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 Amy Pelan, PR and marketing assistant at Press Loft, shares her predictions …
Instead of chasing one clear-cut ‘look’, we're seeing a mix-and-match mindset take over for 2026, where the focus is on gradually layering pieces that feel comforting, meaningful and maybe a little bit unexpected. It’s less about perfection and more about creating rooms that tell a story, and that shift is already shaping some of the strongest trends emerging for the year ahead.
Celadon Green
Softer, airy tones are set to play a major role in 2026, and Celadon Green is one of the shades leading the charge. Rooted in traditional East Asian ceramics, this cool, translucent green has long been associated with quiet beauty and calm. Its modern revival captures that same serenity, offering a soothing alternative to nature-inspired neutrals without drifting into pastel territory.
Its real strength lies in its adaptability. This shade works beautifully as a full-on colour moment, pairing beautifully with warm woods, stoneware and soft textiles, yet it’s just as impactful in smaller touches like glassware or decorative accents. However you choose to embrace it, Celadon Green introduces colour in a way that feels gentle, grounded and timeless.
New Romantics
As lighter, more serene tones begin to shape the mood for 2026, we’re also seeing a softer interpretation of romanticism come into focus that feels airy, tactile and quietly expressive. It’s a notable departure from the version we saw gaining momentum in AW25, which leaned more into moodier gothic influences, helped along by the cultural buzz around Frankenstein as well as Nosferatu earlier in the year.
For 2026, that intensity is dialled back and instead evolves into a much softer look – scalloped edges, ruched fabrics, pearlescent finishes, toile motifs and subtle bow detailing work together to introduce a gentle femininity into the home without going too sickly sweet.
The shift reflects what’s happening across fashion too, with softer silhouettes and crafted details replacing the drama of last season. In interiors, it comes through in silhouettes and finishes that soften a scheme without overwhelming it, offering a romantic mood that feels considered rather than theatrical.
Rosso Levanto
While 2026 brings a clear move toward softer palettes, there’s still an appetite for moodier, more atmospheric tones, and Rosso Levanto is one of the materials capturing that energy. Known for its deep, wine-red colouring and distinctive veining, this marble brings instant depth and sophistication to a space without feeling heavy.
Designers are already pushing it beyond traditional surfaces – we’re seeing Rosso Levanto being used across coffee tables, consoles, lighting bases and decorative accents, as well as in striking large-scale applications like chequerboard stonework. It’s a rich, expressive alternative to the brown-leaning stones that dominated recent seasons, offering a more dramatic way to introduce warmth and intensity – especially as people look for materials that carry a sense of permanence and personality.
Preppy Stripes
Rounding out our picks for 2026 is a fresher, more playful take on stripes that’s still rooted in their collegiate and heritage foundations, but reworked with a brighter, more easy-going feel. There’s a clear shift away from the breezy, coastal interpretations of recent years as we move towards something sharper and full of character.
Across textiles, tableware, ceramics and everyday essentials, the lines feel cleaner, and the palettes more spirited – punchy contrasts, softened pastels and unexpected pairings that give the pattern a renewed sense of energy.
What makes this iteration stand out is the balance it strikes. It keeps the structure and familiarity of a classic stripe, but the updated colours and looser execution give it a warmth and optimism that feels right for 2026 – a smart, uplifting way to bring in pattern without overcomplicating things.
Ultimately, these trends point to a wider shift in how we want our homes to feel. After years of extremes, like pared-back minimalism and full-blown maximalism, 2026 is carving out a middle ground where comfort, character and personal expression sit side by side. It’s less about following a prescribed aesthetic and more about curating spaces, piece by piece, that feel uniquely our own.
Discover more predictions from industry experts in January's issue.
Pictured: Charla chaise longue, LUXXU
