The mixing of contrasting furniture materials is one of the hottest trends for 2023 and beyond. This eclectic, blended aesthetic combines natural, industrial, and painted materials for statement pieces that wow.
A survey by the National Association of Furniture Manufacturers found that 61% of polled consumers said they were drawn to furniture that creatively blends materials, textures, and tones. And sales data backs it up: mixed material furniture saw a growth of 37% in 2022 compared to the previous year.
Diving deeper into the numbers:
- Rattan & wood mixes increased 40% last year alone
- 58% of shoppers said they’d pay more for a leather & linen combined piece
- Metal & walnut blends make up over 30% of urban loft furniture sales
The Most Popular Mixes
Rattan & Wood
The natural variation of woven rattan makes an intriguing pairing with solid, richly-grained wood. This beachy style comprised 42% of mixed material sales last year. Try a rattan étagère with an oak base or storage bench framed in driftwood.
Leather & Linen
The luxurious look of fine leather contrasted with lightweight, breezy linen injects any space with dimension. Combining these premium materials increased by 32% over the past two years. Explore tufted leather armchairs with linen backs or a leather media console with woven linen cabinet fronts.
Metal & Walnut
The sleek, industrial look of iron or steel frames combined with natural walnut wood has a stylistic tension that works well in urban lofts and modern spaces. Demand has risen sharply for these metallic mixed pieces like walnut shelving units atop black metal legs or a glass and metal coffee table grounded with a walnut base.
Unexpected Mixes to Try
Beyond these examples, creativity is key when blending materials. Try open wood shelving units with rattan baskets, marble tabletops with black metal legs, or linen slipper chairs framed in oak wood. Go bold with your combinations! Consider how tone-on-tone mixes can also be compelling, like beech wood stained dark espresso matched with black leather cushions.
The options for fusing unlike furniture materials are endless. And consumers increasingly want statement pieces that feel curated and collected over time. Make a design impact by presenting creative mixed material items guaranteed to elevate any interior space.
Need help? Contact our team today at customercare@nerolifurnishings.co.uk