From 6-9th November, Meubelbeurs, the Brussels Furniture Fair, returns to the Brussels Expo in Heysel. Ahead of the coverage of this year's event, Furniture News presents Paul Farley's report from last year's edition …
The Brussels Furniture Fair brings together the cream of Belgium’s suppliers, alongside a strong showing from its neighbours. Amid a sea of trendy greys and innovative modular solutions, there is plenty of product proving its worth in UK stores, and huge potential for growth given the right conditions.
Consistency is one word that probably best sums up Meubelbeurs, the Brussels Furniture Fair. In terms of exhibitor and visitor count – around 300 and 20,000, respectively – the show has maintained a strong position through a difficult few years for the Belgian furniture industry.
Fittingly, the theme chosen for the show’s entrance feature was that of Aesop’s ant, and the idea of working hard to eventually reap the benefits that the lazy grasshopper cannot. The show itself is no stop-gap affair, either, but an attractive and well-constructed collection of exhibitors, divided into sensible product areas and bearing all the stylish yet functional hallmarks of Benelux design.
Around 50% of the exhibitors were Belgian, with the remainder principally from Germany, Italy, France and the Netherlands, and around 15% of these were new to the fair. The show recorded approximately the same number of visitors as last year, with almost 53% coming from abroad.
Vistors from the UK were noticeably thin on the ground, and although they can be forgiven for their caution – particularly in the light of the unfavourable currency balance – it is a shame that many are missing out on such a huge amount of quality product.
As the organiser asserts in its post-show report, “Belgium may be a small country, but it is big in furniture.” Its industry is recovering gradually, and its key players put on an excellent show. Despite a difficult eonomic climate, the Netherlands was well represented in the Dutch Holland à la Carte collective.
The Square feature, the entry level for affordable designer products, enjoyed a successful 10th edition, and Brussels by Night, the bedroom highlight, presented a wide offering of comfortable, innovative solutions. Fittingly, the four Furniture Balthazars – the show’s dedicated product award – were presented to companies in this sector.
While Benelux consumers prefer modern finishes to natural woods, and contemporary chic to traditional upholstery, there is a distinct cross-over with British tastes, and it is likely that many of the styles on display will soon permeate our own.
Meubelbeurs offers a unique glimpse into the influential northern European market, and as such is deserving of more attention from UK buyers – if only so they can be in a position to take advantage of what Benelux offers when conditions improve.
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