Design in Motion: What We Saw at Clerkenwell Design Week 2025

Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 reminded us why it remains the beating heart of the UK’s commercial furniture scene.

From reimagined classics to touchable textures and ergonomic artistry, this year’s edition was a celebration of design that soothes, supports, and inspires. At Chairplan, we keep a close eye on design movements that influence the way people sit, work, and relax—and this year’s event delivered in spades.

Here are the standout trends that caught our attention and will be shaping interiors in the months to come:

1. Mid-Century Modern, Reimagined

Mid-century style is back, but not as you know it. Designers gave classic silhouettes a modern makeover using eco-conscious materials and plush finishes. Think Eames-era curves fused with today’s emphasis on sustainability and multifunctional living.

What we saw:

• Elegant walnut and oak-framed seating with soft, sweeping lines.
• Modular sofas with 1950s proportions, adapted for today’s lounge-centric lifestyles.
• A subtle shift from retro imitation to meaningful reinvention, these are statement pieces with a conscience.

Tip: When incorporating mid-century pieces into modern workspaces, balance vintage forms with modern function… pair a sculptural chair with height-adjustable desks or integrate retro finishes into agile furniture systems.

2. Bouclé, Shearling and Soft-to-Touch Textures

Comfort-driven furniture continues to lead the way, with tactile surfaces playing a big role across seating, panels and breakout areas. Bouclé, shearling, velvet and chenille were everywhere – chosen as much for how they feel as how they look.

Why it matters:
Post-pandemic, people want interiors that offer warmth and comfort. In both home and commercial spaces, soft textures are becoming a key ingredient in design-led office furniture.

Tip: For high-traffic areas, opt for tactile fabrics with commercial-grade durability ratings (e.g. Martindale >50,000 rubs). Look for removable covers or cleanable finishes to maintain that soft, fresh look long-term.

3. Curves Take Centre Stage

One of the biggest visual shifts this year was the move away from straight lines. From desk shapes to room dividers, curves are back… and they’re here to stay.

We spotted:

• Kidney-shaped tables and organically curved coffee surfaces
• Soft-edged chairs designed to follow the body’s natural shape
• Sofas and collaborative seating with blob-like, sculptural forms

The takeaway:
Curves aren’t just a style choice, they promote a gentler interaction between people and the space around them, bringing ergonomics and emotion into the same conversation.

Tip: Use curved furniture to break up long linear layouts or square rooms. Introducing curves can soften acoustics and help define breakout zones without needing structural walls.

4. A New Approach to Colour

The dominant palette this year mixed muted, earthy tones with bold pops of statement colour. Soft sage, ochre and sand formed a calming base, while vivid blues, pinks and greens provided impact.

Also trending:

• Tinted glass and coloured resin on tables and side units
• Mixed materials to create contrast between smooth and textured finishes

Tip: Use bolder colours in collaboration areas to energise creativity, and keep muted, grounding tones in focus zones. This balance supports both productivity and mood throughout the day.

5. Patterns With Purpose

Pattern is back, and this time, it’s all about meaning. Designers are using prints and textures to tell stories, with visuals inspired by natural forms, landscapes and geometric frameworks.

From acoustic panels to upholstery, we saw a split between two directions:

• Clean, graphic geometry (grids, stripes, tessellations)
• Organic, flowing forms (leaf prints, brushstrokes)

The message? Pattern isn’t just for decoration, it’s a design tool for bringing character to workplace interiors.

6. Rethinking Zones and Space Division

One of the more interesting shifts was the move away from rigid partitioning. Instead of harsh grids or fixed storage units, designers leaned into organic zoning – using soft curves, flowing dividers and lighter materials.

Frem Group’s Abstract Zonal Room Divider system was a popular talking point, offering a more flexible and people-friendly way to define space in open-plan environments. Discover the Abstract Zonal system →

Tip: Modular dividers and soft zoning solutions are ideal for teams that need flexibility. Choose designs that can be reconfigured or moved as the team grows or working styles change.

Chairplan Highlights at Clerkenwell

Among the eye-catching pieces at this year’s show, our Monochrome Sett #6 chair (textile by Camira), reimagined in a bold new fabric, was a real talking point. The graphic pattern brought a confident energy to the space and sparked plenty of conversation about print in workplace design.

We also had strong interest in our Flex seating – a versatile solution for breakout zones, agile workspaces and informal collaboration. Visitors loved the clean lines and customisable finish options, proving that flexible furniture can still make a strong visual statement.

Final Thoughts: Design That Puts People First

Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 showed us that the most exciting office furniture trends aren’t just about looks – they’re about feel. Whether it’s a chair that supports better posture or a colour palette that softens the room, the best design is human-centred.

As we move forward, the focus is on sustainable furniture, sensory experience and emotional connection – and we’re excited to continue shaping that future here at Chairplan.

Ready to bring these design trends into your next project?

We’d love to help. From ergonomic seating to bespoke workspace furniture solutions, get in touch to speak to our design team.