By Jan McClure/For the Sun-News
Having just returned from the Las Vegas World Furniture Market, I noticed a furniture trend that definitely reflects fashion industry trends. In fact, several showrooms had clothing that coordinated with the furniture displayed with their products, and presented a direct correlation with the fashion industry. The furniture industry has really hopped on board the fast train of becoming a fashion industry in its own right.
One color choice that was prevalent was the pairing of graphic black-and-whites with twists of red.
The combination of blues and browns, along with greens, was still abundant. The blues came in a variety of shades, including both warm and cool tones, as well as more gray tones. Chocolate was still the dominant brown shade, but some of the more understated and subtle colors of tan and copper were also shown.
Yellow and gold were being introduced in more subtle and serene tones.
The ever-popular reds were introduced in darker cranberry shades, as well as tones inspired by paprika and other spices.
The fabric choices featured soft chenilles, velvets, pebble looks and lots of texture. Ribbed weaves, menswear looks and details were reflected in the composition of the pieces, with prevalent top stitching,
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welting and trims. Leather introductions included a stronger variety of color with an emphasis on reds and buttercreams.
The dominant style trend was a contemporary look. There was an abundance of straight lines and cleaner designs. Also, the combination of several fabrics could be seen. Leather with upholstery, microfibers combined with leather looks. These combinations were found whether it was contemporary or a more traditional look.
All the style of sofas being shown had more boxy shapes. Higher arms and track arms for sofas were everywhere. Larger cocktail tables were shown, often in square designs, as sectionals seem to have come back around in a big way.
Theater seating seems more popular, along with other furniture to accommodate the larger, flat-screen televisions. It seems that the emphasis is on comfort and style.
Poster beds and panel beds, following the trends of the sofas in their boxier style, dominated the bedroom furniture shown.
In dining rooms, pub-height tables are still making a strong showing, with a wide variety of styles, as well as a wide selection of shapes and materials.
In order to understand the furniture trends of this year, take a look at your clothing stores. What you see this season in clothing will most likely show up on your sofa by next season!
Jan McClure is an independent marketing specialist with Ashley Industries Inc. For information, visit the Ashley Furniture Web site at www.ashleyfurniture.com
