinery and natural materials. Authenticity and ‘made to last’ quality are major value drivers. We’ve encapsulated this in our Highworth range, which uses solid oak and the dovetail joint as an outward-facing feature to exemplify quality, craft and longevity.
Finally, quiet luxury is building momentum. Understated yet elevated design will dominate – beautiful soft curves, high-quality tactile fabrics, refined neutral palettes, and mixed materials such as ceramic and marble. It's about elevated simplicity rather than grandeur taking the front seat.
Redefining value
A re-calibration of what value means for customers is driving these trends. There has been a notable shift towards more quality time spent at home and therefore investing in that space to create authentic and elevated experiences that make up for going out less and spending more mindfully. Our homes are a sanctuary – however, as the cost of living rises, customers prefer subtle and enduring design over short-lived statement looks to ensure their investment in furniture lasts.
Trends losing momentum
We’re starting to see a real move away from the maximalist trend we’ve seen over the last year and a growing desire to purchase products which have real longevity, both in terms of trend and also quality. As a nation, we’re craving authenticity and connection – and this starts with our homes and all of the things we choose to put within it. This is our wheelhouse at Oak Furnitureland, where everything we do connects quality, style and substance, ensuring our ranges transcend trends and short-lived fashion, and will be loved for years to come.
Technology meets comfort
Our Arabella Cinelux sofa launched in November, and incorporates a smart screen which allows customers to control sound, heat and motion, all through the simple touch of the screen. We see technology growing in importance over the next few years as customers move towards an ‘integrated home’ and chase the desire to build authentic experiences for their families and friends in their homes.
Arabella has been in our collection for a year or so now, and it was the perfect base for our move into technology. The proportions are generous yet considered, whilst the comfort levels are exceptional – making it the perfect cinema-style sofa, designed to seamlessly incorporate the exciting new Cinelux smart screen.
Discover more predictions from industry experts in January's issue.
