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5 Furniture Must-Haves for 2021

2020 was a year unlike any other, and although 2021 might be just as extraordinary, one thing seems certain: 2021 will be the year of the home. In 2020 we rediscovered its importance, but 2021 is the year we really make our homes our sanctuaries. So we’ve rounded up five furniture must-haves to keep you chic, cosy and on-trend. It’s time to get your WFH zoom background on point, boost your mood with feel-good decor and create a peaceful retreat away from the outside world...
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1. Corner your comfort with a corner sofa

Whether you’re team Netflix or team boxset, one thing’s for sure, we’ve all spent a lot more time on our sofas watching our favourite shows – and that won’t change in 2021. Good or bad, it’s meant we’ve becomes all too familiar with every saggy spring and lumpy cushion of our current sofas. As the most-used piece of furniture in the home after beds, it’s no wonder the nation’s favourite spots are looking a little tired.

Which means 2021 is the perfect time to upgrade. But, what to? Our buyer, Mark Reynolds suggests a classic comfy corner sofa. “Family-sized and ideal for movie marathons and chilled days spent at home, they’re the number one choice for those looking to indulge in a little luxury at home.”

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With deep seats and extra cushioning, they’re made to sit back, stretch out and snuggle up on. “Pile on the scatter cushions and add a soft throw or two to really up the cosy factor,” suggests Lucy Gough, interior stylist.

And if you want to take your comfort to the next level, why not lose yourself for hours on end in the buttery soft cushions of our luxurious leather corner sofas? That certainly sounds like a day well spent to us.

SHOP CORNER SOFAS

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2. Ceramic dining sets are on the menu

During 2020 our dining rooms and kitchens became multi-functional spaces overnight. Now, we need a dining table that can keep up with dinner, homework and zoom meetings – not to mention the endless dinner parties you’ll be having once we can finally have friends and family around again. If you’re looking to get your home ready for all that 2021 brings, a ceramic dining set is the way to go.

Our buyer, Tom St. Quintin, is happy to see ceramic make a comeback. “Ceramic really is a wonder material. It’s heat, stain and scratch-resistant, which means you can keep it looking as good as new, even with little ones and lots of use. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to move around, so you can switch things up whenever you feel like a change."

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Lucy is also excited about what the ceramic table trend means for interiors. “The best thing about ceramic is that it comes in so many different colours and styles, from industrial to modern Scandi, which makes it easy to find a design that suits your personal style." Make your space ‘pop’ with colourful dining chairs and accessorise with a statement vase.

It’s clear to see why ceramic dining sets look set to be one of the most popular pieces this year.

SHOP CERAMIC DINING SETS

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3. Natural sleeping beauty: The natural pocket sprung divan

Has your sleep quality taken a dive over the last few months? You’re not alone. The events of last year have affected many people’s sleep and our Retail Productivity Manager, Iain Marsh, predicts a move towards natural pocket sprung divans.

“If you’re looking to improve your sleep quality, natural pocket sprung divans are a great choice. With high-quality, all-natural materials like British fleece wool and hand-nested springs they offer body-responsive support through the night, which means they’re ideal for light sleepers who toss and turn. And as many of our divans are handcrafted, you can be sure they’ll last for years to come. They’re a real investment piece.”

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You’ll find some of the world’s most comfortable beds in our collection. From Vispring who handcraft elegant natural pocket sprung divans using only the finest materials to Yorkshire-based bedmakers Harrison Spinks who source all their materials locally from their very own farm.

SHOP NATURAL POCKET SPRUNG DIVANS

Good quality sleep is so important to our health and wellbeing, and having a well-made bed to spend the night in can make a massive difference to your days. Head over to Sleep Well, Live Well for everything you need to know to get a great night’s sleep. We bust sleep myths, help you find the perfect mattress and show you how to break bad sleep habits – plus it’s full of expert sleep tips from Dr Ranj.

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4. Desk to impress with your WFH setup

Still working from home at your dining table? That’s so 2020. A home office is a must-have in our new post-pandemic world, especially if you unexpectedly find yourself sharing your kitchen table with unruly mini colleagues.

Buyer Lauren Davenport tells us, “Going into 2021, it’s clear that having a dedicated workspace is becoming a must-have – even if you don’t have a separate office. Whether you’re looking for a fold away design to slot into a compact open-plan flat or a desk for a dedicated home office, you’ll find a design to suit your space and your work needs in our collection.”

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If you’re lucky enough to have a designated office space, Lucy Gough advises, “Choose a desk with built-in storage to keep organised, then use the extra floor space for plants to create a productive and calming work environment.”

SHOP HOME OFFICE DESKS

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5. Mood-boosting accessories

Sometimes a quick refresh to your space is just the lift you need. Our surroundings have a huge impact on how we feel, and it can be as simple as a pop of colour or a well-placed lamp.

One of Lucy’s favourite ways of enhancing the cosiness of your home is with rugs, “Rugs are such an easy way to up those cosy Hygge vibes. Soft underfoot and a splash of colour at the same time - they can instantly transform a room.”

She’s also a big advocate of mood-boosting lighting. “So much of how a room makes us feel is down to having the right lighting. Make sure you have at least one floor lamp or table lamp in addition to your ceiling light.”

Finally, Lucy suggests, “Look for accessories that bring you joy. Whether that’s a piece of beautiful wall art or photos of loved ones, creating a retreat from the outside world that’s full of things that make you smile is central to making your house a home.”

SHOP LIGHTING

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We hope you enjoyed reading our five furniture must-haves for the coming year. Remember to share your creations with us on Instagram with #MYFVHOME – we’d love to see them. You’ll even get to feature on our inspirational customer gallery. Here’s to 2021 being your home’s most stylish year yet.

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