Furniture trends for 2011

January is an important month in the furniture calendar as it sees some of the most important interiors exhibitions – places where we go to buy, be inspired and talk to everybody who’s anybody in the world of furniture.

From January 18-23rd the Danetti team headed to the IMM in Cologne, Germany, and then flew back to the UK in time to get ourselves to ‘interiors’ in Birmingham, which started on January 23rd.

We always find these events really useful because it’s clear to see from the exhibitions which direction the furniture industry is heading, and it’s always nice to see that we’ve been buying the right stock!

We thought we’d share with you a few of the trends we can see emerging very clearly for the next year or so, which may help you to make furniture choices which will be the envy of all your friends in the months to come…

1. Dining chairs with coloured legs to match or contrast with the seat and back.

While the majority of dining chairs still have contrasting frames – usually in an lacquered aluminium or a chrome finish, there’s a growing popularity for chair frames in colours, either to match the seat itself, or else to contrast with it and provide a design statement.

Our Magi chair, for example, comes with either a black or white lacquered finish on the legs, and the Elle chair has coloured legs to match the seat as well.

2. Mixing gloss and matt

Texture is set to be all important for 2011, not just colour.

A great way to introduce some to your home is by mixing matt and gloss surfaces in the same colour. For instance, you could opt for a table and chairs in a matt and then add a sideboard in the same colour but with a glossy finish.

Many of the items available from Danetti are stocked in a variety of finishes, so you’ll be spoilt for choice if you go for this look.

The Mirage gas lift bar stool comes in a great matt red leather, and would look great teamed with the Santino sideboard in glossy red lacquer.

3. Bar stools with coloured acrylic seats

The bar stool is going even funkier and more fashion forward for 2011, with acrylic seats proving very popular it seems.

Acrylic seats are both serviceable – which is important if the bar stool is going to get a lot of use – and have designer appeal.

The Coco A-frame bar stool comes in eight zingy colours, five of them translucent.

4. Relaxed dining arrangements with sofas and benches replacing the traditional individual dining chair

It’s a move towards restaurant-style seating where lots of people can pack in around a table to enjoy food to share.

This type of seating is especially great for growing families and people who like to entertain because it offers so much flexibility.

We’ve long been supporters of this type of seating, and have lots of options available. Have a look at the Melo bench, or our whole range of bench seating.

5. 70s-inspired prints and shapes

From geometric wallpaper to bold bright retro colours, there’s a definite 70s vibe going on in interiors for 2011.

Modern over-sized sofas, cube stools and other pieces of furniture in simple block-colours work well with this look. Take a look at our Stella sofa and Stella armchair which come in retro-tastic red and green, among other colours.