Date
february 10th 2025
Contact
Cecilia Tjärnberg
This year’s edition of the Stockholm Furniture Fair offered an interesting and inspiring experience. Although the fair was smaller in scale compared to previous years, it was marked by a thoughtful and focused presentation. We noticed a clear shift in attention—from spectacular displays to a more relevant and genuine focus on the furniture and its design. Sustainable thinking was evident not only in the students’ innovative Greenhouse but also in Hall A. Flokk impressed with a well-thought-out and spacious exhibition, where temporarily stacked paper tubes were used as partition walls and cardboard as building material. Many producers are setting ambitious sustainability goals, and there is a palpable sense of optimism about the future.
Ung Svensk Form impressed with a large collection of ambitious projects demonstrating high craftsmanship. The exhibition showcased an abundance of everything—vibrant textiles, inspiring patterns, and tactile elements were paired with beautiful architectural models and sculptural, voluminous furniture design—a visual feast that truly sparked desire.
An interesting topic discussed during the panel conversation after Petra Svensson Gleisner’s presentation, “AI-driven Transformation – What Does It Mean for the Interior Design Industry?” was the future perspective on craftsmanship. They suggest that in five years, the term “man-made” will be synonymous with exclusivity. It will be intriguing to see how Ung Svensk Form’s exhibitions evolve alongside the Swedish furniture industry. At the same time, the impact of AI on the industry was raised, with 30% of today’s jobs expected to disappear. However, the panel emphasized that AI should be viewed as a tool rather than a threat. Petra stressed that AI can primarily contribute to a more sustainable industry by helping us make the right decisions at the right time.
The most important parts of the fair can be seen in a single day. However, it’s clear that many exhibitors are absent, and those who don’t participate instead welcome us to their respective showrooms around the city. As an interior architect, I need to quickly get an overview of furniture and interior solutions, and the fair is an important meeting place since I don’t have the time to visit all suppliers individually. How can the industry collaborate to ensure the fair remains relevant in 2026 and doesn’t become further diluted?
Finally, we would like to thank Stora Enso for this impactful slogan: “Hello! This booth is made of 100% waste (but completely free from crap).” A reminder that sustainability is not just about reusing materials, but about rethinking what truly holds value and significance.
