The latest edition of KBB Birmingham confirmed a clear evolution in furniture design: fittings and accessories are no longer visible elements but have become key technical components within the furniture system. Innovation focuses on improving the user experience, movement, accessibility, lighting and use of space, while maintaining an increasingly clean and minimalist aesthetic.
Smoother, quieter and more precise movements
One of the main trends is improved movement quality. Market standards have clearly risen: current systems offer smoother, quieter and more precise movements, with more progressive soft-close mechanisms, concealed guides with greater capacity and increased stability, even in wide drawers or large fronts. The feeling of durability and mechanical quality has become a key attribute for the end user.
This trend is clearly reflected in the solutions developed by Emuca for furniture. One example is the Vertex drawer, which integrates full extension runners with soft closing and a load capacity of up to 40 kg, offering stability and precision even in large format drawers. The system allows for precise 3D adjustment of the drawer front, with vertical adjustment of ±2 mm, horizontal adjustment of ±1 mm and tilt adjustment from -1.5 to +4 mm, facilitating perfect alignment during assembly.
Space optimisation
There has also been a strong commitment to space optimisation through modular solutions. Manufacturers are looking to make the most of every centimetre of furniture with more robust pull-out systems and structural interior organisers and by choosing specific solutions for narrow modules or tall columns. The aim is no longer to add decorative accessories, but to improve accessibility and organisation in an efficient manner.
Examples of this trend are the Harmony pull-out kitchen accessories by Emuca and the Concepta 3 system, which uses retractable doors to conceal workspaces and maintain a clean and tidy aesthetic in open-plan environments.
Smart, integrated lighting
The trend towards integrated lighting is also evident in systems such as the Pyxis LED light, a flexible longitudinal solution that can be cut and adapted to any length, and the Diwo electrified rail, which allows lights to be installed and repositioned along the profile with complete freedom thanks to its 24 V DC power supply system. These solutions turn lighting into a technical component of the furniture, combining functionality, energy efficiency and elegant visual integration.
Lighting with warmer temperatures, cleaner and pre-installed electrical integration, connectivity with smart assistants and simplified connection systems for quick assembly.
Overall, the trends observed in KBB reflect a clear shift towards visually cleaner but technically more advanced furniture, where hardware, interior organisation and lighting work together to enhance the user experience.