Welcome to the first Ovelion letter. Each issue is short: what's moving in the sculptural and artisan furniture market, the numbers behind it, and a few pieces worth a look. Every figure links to its source at the bottom.
1. Designers are going curvy, dark and vintage
1stDibs surveyed 468 interior designers in July and August 2025 about what they expect to use in 2026 [1]. The headline for anyone shopping sculptural pieces: curvy and irregular-shaped furniture was named a 2026 trend by 43% of respondents [1].
Maximalism (39%) and eclecticism (38%) were the aesthetics designers expect to stay popular [1]. In practice that means one strong wooden piece in a deep tone (walnut, ebonized ash, cherry) rather than a matched, pale set.
2. More designers are buying close to home
Designers in the same survey sourced 72% of their pieces domestically in 2025; the international share fell to 28% from a 2024 peak of 32% [1]. Tariffs are part of the reason. A 25% Section 232 tariff applies to imported upholstered furniture, and a scheduled increase has been pushed back to January 1, 2027 [2].
- If a piece is upholstered and imported, check whether the price already reflects the tariff, and ask the seller whether it will change after January 1, 2027 [2].
- Solid-wood pieces made in the US, like Thos. Moser's in Maine, aren't import-dependent. That doesn't make them cheaper, but their prices are less exposed to tariff swings.
- Not every wooden chair is covered by the furniture tariff; it depends on the product's import classification. Ask the seller, not a headline.
3. Furniture stores are soft; that's leverage for buyers
US furniture-store sales were $11.3 billion in April 2026, down 3.6% from April 2025, according to Census Bureau advance estimates [3]. A slow market tends to mean more sales and more willingness to answer questions about lead times, finishes and custom sizes. Several pieces in our collection are currently listed below their usual price.
4. What sculptural wooden seating costs right now
We copy every price by hand from each seller's own product page. Across the 37 pieces we track (checked October 1, 2026), listed prices run from $624 to $6,500, with a median of $2,175. Stools sit at the bottom of that range, lounge chairs at the top. The full breakdown by form and wood is in our free 2026 Seating Guide.
Three sculptural pieces under $1,000, as listed October 1, 2026:
Sculptural Wooden Single Chair
Anvil Dining Chair
Solid Wood Sculpture Bar Stool
And two made-in-the-US pieces worth knowing:
5. Market note: Sun at Six has closed
Sun at Six, the studio known for sculptural solid-wood chairs and tables, closed on April 30, 2026; the last day to order was April 10 [4]. If you were waiting on one of their pieces, the secondary market (1stDibs, Chairish) is now the only route. For similar forms in solid wood, our seating collection is a good place to start.
One thing to do before you buy
Measure the doorway, the stair turn and the spot the piece will live in, and compare it with the seller's listed dimensions. Large pieces often ship by freight with a delivery window, and made-to-order work can take months. Our delivery guide covers what to ask.
Sources
- 1stDibs, 2026 Interior Design Trends: 1stDibs Survey Identifies Maximalism, Chocolate Brown, and Vintage Antiques as Top Designer Choices (Nov 17, 2025).
- Mohawk Global, Furniture and cabinet imports: Section 232 tariff increase delayed to 2027 (Jan 6, 2026).
- Home News Now, Furniture store sales decline 3.6% from April 2025 (U.S. Census Bureau advance estimates).
- Sun at Six, Sun at Six is Closing.
Prices are as listed by each seller on the date shown and change often. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links; see how we make money.