Top Woodworking Trends

Looking for the latest woodworking trends? Here's what's furniture design trends and what design trends are out for 2024!

Part of the joy of woodworking is building something timeless with your own two hands. Something that will last for decades and go on from generation to generation.

But, it can be fun to build with the trends, too.

So, we thought that it would be fun today to jump into the latest trends in woodworking + furniture design to try to predict what will be hot in the upcoming months and year!

What are the woodworking trends for 2024?

Here are some woodworking trends that you are going to be seeing everywhere this year!

Dark Wood Tones

Rich, dark wood tones are coming back into style. If you like to build with cheap lumber, this is bad news. You can use a dark brown stain, but it just never has the look of real dark hardwoods.

But it will be fun to use higher end woods selectively, play around with staining + painting lighter woods, and of course to see those dark hardwood pieces for higher end builds!

Organic + soft shapes

Curves and soft lines are definitely having a moment. This could mean something as simple as a round table or more organic, lagoon-shapes as well.

Think of softer lines and less hard corners, even in leg shapes and hardware designs.

Natural Wood Elements

Natural materials have been trending for a while, and for woodworking this means letting natural wood elements, such as knots, cracks, and unique grain patterns, add character to woodworking projects.

Consider leaving imperfections and edges raw, or preserving them such as with a glass tabletop or clear epoxy pour.

Sustainable Woodworking

The youngest generation is very concerned with sustainability, as they should be. For woodworking, this means a focus on the importance of using sustainably sourced wood in woodworking projects.

This could mean using FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified lumber, reclaimed wood, and salvaged wood.

Using these materials can help with the preservation of natural habitats, the reduction of carbon footprints, and the support of ethical and responsible timber industries.

Pattern Play

Busy patterns are trending, and so is the idea of pattern mixing. If you are adding a textile to your furniture, consider something with a pattern.

You can also bring in this trend with a wallpaper backing on a build such as a bookcase.

Bold Color

Rich, deep, bold colors are definitely trending. When it comes to painted furniture, consider a deep forest green, maroon, or navy blue. You can see all of the trending paint colors here!

Brass hardware

Matte brass hardware is the most popular option at the moment. Definitely stay away from anything too glossy or shiny.

Tinted glass

One more place where we will see bold color is in glass. If you are adding a glass tabletop or cabinet front, consider going with tinted, colored glass. Frosted and smoked glass are a more neutral alternative that is still interesting and trendy!

What woodworking design trends are out for 2024?

I 100% want you to decorate and build furniture that you love. But, trend-wise, these looks are a bit past their peak.

Gray Tones

Gray tones really had their moment in the 2010's, but we have move past them. Instead, focus on rich, warm tones to feel more current.

Matching furniture sets

An eclectic, collected look is in and this means that precisely matching furniture sets are out. You want your furniture to flow but not look like it came in a bedroom set.

Consider going for similar pieces in different colors, or the same wood tone with slightly different lines, even if pieces are the same style.

Arches Everywhere

About 2 years ago, everyone was putting arches everywhere. On bookshelves, in doorways, in cabinets. While arches aren't super dated, they are no longer feeling fresh or interesting.

Horizontal panelling

Horizontal panelling - AKA shiplap - can be timeless. But, it was slapped up quickly in a lot of homes in a non-timeless way. Make it feel more interesting and current by painting it a rich, dark color instead of white.

What are you loving with woodworking lately?