Move over matte, everything is looking glossy for 2025 – designers explain the recent love for all things lacquer

Over recent years, there's been a real love for soft, matte finishes. From furniture to walls, designers favored the more subtle style over its more loud counterpart – shiny, super glossy, lacquer.

However, we've witnessed a revival of the glossy finish lately, tying in with the return to characterful and eclectic interior design trends. Styles once considered 'dated' or retro are being embraced once again, with designers and homeowners alike opting for pieces that make more of a statement.

We've spoken with interior and homeware designers to uncover why lacquer is proving to be popular for 2025 and how they will be incorporating the style in their interiors this year.

1. Lacquer has a classic quality

Lacquer is no new design trend. It's been featured in interiors for years and typically comes in the form of furniture or home decor. It's a form of traditional decorating, often seen on a bedside table or drinks cabinet, lacquer provides any piece with a luxurious finish that feels timelessly chic and playful.

'Lacquer has been an important feature in Western interiors for centuries and I wanted to reinterpret the Vietnamese Son Mai lacquer technique with modern designs, collaborating with designers I admire,' says James Lowther founder of The Lacquer Company.

Charlotte Rey, co-founder of Campbell Rey also says the inspiration for their lacquer line was the technique's long-established history. 'The International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris in 1925 introduced the world to the style moderne that later became known as Art Deco. Many designers and design houses are inspired by the rich history and materiality of Art Deco and reimagining it for now.' Campbell Rey's lacquer collection nods to the period and its stylistic qualities.

2. Lacquer makes a room feel playful and whimsical

It's not just lacquer's longstanding history that makes it a desired style. Designers are using lacquer pieces in their interiors due to its ability to boost the mood of a space and spark joy.

'Lacquerware is a great way of achieving a brighter, mood-boosting look as it stands as a playful yet cohesive way to introduce more vibrant tones, without them seeming out of place,' say David and Sarah Ross, co-founders of Addison Ross. 'We've seen a growing appreciation for lacquer furniture and home decor, and we believe its resurgence this year is largely driven by a desire for vibrant, mood-enhancing interiors, in line with the ‘dopamine decor’ trend that often gains momentum around this time of year.'

What we love most about the style is its ability to enhance the feel of a room by bringing a much-needed pop of color and shine. 'The key is to mix and match colors confidently – lacquer is all about bringing joy and personality into your home!' says David. 'Don't be put off by its distinctiveness, it's surprisingly easy to integrate into the home. If you're new to lacquer, start with small decor accents, like lacquer frames in complementary or contrasting hues.'

3. Lacquer brings a sense of luxury

And it's not just its whimsical qualities that have designers swooning for lacquer. Its signature glossy finish gives any interior a sense of luxury and opulence. 'In a time when minimalism and maximalism are blending, lacquer finishes provide a polished, reflective surface that elevates both classic and modern interiors,' says interior designer Iantha Carley. 'Its ability to reflect light also helps create a brighter, more dynamic space, which aligns with the growing preference for open and airy environments.'

The unique shine and quality of lacquer can make interiors feel interesting and considered and can create a beautiful pairing against almost all backdrops. 'It’s glossy and elegant,' says Duncan Campbell from Campbell and Rey. 'It frames anything put upon it beautifully. It has a very sexy texture and shine, which on the one hand clearly displays the craftsmanship required to perfect the finish, but on the other renders the object playful as it catches the light.'

Charlotte suggests decorating with antiques by pairing lacquer pieces with vintage decor to create an intentional and interesting contrast. 'Adding anything older will instantaneously be fresher and modern on a lacquered piece,' she says. Iantha agrees, saying that 'Lacquer pieces pair well with different textures, such as velvet, wood, and metals, which allows for greater creative freedom in design.'

4. Lacquer can give old furniture a new lease of life

Lacquer has been proven to blend the old and new, working in harmony with so many styles of interior. It's also a fail-safe method of elevating an old piece of furniture that needs a new lick of paint.

Sophie Salata from Vinterior is more than familiar with second-hand pieces. She loves lacquer for its ability to 'give new life to a vintage piece that’s perhaps seen better days. We think it works particularly well for lamps, coffee tables, or dining chairs. Plus, lacquer is a durable finish that often wipes clean – an added benefit if there may be small sticky fingers to contend with.'

We can see why lacquer has been such a popular way to elevate furniture and home decor. Its signature shine makes a space feel luxurious and considered, enhancing almost all interior design styles with its sophisticated, historic finish.