First Seagull’s efforts to oust the NEDs at Headlam has only just started and it is going to get nastier
We’ve only had the opening salvos in investment fund First Seagull’s attempt to oust the Headlam non-executive directors, and already it has become personal. According to FS (which has upped its stake as I write this), chairman Stephen Bird has presided over value destruction; backed the wrong strategy; wasted money; been thin-skinned; taken an excessive salary; and lacks the experience to turn around the group. It is not much politer about the other two NEDs.
Bird has hit back that Stian Husvaeg, FS md has been talking far too much to suppliers, competitors, customers and former employees; trying to make a current employee of a competitor a Headlam director; and saying unpleasant things about the group and board.
So far, all to be expected: it is people that FS is trying to replace, not, apparently, the strategy. Both sides say they are confident of securing shareholder support: only a simple majority is required. What cannot be argued is that there has been a massive fall in the value of the group (now under £23m) in the past five years. In such circumstances it’s the ceo that takes the first hit, and then if that doesn’t keep shareholders happy, the chair. Either way, expect it to get nastier over the next three weeks: this one isn’t going to run forever.
Salone shrugged off fears that the Middle East conflict would deter visitors, registering a healthy increase in numbers. For Fuorisalone it is harder to collate such data. What is clear is that the event continues to see more top-drawer brands prefer the city centre – one opted to use a decked-out tram that journeyed about – than be at Rho. This means it takes longer for buyers to criss-cross Milan in search of the names they want. And Salone exhibitors forcing non-VIP/media visitors to register online to get on stands still isn’t winning any friends.
Many thanks to visitors to interiorsmonthly.co.uk/voting-form where you have been casting your votes in the Interiors Monthly Awards 2026. If you haven’t, you know what to do.
Victoria Carpets’ First Impressions. A classic. Reimagined. Visit: myvictoria.co.uk
A major Headlam shareholder has called for the removal of the group’s non-executive directors, including chair Stephen Bird, claiming shareholders have lost £400m of investment as it pursued the wrong strategy.
Headlam says ‘decisive action has been taken to address underperformance’ and it ‘recognises that recent years have been disappointing for shareholders’.
Investment group First Seagull, which owns 11% of the flooring distributor, says ‘constructive shareholder dialogue has been met with resistance, serving only to insulate the board from criticism and genuine change. A full reset is required to give Headlam a chance to rebuild long-term relationships with customers, suppliers and employees.’
Headlam says it rejected FS’s request for a seat on the board in March, and FS ‘raised [it] on a regular basis’ afterwards, before its call for a general meeting. Both FS and Headlam say they have the support of shareholders – a simple majority is needed at the meeting.
FS says it supports new ceo Rob Barclay and the recruitment of non-executive directors Wilf Walsh (former Carpetright ceo) and Nick Kelsall, but ‘the board continues to lack the leadership, discipline, and turnaround experience the situation requires. Wasteful spending and failed engagement with key customers and suppliers in recent months underscore this. Meanwhile, the board
continues to frame commercial blunders as strategic progress, as the window for a successful turnaround narrows.
‘Bird has served on the board since 2021 and as chair since 2025. His track-record at Videndum, where he presided over significant value destruction, is well documented. His tenure at Headlam has followed a similar pattern. Rather than welcoming shareholder engagement during a crisis, Bird has treated it as a threat to be managed, consistent with his culture of suppressing criticism. Proposals have been met with delays, opaque processes and a refusal to acknowledge shortcomings. Meanwhile, capital has been wasted on expensive external advisors and a suspended ERP project. Bird also decided to accept a £500,000 base compensation, an amount that cannot be justified for stepping in to address a mess he underwrote,’ says FS.
Headlam says it has concerns about Stian Husvaeg, First Seagull md, claiming ‘attempts to introduce a current employee of a competitor as a potential NED candidate to the board [and] engagement with suppliers, competitors, customers and former employees beyond normal shareholder activity and including the making of negative comments about the board and the Headlam business, creating concern amongst important stakeholders.’
FS says the meeting must be held by 15 May.
McCabe returns to lead Ikea UK and Ireland
David McCabe is to become Ikea UK and Ireland country retail manager and chief sustainability officer from 1 July, succeeding Peter Jelkeby, who is now running Ikea Germany.
McCabe is currently Ingka Group global fulfilment and core services manager, leading IKEA’s global fulfilment team.
He began his Ikea career at the Thurrock, Essex store in 1996, before having country and global roles in Europe and North America. In 2019 he became UK and Ireland commercial manager, navigating the business through the pandemic,
David McCabe: ‘A true honour‘
before leading Ikea Czeck Republic, Hungary and Slovakia.
‘It is a true honour to be rejoining the UK and Ireland team. So much has changed since I started my Ikea career three decades ago, but the constant has always been the fantastic people who bring our culture to life. I have been continually impressed by the team’s achievements.
‘Together, we have a great opportunity to shape the future of Ikea in the UK and Ireland, as we focus on becoming even more accessible, affordable and sustainable for our customers,’ he says.
uFurnish targets property browsers
Shoppers in Northern Ireland can shop the look of their neighbours or homes they covet thanks to a partnership between uFurnish.com and Northern Ireland’s leading property portal.
PropertyPal receives almost 3.5m views a quarter, but a significant number of visitors aren't actively looking to buy or rent: they just love looking at other people’s interiors and gardens.
Using UFurnish’s AI product-matching technology, shoppers can use the website to find products similar to those they see on screen from more than 100 retailers.
‘It’s the perfect way for retailers to connect with consumers in the most contextual way. Searching homes for ideas and inspiration is fun and, for many people, it’s a favourite pastime,’ says Deirdre Mc Gettrick, uFurnish ceo.
Macao
Chain ‘faces shopper battle’ amid ‘stormy seas’
Poltronesofa at ScS faces a major battle on its hands if it is to lift its lowly brand consideration.
This is the verdict of new analysis by GlobalData.
Matt Walton, GlobalData senior data analyst praised the appointment of Mike Schmidt as ceo, saying the former DFS and B&M finance director brings ‘a wealth of experience of the UK upholstery market and its closest competitor’ to the chain’s Italian owners, but ‘an early priority should be to improve ScS’s brand consideration among upholstery shoppers.’
The company’s consumer research found it was languishing in eighth place in terms of where shoppers would consider – albeit in Q2 2025 – ‘consistently behind the likes of Argos, IKEA, John Lewis and DFS’.
‘Poltronesofa has been in a state of transition since acquiring ScS in January 2024, refurbishing its stores and developing its offer to focus more on design. The retailer has recently put the capstone on this conversion through
rebranding its stores to the Poltronesofa at ScS fascia. Now with this phase complete, the next step is to communicate this new offer and fascia to prospective customers and become more considered among shoppers, which was challenging in 2025. [It] aims to appeal to a wider customer base from its previous more price-sensitive shopper, through its new more design-led offer,’ says Walton.
The chain’s shift towards design is the right strategy as buying into a new look remains a key driver for upholstery purchases, he says, but there is a risk in going after a different customer base which is already well served by other upholstery retailers.
‘The rebrand should support this as it creates a clear break, and adjusting its interest-free credit offer up to five years, as it did in January 2026, should further encourage shoppers to trade up. However, with DFS reporting that footfall has softened since the start of 2026, ScS is attempting to change course in stormy seas.’
Directors banned over Covid Bounce Back loan
Two flooring fitting directors have been banned from being company directors after they received and then spent a Covid Bounce Back Loan they were not eligible for.
Jim Darrah, 75, and Isobel Darrah, 73 of Carrickfergus, County Antrim were banned for 12 years for their actions as directors of J Flooring Global. The company had ceased trading from 1 November 2019, but when the loan scheme was introduced in April 2000, they applied for and received a loan, which they spent on personal items. High Court documents show that they
withdrew £52,207.84 from the company bank account – including £49,891.44 of the loan.
J Flooring Global formally went into liquidation on 10 May 2022, owing creditors £50,610.18.
In place for 11 months, the scheme was designed to help small and mediumsized businesses, with a maximum loan of £50,000, interest free for the first year. Just over 1.5million businesses shared £47bn under the scheme, but £17bn is outstanding due to fraud and defaults, according to the Insolvency Service and National Investigation Service.
Future for Westbridge Whitemeadow has bought the design rights and IP of fellow upholstery producer Westbridge Furniture’s independent product catalogue. The deal follows Westbridge’s administration and administrator Interpath being unable to find a buyer for the manufacturer. The first four models will be reintroduced this month, followed by further ranges from the Autumn.
Likewise sees sales momentum continue
Likewise has seen Q1 double-digit sales growth continue into April. It comes as it is eyeing a ‘meaningfully increase’ in its logistics capacity.
The flooring distributor saw sales climb by 15.2% to £44.2m in the first three months of the year, with April ‘showing a similar positive trend’.
‘This represents significant increases in market share and notwithstanding the worldwide uncertainties, provides confidence in the group achieving its future objectives,’ it says.
It expects to become the largest flooring distributor in London and the south-east: operations in Sidcup and Sudbury ‘are continuing to take market share. With ongoing investment in their sales teams, we would expect to be the leading distributor in this important geographical area.’
The group has dipped into its bank borrowing to invest £3m in a second Leeds distribution hub, allowing it to ‘streamline supply chain management of palletised goods from the Far East and Europe, allowing planning of incoming containers to be far more efficient.’
Refreshed for 2026
About half of Manchester Furniture Show’s exhibitors will be new
Manchester Furniture Show returns to Manchester Central on 5-6 July with new features and a refreshed exhibitor line-up, combining fresh sourcing opportunities with established brands, and an expanded programme designed to help buyers discover new products, suppliers and ideas.
Returning exhibitors include Buoyant, Scatter Box, Baker Furniture, La-Z-Boy UK and Sofa Source, alongside a significant influx of new names for 2026. Around 50% of the exhibitor base will be new this year, including Hill Interiors, Ashwood, Whitemeadow, Home of Wool, Kamjo Sensowell, Avriio and more than 100 more.
A major new feature for 2026 is the MFS Springboard, a curated area dedicated to independent and sustainable British makers. From emerging makers to independent studios, the platform gives greater visibility to new talent and opens up sourcing opportunities for retail buyers. It reflects Manchester Furniture Show’s commitment to supporting emerging brands and improving discoverability across the show.
The Women in Furniture Network panel also returns with a fresh line-up of leading female voices from across the industry, featuring Kirsty Whyte, whose experience spans Heal’s, Habitat, Made.com and Soho House, and Lisa Flannery, Claremont md, with more than 30 years’ experience across the furniture and interiors industry. Together, they will bring a blend of creative development and operational insight to the discussion on Shared Growth in Action, taking place on 6 July.
Networking remains central to the show, building on its reputation as one of the sector’s most sociable and wellconnected events. The show party on 5 July offers relaxed drinks and informal networking, whilst the Summer Garden Bar provides a central space for meetings throughout the show.
With a renewed exhibitor base, a stronger focus on emerging talent and an established programme of networking and industry insight, Manchester Furniture Show is set to reinforce its position as a key mid-year meeting point. Visit: thefurnitureshows.com
“A YEAR’S TURNOVER
IN THREE WEEKS!”
“IT WAS FANTASTIC AND WE ARE ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED!
We all agree that we could not have achieved such extraordinary sales results [over a year’s turnover in three weeks] by doing it ourselves.
We were all so very impressed with the extremely professional coordination of the marketing plan –especially the digital work.
The way you do the whole thing has moved on tremendously since our first sale with Greenwood back in 2006.
The showrooms and warehouses are virtually empty, we’re all exhausted, but we’re also buzzing from the whole experience and very glad we employed you to assist with our special sales event. Hats off to you and your team.
Grow your business, build your order book and win future market share with a Greenwood Promotional Sale or, realise the enormous value of your brand using a Greenwood Business Closing / Retirement strategy. Either way, you can generate record-breaking sales and profits.
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Fitter avoided more than £200,000 of income tax
A carpet fitter avoided paying more than £200,000 in income tax for five years. Michael Austen, 73, of Bexleyheath, south London avoided going to jail after admitting the offence.
Austen generated sales of almost £800,000 through his company All Carpets between 2017 and 2022 but did not declare it to HMRC, which calculated he owed £218,098.
HMRC began investigating Austen after spotting he declared no income while running an active business. In October 2023, HMRC officers raided his home and found paperwork showing that he regularly booked work. Austen
Flooring Superstore ‘considers restructuring’
Flooring chain Flooring Superstore is considering restructuring the business, which could see landlords significantly lower rents or store closures, according to reports.
peopleMartin West, Floors by Lewis Abbott and H&V Carpets general manager and former Kingsmead and Balta executive is to retire at the end of May.
The Times has reported that the 50-store group has appointed Begbies Traynor and the restructuring division of Santander to explore options, which are said to include a CVA or administration. Such a move would be in sharp contrast to co-founder Dan Foskett’s ambitions as recently as the end of last year. Then he told The Times that plans included steadily opening as many as 150 stores across the country and strengthening the brand’s marketing to make it a household name.
Paula Nickolds, The White Company chief executive will leave the retailer at the end of the month. The former Sainsbury’s general merchandise commercial director and John Lewis md will leave after two years in the role.
Connection Retail, the retailer’s parent company, saw sales fall from £51.8m to £49.3m in the year to the end of July 2024, although a pre-tax loss of £3.3m became a profit of £619,000. It had net debt of £3.5 million. No company has commented.
Norfolk Feather added to roster
Bedding supplier Purecare has bought Norfolk Feather.
‘Norfolk Feather has built a strong reputation through decades of craftsmanship and responsibly sourced materials, while Purecare has established itself as a leader in sleep
wellness through research, product innovation, and education,’ says Paul Lake, Purecare UK and Europe head.
The deal sees the retirement of Russell Parsons, who has overseen Norfolk Feather’s growth and development.
claimed he had little cash left each month to pay tax as he supported a large household with eight mouths to feed, with his defence barrister saying Austen was the family breadwinner who ‘buried his head in the sand’ rather than facing up to his tax bills.
‘Providing for his grandchildren is commendable but doesn’t justify not paying income tax,’ said judge Steven Kovats, who sentenced Austen to a two-year suspended sentence.
Proceeds of crime proceedings have been launched.
Home sales ‘buoyant’ at Laura Ashley
Laura Ashley has seen ‘buoyant’ home sales in the last quarter after the chain enjoyed a double-digit sales rise last year.
‘Big-ticket home sales remained buoyant [in Q1 2026], with strong momentum in key areas such as upholstery and lighting. Newness across furniture and bed linen were also well received, contributing meaningfully to overall performance,’ says owner Marquee Brands.
‘Performance across all of Laura Ashley’s channels has been robust. Sales rose 15% year on year [across all product categories], with
Q4 delivering a particularly strong trading period across both bricks and mortar and online, reflecting the success of a joined-up retail strategy.’
Turnover and profit figures were not disclosed.
‘The Thurrock store, which opened in September 2025, has demonstrated strong customer engagement, validating Laura Ashley’s return to the high street as a destination for accessible lifestyle living,’ says Marquee Brands.
‘This momentum has paved the way for further store presence over the coming year.’
Laura Ashley’s Mayville Cottage collection
Feel the natural texture of real hardwood flooring with our 12/2 & 14/3 Engineered Wood Collection.
Vote now
In the Interiors Monthly Awards 2026, we want you to tell us which retailers, manufacturers and suppliers are the best in the industry. Thank you to all those who have already cast their votes at interiorsmonthly.co.uk/voting-form: it
only takes a few minutes. One of you will receive a Fortnum & Mason hamper, so include your details: without them your vote will not count. Voting is by the entry form only. Votes for your own company will be disregarded. Only those
Some 20025 winners: who will win in 2026?
directly employed in the interiors industry may vote: this excludes, but is not limited to, marketing, PR and advertising companies. The editor’s decision is final.
Visit: interiorsmonthly.co.uk/voting-form
Let’s say hello to the latest arrivals...
First Impressions
Where every room begins.
Returning with a refreshed palette of 22 considered shades, from soft neutrals to deeper, contemporary tones.
Crafted from 100% EasiCare polypropylene, it offers lasting durability, stain resistance, and easy maintenance – ideal for modern living.
Finished with Flexi-Fit fleece backing, it provides enhanced comfort underfoot and a smoother, more efficient installation.
Heather Impressions
A gentle layering of tone and texture.
Combining softly blended, heathered shades to create depth, warmth, and quiet character. Made from 100% EasiCare polypropylene, it delivers durability, stain resistance, and easy care for busy homes.
With Flexi-Fit fleece backing, it offers added comfort underfoot and a seamless installation.
Natural Impressions
Texture, thoughtfully refined.
A subtle tweed-effect finish and a palette of ten timeless neutral shades, bringing understated depth to any space. Crafted from 100% polypropylene, it is designed for everyday durability, while Flexi-Fit backing ensures enhanced comfort and ease of fitting.
Velvet Impressions
Effortless sophistication for your home.
Pairing a luxuriously soft feel with practical performance. Made from 100% EasiCare polyester, it resists stains and everyday wear while maintaining a smooth, elegant finish. Available in 12 natural shades, it creates a warm, inviting foundation designed for modern living.
Speak to your Area Sales Manager today to order your Impressions point of sale.
To find out more, visit myvictoria.co.uk
Making an Impression
Point of Sale Available to order now
The Victoria Carpets EasiCare collection welcomes four new additions, thoughtfully designed for beautifully lived-in spaces, where comfort, practicality, and style come together.
1 2
1 In a blend of precision and playfulness, Umage’s Spring is a new series of lamps bringing softness, contrast and a breath of fresh design into the home. The collection includes two pendant lamps in mini and medium, as well as a table lamp, all crafted from mouth-blown opal glass with refined brass details.
Visit: umage.com
2 Ariostea’s Mura porcelain stoneware proposes a new concept of concrete: essential, solid, and marked by subtle variations that tell the story of its formation. The surfaces evoke oxidation and light metallic shades, transforming its three tones into an authentic mark of construction.
Visit: ariostea.it
3 Talenti’s Flow is made up of modular sofas, armchairs, chaise longues, sunbeds and tables as solutions for the dining area and outdoor living. A complete and versatile system, capable of adapting to domestic and contract contexts, it is characterised by enveloping cushions and exclusive striped fabrics, designed specifically for Talenti, which reinterpret the outdoor tradition in a contemporary key.
Visit: en.talentispa.com
4 Louis De Poortere’s Meditation Ecorugs series has been expanded with five new designs: Kanji (pictured), Sendai, Drop, Aquarelle and Lagoon. Available in eight standard sizes, they are inspired by gradients, strokes and transitions that take on a mesmerising quality. Selected designs are also available in circular and new ‘peanut’ shapes.
Visit: louisdepoortere.com
5 The Whisky Chair, designed in 1948, was never put into production during Finn Juhl’s lifetime, but today it stands as one of his most fascinating works. It is bold, playful and alluring – an invitation to slow down, to indulge and to savour the moment. The chair is made in walnut and upholstered by hand in Denmark in textile or leather.
Visit: finnjuhl.com
3
4 5
6 At Flanders Flooring Days Moduleo will exclusively preview the updated Roots LVT collection coming to the UK later this year. Curated to match today’s interiors and the trends shaping tomorrow’s, the new designs come with the same softness, warmth and durability found in the original Roots. See and put the quality of Roots to the test at FFD.
Visit: moduleo.com
7 ADP demonstrated its nationwide store roll-out, distribution and installation skills with Autoglym’s XL three-bay displays into more than 300 Halfords stores across the UK and ROI. Leveraging its extensive experience and industry knowledge, ADP offers distribution and project management tailored to customers’ needs, and its installation service ranges from one and two-site regional installations to national installations covering hundreds of sites. Visit: adp-distribution.co.uk
8 Quick-Step will tell the story of its new brand positioning, inspire visitors with the next generation of Alpha Vinyl and demonstrate the innovation and quality born through its creator mindset at Flanders Flooring Days. Retailers will be able to discover how a partnership with Quick-Step can empower them through multi-category flooring.
Visit: quick-step.co.uk
9 At INDX National Flooring Show, the 100% wool, four-ply yarn loop pile Mayfair will take centre stage for Causeway Carpets as it demonstrates how it is adding a fresh dimension to the broadloom carpet market with an exclusive collection of wool and polyester ranges, supported by market-leading service and a brand that stands out for its premium feel.
Visit: causewaycarpets.com
10 Outlast’s Bailey combines exceptionally high heat absorption with a naturally cooling surface. Excess body heat is absorbed instantly, creating a noticeably cool sensation upon contact: providing immediate relief, especially in warm environments or direct skin contact. Temperature peaks are effectively reduced, sweating is minimised and a comfortable microclimate supported.
Visit: outlast.com 8
Allure
Built for Living, Styled for Life
Designed to bring warmth, depth, and effortless sophistication to any space. Transforming floors into standout features, Allure showcases a unique yarn blend that creates rich texture and natural character, perfectly complementing both classic and contemporary interiors.
Crafted from 100% polyester for lasting softness and durability,
Allure features a luxurious 17mm pile height with a comfortable soft back construction for enhanced underfoot comfort. Its 10th gauge, 2-ply design ensures excellent resilience, structure, and performance, making it as practical as it is beautiful.With Allure, style and substance come together to elevate every room.
Richard Renouf Rummage with care
What finds are discovered down the back of the sofa, and why searching can be risky
Contrary to popular misconception, furniture inspectors do not earn their money (or even the odd tip or two) from coins that have dropped between the cushions of the sofas they inspect. In fact, the total value of all such ‘finds’ over more than 10 years would probably not buy me a coffee, at least at today’s prices. And I have, of course, always reunited the customer with their missing fortunes.
Customers are usually more grateful when I recover something vital. A child’s favourite cuddly toy, a missing building block or jigsaw puzzle piece, or, on one occasion, a mislaid phone that had already been replaced (although the state of the old one gave away why the search for it wasn’t very diligent).
Unpleasant findings are usually food-based. Stale fries, pieces of broken biscuit, or half-chewed sweets that have a tight hold on the sides of the crevice in which they have lodged and remain horribly sticky. They usually get to stay where they are. The same applies to socks – and what’s always puzzled me is that there is only ever one, so it must have been missed by the wearer before they got up and walked away.
Then there are often documents of various kinds. Over the years I’ve found bank statements, product instructions, letters, birthday and Christmas cards, and all manner of smaller bits, such as till receipts and paperclips.
Rummaging must be done carefully because the crevices down the sides of seat platforms hide other issues. Careless upholsters assume that such parts of a chair or sofa are not seen and so it is the most likely place to get cut by jagged staples or splintered wood.
In some cases, it has been good that customers have not tried to search for lost items, as they would almost certainly have been injured by the effects of poor workmanship, and I have sometimes had to warn customers not to try as the risk would be too great.
Some upholstery is configured so that the seat platform is integral with the arms and so there are no gaps in which items can lodge. Lifting the seat cushions reveals anything and everything, or if the cushions are fixed, at least any falling items do not go below the level of the bottom of the cushions and so can be retrieved easily.
I recently had an email from a clothing manufacturer explaining the work he had done in changing the shape of trouser pockets to prevent items falling out when sitting down. The result was a multi-section pocket very different to the elongated ‘D’ shape one would expect. It would definitely make a difference. Maybe there are changes furniture designers could consider to improve things for messy customers – and the odd inspector. richard-renouf.com
Richard Renouf is an independent furnishings consultant
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The concept of a flagship store in Italy’s design capital is not one that can be realised quickly: location, cost and availability must align, and then it must look the proverbial million dollars to reflect a brand’s standing and its customers’ expectations.
MisuraEmme had all this in mind when it selected Via Uberto Visconti di Modrone to be its new Milan home. The target, of course, would be day one of Salone.
The problem was the keys weren’t handed over until March. 21 April was a month away: and there wasn’t even a proper floor.
While rivals across the city were holding press previews as Milan Design Week started earlier than ever, the MisuraEmme team was busy in one of the city’s
Dining area
Living area
Baltimora chair
Partenio table
Stow tables
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historic design streets near San Babila. Prayers must have been said, as on 21 April, the store opened on schedule.
The timeframe meant fewer products were on display, but the increased space they have been given works wonderfully: an oasis of serenity amid the bustle of the city.
The environment is defined by light and warm tones that introduce customers to an elegant context where furniture and architecture blend naturally: wood brings warmth, marble elevates perception of the environment, concrete introduces a contemporary dimension, while the textiles contribute to softening the whole.
The entrance opens up over a Renaissance-style window overlooking the garden. On either side, two lightweight walls in wooden strips accompany the central corridor, gently setting it apart: these are not enclosing walls but rather let the light filter through. Cimento developed a squared cement design for the floor and it is a recurring motif, repeated in the doors and in the wood panelling surrounding the living and dining areas.
The first floor, overlooking the street through large windows, covers 1,400sqft, while the basement is 3,220sqft of space devoted to the bedroom and sleeping. (There is no real ground floor as the entrance is up a flight of steps.)
The appearance belies the lack of time available before opening, with accessorising kept simple and unobtrusive. Less really is more. Visit: misuraemme.it
Denver magazine rack
Paloalto
Rose sofa
Smoking
Generational change
The UK’s flammability regulations are set for the largest shak e-up in more than three decades
The UK government is proposing to abolish the mandatory open-flame test and replace it with the smoulder test; give companies the choice of component or composite testing – which could allow for parts of products to be tested in the UK and then produced overseas without relying on local testing facilities; widen the scope of who can carry out testing, and remove re-upholstery and secondhand products from the scope of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.
It has launched the fourth – and what it says will be the final – consultation on the regulations since their introduction. The changes could offer the sector an opportunity to improve margins or lower pricing as well as acting on health and environmental concerns over the use of flame-retardant
chemicals. The government says it is ‘determined to give the sector certainty’.
While fire deaths in the UK have decreased since the regulations’ introduction, this trend has also occurred in other European countries that did not adopt the same level of flammability testing. In those countries the smoulder test – simulating a lit cigarette – is used to test the flammability performance of the product or component. The increased awareness of fire risk, a significant reduction in smoking, less open-fire heat sources in the home, safer cooking practices and installation of smoke alarms since 1988 have also had a major effect, and it has been impossible to determine how much impact each factor has had.
208 people died as a result of 25,913 fire incidents in homes in England in
the year ended June 2025. 4,763 people were classified as casualties, although more than half did not require hospital treatment. Fire and rescue services had an average response time to incidents at homes of 8min 10s.
The reliability of the open flame (or match) test has long been called into doubt, with a previous 2014 consultation setting out a number of flaws. Testing undertaken at the time called into question how representative the testing was of furniture being sold to consumers: while components were passing tests, a composite of those materials tested together may behave differently and not offer the same level of protection.
There is also evidence linking chemical flame-retardant use with an increase in smoke toxicity, if furniture does become ignited.
rates have declined, helping to reduce house fires
‘It is also certainly the case that the presence of chemical flame retardants significantly inhibits recycling and reuse and presents real challenges for the safe disposal of furniture at end of life,’ says the government.
The government says it will not remove furniture fire safety regulations completely; implement a flame retardant technology hierarchy or remove outdoor furniture from the scope of the regulations.
It will ‘allow manufacturers free choice over whether they use component testing or composite testing to evidence compliance with the essential safety requirements. This will allow businesses that would benefit from testing materials in combination to do so, without placing an undue burden on those whose business models and supply chains do not easily fit that approach,’ it says.
‘We will not require the separate testing of foam where manufacturers choose to follow the composite testing route to evidence compliance. We recognise the argument that unmodified foam used in furniture manufacture in the 1960s to the 1980s was one of the key drivers for the FFRs being introduced. However, we must also ensure testing requirements are proportionate and that costs incurred from testing by businesses are justified, and do not believe a separate smoulder test on foam would offer additional assurance.’
It says it will ‘consider practical solutions that represent more
appropriate testing oversight’ for non-UKAS or equivalent accredited laboratories: this is likely to see manufacturer-run facilities take on a greater official role in testing.
The re-upholstery sector faces ‘inconsistency in interpretation and substantial challenges to complying’ with the regulations, and ‘upholsterers and suppliers find the regulations difficult to understand in many cases and receive inconsistent regulatory advice from a range of sources.’
The government has proposed that re-upholstery will be regulated under
the GPSR rather than the updated flammability regulations.
While the regulations cover secondhand furniture, this has long been an area of confusion – testing a sofa would destroy it – and potentially outlaws products made between 1950 and 1988 while curtailing circular economy efforts. These products will be removed from the reformed regulations.
The consultation closes on 23 June. Visit: ditresearch.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ SV_5drN3KyZjTO91yu
There were 25,913 fire incidents in homes in England in the year ended June 2025
The match test will be replaced by the smoulder test
Fire and rescue services had an average response time to incidents at homes in England of 8min 10s in the year ended 2025
A new design talent emerged as Marcel Wanders celebrated in silver
Full circle
Iron
Ochre
Offices, shops, hotels, or homes – every space is unique. Your interior design choices are just as unique.
DICKSON floors combine the texture of traditional carpets with the superior quality of vinyl, promising durability, functionality, and aesthetics. With a 15-year guarantee in high-traffic areas, the CLEANGARD surface treatment ensures easy maintenance and optimal quality sanitary conditions. dickson-constant.com
In 2001, Marcel Wanders arrived on the international stage and it realised the Dutch word for beautiful (Mooi) could be spelt with three ooos. A quarter of a century later Moooi and Kilian Vos combined for her international debut and first launch with a design brand.
Future Fossils imagines a world where digital life leaves behind its own archaeology.
Crafted entirely through generative CGI, the collection transforms algorithms into artifacts: fragments of imagined geology, synthetic stones shaped not by centuries, but by creative code. These are not relics of what has been,
but of what might come. Each piece is a paradox: artificial yet organic, familiar yet otherworldly – imagined shapes and patterns formed by machines, yet steeped in a strangely natural language. Layers of texture evoke mineral veins, crystalline fractures and organic flow.
For Moooi, a brand that thrives between the real and the fantastical, Future Fossils embraces a new kind of archaeology – an exploration of a future not yet experienced.
Born in 1997, Vos is a 3D artist and designer based in Amsterdam. Her work explores the interplay between the digital and physical, creating virtual
environments that feel real and objects that move fluidly between both worlds.
Through a mix of CGI and physical fabrication, she builds sculptural forms and imagined spaces that question what is tangible, and what is simulated. Her work often blurs perception – making the digital feel material, and the material feel surreal. Through her work, she looks at how ‘the digital’ can create new ways of experiencing and relating to the objects and spaces surrounding us.
Vos sees great potential in the dialogue between CGI and product design. The digital realm has opened up endless possibilities for artistic expression, and as this landscape continues to diversify and evolve, she sees a future where the boundaries between the virtual and real worlds blur even further.
The launch, at Superstudio Piu, was part of a major milestone for Moooi, as it marked a quarter of a century since founder Wanders announced himself to the world at the same venue. Since then it has never told designers what to do, but listens to what they want to make, and realises their dreams while remaining always eclectic and on the edge of commercial reality and cultural interest.
Moooi Carpets’ only launch at Milan Design Week, Future Fossils is available in five colours, three qualities – low pile, wool and soft yarn – and differing sizes: Chalk 280cm x 255cm, Slate 260cm x 250cm, Iron 280cm x 255cm, Ochre 260cm x 262cm and Olivine 260cm x 265cm. Visit: moooicarpets.com; kilianvos.com
Slate
Olivine
Kilian Vos
The all Eloquencenew carpet range
Eloquence
Refined Comfort, Lasting Style
The new Eloquence carpet is part of our much love Easy Living Range. Eloquence brings together style, practicality, and versatility for modern interiors. Available in 16 colours, Eloquence offers homeowners the flexibility to create spaces that feel both coordinated and expressive. With an 18 mm pile height, the carpet provides a comfortable, soft feel underfoot while maintaining durability for everyday use.
Manufactured from 100% polyester with a 2-ply yarn construction, Eloquence is designed to deliver both resilience and a refined finish. Its stripe soft back enhances comfort and makes installation easier, while the bleach-cleanable fibres help maintain a fresh appearance even in busy homes. Available in 4 m and 5 m widths, Eloquence combines practical performance with modern colour choice, making it an ideal solution for stylish, easy-care living spaces.
Enduring allure
The Art Deco era is celebrated in six designs
Pelican House’s Talis collection is a celebration of the enduring allure of the Art Deco era. Inspired by the symmetry, geometry and streamlined forms of the period, Bella Valenzia, Pelican House founder and India Holmes, director have reimagined the iconic motifs as handwoven rugs for contemporary interiors.
Across the collection, bold geometric patterns are paired with a rich palette of deep bronzes, burnished golds and
warm rusts, echoing the opulence and glamour of the 1920s and 1930s.
Vespa pays homage to the fan motifs synonymous with the era, creating a sense of movement and symmetry, enhanced by a palette of red rust tones to add depth and sophistication.
Benney draws inspiration from the work of Ernest Sallis Benney, whose distinctive patterns brought rhythm and refinement to textiles of the time, with elements of his motifs reinterpreted.
Cil is a quieter moment within the collection, distilling the era down to its most essential gesture: the border as a repeating sunburst pattern frames a field of warm cream.
Malako takes its cues from the graphic language of the period: bold triangular spires, a central eye motif, and precise symmetry in a palette of greens, blues and warm creams.
Rumbem reduces the era into its most architectural form: a structured border of interlocking geometric bands, in warm caramel, soft blue, and cream against a deep espresso field.
Vertical columns of sinuous, hourglassshaped forms repeat across a field of warm gold, creating a hypnotic all-over pattern for Sedra.
Vespa, Benney, Cil and Sedra use Himalayan wool or wool and silk; Malako and Rubem use New Zealand wool.
Visit: pelican-house.com
Bella Valenzia and India Holmes
Sedra Vespa
Benney
Home truths
Why it pays to buy British
‘As I write this, the International Monetary Fund has announced that, due to the current Middle East crisis, the UK faces the biggest hit to growth of all the major economies. The warning is similar to that made by the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development, which also predicted at the end of March that the UK would face the biggest hit to economic growth of the G20 major economies from the Iran war,’ says Simon Williams, NBF head of marketing and membership.
‘The suggestion is that, as a net importer of energy, the UK remains highly sensitive to rapid rises in energy prices, especially gas and oil. We’ve witnessed the surge in petrol and diesel prices at the pumps, and this has huge knock-on effects on distribution costs for UK businesses. UK bed manufacturing and its supply chain is more energy
intensive than many would think (timber processing, foam production, metal springs and fabric production, for example). NBF member manufacturers are already reporting soaring foam and spring costs from some key suppliers.
‘However, from a bed retailer’s perspective, and especially those that import a proportion of their mattresses and bed frames from Asia, the war in Iran and the Middle East highlights why supporting UK bed manufacturers
has never been more important or more prudent. The conflict has caused major disruption to the shipping routes through the Red Sea and the Gulf. Container traffic through these channels has dropped significantly, forcing ships to reroute around Africa, adding weeks to lead times and incurring increased fuel, insurance and freight costs.
‘We all remember the impact that Covid had on the availability and costs of containers.
Shipping routes have been disrupted
‘On the whole, UK bed manufacturers do not rely on these shipping routes. The vast majority of their components are sourced locally, nationally or from Europe. With protection from the kind of geopolitical turmoil we are currently experiencing, it allows them to offer quicker, more consistent delivery lead times, not to mention greater control over product quality.
‘The NBF has found UK-made products are more likely to be compliant, as evidenced by our due diligence purchasing of mattresses over several years. Compared to many mattresses imported from Asia, UK-manufactured products – especially those made by NBF-approved members who undergo strict audits – are more likely to comply with UK flammability and product safety regulations. There’s also more chance
that a UK-made mattress will adhere to trade description law, ie the specification is as advertised. If it states it contains 1,500 pocket springs, a 5cm layer of memory foam and five comfort zones, then that’s what you’ll find if you were to cut the mattress open. Can you confidently say the same for mattresses sourced via wholesalers, distributors and importers?
‘Of course, consumer safety is of paramount importance, but there are other factors to be considered. Buying
and selling British-made mattresses supports UK manufacturers, preserves jobs, and contributes to the national economy. Local sourcing keeps money circulating within the UK rather than being spent overseas. Then there’s the environmental impact of importing from the other side of the world. Selling domestically made mattresses and beds appeals to the ever-increasing number of eco-conscious consumers who value reduced transport emissions and sustainable practices.
‘There are also marketing and branding advantages to be had. Retailers can leverage the “locally made” or “British craftsmanship” angle in marketing campaigns, appealing to consumers who want to support local businesses. “Made in Britain” or “Made in the UK” can still command a premium price due to perceived higher quality and ethical sourcing. Working in close collaboration with UK bed manufacturers also allows retailers to request bespoke designs or own-label ranges, further improving margins and offering a degree of exclusivity to counteract price comparison shopping.
‘UK bed manufacturers are more likely to offer efficient after-sales support, with clear policies on guarantees and warranties, repairs and replacements, providing retailers and consumers with peace of mind that, should anything go wrong, they won’t be left high and dry.’
Visit: bedfed.org.uk
Buying British can see better after-sales support
Simon Williams
NBF member products undergo safety testing
It’s the ONLY place to see the largest gathering of leading components, fillings and service suppliers to the UK and Irish bed industry side by side with bed manufacturers.
Build relationships, share ideas and discover cutting-edge technology and fillings in the world of beds.
• A must attend event for those in mattress purchasing, production, and new product development
• Source with confidence from NBF supplier members
networking opportunities • Latest innovations, offers and promotions in one place • Free entry and parking
Returning sustainability
Materials once dismissed are key for reducing environmental impacts
Sustainability in the mattress industry is often framed as a future challenge. Yet, in many ways, it is a return to what has always worked. Long before polyurethane foam became the standard, mattresses were built with natural fibres: breathable, resilient materials that supported comfort in a simple, effective way. Wool, cotton, horsehair and coconut fibres were not alternatives: they were the foundation of sleep.
As the industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, these materials are again to the fore, not only for designing sustainability back into sleep but also for performance.
‘At Enkev, we see this shift not as a trend but as a necessary evolution. Sustainability is no longer something that can be added at the end of the process. It must be designed into the mattress from the very beginning. This is where eco-design becomes critical. It is not only about how a mattress feels but how it is constructed, what materials are used and what happens at the end of its life. It means creating products that are breathable, durable and comfortable, while also being designed for separation, recovery and reuse. True sustainability extends beyond materials and manufacturing. Packaging, logistics and end-of-life solutions are increasingly part of the conversation. While mattress recycling remains complex, progress is being made through improved material
selection and system-level thinking,’ says Chris Francis, Enkev UK md.
For consumers, this translates into something simple: a better night’s sleep, built on materials they trust. ‘Natural fibres offer a unique advantage in this transition. Our PURe materials, such as coconut fibres and horsehair, combine sustainability with inherent performance. Their open structures allow for continuous airflow, effective moisture regulation and long-term resilience: delivering comfort that lasts, night after night,’ says Francis.
At the same time, expectations are evolving. Consumers are more aware of what is inside their mattress, how it is made and how it contributes to a healthier sleep environment. Breathability, freshness and durability are no longer added features: they are essential.
‘This is where innovation comes into play. The next generation of mattresses
will not rely on a single material or technology but on smart combinations, by integrating natural fibres with advanced design and engineering to enhance comfort, extend product life and reduce environmental impact. We work closely with our partners to support these developments: helping translate material science into real, tangible benefits for the consumer, while ensuring solutions remain scalable and commercially viable. Achieving greater sustainability in the bedding sector is not the result of a single innovation. It is the outcome of many interconnected decisions, made across the entire value chain.
‘In that sense, the future of sleep is not entirely new. It is a refinement of what has always worked: natural materials, intelligently applied and designed for the expectations of today’s consumer.’
Visit: enkev.com
Consumers want materials they trust
Wool, cotton, horsehair and coconut fibres were the foundation of sleep
PURe materials combine sustainability with inherent performance
BEDS
Spring showcase
Wiemann will be on the road this month
Wiemann will bring its latest premium bedroom ranges to trade exhibitions around the country this spring. The German manufacturer is exhibiting new luxury ranges featuring horizontal and vertical lighting: a design innovation from the family-run business that adds atmosphere and practicality to its furniture.
‘Visitors will be enchanted by the stylish embedded lighting and the extra dimension it can add to our wardrobes. Take Macao. It is a VIP series slider featuring clean architectural lines. The vertical or horizontal embedded lighting adds refinement and sophistication. It creates a mood and brings premium looks to any bedroom,’ says Kai Schwenke, Wiemann export manager.
Macao has already established itself as a bestseller among Wiemann’s newfor-2026 offerings. ‘Macao is available in a variety of finishes, colours and lighting options. For one range, it can deliver a broad spectrum of looks – particularly effective for those refreshing their shop floor displays.’
Other VIP ranges from the latest Wiemann collection include Cremona, notable for its heartwood-effect panels and tasteful vertical lighting. ‘Cremona is a classy addition to any bedroom, with the heartwood bringing a touch of luxury,’ says Schwenke.
Clever design is also a feature of Ambiero. The contemporary range offers hinged, bi-fold and combi doors and
features a unique, horizontal textured glass dimple-effect panel that adds interest to any bedroom. ‘Ambiero shouts modernity and cutting-edge vogue. It’s a striking look. It comes in moody lava grey or soothing soft champagne – both options can be glass or matt.’
‘Wiemann has always excelled at looking after its retailers, and the latest collections offer innovation, style and flexibility alongside the high quality the brand has long been known for. The business recently celebrated 125 years in business and is now into its third decade of partnership with Litmus Furniture, proving what a tried, trusted
and reliable brand it is. We have always been impressed with Wiemann’s dedication to excellent design, quality and value, and the latest crop of ranges emphasise that even more,’ says Simon Hewitt, md of Litmus Furniture, Wiemann UK and Ireland agent.
Wiemann will be exhibiting at Long Point and Spring Furniture Show this month. ‘We also have two permanent UK showrooms: in Long Eaton, Derbyshire and Harlow, Essex, where appointments are always available to view the collection. Email enquiries@ wiemannuk.co.uk,’ says Hewitt. Visit: wiemannuk.co.uk
Macao
Ambiero
Cremona
Fundamentals
Integrated supply chains, combining advanced technologies and manufacturing expertise are key
In an increasingly competitive and fastmoving market, operational excellence is no longer optional: it is fundamental. Leggett & Platt Springs UK is a fully integrated supply partner, combining advanced comfort technologies with manufacturing expertise and a forward-thinking mindset to help customers perform at their best.
From next-generation innerspring systems to semi-finished foam and hybrid assemblies, it supports manufacturers in unlocking greater product performance, production efficiency and commercial value.
‘Our portfolio spans advanced spring technologies; added-value solutions such as foam encapsulation, insulator applications and micro-coil lamination; plus semi-finished and category-defining upholstery-ready combinations: all designed to simplify processes while enhancing comfort and durability at finished product level.
‘Innovation underpins everything we do. Through continual development across materials, design and manufacturing processes, we ensure our partners benefit from the latest advancements in comfort technology, without adding complexity to their operations. Whether improving performance, stability, edge support jjor component integration,
our solutions are engineered to deliver measurable gains on the production floor and in the end-product,’ says Adam Ball, Leggett & Platt Springs UK commercial manager.
‘Operational excellence is embedded into our supply model. With a vertically integrated UK manufacturing footprint, we focus on optimisation, streamlined workflows and consistent quality output. Automated capabilities, scalable capacity and just-in-time delivery enable us to respond quickly to changing demand, helping customers remain agile while reducing cost and operational risk.
‘Value added and semi-finished solutions play a key role in this approach. By supplying pre-assembled spring and foam combinations, foam encased units, laminated layers, compressed hybrid components and more, we help reduce
handling, minimise transport and warehousing requirements, and optimise labour efficiency. Many assemblies can be compressed and rolled, improving space utilisation and accelerating throughput: creating a smoother, more resource-efficient manufacturing journey.
‘Backed by continued investment in technology, capacity and awardwinning processes, Leggett & Platt Springs UK delivers the reliability, consistency and innovation needed to strengthen product portfolios and enhance market competitiveness. For those seeking breakthrough comfort solutions, dependable supply continuity and a partner committed to operational excellence, Leggett & Platt Springs UK is ready to help move your business forward with confidence.’
Visit: beddingcomponents-intl.com
Value added and semi-finished solutions play a key role
Building Blocks for Your Success
Elevating Operational Excellence from the Ground Up.
From next‑generation spring technologies to advanced foam solutions, we provide the components you need to succeed. Our integrated capabilities enhance product value, optimise operations, and strengthen financial outcomes. With connected supply chains and close customer collaboration, we enable smarter planning, greater efficiency, and faster responsiveness throughout the entire manufacturing journey.
Sheltering environment
LieLow’s leather is left free to crease and gather, celebrating softness
LieLow is Faye Toogood’s second design for Poltrona Frau, after 2024’s Squash. The company’s theme for its 2026 collection is True Over Time, which celebrates the authenticity of a design faithful to its roots and projected toward the future. Toogood embodies this approach: from the very beginning of her collaboration she has drawn on the brand’s historical archive, reinterpreting its heritage through a contemporary and artistic lens.
In the LieLow bed, echoes resonate of the curves of the iconic Vanity Fair armchair by Renzo Frau, while the wide, generous headboard evokes the forms of the Rondo by Tito Agnoli, one of the most iconic beds in the Poltrona Frau catalogue: a homage that celebrates continuity between past and present.
LieLow reflects Toogood’s vision of a serene and sheltering environment: a place of retreat. Each piece demonstrates its tactile richness and an attention to detail expressed through measured gestures that reveal themselves only up close. The leather is left free to crease and gather, celebrating softness.
At its centre, the bed is defined by low, enveloping, almost earthbound lines, yet it seems to float thanks to its cylindrical aluminium legs upholstered in Pelle Frau leather, which lend the silhouette a sense of suspension, ready to carry you into a dream. The headboard embraces the eye even before it embraces the body.
Alongside the bed, a series of bedside tables – available with either a drawer or an open shelf – echo the curve of the headboard in their top surface.
The true innovation of LieLow lies in how the leather is treated: not stretched with geometric precision but left free to crease, gather and move. The folds are not a flaw to be corrected but a precise formal choice: a gesture that translates into material form the idea of softness and comfortable surrender.
‘I have been working with the Poltrona Frau craftspeople for some years now. There is nothing they do not know about
working with leather. I want to celebrate the company’s practical knowledge and mastery, while proposing new ways of thinking about the process and the material. Instead of being stretched with precision, the leather of LieLow is yielding, which gives it movement and malleability. It is a bed that embraces you entirely,’ says Toogood.
Visit: poltronafrau.com
‘The leather of LieLow is yielding, which gives it movement and malleability’
LieLow is Faye Toogood’s second collaboration with Poltrona Frau
The full story
Things we use every day deserve to last
For more than 20 years, Staingard has been driven by a simple but powerful belief: the things we use every day deserve to last.
Founded with a focus on protecting and prolonging the life of furniture, the company has grown into a trusted name in complete furniture care, supporting both trade partners and consumers with solutions that combine performance, practicality and value.
From the outset, Staingard identified a clear gap in the market. While furniture was designed with comfort and style in mind, its aftercare was often overlooked. Spills, stains and everyday wear could quickly diminish even the highest quality pieces. Staingard set out to change that: developing a comprehensive range of products designed to clean, protect and maintain furniture and placing innovation
firmly at the heart of its growth.
The company has continuously refined and expanded its range over the past two decades to meet evolving customer needs and modern lifestyles. Whether tackling spills in busy family homes or preserving the finish of premium furniture, Staingard has built a reputation for delivering solutions that work.
That original vision has evolved into a complete range of care products and plans. This progression is exemplified by the introduction and success of Protect6: a six-year care plan designed for furniture, cabinets, beds and carpets. Protect6 not only enhances customer outcomes but also gives retailers greater control, offering a smarter, more effective aftercare solution.
The commitment to innovation is reflected in the launch of the latest new product, the Cool Pillow collection.
‘Created with comfort and wellbeing in mind, the range combines thoughtful
design with advanced materials to enhance sleep quality. As the importance of restorative sleep becomes increasingly recognised, Staingard has extended its expertise into this growing category. The Cool Pillow collection features three expertly engineered pillows, each designed to regulate temperature and promote a cooler, more comfortable night’s sleep. By combining breathable materials with supportive construction, the range adapts to different sleeping styles while maintaining consistent comfort. The result is a collection that not only improves rest but also reflects the same attention to detail and quality that defines the Staingard brand,’ says the company.
‘Staingard combines product excellence with retail performance. Known for leading solutions in furniture care and healthy living, we have also invested heavily in systems that support retailers beyond the point of sale. This approach equips partners with best-inclass products and the tools to improve efficiency, strengthen customer service and grow sustainably. By aligning innovation with real-world retail needs, we help drive stronger margins while maintaining high standards of regulatory compliance: delivering value for both retailers and their customers.’
staingard.co.uk
Protect6 is a six-year care plan
Cool Pillow POS
Staingard will be showing its full range at Spring Furniture & Bed Show this month
Refresh
Accent seating provides an easy entry point and immediate visual impact
As the outdoor season moves into its peak trading period, attention is turning to the role of smaller, more accessible furniture pieces in driving incremental sales. While full dining and lounge sets remain a vital part of the sector, many consumers are looking for simple ways to refresh their outdoor spaces without committing to a complete redesign: proving an opportunity for accent seating such as lounge chairs and deck chairs which provide an easy entry point for customers, combining lower price points with immediate visual impact.
‘These pieces are not only highly merchandisable but also encourage add-on purchases, helping to build basket value through complementary styling. Gallery’s current outdoor range reflects this demand, with a strong selection of in-stock seating designed to support the season. The Siena lounge chair range, in a spectrum of colours including pastry, rust, wasabi, grey and taupe, allows retailers to introduce subtle colour variation or build more expressive displays depending on their customer base. These tonal options make it easy to create cohesive yet visually interesting outdoor settings,’ says Peter Delaney, Gallery product and sales director.
Deck chairs bring an added layer of personality. ‘Available in classic stripe, flora and more playful prints, including statement designs such as ice lollies
and the Union flag, they offer a point of difference on the shop floor. These more distinctive styles can act as conversation pieces, drawing attention and encouraging impulse purchases. Importantly, the majority of these lines are available from stock, enabling retailers to respond quickly to seasonal demand. As consumers look to make immediate updates to their outdoor spaces, speed of fulfilment becomes a key factor in securing sales,’ says Delaney.
Gallery will be exhibiting at SOLEX at the NEC from 7–9 July, where it will
present a preview of new outdoor designs for 2027, including an expanded offer in teak, alongside the current collection.
‘We’re excited about the direction outdoor is taking and the newness we’re bringing through as a result. It’s a category that continues to evolve, and we’re seeing real appetite from customers for fresh design, colour and materials. SOLEX is a great opportunity for us to showcase that progress and give an early look at what’s coming next.’
Visit: gallerydirect.co.uk
Evolution of comfort
Feather Encore Airwave has been awarded FIRA Gold status
Comfort has always been at the heart of great furniture design. Yet true comfort is never fixed: it evolves with craftsmanship, innovation and the changing ways people live. At Fibreline, this belief has guided the development of Feather Encore Airwave, an advanced feather cushion system that reimagines traditional luxury for contemporary upholstery and has now been awarded FIRA Gold status.
Airwave honours the heritage of feather filling while introducing a new level of performance and consistency. It delivers the natural softness and relaxed elegance associated with feather cushions, while addressing the demands of longevity, resilience and everyday use. The result is a seating experience that feels indulgent yet dependable: refined comfort engineered for modern living.
At its core lies a philosophy of precision. Curated feather blends are paired with an innovative internal construction that allows the cushion
to breathe and recover naturally. This enables Airwave to retain its loft and structure while offering a welcoming, effortless sit. Softness is no longer at odds with support: instead, the two exist in harmony.
What distinguishes Feather Encore Airwave is its balance: heritage materials shaped by modern engineering; luxury strengthened by reliability, and softness elevated through performance. It enhances not only the comfort of a seat but the character of the furniture itself.
FIRA Gold is independent recognition of durability, performance and quality at the highest level. It validates Fibreline’s expertise, technical knowledge and craftsmanship, reinforcing a commitment to excellence that extends far beyond the finished product.
Supporting this innovation is continued investment in the future of feather manufacturing. With the acquisition of an additional facility, Fibreline has expanded production
capacity while safeguarding the meticulous processes that define its standards. Increased capability ensures reliable supply, while every cushion remains rooted in careful material selection and precise manufacturing control. Visit: fibreline-ltd.co.uk
Every cushion is rooted in careful material selection and precise manufacturing control
Beyond efficiency
Integration enables clarity and supports better decision-making
Furniture retail has always been a complex business: configurable products, long lead times, high-value transactions and intricate delivery logistics mean that success depends on precision, visibility and control. Yet many retailers are still managing these demands using disconnected systems, spreadsheets and manual processes that were never designed to support modern retail operations.
‘As the industry evolves, there is a clear shift towards integrated furniture retail software. More businesses are recognising that the way they run their operations is just as important as what they sell. At its core, furniture retail software brings every key function of the business into a single, connected platform. Sales, stock control, delivery scheduling, finance and customer data are no longer managed in isolation. Instead, they work together to provide a consistent and accurate view of performance across the entire organisation. This unified approach removes the need for duplicate data entry and eliminates the inconsistencies that often arise when systems do not communicate,’ says Stephen Connolly, Ordorite ceo.
‘The limitations of traditional setups are becoming increasingly apparent. When data is fragmented, time is lost reconciling information, and teams
are forced to rely on outdated reports. Decisions are delayed, errors are more likely and opportunities are often missed. While these inefficiencies may appear minor in isolation, they have a cumulative impact on profitability, customer experience and the ability to scale.’
By contrast, integrated systems provide real-time visibility. Retailers can see what is happening across every store, warehouse and department instantly, from sales performance and stock levels to delivery status and financial data.
This level of clarity enables faster, more confident decision-making and allows businesses to respond to challenges as they arise, rather than after the fact.
‘Inventory management is one of the most immediate areas of improvement. With accurate, real-time data, retailers can avoid tying up cash in slow-moving stock while ensuring that high-demand products remain available. Delivery operations also benefit significantly, with integrated scheduling tools enabling more efficient route planning, better resource allocation and clearer communication with customers,’ says Connolly.
Perhaps one of the most overlooked advantages is the reduction in administrative workload. Tasks that once required hours of manual input, such as stock reconciliation or reporting, can be
automated within a connected system. This frees up teams to focus on more valuable activities, including customer service, sales and strategic planning.
‘As businesses grow, the importance of integration becomes even more pronounced. Additional stores or departments, larger inventories and increased delivery volumes all introduce new layers of complexity. Without the right systems in place, this growth can quickly become difficult to manage. An integrated platform provides the infrastructure needed to scale efficiently, ensuring that processes remain consistent and visibility is maintained.
‘The direction of travel for the furniture and bedding sector is clear. Retailers who invest in connected, end-to-end systems are better positioned to operate efficiently, deliver a stronger customer experience and adapt to changing market conditions. Platforms such as Ordorite are designed specifically for this environment, combining operational functionality with real-time insight through tools like Vision IQ.
‘The benefits of furniture retail software extend far beyond efficiency. They enable clarity, support better decision-making and create a foundation for sustainable growth. In an increasingly competitive, data-driven market, the ability to connect and simplify operations is essential.’
Visit: ordorite.com
Long Point
Networking
Exhibitors will host visitors across 15 locations
This month sees focus turn to Long Eaton as Spring Long Point returns from 11-13 May, taking place across a network of 15 showroom locations, 14 of which are in or within close proximity to the Derbyshire town.
The event will see 30 exhibitors unveil a wide spectrum of creative designs, demonstrating the strength and diversity of British furniture.
Among the Long Eaton Guild members, Artistic Upholstery will introduce its Mythos showwood collection, made fully in-house, while sister company Iain James Furniture –the only UK cabinet manufacturer on show – will be showcasing new occasional furniture alongside, including a striking media unit in Burr Oak. David Gundry Fine Furniture will present its
award-winning high-end collections, reinforcing the enduring appeal of British craftsmanship at the premium end of the market. Gascoigne Designs will highlight a diverse range of luxury furnishings, from opulent Italian handcarved showwood designs to traditional pieces, alongside a bespoke service.
Luxury upholstery remains a defining theme. This year, Duresta, G Plan
Gascoigne Designs
Artistic Upholstery
Duresta
Long Point
and Parker Knoll will be showcasing their latest collections together, from the Parker Knoll headquarters in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
Siren Furniture will present recently introduced designs alongside some of its most-established models. The newest additions draw inspiration from Ireland, where landscape and heritage inform soft forms, relaxed comfort and a grounded character: bringing warmth and individuality to contemporary upholstery. The Prestige and Ashley Manor collections will be among those on show from Buoyant Upholstery, while Meridian Upholstery will introduce two models developed specifically for the show. Tamarisk will showcase its newest bench-made upholstered furniture, including enhanced seat interiors designed to deliver increased comfort and support.
Cabinet and dining furniture also feature strongly. Hartmann Möbel introduces the Vala and Audra collections, combining solid wood craftsmanship with contemporary finishes, while Wiemann brings new bedroom ranges including the Macao VIP series, incorporating integrated lighting and architectural detailing. Carlton & Vintage continues to evolve its distinctive patchwork aesthetic with the Toffee Patchwork range, while Michael Tyler
G Plan
Michael Tyler
Tamarisk
Bluebone
Siren Furniture
Hartmann Möbel
Furniture marks its 50th anniversary with new models and fabrics.
The show also has new exhibitors: Paulus & Brown, specialising in handcrafted furniture for bespoke, retail and contract projects; Bradbery & Cooke, showcasing handcrafted furniture blending traditional methods with contemporary design; Covercraft, unveiling a new showroom concept focused on versatile upholstery solutions
and Wallace & Howe, highlighting Long Eaton made upholstery combining traditional British craftsmanship with contemporary design, including the Steed Upholstery and Peter Guild brands.
Among the returning exhibitors, Bluebone will present a characterful mix of furniture and accessories, including reclaimed teak dining tables, statement room dividers and oversized coffee tables, alongside new additions such as
Hardwick oak dining and Lille cabinetry in smoked oak and rattan. Abode will build on the success of Placid and Lille bedroom, with the introduction of Lille living and dining, supported by upholstery and accessories. Violino will unveil a fully refreshed showroom concept, with every sofa group new for the exhibition. The collection spans a wide range of UK-focused designs across static and power models, complemented by new fabrics and leathers. At The Helm and Hydeline will bring together signature At The Helm styles – from classic chesterfields to relaxed contemporary forms – with a stock-led programme designed for quick delivery and Hydeline’s upholstery across a wide choice of leathers and fabrics.
Peter Cook will have its components and machinery on show; Warwick Fabrics will showcase its latest designs and WEBS Training will highlight its focus on developing skills and apprenticeships. Visit: longeatonguild.co.uk
Violino
Warwick Fabrics
Buoyant Upholstery
At The Helm
Adobe Hjort Knudsen
Spring Furniture & Bed Show
Trusted
Established furniture and bed brands will be taking part
Spring Furniture & Bed Show brings together a line-up of well-known and trusted furniture and bed brands, offering retailers the chance to explore new collections, assess quality first hand, and build new relationships and strengthen existing partnerships with key suppliers.
Alongside these established names, a diverse range of service providers will be showcasing solutions designed to enhance retail performance and
EXHIBITORS
engagement, from system-related initiatives to delivery/logistics services and digital tools.
The show will also feature two practical short seminars each day (20 May 11.30am Sealy and 2.30pm Abacus Solutions, and 21 May 10.30am Papaya Trading and 12pm Tancredi Salotti). These are designed to focus on helping retailers refine and elevate the services they provide to consumers, through improved customer experience, smarter
operations or added-value offerings driving greater profitability.
Spring Furniture & Bed Show is organised by Minerva Furniture Group, with the show open to all retailers. The Telford International Centre is well-connected by road and rail, and attendees can enjoy a complimentary lunch. Visitors are encouraged to cast their votes in the show’s Best Stand award.
Visit springfurnitureshow.co.uk
Concepts, NFU Mutual, Nova Sleep, One Call Furniture, Papaya Trading, Primavera Furniture (UK), Purecare, R White Cabinets, Relyon Beds, RetailSystem, Samer Furniture, Sealy, Seetall Furniture, Shankar, Sherborne Upholstery, Space Works Interiors, Staingard, Sunnii Lifestyle, Tancredi Salotti, Value Mark Furniture, Welcome Furniture, West Midlands Upholstery, Whitemeadow Furniture, Wiemann and Zoy Furniture.
That’s how little our Self-Adhesive Felt is, to save you repairs and insurance claims of £1000s
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Fundamental shift
Dramatic operational efficiency gains are available, freeing staff to sell
‘Momentum matters, and right now it’s firmly with furniture retailers ready to modernise,’ says Wayne Robbins, Iconography director, as the company prepares to exhibit at the Spring Furniture & Bed Show this month.
‘We’re looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones. The conversations we’re having right now are different to even a year ago. Retailers aren’t just browsing ideas: they’re actively looking for change.’
At the centre of those conversations is OMNIS Retail, Iconography’s platform designed to do the heavy lifting needed by furniture and bed retailers. ‘A big part of that is the fact OMNIS Retail is a truly unified system. One database, real-time stock visibility, and the same platform powering both ecommerce and in-store sales. That removes duplication, reduces errors and gives retailers complete confidence in their data.
‘Speaking with clients who have embraced the system, it’s clear that real world results continue to resonate. One used to have 10 people tied up in order processing. Today, that same workload is handled by one person, first thing in the morning. That’s a fundamental shift in how the business operates,’ says Robbins. He says operational efficiency gains are a consistent theme. ‘Another retailer now processes 150 orders in the time it previously took to send just one. For others, the time savings are stark: we’ve
seen businesses go from spending three days clearing weekend orders to completing the same task in a single morning. That kind of change frees up teams to focus on selling, not admin.
‘Catalogue growth also becomes easier to manage. One client doubled their SKU count without increasing headcount, something that simply wasn’t possible when products had to be uploaded individually. With OMNIS Retail, bulk management and automation remove that bottleneck entirely.’
Iconography continue to engage with retailers moving away from legacy
platforms. ‘We currently have several Minerva members in build. They’ve reached a point where their existing systems can’t support the way they want to trade, and OMNIS Retail can solve so many of these common pain points.
‘Retailers know where they need to get to. Our job is to make that transition practical and commercially worthwhile. Visitors to stand 21 at the show can expect straightforward conversations, platform demonstrations and a clear view of what modern retail infrastructure can look like in practice.’
Visit: iconography.co.uk/omnis
Staff can spend more time selling
Wayne Robbins
Mike Whitman, Iconography head of product and Chris Bland, Iconography business development executive
Solidity
Global concerns were no match for Salone
Fears that conflict would deter the interiors industry from Milan were unfounded, with the 64th edition of
Salone attracting 316,342 visitors –an increase of 4.5% – from 167 different countries, including a 10% rise from
the UK. Across the following pages we present the highlights. Visit: salonemilano.it
Illulian’s Moonshadow, part of the Design Collection, is distinguished by its irregular profile and a delicate palette of beige, grey and ivory, evoking the surface of the moon
Porro updated the choice of finishes of Ventiquattro’s 80mm tubular steel frame
Knoll updated 1973’s Morrison Hannah Chair for North America in 2024: now the rest of the world can share it
A catalyst for conviviality, Ethimo’s Loop encourages users to gather
After rainfall, the barren desert comes to life and colours burst through as delicate flowers open: the starting point for Gol Nura by Jan Kath
The backrest and armrest of Twils’ Plane adjust like aerodynamic surfaces in flight, modulating posture
‘Orma was born from the desire to translate the act of resting into form. I imagined a continuous surface, capable of welcoming the body and allowing itself to be moulded by its presence, transforming comfort into a spatial experience made up of balance, continuity and protection,’ says Carlo Colombo of his bed for Flou.
Slide addressed wider concerns, introducing recycled plastic across its designs, as part of ending the use of virgin materials
Designed to stand at the centre of an outdoor space, Milos from Desiree has a movable backrest and removable cover
Two decades after the Air bookcase, Air Roundy does what it says on the tin
With its large, folded cushion, Kartell’s Super Tubby invites you to relax in comfort and enjoy the space around you
gave life to the prototypes, sketches and concepts of
products across five
ClassiCon marked the centenary of Eileen Gray’s Bibendum with 100 limited edition pieces in sand nubuck leather and nickel-plated tubular steel frame. It is based on an 1920s original, which was auctioned by Christie’s in 2020 for just under US$700,000.
Nube’s velvet Greg had a 1970s vibe
Straight lines summed up Living Divani’s launches, particularly in the case of The Edge
Gervasoni’s Club table now has curved ends
Prostoria
Vjenceslav Richter (1917-2002) with 20
series
CPRN’s modular Pedro has a mahogany frame and removable cushions
Lema’s
appears monolithic, solid and defined but is lightened by thin profiles and precise proportions
Riva1920 had more than 40 special editions and new designs, including the Cannaregio mirror inspired by Venetian gondoliers’ hats
Cantori marked its 50th anniversary with Maurizio Manzoni’s Ulisse console and dining tables and bookcase with open spiral legs/column
Masami
SK table by Studio Klass and Pat chairs by Jean-Marie Massaud for mdf italia
Claudio Bellini continued his Europeanisation for US manufacturer Caracole
Murphy, by Cattelan Italia, evokes sand dunes shaped by the wind
Egoitalia’s 2026 collection is called THIS IS NOT A COLLECTION. ‘A mental space: a territory where ideas, identity and function come together to shape a coherent narrative. Not a sequence of new products, but a dynamic mosaic of attitude, colour, material and character,’ including Brezza.
The three drawers of Etro Home Interiors’ teardrop Vantus dressing table open with a gentle
twist
Beam and Column are Foster + Partners Industrial Design’s first collaborations with Punt
Porada’s walnut Cut 115 combines two mirrors offering original perspectives depending on the viewer’s position Kensaku Oshiro’s first design for Desalto, Helicon, combines a glass top and spun metal base
Bonaldo’s modular loose cushion Aldebaran uses curves to say ‘I’m comfortable’
Nanimarquina debuted the Lucia Eames Collection, a collection of rugs based on original artworks by American artist Lucia Eames, the daughter of Charles Eames and step-daughter of Ray Eames. It uses several materials to translate her distinctive visual language into woven form.
Arper looked to reduce Aom, designed by Jean-Marie Massaud, to a minimum, including no polyurethane. It has an expanded polypropylene structure and Breathair elastomeric polyester padding.
53 years after its debut, Acerbis added corner elements to Claudio Salocchi’s Free System
Established & Sons’ LayUp, by Nathan Martell, explores the evolving possibilities of 3D-moulded veneer technologies, with bamboo plywood components jointed seamlessly into a singular sculptural form in bamboo, oak or walnut finishes
Cierre’s Dock has a 360deg swivel mechanism with return function, while the siliconised microfibre chambers provide support and relaxation
Audo took the concept of a 1930s Grand Cafe to preview 2026’s introductions
Premier affair
More than 10% of visitors expressed interest in orders over US$1m
The 17th Vietnam International Furniture and Home Accessories Fair (VIFA EXPO 2026) welcomed 17,215 visitors. There were 6,360 international buyers from 110 countries and territories, primarily from key markets such as China, USA, India, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Canada and the UK, as well as emerging potential markets including Mexico, Brazil and the UAE.
The show, held at the WTC EXPO and SKY EXPO exhibition centres, covered 45,000sqm and hosted 650 exhibitors, including 338 Vietnamese enterprises and 312 international companies from 19 countries and territories. Indoor and outdoor furniture again made up the overwhelming majority of the product on show (79%), along with accessories, machinery and supporting services (13%) and handicrafts (8%). Exhibitors secured orders worth US$190m at the
show, as a quarter of buyers expressed their intention to place orders, and 11% of surveyed visitors expressed interest in orders valued at over US$1m.
With a legacy since 2008, VIFA EXPO solidified its status as Vietnam’s longest running and premier furniture exhibition within Asia’s March sourcing circuit of EFE (Malaysia), MIFF (Malaysia), PIFS (Philippines), IFEX (Indonesia) and 3F and CIFF (China). Beyond trade activities, the show offers an integrated ecosystem with industry seminars, free shuttle buses, official hotels, complimentary accommodation for VIP buyers, factory tours and exclusive networking events.
From 2-5 September, Ho Chi Minh City will become the heart of the south-east Asian furniture industry as it hosts the fourth Vietnam International Furniture and Home Accessories Fair ASEAN (VIFA ASEAN 2026). The event is expected to
gather 350 exhibitors from across Vietnam and the ASEAN region.
VIFA ASEAN is the starting point for the Asian Autumn sourcing season, alongside Kofurn (South Korea), MFFM (Malaysia), Maison Shanghai, CIFF Shanghai, Furniture China, and IFFINA (Indonesia), and will showcase indoor and outdoor furniture; home decor; handicrafts; machinery; equipment; accessories; tools and interior design.
The success of VIFA ASEAN 2025 –which welcomed more than 230 companies and 8,926 visitors from 67 countries and territories – reaffirmed Vietnam’s leading role in regional furniture production and exports. By joining VIFA ASEAN 2026, businesses can leverage Vietnam’s strategic position to expand their market reach and strengthen their global brand presence.
Visit: viaasean.com
Exhibitors secured orders worth US$190m
Discover Our Latest Collection at the Spring Furniture & Bed Show!
GFA are thrilled to be exhibiting at this years spring furniture show at the telford international centre. We will be showcasing our new models, featuring a selection of swivel recliners, two-seaters, riser recliners, and the newly added sofa beds to our collection, all featured in soft, commercial fabrics.
Join us in Hall 1, stand 10/11, to experience the perfect blend of comfort and style. Our team can’t wait to welcome you.
COME AND VISIT US - HALL 1, STAND 10/11
EDEN
LUCIA
MILA
SAHARA
BROOKLYN QUINN
ALBA
TITAN
LAYLA
New highs
CIFF set records for visitor numbers and exhibitors
China International Furniture Fair set records for visitor numbers and exhibitors. The 57th edition of the exhibition, CIFF Guangzhou, was held from 18-21 and 28-31 March and saw more than 5,100 brands from 36 countries and regions (including 1,582 new exhibitors) occupy 850,000sqm across 90 halls.
The show attracted a total of 353,106 visitors from 185 countries and regions, including 64,291 overseas attendees: a 13.2% increase.
The exhibition positioned itself as a platform where design, manufacturing and global trade converge, leveraging not just its scale but its ability to
bring together a complete ecosystem of resources, enabling business development, industry exchange and innovation across the furniture value chain.
There was a strong emphasis on emerging lifestyles and evolving consumer needs, reflected by some of the debut themed zones: Healthy Aging; Pet Home; Massage Chairs/Function Sofas and New Retail. The first saw nearly 60 companies combine older consumer-friendly furniture, smart care technologies and service systems.
Home furniture continues to be the largest part of the event (430,000sqm), followed by office and commercial
space (240,000 sqm) and CIFM/interzum guangzhou (170,000 sqm). Design continued to play a central role: 227 design brands, a 9% rise, featured, with 11 design hall clusters covering 96,000sqm, while 15 themed design exhibitions fostered cross-disciplinary exploration and opened new perspectives on the future of home living.
‘The success of CIFF Guangzhou 2026 reflects a broader transformation of the furniture industry towards a more design-driven, technology-enabled and globally connected ecosystem,’ says the organiser. 2027’s show will take place on 18-21 and 28-31 March.
Visit: ciff-gz.com
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Costs for larger recruitment adverts are available upon request.
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Doing business
MIFF generated more than $1.24bn of orders
The Malaysian International Furniture Fair proved its resilience in the face of global uncertainty and challenges, as it underlined its status as south-east Asia’s leading export-oriented furniture trade exhibition.
MIFF’s 32nd edition, held at the World Trade Centre and the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur, generated an estimated US$1.24bn of orders, consistent with its reputation as an international industry barometer in terms of sales performance and business openings.
The sourcing hub hosted 643 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions including China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Turkey, and 18,402 visitors from 123 countries and regions, with China, Japan, USA, India, Singapore, Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, Taiwan and Canada accounting for the majority.
MIFF’s concept of ‘1 Fair, 2 Venues, 17 Halls’ spanned 100,000sqm of
exhibition space as The Muse Hall at WTCKL was unveiled, catering to lifestyle and decor, as well as other new initiatives that included designs talks, industry seminars and the ENERtec roadshow, an initiative that focuses on renewable energy and aligns with MIFF’s long-term commitment to support furniture manufacturers and the overall industry with sustainable environmental, social and economic practices.
The event’s Furniture Excellence Awards was joined by The SELECTS: Origins 1.0, which showcased ’up-andcoming’ designers in collaboration with local manufacturers. The initiative exemplified MIFF’s function as both an export-oriented platform and a hub that supports and cultivates new designers.
‘MIFF 2026, as with previous editions, has always played a crucial role as Asia’s definitive and not-to-be-missed sourcing event in March, and this was again demonstrated by the business discussions
and deals sealed on the show floors,’ says Kelie Lim, MIFF general manager.
‘Despite the situation in the Middle East, our buyers were committed to ensuring the success of their sourcing missions, and we hope that our new initiatives and offerings, including the launch of The Muse Hall, provided them with rewarding trade opportunities and an enhanced MIFF experience.’
Buyers also recorded their appreciation of the event, with comments including: ‘It’s huge and very different from what I’ve seen in South America. The people are incredibly kind and I felt very welcomed’ and ‘Malaysia and the MIFF show are great resources for American, Australian and companies from all over the world to find competitive pricing and quality manufacturing in a great exhibition format.’
The 33rd edition is scheduled to be at WTCKL and MITEC from 1-4 March, 2027. Visit: miff.com.my
