The US cities where furniture manufacturing still thrives

Michael Paulsen // Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

The US cities where furniture manufacturing still thrives

For much of the 20th century, American homes were furnished by factories scattered across the Midwest and South. House of Leon explains that while globalization pushed much of that manufacturing overseas, several U.S. cities remain synonymous with furniture production—driven by a blend of history, craftsmanship, and industrial know-how.

High Point, North Carolina: The Unrivaled Leader

No city has embraced its furniture legacy quite like High Point, North Carolina, long branded the “Furniture Capital of the World.” For over a century, the city has been the epicenter of American furniture design and manufacturing. At its peak in the mid-20th century, an estimated 60% of all U.S.-made furniture was produced within 125 miles of High Point, a staggering statistic that underscores its dominance.

Today, the biannual High Point Market—the world’s largest home furnishings trade show—draws over 70,000 designers, retailers, and buyers from around the globe, filling 11 million square feet of showroom space. Despite increased imports, High Point and its neighboring towns like Thomasville and Lexington remain central players in U.S. furniture production, particularly in wood and upholstered furnishings.

Source: Architectural Digest, Southern Living, High Point Market Authority

Grand Rapids, Michigan: The Home of Office Furniture

While High Point leads in residential furniture, Grand Rapids, Michigan—aptly nicknamed “Furniture City”—has become the headquarters for some of the biggest names in commercial and office furniture. Brands like Steelcase, Herman Miller, Haworth, and American Seating all call the region home, producing the desks and chairs that fill corporate offices worldwide.

The city’s furniture roots date back to the 1800s when Scandinavian immigrants established woodworking shops in the region. Today, Grand Rapids remains one of the world’s largest hubs for high-end office furnishings, according to the Grand Rapids Historical Society and Steelcase Company History.

Chicago: A Hidden Giant

Chicago may be better known for its architecture than its manufacturing, but the metro area is home to nearly 300 furniture manufacturers, making it one of the largest hubs in the country. Companies in and around the Windy City produce everything from commercial fixtures to residential pieces, benefiting from the city’s historic transportation networks and skilled labor force.

Gardner, Massachusetts: A Legacy of Craftsmanship

On a smaller scale, Gardner, Massachusetts, once known as the “Chair City of the World,” still holds a place in America’s furniture heritage. By 1910, Gardner’s factories were producing an estimated 4 million chairs a year, a staggering output for a town of its size. Though modern production has waned, the legacy of craftsmanship remains part of the town’s DNA.

Why These Cities Persist

While low-cost imports from Asia have decimated much of America’s manufacturing base, these cities continue to thrive thanks to:

• Deep-rooted industry clusters that support skilled labor, suppliers, and logistics.
• Proximity to major U.S. markets, reducing lead times compared to overseas shipping.
• A growing demand for custom, sustainable, and American-made furniture, particularly in the high-end market.

The Bigger Picture: State Leaders

At the state level, North Carolina still leads in total furniture manufacturing facilities, followed by California, Texas, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Smaller states like Indiana and Wisconsin punch above their weight in specialty production.

The Future of American Furniture Manufacturing

Even as global supply chains evolve, these American cities show that furniture manufacturing is far from dead. Instead, it’s becoming more specialized, design-driven, and increasingly responsive to consumer demand for sustainability and quality.

High Point may no longer produce the majority of America’s furniture, but twice a year, the world still comes knocking.

This story was produced by House of Leon and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.