“Eclectic” is fast becoming the most popular answer to the age old question of “what’s your decorating style?” So it’s no surprise that furniture trends for 2010 reflect the growing willingness of consumers to mix things up when making purchases for their home.

Reclaimed and salvaged items are becoming favorite finds. Some examples of this include a coffee table made of wood from an 18th century shipyard or furniture made with recast iron. Consumers appreciate that not only does their home look good, but that they are also helping the environment when they choose furniture made with reclaimed materials.

Another trend is with today’s sofas. Seating of the past was often very boxy with oversized pillows and thick armrests. Manufacturers are discovering that it doesn’t take lots of fluff to be comfortable, and that by reducing the amount of materials used in sofas, they can lower their carbon footprints. Furniture companies and consumers are more willing to take risks with color in their collections as well.

Mixing materials that aren’t typically associated with each other, such as metal and woods with stone and glass is another trend for 2010. Examples of this would be putting a crystal chandelier above a rustic dining set or setting rustic tables alongside contemporary sofas.

The result is that consumers can feel free to create a look that is truly their own and not feel they have to buy matching showroom pieces of furniture in order to have a home that’s both stylish and comfortable.