necessarily mean bigger than the standard
widths and lengths, though.
Instead, the styles trend toward massive
tops three or four inches thick and heavy
legs, or even hardwood tops combined
with metal legs. Unique styles, with glass
tops or a raw plank look, are also considered statement tables.
The tables can’t be too big, though, to
take advantage of another trend – small
space solutions.
Saving space will be a priority
Spacesavers that still seem big are trending well. Tables with drop leaves or extensions are popular for people with limited
space. Smaller desks with chairs that can
slide all the way in to maximize space
are another example, as are wall-hugging
bookshelves and smaller side tables.
Recliners and chairs with a smaller profile are popular among women who want
furniture that better fits their smaller physique.
Going along with saving space is a continued interest in furniture that can perform double duty. Furniture such as tables,
beds and entertainment consoles that feature plenty of storage space are the types
of multi-functional furniture many people
are seeking.
And not all furniture will use new materials. Using reclaimed wood, such as from
old kitchens, stairs or other furniture pieces
attracts some people, especially for fur-
niture such as cabinets and benches that
might be placed in a utility room. Most
prefer bright colors, either paint or stain,
on those pieces.
People continue demand for ‘green’
That fits in well with another major
trend – going green. Environmental consciousness has led many people to seek
furniture that uses resources wisely. They
also want furniture that doesn’t have toxic
finishes. The more environmentally friend-
ly the production process, the better it will
sell to these types of furniture buyers.
This is good news for local manufacturers since the United States in general
uses far more environmentally friendly
techniques tha n manufacturers in foreign
countries.
You may consider including a tag or
other information with your product regarding your green practices and that it’s
built in the United States.
Outdoor styles changing too
Outdoor furniture styles are changing, too, especially patio furniture. Many
people are no longer satisfied with the traditional pine Adirondack styles. They are
looking for pieces that mimic the elegance
they desire in indoor furniture.
In fact, they often seek styles that can be
used outside or come back inside to an indoor patio during the winter. These styles
often feature larger tables and upholstered
chairs, some of these in hardwoods that
are finished to stand up to a sudden rain
storm.
The good news is that despite the everchanging styles, hardwoods always seem
to be a popular choice. While red oak
seems to be passé, cherry, maple and quartersawn white oak remain popular, with a
growing interest in some areas for walnut.
Whatever the trend or style, though,
people still expect the quality you provide
in the furniture they buy.
Bold colors will be the choice for 2013
Bold will be considered
beautiful in furniture for
2013, according to some
experts.
While different experts
have varied expectations
for colors, most believe
furniture will trend toward
some brighter colors, often
as the main color rather
than as just an accent.
One color predicted to
be hot is orange. This may
be a bright hue, like a tangerine, or a deeper tone
like russet.
Blues will also be big,
especially lighter and
brighter shades, as well as
navy. Dark turquoise is another color that some experts see trending for 2013.
In greens, those with
more yellow in them will
be more popular than
darker and deeper greens.
Red will remain popular, although moving more
toward magenta.
Dark purples, such as
eggplant or berry, will
also have their place in
homes in 2013.
Among neutral colors, beige is giving way
to browns that are more
leathery in color, or more
whitish, such as cream.
Neutral grays will pick
up more blue in them for a
steel-like color.
And some experts even
predict that colors like
eggplant will be used as
the neutral shade.
Traditionally,
home
owners have preferred the
neutral colors, like beige,
to be the main color with
the bold colors for the accents like pillows and rugs.
But some experts predict a
reversal in that, with neutrals serving as accents to a
bold primary color.
While much of this color will be seen in fabrics,
painted furniture will also
reflect the move toward
bolder hues. Some may
choose to mix the bright
colors in the same piece,
such as a cabinet in navy
with yellow knobs.
Heartland Directory of Woodworking Supplies 2012
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