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How the Textiles and Upholstered Furniture at High Point Market Got My Wheels Turning

I’m still feeling so inspired after 48 hours in High Point last month. Today’s post is all about upholstered furniture, which totally stole the show at High Point — at least for me!

high point market upholstered furniture trends captured by garden and grace
Even tonal pieces had more intrigue, like this sofa with a leather base and nailheads.

I’m still feeling so inspired after 48 hours in High Point last month. I’ve already shared a breakdown of all the great showrooms I had the chance to visit and the trends I’m eyeing. Today’s post is all about upholstered furniture, which totally stole the show at High Point — at least for me!

high point market upholstered furniture trends captured by garden and grace
Loved this large pattern with contrast piping!

It’s not just about a comfortable sofa or picking the right shade of neutral anymore. Upholstery is often times the star of the design and stands out with its unique curves and lines and layered textiles and patterns. 

high point market upholstered furniture trends captured by garden and grace
The shape, color and piping really caught my eye on this Sherrill Furniture accent chair.

This new wave of design is all about curved arms, high backs and carved wooden legs. I also noticed a focus on function. Seat depth and height and storage are among top considerations. I also saw a lot of recliner options which the industry calls “motion” furniture. 

high point market upholstered furniture trends captured by garden and grace
Talk about function, even these barstools from the Designmasters Showroom swivel

One of the biggest trends seen at High Point was the need for easy cleaning. Crypton played a big role here with its patented, and seriously impressive, fabrics. These fabrics can practically resist any spill or stain with a little Dawn dish soap and warm water. 

high point market upholstered furniture trends captured by garden and grace
It's really cool to see durable, easy-to-clean fabrics like these leathers with Crypton

I got to see this in action and as a mom of three with a dog and a busy household, stain resistance is ultra important. The science behind it is very impressive and we got to hear from the Crypton team more behind the brand and science. 

Crypton only sells to furniture makers so you can’t buy directly from them, but when you’re shopping for a new piece of furniture, be sure to ask if they offer Crypton fabric. Brands like Designmaster Furniture, One Kings Lane and Ballard Designs all do.  

high point market upholstered furniture trends captured by garden and grace
Tweed, leather, nailheads and flannel all on one chair! Found this Crypton chair in the Designermasters Furniture showroom.

In terms of aesthetics, beauty is all in the details! It’s not just about the hero fabric anymore. It’s also about the piping, trim, box-pleat, skirt and so much more. I love seeing designers’ creativity come out in these details and how they truly elevate the entire room

high point market upholstered furniture trends captured by garden and grace
Loved the trim on this Sherrill Furniture piece!

With all of this new insight and information, my wheels are turning on how I will design my next upholstered piece! I’m thinking scallops, pattern play and a slightly more petite scale for my young kids. The dreaming has just begun!

high point market upholstered furniture trends captured by garden and grace
A storage bench doesn't get more precious than this one from Sherrill Furniture.

Lately on the blog... We shared How I Decorate for Christmas and a Tuckernuck tablescape.

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Design notes Design notes

3 Home Design Trends I'm Watching in 2025

After two days filled with design-focused conversations and touring showrooms filled home furnishings and accessories, I learned a lot about what's coming in 2025, from trending materials to a focus on functional pieces. Here are my biggest takeaways. 

garden and grace influencer program high point market north carolina design fall 2025
Jamie Young Co. Showroom

After two days filled with design-focused conversations and touring showrooms filled home furnishings and accessories, I learned a lot about what's coming in 2025, from trending materials to a focus on functional pieces. Here are my biggest takeaways. 

1. Rattan & Natural Materials Are In

I was thrilled to see rattan and other natural materials present across many of the showrooms that resonated with me. It's definitely going to be popular next year, but to me, it's timeless. These materials have the power to really ground a space, especially if you're using high-gloss paints or fanciful wall coverings. 

garden and grace influencer program high point market north carolina design fall 2025
Universal Furniture
garden and grace influencer program high point market north carolina design fall 2025
Jamie Young Co.
garden and grace influencer program high point market north carolina design fall 2025
Jamie Young Co.

2. There's a Focus on Function

Today's furniture designers and home goods manufacturers are tasked with balancing style and purpose. For instance, this cocktail table is on casters and is a little more petite, which makes it easy to move around a room. Walking around High Point, I got the sense people are designing for living—and, of course, looking. 

Sherrill Furniture - Mr. and Mrs. Howard

It was hard to capture the intentional design of Stickley Furniture, but trust me it was there. For instance, this tall boy with dovetail drawers also had compartments on the top drawer for spare change, personal items or really, any small items. How clever! 

Stickley Furniture

3. Color...With Piping and TRIM!

Color has been making its way into home furnishings for the last couple of years, and I love it! This year I noticed color isn't going anywhere, but contrast piping and trim are making it feel more fresh and interesting. I love how piping can tie in other colors from the room, making it feels like a cohesive palette. 

garden and grace influencer program high point market north carolina design fall 2025
Sherrill Furniture
Sherrill Furniture - bonus, this bench seat opens for extra storage
garden and grace influencer program high point market north carolina design fall 2025
Sherrill Furniture

Don't worry—if you haven't seen my complete overview of High Point Market, you can get a lay of the land here.

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