5 Furniture Trends Shaping Design in 2026, According to Top Designers

Quality furniture is an investment, and well-made pieces can outlive us all. While taking a timeless approach in your furniture selections is one way to play it safe, mixing in a few trend pieces will keep your space looking fresh and collected over time.

Paying attention to trend forecasting will help you avoid sinking money into a seemingly stylish piece that's already hit peak popularity. To get a pulse on which furniture trends to expect in 2026, we turned to three professionals who design and select furniture for a living. The verdict? It looks like what's old is new again.

1. Reimagined Traditional Designs

Adam Dunn leads the design team at Four Hands, a wholesale furniture company. They are constantly reviewing furniture trend forecasts and designing with future demand in mind.

Recently, they've been working on pieces for their 2026 line that draw inspiration from the past and traditional design elements, but in a modern context. Think classic and iconic shapes interpreted in new ways, like pieces that show off intricate detailing, but sparingly.

"I’m seeing people gravitate towards a blending of past and present design that balances design innovation with a sense of familiarity and history," he says. "I think this design trend is reflecting our collective desire for connection, comfort, and creating meaning in our personal spaces."

2. The Return of Dark Wood

The trend cycle follows a fairly predictable pattern. When the pendulum swings too far in one direction, it often swings back dramatically to the other end of the spectrum. This phenomenon is perfectly displayed in wood tones. Light wood tones have been dominating interiors as of late, but designer Nicole Roby believes richer wood tones are poised for a comeback.

"Mahogany and cherry are really starting to have a moment, especially with case goods," she says. "A simple chest or side table can make a huge impact when it comes to incorporating warmer wood in a space."

This is good news for those who love shopping for furniture secondhand, as dark-stained wood dressers and accent tables are easy to find at thrift stores.

3. Curved Lines

Designer Mugdha Girish Uma has noticed a return of curved lines in sofas, chairs, and coffee tables in 2026 furniture lines. She, for one, loves the softness these pieces add to a room. "The harsh, straight lines are no longer welcome," she says.

That's not to say you need to ditch all of your straight-lined furniture. Simply adding in a few curved pieces will balance out the design. If you love the look of simple and modern pieces, opt for versions with rounded edges.

4. Layered Details and Material Duality

Dunn has noticed that furniture shoppers are developing a strong aversion to anything that looks mass-produced. They're searching for pieces with more personality and that showcase layered details, especially in the materials.

"I think we will see a lot of unexpected material and fabric combinations used on single products," he says. "Balancing hard and soft material elements makes a product feel unique and intentional, like in fabric collage, blending wrought iron with soft textiles, and incorporating impactful and unexpected design elements."

5. Art Deco Design

Art Deco design is timeless, but its popularity has certainly waxed and waned since the 1920s. According to Dunn, 2026 will be a big year for Art Deco furniture.

"Art Deco was all about optimism and expressive design," Dunn says. "These are elements that people are looking for again now. I think we’ll see a lot of design influence in 2026 from this era, like geometric shapes, luxurious materials and elements, bold colors, and an Eastern design influence."

When hunting for Art Deco pieces, look for furniture with clean shapes and arches, wood with intricate grain patterns, and symmetry.