Between trend-forecasting and anticipating what will be the next hit in 2013, why not take a look at the year's "sure things"? Here are 20 designs in textiles, furniture and fixtures that stole the show this year.

“The Shell Chair is our number one best seller in the US this year,” said Thomas Vagner, President, Americas of Carl Hansen & Son. “It is a unique kind of sculpture—and, like all Wegner chairs, is also very comfortable. Depending on how you dress it, it can look very Scandinavian in oak with brown leather, Italian in black with black leather, or rather funky in orange with a Paul Smith fabric. It’s also called The Smiling Chair.”

"Based on a 1970s French design, the clean lines of our Abstract nickel mirror work with many different settings, from very contemporary to updated traditional. It can hang either vertically or horizontally, and we can't seem to keep it in stock!" said a representative from Flair.

Dedar's best seller in the US this year was Ikat in colorway Conchiglie.

"Personal spas are a top trend of 2012," said Russ Wheeler, President of Hangrohe North America. The Axor Starck ShowerCollection, designed with Philippe Starck, continues to dominate the category as it brings the ultimate feeling of wellbeing in the bath. It has a great design, it's easy to install and completely personalizable as its individual elements can be freely combined."

Royal Botania's NNX 195, designed by Kris Van Puyvelde, has a clean, compact and minimal design with a marine-quality, powder-coated stainless-steel frame. The lounger's hidden handle allows it to move from an upright recline to a flat bed. "NNX is a Royal Botania icon and the perfect example of our brand's commitment to ingenuity, aesthetics and ergonomics. It is popular in both the residential and commercial/hospitality markets," said Royal Botania President Thierry Herbert.

“Clean, simple and functional designs have historically been our best-sellers and Fairy is no exception. The option to  suspend it individually or in clusters is an added feature that helps sell this versatile design," said Robert Mongiardini, VP of Sales & Marketing, Leucos USA.

Holland & Sherry put a new spin on its traditional windowpane checks, plaids, and tartans, with a name The Dandies to reflect some of the playful versions. There are over 20 options in more contemporary colors that give a time-tested classic a bright, fresh look.

Blu Dot co-founder Maurice Blanks said, "The Copper Real Good Chair was definitely a hit for us. I think it's because, in these still uncertain financial times, people are spending their money on things that are really special and unique. It's not every day that you see a copper chair. And the uncoated copper finish of the Real Good Chair has a raw beauty and warmth that continues to change and patina over time. It gets better with age."

Yann Kersale's Jallum collection for Baccarat has proven a success probably because it's unlike anything else in the marketplace. Each set of four portable, rechargeable LED lights, available in 2 different cuts, can be used indoors and out, and are a safe and windproof alternative to candles. Jallum captures the brand's commitment to both tradition and innovation.

Bunny Williams's walnut Unicorn table in her BeeLine Home collection is one of the top-selling tables. "My favorite piece of furniture in a room is always a piece that makes you step back and say, 'Ooooh'—this table definitely has that wow factor. It works well as a library table, console or dining table," she said.

Bang & Olufsen's BeoPlay A9 speaker, introduced just recently, has been a runaway success. It's already won the Best of Innovations Award for the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show coming up in January, and no doubt has been warmly received by consumers because of its highly un-tech appearance.

Robert Willson's Downtown had great success on both coasts with its Intersection chandelier, which was prominently featured on the cover of Elle Decor in Ivanka Trump's apartment.

David Sutherland, of the eponymous company, said, "The Mariner Collection has been a wonderful addition to our outdoor offering and provides a unique way to mix and match materials if the client so desires. Its stainless-steel frame is a wonder of architecture without its covers, and they are easily changed and offer a versatile solution to various design schemes."

Waterworks' Henry series was the Connecticut-based company's best-selling fixture in 2012. Barbara Sallick, co-founder and SVP of Design of the company, said, "Its design was influenced by the connection of industry and art, and it easily transitions between traditional, modern and classic interiors. It is straightforward but not oversimplified, and inherently timeless - a blend of both new and old sensibilities that is a wonderful example of the impeccable craftsmanship of all of our fittings."

A digital transfer print on a metal-ground fabric, E-Color, from Création Baumann, was the year's best seller. Its graphic quality and full- body allows for creasing and reshaping the dense weave for new looks and arrangements of the felt tip, like strié stripes.

Dave Dawson, Founder and CEO of The Urban Electric Co., said, "Our Globus pendant has been a huge success for us this year. Creative Director Michael Amato's attention to detail with subtle finish combinations and silvered glass distinguishes the Globus from any other globe pendant on the market. We're really proud of it."

Ligne Roset's Togo, designed by Michel Ducharoy, will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2013. It continues to be one of Ligne Roset's best-selling products. Each piece is handcrafted in Ligne Roset's factory in Briord, France—the large settee in leather takes six hours to make. Ligne Roset credits the Togo's popularity to its unique shape, timeless allure, and comfort—using three different densities of foam throughout.

Flos' Kelvin LED lamp, with its family that includes floor and mini versions, is the Italian lighting company's best-selling collection. Designed by Antonio Citterio, each one is adjustable at multiple hinges, with a pantograph arm and adjustable head. Made of a fused aluminum alloy body with 30 LEDs (36 LEDs on the Minikelvin, pictured below) turned on, dim and off (100%--50%--0%) using Soft Touch technology with a simple touch of the finger to the sensor on the lamp's head. Next up will be Kelvin Green 2, which will incorporate motion-sensing technology that saves energy when no one is in the room. 

Of its surpise best-seller, Chad Holman, Managing Director, America, of Jim Thompson said, "The highlight of our first-ever wallpaper collection is 'Jim's Dream'. The entire collection has exceeded all expectations, however we are particularly delighted at the response to this pattern, a reinterpretation of the Jim Thompson 'Weaving Scene' which has been used as the “face” of Jim Thompson for many years. It recounts the different stages of silk-making and was taken from one of Jim Thompson’s favorite paintings in his house. The design has the appearance of a wall painting, lightly sketched, aged from years of exposure to the elements, but still showing the charming details that have made this pattern endlessly popular."

“The Groundpiece sofa has been a consistent winner for us this year," said Amir Kazerani, the showroom manager for Flexform's US flagship store. The sofa is constructed on a metal frame and the seat and backrest cushions are filled with down. The piece is available in multiple sizes and configurations, and with optional leather covered bookcase arm and back units. 

Written by Zoe Settle