Celebrating innovation, quality, and craftsmanship across the furniture sector, the awards are supported by a distinguished panel of judges representing every corner of the industry – from manufacturing and retail to design and sustainability. Their combined expertise ensures that every entry is evaluated with fairness, integrity, and deep industry insight.

A Distinguished Judging Panel

The 2026 judging panel brings together senior leaders and respected voices from across the furniture landscape. Their diverse perspectives reflect the dynamic, evolving nature of the market and their collective experience ensures that every category is assessed with precision and insight.

Find the full panel here.

Diana Celella, Interior Designer and Director of The Drawing Room Interiors announced: “I’m delighted to be a judge at this year’s Excellence in Furniture Awards. It’s always exciting to see such creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship come together, and I look forward to celebrating the talent and passion that drives our industry forward.”

“It is important to recognise and applaud the continuing achievements within the industry, particularly focus on efforts towards greater sustainability."

Joanna Knight, Climate Change and Sustainability Chair at The Furniture Makers’ Company, added: “It is important to recognise and applaud the continuing achievements within the industry, particularly focus on efforts towards greater sustainability."

The Judging Process
The judging process for the awards is designed to be robust and impartial. Entries are reviewed independently by multiple judges to provide balanced feedback. The process includes:

• Initial evaluation to verify eligibility.
• Detailed assessment against clear criteria tailored to each award category.
• Collaborative sessions at the official judging days, where judges discuss top contenders and resolve disagreements or disputes.
• Final decision-making takes place under Chatham House to select the winners that truly exemplify excellence and innovation in furniture retail, design, manufacturing, and service.
• Winners announced live on the night of the awards.

The process is completed with confidentiality to ensure impartiality and reinforce the awards’ commitment to fairness.

Why Judging Matters
The Excellence in Furniture Awards are more than just an acknowledgement; they are a benchmark of industry excellence. The judges’ expertise not only celebrates achievements but also inspires businesses to strive for continual improvement and innovation.

Entries are now open, and businesses must complete their submissions by 23:55 (BST) on Friday 3 October 2025. Whether you’re a brand, retailer, manufacturer, or supplier, entering the awards gives you the chance to be recognised by a distinguished panel of experts who truly understand the furniture sector.

Complete a free entry for each category that is relevant to your business.

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About the Excellence in Furniture Awards:
The Excellence in Furniture Awards is brought to you by The Furniture Shows. Held in conjunction with the January Furniture Show, the awards ceremony will take place on the evening of Monday 19 January at the NEC, Birmingham. This inaugural awards ceremony will gather 350 leading brands, retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers to honour the brightest stars in the industry.

As part of Clarion Events' portfolio, which includes the January Furniture Show, the Manchester Furniture Show, Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival, Top Drawer, and the digital platform Retail Revealed, the Excellence in Furniture Awards will provide an unforgettable evening of recognition and celebration of the furniture industry.

Discover the criteria and submit your FREE entry here.

Contacts:

• Entry enquiries: hello@excellenceinfurnitureawards.com
• Press enquiries: Georgia Walkden, georgia.walkden@clarionevents.com
• Table and sponsor enquiries: Paria Mercer, advertising@thefurnitureshows.com