Spring is almost here. The days are getting longer, the light is getting better, and suddenly, that tired-looking side table in the hallway is impossible to ignore.
For the makers, spring isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about revival. It’s the time to drag that project piece out of the shed and finally give it the finish it deserves.
But before you reach for the same old tin of chalk paint, stop. The furniture trends for Spring 2026 have shifted. We are moving away from the "fast furniture" quick-fix and returning to craftsmanship, deep gloss finishes, and hyper-personalisation.
Whether you are a luthier looking to branch out or a DIY enthusiast ready to graduate from wax to lacquer, here is your ultimate guide to the top furniture trends this season—and the exact Rothko and Frost supplies you need to pull them off.
Trend #1: The Return of "Glassy" Dark Woods
1. Mid-Century Modern meets High-Gloss Luxury.
For years, the trend was "matte everything." But in 2026, we are seeing a massive resurgence of deep, rich wood tones—think walnut, mahogany, and rosewood—finished with a high-gloss shine that looks like a pool of water. This isn’t about hiding the grain with heavy paint; it’s about celebrating it.
How to get the look:
Forget the beeswax for this one. To get that authentic, glass-like depth found on high-end vintage furniture (and classic guitars), you need Nitrocellulose Lacquer.
Why Nitro? Unlike modern polyurethanes which can look like a thick plastic shell, nitrocellulose lacquer melts into the previous layer. It’s thin, hard, and buffs up to a spectacular shine. It allows the wood to breathe and ages gracefully, developing that coveted vintage patina over time.
The R&F Fix: Start with our Clear Cellulose Sanding Sealer to lock in the grain, then build up your coats with Clear Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer. If your wood is looking a little pale, a mist coat of our Tinted Amber Lacquer can fake 50 years of aging in 5 minutes.
Trend #2: "Transformative Teal" & Moody Jewel Tones
2. Colour Drenching and Drama.
Spring usually screams "pastels," but 2026 is rewriting the rulebook. We are seeing a shift toward "Transformative Teal"—a complex, deep blue-green that feels grounded yet electric. This pairs perfectly with the "Colour Drenching" trend, where furniture is painted to match walls or trim for a seamless, architectural look.
How to get the look:
To master the colour drenching trend, commitment is key. Abandon the contrast and colour-match your furniture exactly to your backdrop - skirting boards, walls, and radiators included—to create an immersive, architectural illusion that makes small spaces feel vast. Once your Transformative Teal is applied, the difference between a DIY job and a professional piece lies in the topcoat.
The R&F Fix: If you are spraying a solid colour, top it with a Satin Nitrocellulose Lacquer. It provides a smooth, professional sheen that isn't too shiny but reflects enough light to show off the curves of the piece.
Why not create your upcycled piece first and gradually style the whole room around it?
Trend #3: Hyper-Personalisation
3. One-of-a-kind storytelling
The biggest trend of the year is rejecting the generic. People don't want a chest of drawers that looks like it came from a flat-pack warehouse; they want a piece that tells a story. This is where the maker mindset wins.
How to get the look:
There is a psychological concept called "Emotional Durability." When you spend time choosing the exact shade or masking out a geometric pattern, you form a bond with the object. You are much less likely to toss it when trends change because the piece represents your own creative milestone.
The R&F Fix: Your vision deserves more than 'off-the-shelf.' At Rothko & Frost, we specialize in the tools of transformation. We can deliver the exact pigment and finish you've been dreaming of, but the final character of the piece is entirely in your hands. Browse the ReCreate range today - it’s built for the makers who know that the best furniture isn't bought; it's imagined.
Trend #4: Mixed Finishes
4. Visual Texture.
Can’t decide between matte and gloss? Do both. A trending look for cabinets and sideboards is having a matte carcass (body) with high-gloss drawer fronts or legs. It creates visual tension and makes the piece feel modern and architectural.
The R&F Fix: This is easy to achieve with aerosols. Mask off your "matte" areas and hit the highlight features with our Gloss Lacquer. The contrast between the light-absorbing matte and the light-reflecting gloss is pure eye candy.
Your Spring Restoration Kit
Ready to start spraying? Don’t get caught mid-project without the essentials. Here is your checklist for a professional-grade spring refresh:
- Preparation: Cellulose Sanding Sealer (The foundation of a good finish).
- The Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer Aerosols (Choice of Gloss, Satin, or Matt).
- The Detail: Wet/Dry Sandpaper (Don't skip the sanding between coats!).
- The Shine: Polishing Compounds (To bring that gloss to a mirror finish).
Spring is the season of new beginnings. Make sure your furniture gets one too.
