Optimizing Small Spaces: Furniture Solutions for Urban Living in India and the Middle East

1.What’s the current market trend for furniture sales in India and, based on your experience, how would you classify it?

India's furniture market is witnessing strong growth, driven by urbanization, individualization, a rising middle class, and increased exposure to global design trends. Consumers are shifting from bulky, traditional furniture to modular, space-saving, and customizable options that suit modern urban living. Hence, we can classify the current Indian market trend as Value-Driven Innovation as consumers seek superior, space-efficient solutions with aesthetics that blend modern functionality with cultural roots. 

The rapid growth of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer (D2C) models has further accelerated accessibility, allowing buyers to browse and purchase furniture online with ease. A noticeable trend is the growing preference for ready-made furniture, as many consumers no longer have the time or inclination to design custom pieces. This shift has contributed to the rise of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) brands in India, which now play a key role in supplying both branded and white-label products across online and offline channels. Overall, the market is dynamic and evolving quickly, offering substantial opportunities for innovation and scale.

2. How can modular furniture fittings, lights and door hardware adapt to the cultural and climate needs of urban homes in India vs. the Middle East?

Homes require different designs depending on the region where they are built. Homes in Mumbai or Delhi or any city are not the same as homes in Dubai. In India, the focus often lies on compact, high-utility furniture that optimizes space, resists humidity, and integrates seamlessly with daily multitasking. For the Middle East, the emphasis shifts toward luxury aesthetics, larger spaces, and designs that can handle temperature extremes and sandy conditions. Therefore fittings, from hinges to drawer runners to sliding systems must be engineered with these variables in mind.

Cultural habits also play a key role in shaping our designs. For instance, sliding solutions segregate the places of worship in Indian homes or majlis-inspired living in Middle Eastern ones, ensuring furniture feels contemporary with a touch of tradition.

For example, in India usage of Onsys hinges or modular kitchen fittings that work in smaller areas is recommended. In the Middle East, solutions like soft-close, wide-opening sliding doors suit larger wardrobes and open-plan kitchens. The ability to adapt to these differences is crucial. This can be achieved through local partnerships, user research, and product testing across geographies. This facilitates building modularity which is not limited to functionality but also makes it relevant to culture and climate.

3. Can traditional design aesthetics be preserved while using space-saving furniture in compact urban homes?

Certainly! Space-saving doesn’t mean sacrificing style; it means embracing smart design with soul. Showcasing traditional designs in compact urban homes creates the opportunity to design homes with elements like corner units and pantry pull-out systems. This enables one to transform the dead corners into accessible, functional spaces without compromising their aesthetics.

4. How do furniture brands for kitchen appliances meet both functionality and cultural lifestyle needs in urban Indian homes?

In urban Indian homes, the kitchen serves not just as a place for meal preparation but as a multitasking hub, especially in nuclear and multi-generational households. Thus a blend of age-old recipes with modern appliances and furniture solutions must be created to create the aesthetic and functionality in the kitchen. Brands must cater to compact layouts while offering high efficiency and ease of movement.

For example, Hettich’s Blaupunkt range of Built-in kitchens adapts to the evolving cooking habits of the modern day, seamlessly integrating cultural relevance with contemporary functionality.  Therefore, brands must cater to compact layouts while offering high efficiency and ease of movement.

5. What will be the future scene of ‘innovative space-saving furniture’ in urban India and the Middle East?

Urban density is rising, and so is the demand for intelligent, adaptable design. The future of innovative space-saving furniture in urban India and the Middle East will be shaped by AI-assisted modular planning, sensor-enabled fittings, and plug-and-play systems that evolve with changing lifestyles. In India, solutions will focus on multi-generational co-living, smart storage, and high-utility compact kitchens. Meanwhile, the Middle East is leaning towards flexible luxury, where a single space can seamlessly transform from a work zone to an entertainment or hospitality area.

Innovations such as RoomSpin, a 360° rotatable room solution, enable multifunctional use of tight spaces by turning living rooms into bedrooms or dining areas at the push of a button. As tech integration and personalization become key drivers, such innovations will redefine the role of furniture, not just as utility, but as a dynamic infrastructure for modern living.

About the Author-

Andre Eckholt, Managing Director of Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa is one of the top leaders in the industry. Andre has navigated Hettich through diverse markets and cultures for more than 16 years. Through his immaculate leadership, Andre has expanded Hettich’s footprint in India. Andre’s commitment to sustainability has created a transformative space in the home appliances sector. Andre has also been appointed to the governing council of the Furniture & Fittings Skill Council (FFSC) and re-appointed as the Co-Chair of the FICCI Furniture Committee.