LDF 2026: A Roundup

The one thing it's absolutely vital that we do not forget is that, first and foremost, design is a physical art form. Its best and brightest examples are best enjoyed in person, with properties you can touch, watch take shape, and even hear. It relies on the unique human senses we have developed to fully grasp why it is so special.

This year's London Design Festival was a testament to that lesson. It was about enjoying creativity through experiences in an ever-digitised world, through varying mediums like sight, sound and touch. Yes, we know the nature of an in-person event is to encourage interaction, but this year we got to really appreciate the crafts and skills that come together to form the industry we love. Seeing the boldest and brightest pieces to be released in 2026, listening to new collaborations and getting to reach out and touch what our favourite pieces feel like throughout their manufacturing process. Here is a top 10 of our favourite physical spaces from throughout LDF 2026.

Vitra's London Design Festival centred around the launch of the revolutionary recliner: Bascule. Deriving its name from the French translation of 'seesaw,' the chair is more than perfectly balanced in name. Its tilt mirrors the movements of the user with expert precision, while its oversized upholstery and "borrowed tailoring techniques from the world of fashion" create an enveloping sense of warm and welcoming comfort. The sort that effectively whispers to you to put your feet up and start the next chapter of that book you've been reading.

We think the perfect summary can be found in the words of the designers Studio Œ: "It is as inviting to the touch as it is to the eye."

Fritz Hansen's Sound Club event was a continuation of their successful display at Copenhagen's 3Daysofdesign, brought back to life at their Farringdon showroom. In June, the Danish furniture giant and audio brand Technics jointly released limited editions in adjacent colourways of two of their iconic designs, the Kaiser Idell Luxus 6631-T Table Lamp and SL-40CBT Direct Drive Turntable. This partnership takes the best of Bauhaus design and blends it with a classic music listening format, two legends of history combined in design modernity.

Debuting at Milan's Salone del Mobile, Lema used their incredible space on that famous parade of seen-to-be-believed design, the Kings Road, Chelsea, to showcase some of their stunning new collection. From the effortlessly soft Nobu bed that is a vision of understated excellence, the low-slung Graffetta armchair that utilises the luxurious leather in its strongest yet supple form, to the striking Traverso dining table that "boldly traverses the space, creating connections between material, function, and architecture."

Another collection of Kings Road debutants, Molteni & C underwent the UK unveiling of two new designs at LDF 2026. The Julian sofa, designed by creative director Vincent van Duysen is a sofa not untypical of the Italian icons. Big in size, big on comfort and excellent for modular lounge seating that can be easily combined with other pieces from the collection. On the slightly smaller side, but still in bold font, the Corsetto chair, designed by Cristián Mohaded, is an excellent display of the fitted and supportive nature of leather and the softness and style of plush upholstery.

As previously mentioned, sight wasn't the only sense in use across London Design Festival. USM's latest in a long line of successful partnerships has seen them team up once again with furniture designers Symbol for the creation of a stunning sound system integrated into their iconic Haller system. The soundscape of a space is becoming an ever more important element in modern home planning. With people now building entire 'listening' rooms to listen to their favourite vinyl, the combination of storage and sound is one bound for success.

It is always a pleasure to visit one of the hubs of modern interiors in London (other than our showroom, of course), and the Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour is no exception. One of our biggest brands Porada, took the time to welcome Italian furniture enthusiasts at their south-west London space for an evening of talks (courtesy of Elle Decoration), focaccia, and fun. All centred around their stunning new Saddle collection, a walnut-based addition to the already incredible Porada table collection.

Back on the Kings Road, a star-studded lineup of designs by some of the biggest names in the world of furniture. B&B Italia's gigantic showroom hosted their new collection, including works from the likes of Ronan Bouroullec (Abaco collection), Antonio Citterio (Alvar lounge chair), and Michael Anastassiades (Metric collection). A testament to the heritage and history they have held for so long, to be able to bring so many incredible designers all at once.

The theme of old and new coming together was part of Cassina's LDF display, with a starring role played by their new Ardys collection, designed by the legendary Patricia Urquiola. The space was supplemented by a centennial celebration of Verner Panton, with the return of a heritage classic in the Peacock chair and an abstract seating solution called the Dalila chair by Gaetano Pesce. Finally, understated but no doubt an incredible feature of their ensemble were the 780/783 low tables that could be seen dotted around the showroom.

Luxury leather specialists Poltrona Frau lived up to their reputation, treating guests to a live display of hand-woven, style-clad creativity. Their 'True over time' event offered a chance to meet some of the expert artisans and to see the tireless work behind some of Italy's most stunning pieces of furniture. To see on display decades of passion for a craft that has been honed to the highest level. The finished articles were also on display, including the all-new modular version of the Archibald sofa.