Education
New Furniture Makers Exhibition
The future of design
The New Furniture Makers exhibition, formerly Young Furniture Makers exhibition, returns to the City of London for one day only in November 2026, offering industry the opportunity to connect with creative designer-makers, who are looking to make an impact on the sector.
Organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the event showcases the very best furniture and furnishing design talent from GCSE students to recent graduates. The New Furniture Maker Awards are the student equivalent of the Furniture Makers’ Guild Marks, recognising excellence and the future in design. A huge number of entries are submitted every year for these highly competitive awards, and this year, the exhibition will also feature finalists from the Church of England’s Empty Chair Competition.
New Furniture Makers Awards
Bespoke Award
Sponsored by the Roger Richardson Legacy Fund
Recognises excellent craftmanship for pieces with a clear and specific purpose made by designer-makers in higher education.
Click here to apply for the Bespoke Award
Design Award
Sponsored by NaughtOne
Recognises the highest standards in the design of furniture for a piece or range which is intended for mass production by designer-makers in higher education.
Click here to apply for the Design Award
Textile Award
Sponsored by House of Sonnaz
Recognises an excellent piece that has incorporated textiles to complement the finish or effect of the design.
Click here to apply for the Textile Award
Manufacturing Apprentice Award
Sponsored by Achieve and Partners
Recognised the exceptional work and craftmanship of a furniture piece made by an apprentice during their apprenticeship.
Click here to apply for the Manufacturing Apprentice Award
Bespoke Apprentice Award
Sponsored by Achieve and Partners
Recognised the exceptional work and craftmanship of a furniture piece made by an apprentice during their apprenticeship.
Click here to apply for the Bespoke Apprentice Award
Upholstery Award
Sponsored by House of Sonnaz
Judges will assess applicants on the merit of excellence in making and their demonstration of the value of their piece.
Click here to apply for the Upholstery Award
Prizes
- The School Design Prize (Under 14, 15-18)
Sponsored by KI
The Best Chair in Show Prize
Sponsored by MEON
The Best in Show Prize
Sponsored by Blum
The Leather Prize
Sponsored by the Leathersellers’ Company
New Furniture Makers exhibition 2026
Principal Sponsor
Supporters and award sponsors
Exhibition Gallery
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