徐建-Furniture Shows 2018 So Far – No News Is Wood News

For people in the European furniture industry a new year always begins like this: The last late New Year's Eve rockets have just burned down, the resolutions are still fresh - the bags are packed and off we go to Cologne, to the IMM (Internationale Möbelmesse) and then, usually without taking a breath, straight on to Paris for the Salon Maison et Objet.

Every year, people throw themselves enthusiastically into the colorful crowd, visit novelties, look for trends, meet many familiar faces and new contacts alike. Every year, it seems like a big, loud class reunion, combined with a half marathon through the many halls and every year another resolution: Eating healthy food at next year's exhibition.

For Danzer, the impressions gained at both fairs were very positive in two respects.

3D-Veneer for Everyone!

The first good news: Our baby ‘Danzer 3D-Veneer’ has grown really big! It has long ceased to be an exotic material that only a few brave manufacturers experimented with.

Meanwhile, 3D-Veneer has arrived at numerous furniture brands, has been proven and established. It is striking that it is used by very differently positioned manufacturers. The possibilities offered by 3D-Veneer BASIC in material costing make the third dimension attractive not only for premium brands.

We are proud of the many beautiful designs that are only made possible with Danzer 3D-Veneer.

Furniture Shows 2018 So Far – No News Is Wood News

The year 2018 has been a rather quiescent period in the world of furniture shows thus far. Furniture fairs like the Stockholm Furniture Fair and Salone del Mobile have come and gone, but the industry doesn't seem to be buzzing as much as it did in previous years. This kind of lull, however, is usually indicative of interesting new trends and shifts within the furniture industry. So, what can we gather from the first half of 2018 when it comes to furniture trends?

The rise of eco-friendly and sustainable manufacturing processes is one of the key themes we've seen this year. Companies are becoming more transparent about their methods and materials, and are really prioritizing environmentally-conscious consumers. This aligns with a wider cultural shift we are experiencing globally, with people becoming aware of and concerned with the consequences of their behavior on the planet.

In terms of design and style, we've seen a revival of natural materials. Wood is now at the forefront of furniture design – from raw, unpolished looks to more stylized and geometric renderings, showcasing a variety of wood species. Wood has always been a popular material in furniture, and it looks like it will hold up as an enduring trend even in the face of newer materials like glass, metal, and plastic, which have been increasingly used in the past few years.

Neutral tones continue to lead in the color department, with earth tones like beige and cream, along with a full spectrum of greys from dark to light, making up the majority of new releases. This has been noted across the board, from high-end fairs to local boutiques. The prevalence of neutrals in furniture color schemes reinforces the timeless aspect of furniture design; customers are more likely to invest in a classic, neutral piece that will stand the test of time rather than a trendy or overly flashy design.

We've also seen an influx of furniture with multifunctional design elements, heavily influenced by smaller living spaces and minimalistic living trends. Pieces like side tables that also function as storage or seating, and chairs that can be adjusted to multiple positions and purposes, are becoming more and more popular. This is perfect for those living in condos or small apartments, as it allows them to make the most of their environment without the need for bulky or cumbersome pieces.

This year's furniture market also reflects the more general shift towards contemporary design, a trend that has been around for a couple of years now. Clean lines, minimalistic design, and focus on functionality and practicality rather than the ornate and elaborate are some of the defining features of contemporary furniture. These design characteristics not only align with the contemporary aesthetic, but also allow designers to explore materials in their most basic forms.

Overall, the first half of 2018 has given us an impressive range of globally relevant trends in furniture design. From eco-consciousness and material transparency to multifunctional design and neutrals, this year's furniture shows have given us a lot to consider. If the first half of the year is any indication, we can expect more of the same with even more exciting developments in the coming months.