Now in a new year, we take a look at the woodworking and furniture design trends that may be worth noting in 2025.
Whether you’re a furniture maker looking to stay current or simply curious about the latest influences on buyers’ tastes, have a read of School Principal Tom Fraser’s predictions on the top woodworking and furniture design trends that are set to have an impact in 2025.
Furniture that is Built to Last
At Chippendale, we are more than pleased to see a continued appreciation for slow furniture and bespoke design. More buyers are now making more thoughtful purchases, choosing handmade furniture with character and lasting value.
We not only teach students to create long-lasting furniture but offer upholstery and restoration courses to give a new lease of life to old pieces – whether it’s a cherished hand-me-down chair or a dresser in need of TLC, we encourage people to see the potential in old pieces and in doing so reduce waste.
Antiques
Growing appreciation for furniture with character, made popular by vintage interior influencers, has resulted in serious renewed interest in antique furniture, especially amongst the younger folk.
Vintage furniture, often inspired by the timeless designs of craftsmen like Thomas Chippendale, is finding its way into modern homes, adding character and history – now often at more affordable prices. Our namesake’s iconic work has been admired and replicated for centuries, and it’s exciting to see a new generation appreciating this furniture with a story to tell.
Fellow furniture enthusiast Viki Knott, owner of Edinburgh-based Junkshopantiques has noticed this trend firsthand saying,
“What interests me is the increasing fascination with antiques and the use of pre-owned items among younger generations. This trend spans from clothing to items for the home. It reflects a combination of the lasting environmental impact we have on the planet and a genuine desire to be surrounded by quality design rather than bland mass production. Realistically, we don’t need much “stuff”, however, when every piece is chosen with care and love, our homes become richer and unequivocally represent who we are.”
At Chippendale, we want to play a part in the life cycle of furniture. In fact, our new bench stools are from Junkshopantiques, having once served students at Cheltenham Ladies’ College!
Modular à la Mode
As longevity and value for money become top priorities for consumers, it’s no surprise that modular furniture is taking off in the design world. In our workshop, we’ve seen Professional Course students like Ben Sims (amadeus_woodwork) create remarkable modular pieces, merging traditional craftmanship with modern versatility.
With pieces that can be rearranged, expanded or separated, modular furniture offers the modern furniture buyer flexibility and creativity to adapt their spaces. This adaptability means a single investment piece can endure through house moves, evolving tastes, and all the changes life may bring.
A Sense of Warmth
After cool tones dominated the best part of the 2010s, we continue to see warmer and richer tones being used in furniture and interior design—think honeyed oak, deep walnut, and rich cherry, all bringing a cosy warmth to our spaces. It seems we’re all realising that stark white and cool grey can feel a little chilly!
Biophilic Design
In 2025, we expect biophilic design to be one of the most influential trends, bringing nature-inspired elements into our living spaces to create a sense of calm and connection to the outdoors. This trend goes beyond tossing a plant in the corner; it involves using raw, natural materials such as wood and stone and creating shapes and textures that mimic those found in nature.
The Ash Rise exhibition in the Botanic Gardens exemplifies this approach, featuring works from 20 makers across Scotland that highlight the unique qualities of ash timber. Some pieces incorporate the wood itself, while others draw inspiration from the trees and environments where the ash once grew, encouraging us to rethink the relationship between design and the environment.
Quiet Luxury
Sometimes, a whisper is all that is needed to be heard – which explains why quiet luxury continues to thrive in the woodworking world. This trend embraces subtle elegance where fine craftsmanship and quality materials make the statement, not flashy designs.
Think meticulously hand-finished surfaces, seamlessly integrated joints, and the use of premium, sustainably sourced woods like walnut, oak, and cherry, maybe even a hint of gold leaf. This approach values simplicity and timelessness, creating pieces that speak to quality and restraint.
Our students learn that true sophistication lies in subtle, deliberate choices. As this trend grows, grossing over 250k hashtags on Instagram, they’re crafting pieces where artistry and quality materials speak for themselves, creating beauty that endures.
Embracing Retro Revival
A subtle resurgence of 1980s style in fashion and design seems to be taking place across the UK – brought about, in part, by the popular Disney+ series, Rivals. Known for big hair and even bigger shoulder pads, the ‘80s were all about excess and furniture was no exception.
This decade embraced curved and geometric lines, bold colours, and strong patterns, with a design ethos rooted in fun. The era holds a special place in our hearts, as it’s when the school was founded. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this nostalgic trend—maybe it’s time to dust off that tin of neon paint…
While we don’t place focus on being ‘trendy’ at Chippendale, it’s often enlightening to see what’s popular in the design world and assess how we can take inspiration from these moments. Keeping customer demand in mind is crucial for a profitable and enduring woodworking business.
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Are you interested in pursuing a career in woodworking and fine furniture making? Find out more about our Professional Course here, or check out our full range of courses here.
