What is the thinnest plywood available?

The thinnest sheets are usually 2 mm to 3.6 mm plywood. They’re not structural, but useful for panelling, craft or furniture backing.

How thick is 5.5 mm plywood and what is it used for?

5.5 mm plywood is usually around half a centimetre thick. It’s commonly used for drawer bottoms, wardrobe backs and cabinet linings.

What’s the best plywood thickness for shelves?

For decorative shelves or light storage, 12 mm plywood works well. For bookshelves or heavy-duty shelving, use 15 mm plywood or 18 mm (¾ inch) to avoid sagging.

Can I use 1/2 inch plywood for a subfloor?

Yes, 12 mm plywood (around ½ inch) can be used for subfloors in some cases, but in the UK, 18 mm plywood is more typical for flooring because it provides greater strength and stability.

Does plywood thickness affect appearance?

Yes. Thicker panels are more stable and provide a smoother surface for finishing. If appearance matters, a thicker board can deliver a more professional result.

10 Interior Design Trends That Will Define 2026

10 Interior Design Trends for 2026

As 2026 approaches, designers have been hinting at the interior design trends that will shape the way we decorate and renovate our homes.

We’re moving away from purely decorative looks and heading towards interiors that feel lived in; spaces filled with warmth, texture and personality. The focus is on comfort with character: colours that soothe and thoughtful details that make daily life feel a little more beautiful.

Here are the trends that will shape how we design, decorate and build a home in 2026 and how to bring them to life.

1. Texture Takes the Lead

Flat, featureless surfaces are starting to feel a bit tired. In their place, texture is making a return- materials with grain, movement and a bit of life to them.

Brushed wood, soft matt finishes and stone-look panels are everywhere, giving kitchens and living rooms more depth and interest. A textured laminate sideboard or wardrobe, for instance, can lift a neutral scheme and make a space feel more considered.

These trends are about using honest materials that last and feel good to live with.

2. Warm Neutrals Step Forward

After years of grey dominating interiors, designers predict this will be replaced by hues that feel delicate and sun-warmed. Sand, caramel, clay, honey and pale oak are becoming the new neutrals.

These shades work effortlessly across built-in furniture, particularly in bedrooms, living rooms and hallways. Warm melamine boards or oak-look laminates add softness, while still keeping things light and modern.

It’s about creating a space that welcomes you in.

3. Spaces That Flex and Flow

Our homes are no longer static. Kitchens double as offices, guest rooms become hobby spaces and corners turn into quiet reading spots.

In 2026, flexibility is everything. Modular shelving, fold-out desks and adaptable worktops help spaces shift purpose with ease- ideal for home improvements or anyone planning to build a home with versatility in mind.

Lightweight materials like Plywood and OSB make it easy to reconfigure furniture as your lifestyle evolves.

4. The Return of Real Wood

There’s a renewed appreciation for materials that show their true nature. Engineered wood panels in natural oak, ash and walnut finishes are making a strong comeback, bringing contrast and classic styles into modern interiors.

These surfaces work seamlessly across cupboards, wall panels and even ceilings, balancing sustainability with style. The result is a timeless design- organic and ideal for home upgrades that add genuine value when selling your home.

5. Worktops as Design Features

Once purely practical, worktops are now becoming a major design statement.

Striking finishes like marble-look laminates, terrazzo patterns and concrete effects are giving kitchens and bathrooms a more custom feel. The same materials are appearing in media walls and utility spaces too, proof that a single surface can transform how a room looks and feels.

Among patterned countertops to bold contrasting edges, these designs blur the line between form and function. They’re one of this year’s most exciting design trends, especially for anyone planning a home renovation or subtle upgrade that makes an everyday space feel special.

6. A Focus on Fine Details

In every great interior, small accents make the difference. Slim contrasting edges, brushed trims and clean lines are what separate a good room from a great one.

Edge banding, for instance, is now being used decoratively to frame fitted furniture or create subtle contrast, a tiny feature that elevates the whole space.

It’s proof that a home transformation doesn’t need to be on a large scale; sometimes, little finishing touches are all you need to refresh your space.

7. The Modern Focal Point

Media walls are set to stay, however their look is changing. Next year’s designs are more relaxed, built to blend into the room rather than dominate it.

Simple shelving, understated lighting and textured finishes help the large flat screen sit comfortably within the space. Think pale oak, smooth matt panels and a few open alcoves for books or artwork, both stylish and straightforward to implement.

It’s a practical feature that’s starting to feel like part of the furniture, and isn’t limited to a backdrop for technology.

8. DIY That Looks Designer

DIY design is having a renaissance. Homeowners are getting creative, crafting pieces that feel bespoke without the bespoke price tag.

Feature walls, and made-to-fit storage can be created with thoughtful planning and good materials. With so many high-quality panels and pre-finished boards available, the tools to build something elegant are easier to access than ever.

9. Blending Design Styles for a Collected Look

2026 is seeing the rise of the “collected home”, a look that moves away from matchy-matchy interiors and towards spaces that feel layered and individual.

Designers are mixing old and new with real intention. You might see vintage furniture sitting comfortably beside streamlined cabinetry, or traditional panelling painted in fresh, modern tones. Smooth, matte surfaces paired with woodgrains help these contrasts feel connected rather than clashing.

This mix-and-match style has character. It’s about homes that evolve naturally- pieces inspired by different eras, colours with dimension, and finishes that work together because they’re chosen with personality, not perfection, in mind.

10. Sculpted Surfaces and Soft Geometry

Curves are quietly taking over. Rounded islands, arched alcoves and furniture with softened corners are bringing a gentler edge to modern homes.

This move towards fluid shapes makes spaces feel more natural and inviting, a welcome shift after years of sharp, straight lines. Behind the look, CNC cutting makes it possible to create smooth, seamless curves that look effortlessly built in.

Bringing 2026’s Design Trends to Life with Custom-Cut Panels from Alexander Cleghorn

As design continues to evolve, the quality and precision behind each material remain essential. Every space depends on reliable products and expert preparation, the details that make installation results consistent.

At Alexander Cleghorn, we supply a wide range of laminates, melamine boards, plywood, OSB and worktops, all available cut to size. Our in-house CNC cutting, edge banding and panel preparation services ensure every panel is made to specification and ready for installation.

Whether you’re working on a home project or a large commercial fit-out, we’re here to support your vision from design to delivery.

Contact the Alexander Cleghorn team today to discuss your next project or request a quote.

What's Next for Home Interiors? 10 Design Trends Defining 2026

10 Interior Design Trends for 2026

1. Texture Takes the Lead

2. Warm Neutrals Step Forward

3. Spaces That Flex and Flow

4. The Return of Real Wood

5. Worktops as Design Features

6. A Focus on Fine Details

7. The Modern Focal Point

8. DIY That Looks Designer

9. Blending Design Styles for a Collected Look

10. Sculpted Surfaces and Soft Geometry

Bringing 2026’s Design Trends to Life with Custom-Cut Panels from Alexander Cleghorn