Consumers today are increasingly seeking furniture that is more responsible, higher in quality, and customisable, says Christophe Gaysse, Lectra’s Sales Director, Furniture, Northern & Eastern Europe.
At the same time, many are looking for lower-priced options due to reduced purchasing power or shifting priorities, where furniture may take a backseat to other essential goods. This presents a unique challenge for brands and manufacturers: they must deliver better-quality furniture at more affordable prices, while also expanding their service offerings.
The furniture industry is entering a transformative era — one driven by flexibility, durability, and innovation. Companies that can anticipate these changes and adapt accordingly will be best positioned to succeed in a rapidly evolving market.
We could witness these trends at the recent Furniture Component Expo 2025, where industry professionals discussed the shifts impacting the entire furniture ecosystem.
As mentioned before, technology and innovation will be crucial in meeting the current demands. Cost-effective production methods and the development of modular, affordable furniture solutions are expected to revitalise sales and drive future growth. Companies are increasingly turning to advanced manufacturing systems to better predict, control, and manage production costs — especially in light of fluctuating raw material prices and changing tax policies.
Digital transformation is at the heart of this shift. Following the automation brought by the third industrial revolution, the connected world of Industry 4.0 is the next frontier that furniture manufacturers must embrace.
Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions, rising protectionism, and increasing logistics costs are reshaping global supply chains. Businesses will need to make strategic decisions about where to produce — choosing either friend-shoring (relocating operations based on geopolitical alliances) or near-shoring (favoring closer geographic locations). These strategies help bypass trade barriers, shorten lead times, reduce transportation costs, and minimise environmental impact.
The upholstered furniture industry, in particular, is at a crucial turning point. Profitability and sustainability must now go hand in hand. This shift reflects a growing emphasis on sustainable and local supply chains. Increasing environmental regulations are pushing companies to accelerate their move toward eco-friendly production processes.
To comply with these stricter standards, brands will need to rely more heavily on sustainable materials and ensure traceability through green certifications and thorough data collection across their supply chains. But beyond mere compliance, these practices also help brands connect with a growing base of environmentally conscious consumers. Companies that successfully embed sustainability into their design, production, marketing and business strategies will emerge as leaders in this new, socially responsible marketplace.
One of the biggest hurdles? Material waste. The upholstered furniture industry alone generates approximately five million tons of waste annually, which leads to higher costs and a larger environmental footprint. Smarter, more efficient manufacturing solutions are urgently needed to reduce waste while maintaining high productivity.
The bottom line? Change is not just coming — it’s already here. The entire furniture industry must evolve to stay ahead of emerging trends. By working together — brands, manufacturers, and suppliers of technology, materials, and services — the industry can shape a smarter, more sustainable future for furniture.
If you would like to learn more about upcoming trends, visit our website and read the article “6 key trends to watch in 2025 for the future of furniture industry”.
