The Furniture Makers’ Company has officially opened the call for entries for the 2026 New Furniture Makers Awards, celebrating the UK’s talented emerging furniture designer-makers.
The annual awards recognise excellence across a diverse range of disciplines within the furnishing industry. For 2026, the programme expands with the introduction of a new Upholstery Award, reflecting the growing importance of this craft within contemporary furniture design.
The Apprentice Award, now in its third year, has evolved into two distinct categories - both sponsored by Achieve + Partners - to better recognise the achievements of bespoke and manufacturing apprentices.
All entries will be initially assessed by a panel of expert judges, who will shortlist outstanding submissions. Shortlisted designers and their work will be featured in the New Furniture Makers exhibition, organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company. Final judging will take place during the exhibition on 4th November at Furniture Makers’ Hall and the Dutch Church in London. The winners will be announced during an evening ceremony that day.
The deadline for entries is 11:59pm on Thursday 25th June 2026.
The award categories are: New Furniture Makers Bespoke Award, sponsored by the Roger Richardson Legacy Fund; New Furniture Makers Bespoke Apprentice Award, sponsored by Achieve + Partners; New Furniture Makers Design Award, sponsored by NaughtOne; New Furniture Makers Manufacturing Apprentice Award, sponsored by Achieve + Partners; New Furniture Makers Textile Award, sponsored by Sonnaz; New Furniture Makers Upholstery Award; School Design Prize, sponsored by KI; and The Leather Prize, sponsored by The Leathersellers’ Company.
In addition, all submitted entries will be automatically considered for two special accolades: Best in Show Prize, sponsored by Blum; and the Best Chair in Show Prize, sponsored by MEON by Gaze Burvill.
Jonny Westbrooke, CEO of The Furniture Makers’ Company, says: “The New Furniture Makers Awards continue to serve as a vital platform for emerging talent, offering national recognition and a unique opportunity to showcase work to industry leaders, makers, and buyers. We look forward to seeing the 2026 submissions and welcoming those shortlisted to this year’s New Furniture Makers exhibition, one of the highlights of our year.”
Click here to enter.
Pictured: Reuben Porter, a 2025 New Furniture Makers Award winner, wit bespoke furniture designer-maker Rupert Senior
