Our public spaces are evolving. As cities and communities become more densely populated, public furniture has become vital in shaping how to better experience and share outdoor spaces. In 2025, street furniture trends point toward a fusion of natural elements and innovation, emphasising designs that find new ways to enrich our relationship with not just each other, but the environment we all share.
This year’s theme: Sustainable solutions
Sustainability has become the most enduring trend this decade. In 2025, a focus on not only environmental but also social sustainability is at the core – calling for the creation of spaces that are both eco-friendly and inspiring places for people to connect and the environment.
This is reflected in the top five street furniture trends:
- Biophilic design that inspires street furniture with natural forms and materials.
- Modular furniture providing more efficient, multi-purpose design options.
- Bold modern aesthetics achieved through innovative sustainable finishes and materials.
- Storytelling designs that communicate the identity and value of our outdoor spaces.
- Smart features using technology and sustainable energy to enhance the functionality of street furniture.
Let’s take a deeper dive into why these street furniture trends will flourish this year, and how you can incorporate them into your outdoor spaces.
- Earthbound: Biophilic design connecting us with the natural environment
Biophilic design, an evidence-based design philosophy which incorporates elements of the natural world into built infrastructure, is inspiring street furniture that serves as an extension to the environment, not an intrusion on it.
The Global Wellness Institute’s Biophilic Design Guide reveals the many benefits of biophilic design in urban areas, including:
Enhanced Wellbeing: Incorporating natural elements into urban furniture can improve mental health and reduce stress.
Increased Social Interaction: Designs that blend organic shapes and natural materials create inviting spaces, encouraging people to gather and interact.
Environmental Integration: Using materials like timber and stone allows urban furniture to blend seamlessly into natural surroundings.
The original renewable timber continues to feature strongly in contemporary street furniture – prized for its natural aesthetic and durability. This is evident across our range in seating and table settings, such as the evergreen Liffiton and Woodlands suites. However, advances in material technology are seeing timber-look aluminium solutions such as TimberImage™ emerge – achieving a natural aesthetic without compromising the commitment to sustainable materials and durability.
Meanwhile, furniture with flora-inspired forms like the Atollo table, featuring a natural timber finish and calming leaf shape and the Tulip Litter Bin, with its ‘petal’ design in Corten steel, reflect the trend to soften the built environment with organic shapes.
- Dynamic Furniture: Multifunctional and Modular Designs
As public spaces serve a growing number of purposes, the demand for multifunctional furniture is on the rise. Modular designs allow flexibility, enabling users to adapt the space for relaxation, socialising, or events. Think movable seating, built-in storage, or planter benches that combine functionality with a sophisticated modern aesthetic.
- The New Aesthetic: Bright and Bold
It’s a bold new world in 2025, with trends pushing for striking colour palettes, metallic finishes, and futuristic designs.
Corten steel, with its distinctive earthy, rustic look, is particularly popular for its durability. Bright accents are also being used to inject colour into public spaces, like the spectrum of powder coat colour options that bring vibrant personality to everyday public spaces.
- Streets with Stories: Celebrating Local Culture and Values
Public furniture is more than just functional— it can tell a story. There is a growing trend of integrating cultural and artistic elements into street furniture that communicate unique local values. The addition of vibrant artwork, cultural motifs and sculpture-inspired designs are bringing a unique sense of place and identity to local urban areas.
Street furniture can also send a strong message about a community’s commitment to health and wellbeing. The Chatterbox Seat for example, encourages conversation and builds awareness of the importance of social connection in public spaces.
- Tech-Transformations: Furniture Accessorised with Technology
Technology continues to transform outdoor furniture. The integration of smart features, such as solar-powered charging points, USB ports and LED lighting, is making public spaces more functional and user-friendly, and safer to use day or night.
In 2025, the design of street and park furniture is being renewed with a sustainable mindset to create pieces that are at once timely and timeless. Incorporate these street furniture trends with New Zealand Councils, landscape architects and project partners to create outdoor spaces for people where community spirit, connection and belonging flourish.
