USA
1. January 2026

As we look ahead to 2026, the demand for truly flexible, multi-functional commercial spaces continues to accelerate.


Driven by evolving work habits, varied learning models, and the need for adaptable community hubs, moveable furniture is no longer a niche—it’s an imperative.

 

For designers and specifiers focused on schools, offices, places of worship, and hospitality, understanding the trends that demand easy reconfigurability is crucial. At HOWE, we specialize in furniture engineered to move, adapt, and perform across diverse settings.


Here’s what we expect to see dominating design conversations and project specifications in 2026, all filtered through the lens of mobility and adaptability:

1. The Seamlessly Reconfigurable Environment
The "one-size-fits-all" layout is obsolete. In 2026, spaces must support rapid, simple transitions—from a classroom lecture to a group collaboration, from an office meeting to a quiet focus zone, or from a religious service to a community meal. This requires furniture that can be easily folded, stacked, and wheeled away without heavy lifting or complicated mechanisms.


Here’s HOWE: Our focus remains on ultra-lightweight, durable tables and stackable seating designed for intuitive movement. We emphasize integrated features like casters and folding mechanisms, ensuring staff or end-users can swiftly transform any space, maximizing the utility of every square foot.

 

2. Integrated Biophilia via Materiality
The push for biophilic design will continue, but in mobile furniture, this is achieved through durable, natural-looking materials rather than a fixed installation. The warmth of wood and the softness of specific textiles are essential to making adaptable spaces feel grounded and welcoming.

 

Here’s HOWE: Expect our products to feature increasingly sustainable and natural-looking finishes—from wood grains on folding tables to subtle, earth-toned textiles on stackable chairs. We use materials that are tough enough for daily movement yet soft enough to create a soothing, non-institutional atmosphere in schools and offices.

 

3. Residential Aesthetics with Commercial Durability
Moveable furniture must shed its utilitarian look. Hospitality venues, places of worship, and even corporate offices demand elegant, residential aesthetics coupled with construction robust enough for constant handling and high-traffic use.


Here’s HOWE: We blend sleek, modern European design with commercial-grade durability. Our seating and table collections highlight refined silhouettes, thoughtful detailing, and durable construction that withstands frequent stacking and moving, proving that flexibility never has to sacrifice style.

 

4. Ethical Longevity & Sustainable Design
By 2026, sustainability will be measured by the total lifecycle of a product. Designers are prioritizing manufacturers who provide transparent proof of responsible sourcing and long-term product health. Furniture must be as safe for the indoor environment as it is for the planet.


Here’s HOWE: Sustainability is not a new trend for us; since 2011, we have operated under our own rigorous Sustainable Design Guidelines for both new and existing designs. These guidelines include a comprehensive checklist to ensure we produce the safest and healthiest products possible. From the materials we source to the fair treatment of employees and the protection of the environment, we are committed to responsible manufacturing that stands the test of time.

 

Partnering for Future Flexibility
The future of design is mobile. At HOWE, we are excited to partner with designers and specifiers to deliver truly adaptable solutions that optimize space and enhance the user experience across education, worship, office, and hospitality sectors. Our commitment to design, mobility, and quality ensures your 2026 projects will be defined by intelligent flexibility.