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From a growing set of companies currently aiming to eliminate the middle man, to a group of young designers finding inspiration in Ettore Sottsass's Memphis Group and the curvilinear forms of the 1960s, now is as fertile of a time as any to look around and buy American-made furniture.
This may feel like a small act of patriotism. But discerning exactly which of these companies manufacture their products in the U.S.—in addition to dreaming them up Stateside—is a tricky business. Herman Miller helped set the model, and brands like Rejuvenation continue to carry the torch. But who else is out there, and why is it that they're committed to keeping things local?
"The choice is largely driven by personal ideals," say Johann Pauwen and Michaele Simmering, co-founders of Kalon. "We aren’t just building beautiful pieces, we’re making choices that reflect the world we want to live in." The couple—in work and in life—do however add that "manufacturing in the U.S. has been, and continues to be, our greatest challenge."
For others, domestic production comes with advantages. “Making our products in the U.S. allows us to be far more nimble in the development process," says Kyle Hoff, Co-Founder and CEO of Floyd. "We’re able to distribute to our core markets weekly, allowing for same-day delivery. Those relationships are a huge part of what keeps Floyd efficient.”
And while Floyd is already a fairly large business, many smaller furniture makers such as Kin & Company build everything in-house. For them too, (extremely) local production has its benefits. "It enables us to approach product development from a more integrated perspective, with the creative and craft processes informing one another," explains Kira de Paola, a co-founder of the studio.
That isn't to say that all such designers operate this way. "Amigo Modern has a hybrid structure," explains Eric Trine of his own studio. "We outsource to local manufacturers, but also keep a lot of our work in-house. We've saved a lot of money by manufacturing locally, and we can get a new design up and running in weeks. Compared to large furniture companies, we are really small—but we've found that we can still be highly profitable."
Trine, like so many of his peers, isn't only incentivized by his bottom line. "My dad traveled a lot for work," Trine explains. "He worked for companies that manufactured overseas, and he would be gone for two to four weeks at a time. Now that I have two young daughters, I want to be home as much as possible."
Below, from Kalon to Amigo Modern and beyond, 16 of our favorite furniture designers of the moment who manufacture in the U.S.—in honor of the Fourth of July.
Eric Trine of Amigo Modern specializes in bringing the spirit of American modernism into the 21st century. Like Trine's former eponymous brand, Amigo Modern hits a current sweet spot by mixing pale pinks with earth tones and natural hues. Trine has a studio in Long Beach, California, and manufactures all of his furniture within a 30-mile radius.
Chubby furniture meets a 1980s aesthetic in Leah Ring's designs. And now, some of her items of furniture are available at Urban Outfitters. Another Human manufactures all their products in L.A.
You may not have heard of Emeco, but you've definitely seen the company's iconic and oft-copied Navy Chair. While Emeco keeps creating contemporary, often hand-crafted designs, all of their seats have one important thing in common: Emeco uses sustainable materials—think recycled aluminum, natural cork, and "eco-" concrete—to build its products. And what's more, this Pennsylvania-based company makes all their chairs in the U.S.
The potter's wheel is generally associated with, well, pots. But Eny Lee Parker regularly uses the age-old device to throw beautiful components of furniture. In Parker's coffee tables, for example, glass surfaces sit atop terracotta vases so that their forms can truly shine through. Parker works with local fabricators, and has a studio in Brooklyn.
From this company's lead fabricator to its in-house sculptor, Fernando Mastrangelo makes it clear who exactly creates their products. And that's not even counting the experienced employees who handle the metal, wood, casting, and finishing that goes into each and every piece. So what exactly does this furniture look like? Think cool geometric designs that recall foggy mountainsides and sparkly geodes.
If you're interested in design disruptors, Floyd is a name to know. The direct-to-consumer company has been celebrated for its bed-frame, which is likely to appeal to the same millennial-customer who already owns a Casper mattress and a set of Parachute sheets. But this isn't to say that Floyd's business model is limited to a singular item. The company, which operates out of Detroit, Michigan, also sells sleek tables and table legs.
Michaele Simmering studied at Brown University, while Johann Pauwen earned a degree in industrial design from the Rhode Island School of Art, and the husband-wife team's company marries their passions perfectly. Kalon, which is Greek for "beauty," specializes in sustainable furniture. And while the company's studio operates out of L.A., the couple works with Pennsylvanian craftspeople who utilize traditional techniques.
Kin & Company is, as its name suggests, run by two relatives. The Brooklyn-based business is run by cousins Kira de Paola and Joseph Vidich, who make everything themselves. Turn to this company if you are in search of statement-making and curvilinear forms.
Another disruptor in the furniture landscape, Maiden Home offers made-to-order furniture through its online platform. Founder-and-CEO Nidhi Kapur emphasizes the fact that her business is transparent—and manufactures its products in North Carolina.
In the sea of millennial pink pieces inspired by Memphis Group and 1960s decor at this year's Sight Unseen Offsite design showcase, Moving Mountains stood out. The studio is based in Brooklyn, and is careful to work with local fabricators and craftspeople. However the name of the company is decidedly un-East Coast. Moving Mountains is a reference a geological phenomenon currently taking place in founder Syrette Lew's home state of Hawaii.
The Inside is the answer to many design-savvy people's prayers. The company, which was founded by Christiane Lemieux, founder of DwellStudio, offers affordable yet customizable furniture. The cherry on top? The Inside is fashion-oriented, and has featured partnerships with brands such as Maisonette and Peter Som, while domestically producing its pieces throughout the Midwest.
The Joinery operates out of Portland, Oregon. Opt for this brand if you want wooden furniture that stays true to its material. In other words, think warm dining room tables and chairs that will bring character into your home.
Ever wonder exactly why materials like marble and terrazzo tile are so in right now? In part, it's because of stylish brands like Slash Objects. And now, the Brooklyn-based studio is partnering with In The Pursuit to spread its gilded stone look.
Another brand currently partnering with In The Pursuit, Volk gets its name from founder Brian Volk-Zimmerman. Volk-Zimmerman, who works out of a Red Hook studio, has harbored a love of wooden furniture since childhood. And these days, it's clear that that passion has come to full fruition.
Katrina Vonnegut and Brian Kraft are committed to using regional materials. They also make each and every piece in their own Sunset Park, Brooklyn, workshop. Yet another veteran of Site Unseen, Voggegut/Kraft's sculptural furniture designs are as hefty in size as they are in forethought.
Yield, a Florida-based company known for its bags, jewelry, and home decor, doesn't claim to produce every item in the U.S. However, all of its wooden furniture is made in St. Augustine, Florida, thanks to the company's own on-site wood-shop. The welding is done locally as well.