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.”
