Latest Interior Design Trends at Salone del Mobile 2023

Salone del Mobile is the world's largest furniture and interior design show that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The show is the place to discover the latest trends and styles in furniture, lighting and finishings. What's new this year in interior design? Here is our recap of the 2023 show and the latest trends we observed.

Furniture trends

The Salone is where top furniture brands come to show off their latest styles and new designs. With so many displays, it’s hard to choose your favorite brand or design, but we found several common themes in indoor and outdoor furniture worth noting.

Soft, curved edges

Gone are the sharp corners and angular designs. Almost all furniture, including tables, couches, chairs and lamps, we saw had soft edges and curved lines. We saw tapered edges and soft curves in couches, pillows, cushions and table legs.

The curves and soft lines varied from subtle to pronounced and were often mixed together to create a coherent design style that exudes comfort and luxury. Whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor furniture, look for pieces that have smooth edges and soft curves if you want to incorporate the latest trends and styles in your home.

Wood furniture and finishings

Another noticeable trend we saw in furniture is the use of wood. Teak, walnut and beech dominated the Salone del Mobile showrooms this year. While all the wood furniture we saw was elegant, the winner for us was definitely teak. Teak is one of the strongest woods that is also extremely durable and resistant to weather, making it a great choice for outdoor furniture.

Teak is a tropical hardwood that grows mainly in South and Southeast Asia and Latin America. It’s a luxurious material that is a popular choice for furniture. If you’re looking for long-lasting and luxurious furniture, teak is definitely a great choice for you. However, it’s worth noting that it’s more costly than other woods, so if you’re on a budget, you might want to look for used teak furniture to cut down on cost.

Soft, luxurious fabrics

When it comes to fabrics, soft and luxurious materials took centre stage at the 2023 Salone del Mobile. While we did see some leather furniture, the majority of couches and armchairs were made from soft fabrics. Boucle, fake furs and shaggy fleece were popular choices for many companies that incorporated them into their designs.

While warm neutrals and off-white color palettes dominated the showroom floor, there were a few brands that took a chance with bright and bold colors that added flair and fun to their furniture. If you want to incorporate this trend into your home, choose a color palette that works with your current design.

Lighting trends

When it comes to lights, Salone del Mobile is the place to see the latest trends and designs in lighting for your home. This year, we saw the return of Euroluce, a biennial event at the Salone that is dedicated to everything to do with lighting. Here are some trends in lighting that dominated the event.

Cluster Pendants

When it comes to chandeliers and ceiling lights, we saw a lot more emphasis on suspended light fixtures that feature multiple lights connected to a single canopy. Think hanging light pendants grouped together, multiple globes and strings of lights. While some light fixtures were designed as cluster pendants, others were created by placing individual pieces together for a clustered look.

Modular design

Customizing your light fixtures is now easier than ever, as many of the light fixtures we saw were designed as individual pieces that can be assembled in different configurations. Not only does it allow you to customize your lights, but it’s also a great way to express your individual style. So, whether you’re looking for cluster pendants or more creative light fixtures, look for modular pieces that can be put together and reconfigured for different areas of your home.

Sculptural organic shapes

Euroluce demonstrates that lighting doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, you can use sculptural light fixtures to add character and some drama to your home. We noticed a lot of inspiration from nature, with plenty of organic shapes and, once again, curves.

Many light fixtures we saw combined different types of glass and metals to create unique pieces that can elevate any space in your home. As lighting is a key component of interior design, using pieces that are functional and attractive is the best solution for decorating.

Key takeaways

Salone del Mobile is a great place to discover international brands and find beautiful designs for your home. We talked to a number of companies from different countries who had many things in common, regardless of where they were located.

Locally sourced materials

This was a very common theme for most companies at this year’s Salone. They are focusing on using locally-sourced materials for their products whenever possible. Whether it’s their city, state or country, the closer to the source, the better. This approach allows them to create unique pieces that also reflect their local flavours and traditions.

Focus on local craftsmanship

Using local source materials also means relying on local craftsmanship to produce the pieces. This approach allows the companies to work with people who are familiar with the local resources and know how to process them for maximal results. It’s also a more practical approach that has many benefits locally.

When desired materials are not available locally, they are sourced from other parts of the world. This also makes sense as not all markets have the same type of resources needed to create the final product.

Mixed materials

Another key takeaway from this show is the use of mixed materials. We loved the combination of wood, fabrics, metals and different stones in tables, sofas and other pieces of furniture. This type of combination of natural materials creates unique pieces that can fit with many different styles and home decor, no matter where you live. As companies also ship materials across the world, you can always order beautiful items to be delivered to your home.

Conclusion

Salone del Mobile in Milan is a great place for interior designers and design enthusiasts who are looking to discover new trends and styles in furniture and decor. If you’re thinking about attending the show in the future, make sure to check out our guide to help you plan your visit.