Traditional Craftsmanship Unswerving in Economic Downtime

Solid wood furniture, guest blogger Erik Braunitzer of Harden Furniture writes, “we have made it through some of the worst of the current economic decline and downtime, and he would like to take a moment to discuss with the readers of the CustomMade blog why the industry continues to thrive.”

A house isn’t a home until it has furniture in it.  This is true for the basic reasons that everybody needs a place to sit down, eat, and relax.  Without furniture, a house is literally just an open empty space.  That statement also works on a deeper level.  Furniture can reveal who you are and your tastes.  Simply put, you are where you sit.  If someone chooses solid wood furniture, it shows that they respect old school craftsmanship and want their homes to convey that.  This same type of craftsmanship is what’s helping the furniture industry through the current recession.

Bird's Eye Maple and Cherry Shaker Dresser by Laughing Loon Custom Furniture, Inc., at CustomMade.com

The recession has had a widespread effect on almost every industry, and furniture is no exception.  However, the furniture industry has shown that it can outlast the recession by focusing on customer service, creating business models that help protect the environment, and most importantly continuing to produce high quality products.  Quirky designed furniture does have its place in the industry but ultimately has not helped to keep the industry afloat during these tough economic times.  This is why designers who are heading to furniture fairs like the Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano are struggling to get their state-of-the-art furniture to the public.  Although a trendy chair may be appropriate in some situations, it can’t compete with the comfort and familiarity of well-made solid wood office furniture, especially during a time when comfort and familiarity are needed.

Maple and Wenge Executive Desk Chair by Best Custom Furniture & Millwork at CustomMade.com

The argument can be made that well-made products like solid wood living room furniture is helping to get the industry through the recession and into a successful future.  This is because of quality.  A focus on craftsmanship can break through any slump, economic or otherwise, and that’s why the furniture industry has lasted through this recession and most likely will last through any to come.

Browse our CustomMade galleries for many examples of solid wood furniture by our artisans.