Furniture trends in 2012 are centered around changing the expectations of furniture size and material. Some pieces are going bigger and some are going smaller. Trendy furniture materials range from the warmth of wood to the industrial qualities of metal and glass. Here are 8 of the major furniture trends of 2012.

1. Material matters: metal, wood and glass

Glass-top tables, rich wood and industrial metal are all top trend material for furniture in 2012. Pieces that use metal, wood and glass are especially popular and used to pull together various material used to decorate one room.

2. Sectionals

The sectional couch is making a big comeback this year in more shapes and sizes than you could imagine. From the large and luxurious leather sectionals to the more stream-line minimal fabric sectionals, this furniture item suits a range of tastes.

3. Light furniture replaces heavy furniture

Gone are the days when the heavier the furniture, the nicer the quality. Today, furniture is dropping a few pounds in favor of more stream-line, minimal styles that are easier to move making flexibility part of what's in vogue. Light aluminum chairs and stools are part of this new trend.

4. Mirrored furniture

Retro-style mirrored furniture reminiscent of art deco is becoming extremely popular. The look is elegant and decadent and helps a small room to look larger.

5. Compact writing desks

Because laptops take less room than a desktop, the current trend for writing desks is to go compact. Writing desks are small and fit into living areas or even foyers. Many designers are incorporating the writing desk into a nook of the kitchen.

6. Rustic oak

Oak is back with a vengeance this year -- not the orange oak of the 1970s, but the rustic oak more reminiscent of European worn furniture that looks old and farmhouse worn. Many designers are buying oak furniture and sanding it down to remove the veneer and achieve this rustic look.

7. The gathering table

Counter-height tables are very popular right now. Placed as a connection of the dining room to the kitchen or as the dining table itself, gathering tables encourage family and friends to gather around the table before and after meals or even just for game night. Gathering tables are also being used in game rooms or basement family rooms.

8. Large coffee tables

With designers opting for couches on the large side today, big coffee tables are becoming popular. The larger coffee table pulls the room together and offers a larger space for gathering to happen.

From small to large; glass to oak, furniture trends for 2012 will appeal to a wide range of tastes and offer more functional ways to accentuate family living. Choose glass and metal for a modern look or rustic oak if you prefer the rustic look. Today, the most important thing to keep in mind with trends is you can combine a variety of looks and styles to create an eccentric and personal take on the current trends. Whether you want to emphasize social living with a gathering table or place a work table out of the center of focus for room, the way you have a lot to choose from when it comes to what's in style today.

Jen Day is a freelance writer living in London. She is a guest writer for www.fittedbedroomfurniture.com where you can find information about http://www.fittedbedroomfurniture.com">how to kit out your bedroom with furniture