When we think of trends, we typically imagine something becoming wildly popular among the public—whether it’s fashion, food, or home décor. But when it comes to furniture and home goods, the so-called “trends” we see on showroom floors aren’t driven by public demand at all. According to one furniture expert, what we’re really witnessing is a case of FOMO—fear of missing out—among manufacturers.

Here’s how it works: when one manufacturer introduces a new product, it’s often not because they’re responding to a surge in public interest. Instead, other manufacturers see this new release and assume that the first company must know something they don’t. In a scramble not to be left behind, they quickly launch their own similar products, giving the illusion that a new trend is taking off. But in reality, none of this has anything to do with what the public actually wants or what’s truly popular among consumers.

To complicate matters further, most manufacturers don’t even create these “new” products from scratch. Many source their products or materials from the same suppliers. For instance, a fabric company might introduce a new material, and instead of just one furniture company incorporating it, that fabric is sold to multiple manufacturers. This leads to a flood of similarly styled furniture and home goods hitting the market at once—not because it’s trending with consumers, but because manufacturers are reacting to each other’s moves, all driven by industry FOMO.

So where does the public come in? Well, they don’t—not until much later, at least. Once manufacturers have their new products ready, they showcase them at trade shows and industry events, where retailers and designers get their first look. Upon seeing a sea of similar styles and materials, these retailers and designers are quick to label them as “trends.” They then advertise these items to consumers as the latest must-haves, creating the perception of a trend where there really wasn’t one to begin with.

But here’s the kicker: many of these so-called trends never even catch on. Often, last season’s “trending” items can be found on discount shelves shortly after their debut. That’s because they weren’t true trends at all—they were simply the result of manufacturers and retailers trying to keep up with each other, all under the guise of what’s “in.”

So next time you hear about the latest furniture trend, take it with a grain of salt. More likely than not, it’s just FOMO in action—a case of manufacturers and retailers pushing products that may or may not ever truly trend with the public. And by the time they do catch on, you might be seeing those items in the clearance aisle.

What are your thoughts? Have you ever bought into a furniture “trend” only to see it disappear just as quickly? Or do you think trends should be driven by the public, not manufacturers chasing each other’s tails? Let us know!