Are you looking to support local businesses? It’s easier than you think. Just about anything you might want to purchase can be made right here in the state of North Carolina. That includes furniture. It doesn’t matter if you want a piece of fine leather furniture, a wood dining room table, or a fabric sectional, if you want it you can buy a state made piece of furniture. Best of all, buying local keeps all of the money here to support the community. So, when looking for brands of furniture made in North Carolina, here are a few you need to keep an eye out for.
A Few Top Brands of Furniture Made in North Carolina
Bernhardt
When a company has been around since 1889, you know it is doing something right, and it is built to last. John Bernhardt spent his entire life in the lumber industry. As a teenager, he took up work at a sawmill following the death of both his parents. Eventually, he took on the job of supervisor and worked lumber, where he helped build the railroad through the region. Eventually, he started his own wood furniture company, where he built tables, chairs, chests, and other furniture items out of the local white oak.
Since the start of the company in 1889, it has remained family-owned. Despite two world wars and several recessions, the company is still running strong, and the fourth generation of Bernhardt’s work in the family business. With so much going on in the world, it is nice to know some companies are built rock solid. For Bernhardt furniture, which is based out of Lenoir, the business is organized as solid as its wood furniture.
Carolina Chair
The Carolina Chair company is quickly approaching its 100th birthday. It first opened back in 1926 as the railroad started to run through the Blue Ridge Mountains. With new access to the rails, it made it easier for this Conover based business to begin production, and now with a new marketing strategy implemented by The Marketing Heaven, to not only sell locally but around the state as well.
The company has specialized in several chair types. This includes upholstered seating, such as chairs, sofas, and loveseats. Of course, with the interstate now running through the city, it is easier to send goods across the country and around the world.
In addition to selling widely produced furniture, Carolina Chair also produces customized furniture as well. Individuals can visit the company website and alter the way they want their furniture to look at. From there, Carolina Chair will then ship out the furniture. This is one of the many reasons why the North Carolina company remains one of the longest-tenured brands of furniture made in North Carolina.
Century Furniture
The company of Century Furniture is right in the middle of the furniture hotbed known as Hickory. However, it is one of the original furniture stores in the region. Following the conclusion of the Second World War, manufacturing started back up in the United States. However, many of the major cities in the northern and Midwestern portions of the United States already had dedicated industrial infrastructures in place. The automotive industry returned to Detroit and the Rust Belt, and Steel returned to Pittsburgh and most of Pennsylvania. However, as soldiers returned home, they were able to buy houses, and yet there weren’t many furniture stores able to satisfy these needs.
North Carolina became a hotbed for furniture production thanks to access to not only local forests but locally grown cotton as well. Century Furniture became one of the first furniture stores to begin this North Carolina trend as it opened up in 1947.
Harley Ferguson Shuford Sr. started the company with an eye on designing the finest looking, beautiful wood furniture in the world. The company began producing 18th-century dining sets, produced mostly out of mahogany. Now the company still focuses primarily on wood, making furniture ranging from chairs and tables to dressers. However, there are more buying options now, with Century Furniture offering furniture with over 50 finishes and 2,000 kinds of fabrics.
Hickory Furniture Mart
Also located in Hickory, this destination became a mainstay in the city starting in 1960. During this time, furniture production took off. While Century Furniture helped kick off furniture production in the city, Hickory Furniture Mart wanted to produce furniture for all consumers and their needs. The company also wanted to open up a storefront that allowed manufacturers from all around the region to sell their products in one place. Lynn Lail and Leroy decided this would be the best way to offer quality furniture at affordable prices. Plus, when a single location sold furniture from several manufacturers, it increased foot traffic. Soon, buyers came from all around the state to Hickory to check out the selection of furniture here.
Now, the furniture store has been running for 60 years, and it looks to go for another 60 years. It also remains family-owned, with the third generation of Lail’s running the show. For anyone interested in stopping by some of the oldest furniture outlets in not only the entire state but the country, they need to swing by both Hickory Furniture Mart and Century Furniture.
Shop Local And Support Local
When it comes to wanting to support local businesses, you can do this with everything from grocery stores to automotive outlets. The same is true with furniture. There are several brands right here made in the state. While looking over these different brands of furniture made in North Carolina, you are sure to find something that fits your needs and your budget. If you’re interested in additional help, whether it is tracking down the perfect accent chair or you want some inspiration, make sure to check out North Carolina Furniture. Here you’ll find all the greatest designs and latest furniture releases from brands right here in the state of North Carolina.
