ArboREAL takes home “Best in Show” at the ICFF Editors Awards with the Balance table, while Feeling Estofados wins “Best Seating” at the NKBA-Manhattan Inspire Awards for the Caju armchair
Amid the intense schedule of ICFF 2025 (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) — North America’s leading showcase of contemporary furniture, which wraps up today (20) in New York, United States — Brazilian industry and design have earned international recognition, with two prestigious awards already granted to Brazilian creations during the fair.
The event, which kicked off on Sunday (May 18) at the Javits Center, is part of the official NYCxDESIGN calendar. Brazilian participation is led by ABIMÓVEL (Brazilian Furniture Manufacturers Association) in partnership with ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency). This year, dozens of Brazilian companies and designers are taking part in the Brazilian Furniture Sector Project’s activities throughout the week, including product exhibitions, the “Design + Industry” showcase, and a Trade Mission.
Among the highlights, the Balance table by ArboREAL received the “Best in Show” award at the ICFF Editors Awards, the fair’s highest honor. Meanwhile, the Caju armchair by Feeling Estofados was awarded “Best Seating” at the NKBA-Manhattan Inspire Awards, organized by the National Kitchen & Bath Association in collaboration with Aspire Design and Home magazine.
“Best in Show” for the Balance Table by ArboREAL
The Balance table by ArboREAL was named Best in Show at the ICFF Editors Awards, which recognizes standout pieces across 12 categories for their innovation, craftsmanship, impact, and design language.
Carved from a single three-ton trunk of Pequiá wood, the table captures a striking interplay between raw power and visual lightness. Its base, hand-sculpted, preserves natural knots, cracks, and textures, embracing the organic qualities of the wood. The tabletop features epoxy resin, creating a fluid contrast between natural and contemporary, raw and refined. More than just a functional object, Balance is an aesthetic meditation on time and matter, speaking on the tension between form and function, control and imperfection.
With a strong global presence, ArboREAL has positioned itself as a key Brazilian reference in sustainably sourced solid wood furniture, merging handcraft techniques with contemporary design, environmental responsibility, and global reach.
“Best Seating” for the Caju Armchair by Feeling Estofados
Another major recognition came through the NKBA-Manhattan Inspire Awards, promoted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association in partnership with Aspire Design and Home magazine. The award honored the Caju Armchair by Feeling Estofados as the winner of the “Best Seating” category, which highlights outstanding furniture solutions for residential and commercial spaces.
Designed by Mauricio Bonfim, Caju synthesizes organic form, comfort, and Brazilian identity. Its curved armrest, inspired by the cashew fruit, and its generous, flowing volume reflect the brand’s signature design vision. The piece celebrates not only striking aesthetics but also a design approach focused on ergonomics, underscoring Feeling’s commitment to sophistication, well-being, and cultural expression.
Feeling Estofados stands out in the high-end décor market by blending traditional techniques with design innovation and a keen eye on global trends in textiles, shapes, and sensory experiences. The award reinforces the brand’s position as a refined, authorial voice in tune with international conversations in the furniture and design sectors.
Awards that Reflect Strategy and Global Relevance
The ICFF Editors Awards are among the most respected accolades in the international design calendar. Winners are selected by a jury of editors from leading U.S. design publications, who survey the fair’s entire offering across furniture, lighting, materials, surfaces, accessories, and booths. To be named Best in Show is to reach the pinnacle of design excellence at the event.
The NKBA-Manhattan Inspire Awards, launched during ICFF in 2024, aim to spotlight innovation and inspiration in livable spaces, with a special focus on kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms. Judged by interior designers, industry experts, and editors from Aspire, the awards celebrate originality, functionality, and aesthetic impact.
Both recognitions underscore the international visibility and relevance of the Brazilian furniture industry and design, affirming the strategic value of participating in major international platforms like ICFF. The fair attracts buyers, curators, architects, and journalists from far beyond North America.
“These awards are important acknowledgments, but their meaning goes beyond the trophy — they validate the strength of design and industry as forces of innovation, culture, and commercial visibility for Brazil. That’s the essence of the Brazilian Furniture Project: to build bridges, open doors, and show the world what we’re made of. Congratulations once again to the awarded companies and designers. Their achievements are a source of pride for all of us,” says Cândida Cervieri, Executive Director of ABIMÓVEL.
📍 ICFF 2025 – Javits Center, NYC
🗓 May 18–20
🔗 www.icff.com
Brazilian Furniture Project
The Brazilian Furniture Project is a sectoral initiative by ABIMÓVEL in partnership with ApexBrasil. Its goal is to expand the international presence of Brazil’s furniture industry through a strategic set of actions grounded in sustainability, competitiveness, and design integration. Currently, around 175 companies are engaged in the project.
In 2024, Brazil ranked as the sixth-largest furniture and mattress producer in the world and the 26th largest exporter, generating over US$ 763.02 million in revenue from finished products — a 3.8% increase compared to 2023. Including parts for furniture manufacturing, the total reached US$ 870.20 million.
In this new cycle (2025–2026), the organizers invite not only furniture manufacturers and designers, but also suppliers and component producers to join the project, further amplifying the reach of Brazilian furniture and reinforcing the global competitiveness of the “Brazil” brand.
To join the project and showcase your brand at major industry events around the world, visit: brazilianfurniture.org.br
About ABIMÓVEL
ABIMÓVEL (The Brazilian Furniture Industry Association) has represented the national furniture industry for nearly five decades. Acting from north to south, the organization works to strengthen the sector through a forward-looking agenda in partnership with public and private stakeholders. Its initiatives aim to boost production, improve the business environment, and expand access to international markets. These efforts include international trade shows, business matchmaking events, export programs, sustainability actions, integrated design projects, factory modernization, support for small businesses, and commercial intelligence programs.
About ApexBrasil
ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) promotes Brazilian products and services abroad and attracts foreign investment to strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy. The agency supports internationalization through diverse initiatives such as trade missions, business matchmaking, global fair participation, buyer and influencer visits, and investment promotion. ApexBrasil also coordinates with public and private actors to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) that enhances Brazil’s competitiveness and economic development.
FURNITURE: OUR BUSINESS.
Brazilian Furniture Industry Association – ABIMÓVEL
Press Office: press@abimovel.com
