Buying new furniture for your home is exciting. Whether you are in the market for new custom living room furniture, you want to invest in a new bedroom furniture set, or you are shopping for dining room furniture, you want products that are stylish, well-built, and designed to withstand the test of time. While many big-name brands have their products manufactured in other countries, you can find some of the best furniture in the world much closer to home. And one of the top reasons why many people choose to buy North Carolina furniture is its reputation for craftsmanship and durability.
Several major companies, including Sealy, Ashley Furniture, and Ethan Allen all call North Carolina home. There are also countless other furniture companies that still design and build amazing furniture right here in the United States using materials sourced domestically.
Furniture made in North Carolina is handmade by skilled craftsmen and women who take pride in their work. The quality is exceptional, and it is possible to find everything from traditional pieces to more contemporary styles. If you are looking for high-quality furniture that you will be able to pass down to future generations of your family, buying furniture made in North Carolina is an excellent choice. That’s not the only reason why you should always choose North Carolina furniture, though. Keep reading to find out more!
North Carolina Furniture Has a Long History
If you have spent any time looking at furniture, you’ve probably noticed that a lot of the nicest pieces are manufactured in North Carolina. The Tarheel State, also known as North Carolina, has a long history of producing high-quality furniture, and it is a tradition that lives on today. Renowned for its masterful craftsmanship and exceptional quality, it's no wonder why many people choose to buy North Carolina furniture to outfit their homes and offices. While the industry has shrunk some, North Carolina is still considered “The Furniture Capital of the World” and produces more than 60% of all the furniture that is currently manufactured in the United States.
Today, North Carolina is the world’s go-to destination for furniture shopping. Back in the 1890s, though, there were only six furniture plants in the state. For generations, skilled artisans have passed down their expertise, transforming the state into one of America's most prominent regions to buy furniture. Since then, the industry has expanded significantly and, despite changes in recent years, many of the world’s leading furniture brands call NC home.
One highway alone—U.S. 321—boasts 20 miles of furniture. Linking Charlotte and Hickory to the High Country, this road is home to numerous furniture galleries, stores, and outlets. From big brands to lesser-known companies that create pieces that are just as nice, many furniture makers have made this stretch of highway their home.
Over the course of more than a century, North Carolina has become one of the most well-known regions for buying furniture in the world. Many people who want to buy North Carolina furniture are attracted to the area due to the numerous options and rich variety available. The products made here are of the highest quality, and they are sold to buyers across the country and around the world. While some brands have moved their manufacturing facilities overseas in an effort to cut costs, many have chosen to remain in North Carolina to maintain the level of quality that customers have come to expect.
When you buy North Carolina furniture, you are truly purchasing a piece of American history. You are also investing in something of exceptional quality that will last long enough to pass down to future generations.
Unbeatable Quality
If you are looking for high-quality furniture that will withstand the test of time well enough to be passed down to future generations, you should buy North Carolina furniture. Much of the furniture made in North Carolina is lovingly handmade by skilled craftsmen and women who are passionate about what they do. They take the time to make each piece correctly, so poor-quality pieces are extremely rare.
This furniture is also made using the highest quality materials. Rather than designing furniture with inferior frames that break quickly or start squeaking after just a few months of use, North Carolina furniture is typically made using kiln-dried hardwood frames. Choosing to buy North Carolina furniture guarantees exquisite craftsmanship.
The materials used to upholster sofas, loveseats, and recliners are of the highest quality, too. Top-grain leather is a common option that is soft, comfortable, and exceptionally durable. It is also easy to keep clean and is much more resilient than bonded or faux leather. If you prefer fabric upholstery, you can choose from premium options like Euro Velvet, Cobble Cloth, and Microfiber, all of which are of the highest quality. Many companies even offer washable upholstery options that are perfect for families with children or pets when you buy North Carolina furniture.
Greater Safety
In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, or CPSIA, regulates the use of dangerous and toxic chemicals and products. This means that furniture produced in North Carolina is safe to bring into your home. You don’t need to worry about it making you or your family sick because it contains toxic materials or has been contaminated in an unclean working environment.
The strict safety regulations in the U.S. also mean that domestic furniture makers cannot make pieces that are unsafe and likely to cause injury. Buying North Carolina furniture not only guarantees a remarkable level of craftsmanship and timeless design but also ensures the utmost in safety standards. It must be made to support a reasonable amount of weight without breaking, and measures must be taken to protect consumers from things like protruding nails, inner springs, etc.
The Latest Trends
Each spring and fall, the entire world furniture industry travels to North Carolina for the High Point Market. This week-long furniture exhibition is where leading brands showcase their latest products and designs. It also offers the largest and most comprehensive furniture product selection in the world.
While the High Point Market is only open to industry professionals, many of the pieces on display make their way to nearby furniture outlets at the end of the event for those who wish to buy North Carolina furniture. This means that buyers can often find the latest trends in North Carolina sooner than they can find them anywhere else.
The companies in NC are also quick to pick up on the latest trends. Many of them get to work on creating new products that align with the trends seen in each season’s High Point Market within days of the event. As the hub of the furniture industry, North Carolina always has furniture that is on trend.
Affordability
Furniture manufactured in North Carolina is available at virtually all price points. In fact, you can buy North Carolina furniture in several factory outlets that offer this durable furniture at prices which are closer to the prices for lower-end products.
While you can shop many retailers online, if you want to get the absolutely best deals, you should plan on visiting North Carolina’s furniture district. If you take a trip to the High Point area, you will have the opportunity to visit countless outlet stores and furniture galleries.
Before you head out, visit the High Point Convention and Visitors Bureau website to request a furniture shopping packet. This packet will provide you with valuable information about buying furniture in North Carolina, as well as valuable coupons that you can use to get an even better deal on your purchases.
Social Responsibility
Social responsibility is becoming an increasingly common concern, and it should be. Sadly, though, there are still countless factories throughout the world where workers are subjected to abuse, unsafe working conditions, unfair wages, etc. When you buy furniture that is manufactured right here in the United States, you can rest assured knowing that the people responsible for building it are treated fairly.
Workers in North Carolina furniture factories are paid fairly and have access to benefits. They are not subjected to abuse, there are no child laborers, and all workers are protected by the labor laws of both North Carolina and the United States.
Environmental Responsibility
While some manufacturers assemble their products in the United States but use wood and other materials sourced from other parts of the world, buying North Carolina furniture is truly American Made. It is built in the U.S. using materials sourced domestically. Because we have strict regulations regarding how materials are sourced to ensure sustainability, this means that furniture built using American materials is more sustainable.
When wood is harvested in the United States, only a certain percentage is taken, and new trees are planted. This responsible management of forests prevents deforestation and enables companies to source the materials they need without destroying the environment. This ensures the future availability of natural resources like trees. One prominent approach to initiating this responsible management of forests is to buy North Carolina furniture, which is renowned for its commitment to sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials. Unfortunately, many other countries do not practice this sort of responsible forest management.
The furniture that is made in NC using American materials is also more environmentally friendly because it does not require materials shipped from overseas. This, of course, cuts down on carbon emissions and the consumption of fossil fuels.
Economic Benefits
You’ve undoubtedly heard about the many benefits of buying locally to support the economy. While you may think of this in terms of buying eggs from your local farmer or picking up your cough medicine from your small-town pharmacy rather than going to the big corporate store, it also applies to buying North Carolina furniture.
When you purchase furniture that is manufactured in the United States by an American-owned company, you are investing in our economy. Your investment remains in the U.S. and, if more people choose to buy American-made furniture, the demand will increase. This increases the need for skilled workers and creates job opportunities for Americans who are seeking employment.
Because buying domestically eliminates the need for products from foreign countries, buying furniture made in North Carolina also helps reduce the trade deficit. As people increasingly embrace buying locally instead of depending on foreign-made products, thousands of new jobs are created, and more money remains in the U.S. economy.
Conclusion
If you are in the market for furniture and you are looking for something that will last, choose North Carolina furniture. There are several brands and manufacturers that craft their products in NC using materials sourced in the United States. By purchasing North Carolina furniture from one of these companies, you can rest assured knowing that you are investing in furniture that will last for several years rather than starting to fall apart after just a few uses.
Buying American-made furniture from North Carolina is also good for the environment and the economy. It is socially responsible, and it is more affordable than you may realize. North Carolina furniture comes in every style and design imaginable, and it is safe. Why shop for an inferior product when you can outfit your home in the best of the best?