2023 textile trends for workspaces

The effects of the global pandemic on office design may feel cliché by now, but they are still very relevant as 2023 takes off. Workplaces have been irrevocably changed by COVID-19—and product specifiers, such as architects and designers, product manufacturers, and users, need to remain attuned to the workplace evolutions for the months ahead.

Textiles for Hybrid Workspaces

A case in point? According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, about 70% of businesses—from SMEs to huge corporations—are likely to encourage hybrid work conditions for many years to come. Combining in-office time with working from home means office designs will need to be more tailored to the needs of hot-desking employees and co-working teams. And without a doubt, textiles and upholstery can play a huge role in ensuring office staff’s safety, comfort and productivity.

Let’s take a look at some of the trends we’re seeing as 2022 rolls out.

The comfort of home at work

It has been two years since the world literally shut down, driving many employees to work from home. While it took some adaptation, from setting up more ergonomic workspaces to juggling a delicate balance between family, the job and school, a lot of people grew accustomed to the comforts of working from home.

What does this mean for office textiles and upholstery? Natural color schemes, with beiges, tans and off-whites, not only foster a sense of calm and cleanliness but also blur the lines between the true comforts of home—and the office. Neutral textile tones are warm and inviting, give workspaces a welcoming depth.

Design elements that feature fractal patterns, also known as intricate, organic shapes that can be observed in nature, have been scientifically shown to reduce stress; textiles and upholstery with fractals can help create a soothing environment for workers.

Flexible workspaces

People work in a multitude of ways. With companies no longer allocating individual desks or offices, bookable/non-bookable workspaces that are task-focused as well as small teamwork areas must designed to encourage concentration and collaboration, all while taking into account COVID measures, such as social distancing and flow management.

What does this mean for office textiles and upholstery? Acoustic and panel fabrics will undoubtedly be top of mind for any new workspace design. While employees are eager to get back to work at the office at least some of the time to intersect with colleagues, they will likely want a certain level of privacy and no ambient distractions in hot-desking environments, such as peer conversations, music, or overly loud online meetings.

In fact, noise-control textiles and upholstery are playing ever-increasing roles in the creation of work “neighborhoods,” huddle spaces, video conferencing pods, and other spaces for on-the-fly meetings or town halls.

Clean work environments 

Safe and clean work environments to protect employees against the spread of infections is on everyone’s mind. Businesses of all types and sizes are now subject to strict health and safety measures; beyond standard daily or weekly maintenance, even employees and those renting desks must adhere to protocols to keep common areas and workspaces clean.

What does this mean for office textiles and upholstery? Product specifiers should opt for upholstery fabrics and acoustic panels, which can preserve their soft touch and beautiful colors despite extensive cleaning. Fabrics that are resistant to disinfectants will become increasingly important in post-COVID workspaces.

For example, bleach, which is definitely an effective disinfectant, can kill most bacteria, viruses and fungi when using a 1:10 bleach-to-water solution. This cleaning method is easy and affordable, eliminating the need for specialized equipment or highly skilled personnel. More and more fabric manufacturers on the market are developing bleach-cleanable solutions with this new normal in mind.

Both 2021 and 2022 have underscored the importance of healthy environments to ensure people’s well-being—and offices are no exception. As the old adage goes: the devil is in the details.

That is why architects and designers need to take into account all opportunities to provide safe workspaces using the latest innovations in office configurations and the materials used…including fabrics!

About Duvaltex

Duvaltex is North America's largest office furniture textile manufacturer and leading protective textiles provider. By enhancing people's well-being and safety, Duvaltex specializes in the design and production of advanced textile solutions and sustainable textile materials. Duvaltex is committed to changing the way products are made, used and reused, creating value for future generations.