Top Fall Furniture Trends from High Point Market

I recently returned home from my first trip to High Point Market. If you haven’t heard of High Point, North Carolina, it is like the Silicon Valley of furniture, and every fall and spring they have a market.

With 11.5 million square feet of show space, 180 buildings and more than 2000 exhibitors it is a mind-bogglingly large event. The town of High Point doubles in size with 75,000 attendees coming from all over the world and for a furniture-lover like myself, it was a few days of mind-blogging joy. Here are the top six furniture trends I spotted while navigating “The Market”.

1.  Architectural Salvage

Who doesn’t love a Cinderella story? Trash turned into treasure. Architectural salvage is hot, especially in lighting where there were many beautiful examples of salvaged metalwork turned into shapely and unique table lamps.

2.  Mixed Fabric Upholstery

Mixed fabric upholstery was everywhere, from traditional to modern, bold to subdue. Dark brown leather on chair arms was paired with a nubby linen seat, or a bright print on a chair back was mixed with a solid on the front. Historically this is nothing new, but it’s nice to see it coming back. Why settle with one fabric when you can have two (or more)? The trend also lends a designer, tailored look.

3.  Bold Colour and Pattern

Bold floral, animal and geometric prints and bright colour upholstery were abound. Just because flowers are not blooming outside, doesn’t mean you have to live without colour inside. If colour makes you happy, go for it was the tone at the Market.

4. Natural Textures

Natural textures add depth and luxury to a space so it’s no surprise that they were everywhere at the Market: linen, burlap, nail-head trim and cowhide being the most popular. Natural textures get better with age – think of a worn leather, nubby linen or antique brass. You may pay more for natural materials but they will pay off in the long run with continued beauty. This is a trend you don’t need to worry about going out of style.

5.  Reproduction

Classic furniture, especially French, has been reproduced for a long time. The trend now is more about extrapolating rather than replicating classic designs. Pieces are made to look old (rather than new old furniture) and have a modern touch, like a lighter wood stain, more comfortable size or contemporary fabric to better fit modern homes.

6.  Rattan

Not your grandmother’s rattan furniture. Well, scratch that, it may be just like your grandmother’s rattan, if she is into casually chic, highly durable, texturally interesting furniture. Used in indoor and outdoor furniture, lighting, and other home accents. Rattan is a classic that is on-trend.