After evaluating a highly-competitive shortlist refined from the greatest number of entries to date, The Furniture Awards 2017 judges have selected their winning suppliers of the January Furniture Show (22nd-25th January at the Birmingham NEC) 2017.
Developed by Furniture News (stand 4-F25) in partnership with the show’s organisers, The Furniture Awards offer the show's exhibitors the opportunity to put the best of their new products before a panel of expert judges from the world of furniture retail and design.
The awards are co-ordinated and chaired by Paul Farley, editor of Furniture News magazine, and the 2017 judging panel comprised: Malcolm Walker, director of buying for Furniture Village; Diana Celella, award-winning interior designer and president elect of SBID; Rob Scarlett, furniture designer; and Royce Clark, MD of Grampian Furnishers.
This year's winners were:
Bedroom Category
Winner: concept me, Nolte Möbel (4-C40). The judges felt that this fitted bedroom concept offers a clear, flexible and well-delivered solution to bespoke bedroom planning, describing it as a "one-stop-shop for a retailer's bedroom department", that simplifies an often-complex buying process from start to finish.
Highly Commended: Dartmoor, Cottonsafe Natural Mattress (5-J45). Backed by a passionate story of natural materials, the innovative, sustainable and undeniably comfortable Cottonsafe was deemed well worthy of praise.
Dining Category
Winner: Brunel, Bentley Designs (1-A40). Winning for the third year in a row, Bentley impressed the judges with its high-value contemporary-industrial entry. "Every year, they seem to push the boundaries," remarked the judges. An "excellent" finish helped take this easy living, comprehensive offer into pole position.
Highly Commended: Varzzy Stories, Evanyrouse (2-E70). A dining concept that puts the choice of tabletop colour and finish in the customer's hands, Varzzy Stories boasts strong designs, innovative directions and the potential to create some truly impressive results.
Living Category
Winner: Gatsby, Tetrad (1-F85). This sharp, comfortable pinstripe sofa offers a wealth of marketing potential, from its British origins to the Ralph Lauren fabrics that adorn it. "There are few companies that try as hard as Tetrad to develop new directions," said the judges, "and Gatsby works so well."
Highly Commended: BB, Asiades HK (2-F21). This vintage modern easy chair boasts elegance, on-trend fabrics and a favourable sit, while offering "tremendous value" at the same time.
Decor Category
Winner: New Jersey Print, Flair Rugs (4-E55). Well priced, on trend and promising mainstream appeal, this rug offers fashion at an affordable price, forming an easy furnishing centrepiece. "It would appeal to most people," the judges agreed, and will likely prove "highly sellable".
"This year's edition of The Furniture Awards unearthed a truly impressive selection of winners," comments Paul Farley. "These stand-out suppliers have proved their ability to deliver first-class, on-trend furniture overflowing with commercial appeal."
These winners will now be able to employ The Furniture Awards branding across their marketing and retail PoS, helping lend their new releases even greater distinction.
"My thanks go to all the entrants – the competition was particularly fierce this year – and to the show organisers and judges."
Details of the 2018 competition will be revealed later this year. See the March edition of Furniture News magazine for a special showcase article featuring this year's winners.
