Difference-maker: What to know about buying furniture that’s American-made

This piece is sponsored by Montgomery’s.

Purchasing American-made furniture is about more than being patriotic: It’s often a way to ensure that the pieces you’re buying are safe and sustainable.

“There’s a lot of misinformation out there,” said Emily Connolly, senior interior designer at Montgomery’s. “But there’s a significant difference once you learn about the difference in everything from construction to regulation.”

Here are five things to know about buying your next piece of furniture closer to home.

Quality counts

Furniture that’s made in America often is worked on by artisans and craftspeople.

“They have done this work their entire lives – sometimes for generations,” Connolly said. “The quality of construction lasts. I have one American-made chair that I love so much I’ve reupholstered it three times.”

More than half the furniture at Montgomery’s is American-made, she estimates.

“The wood for the products is forested in America, and many of these companies are very sustainable, so they’re planting two or three trees for every one they take down,” Connolly said.

“Montgomery’s does a really good job of stocking product to try to avoid some of the increases in pricing due to tariffs. We also have a buying team that works with our manufacturers to bring a value to the client, whether it’s sourcing products made here in the U.S. or looking to other countries that do not have tariffs attached to their product. We won’t escape the tariffs, but we understand the consumers and their need for value, so that is always a priority for us.”

At Montgomery’s, if furniture isn’t made in America, it also can be made in Canada or Norway, “which also have good standards of operation,” Connolly said.

“I do think with tariffs, we’ll continue to see some sourcing of product change and manufacturing come back to the U.S. I’m starting to see manufacturers in so many categories investing back in the U.S., nationwide.”

Regulation matters

American-made products not only are known for their quality and durability – but also they have to meet regulatory standards.

“In China, for example, the regulations are limited,” Connolly said.

“To cut costs, China is hit and miss with the quality of their products being produced. Working conditions are not the greatest, and their production times are faster, which in turn sacrifices quality and standards of materials to meet the cost demand.”

This means products can be produced with inferior durability to an identical U.S.-made product, she added.

During the manufacturing process, some products can be constructed with glues, resins, finishes and particle board that have volatile organic chemicals, or VOCs, which can cause off-gassing.

“This is common in China-made product due to the limited regulations and should be expected,” Connolly said. “If you have ever experienced a piece of furniture you have received that has an odor to it, it is more than likely a product made with any of these components. The construction from China to the U.S. is night-and-day difference.”

Sustainability adds value

Montgomery’s has built relationships with American furniture manufacturers that stand behind their products, often for life.

Virginia-based Rowe Furniture, for instance, “is a very sustainable company, as well as being very eco-friendly,” Connolly said.

“They’re built well with a solid frame and offer a lifetime guarantee on their frames. A lot of American-made companies give you a lifetime guarantee for as long as you own the product.”

In dining and bedroom sets, Amish craftspeople also “have really come out with great midcentury modern looks, and we sell a lot of it,” she continued.

“My favorite is Archbold Furniture, which is price-friendly, with wood sourced from Oregon and Washington state. All our Amish companies are sourcing their wood within 500 miles of their factories, and there’s no waste. So even the smallest amount of wood is divided out to use for smaller projects.”

In contrast, some Chinese manufacturers cut costs by taking out padding from the sides and back of furniture, meaning products have a shorter lifespan.

“This is an integral part of the frame to give it protection from puncturing and a softer, more finished look,” Connolly said.

“Less-expensive fabrics is another way to cut cost. Often, we have clients that don’t want to invest in a nice piece of furniture because their kids and animals will destroy it. However, if you buy a quality-built frame and fabrics or leather, the products will stand up to dogs and kids and look great for years to come. Products made in China might look similar to an American-made one, but you can’t see the inside, and then people are surprised when it doesn’t perform. It’s so important to know what you are buying.”

American-made doesn’t necessarily mean all American-made

Keeping it transparent: You should know that American-made furniture doesn’t necessarily mean every component is made in the U.S.

“Sometimes, there’s an expectation that it’s all from America, and that’s not possible in many cases,” Connolly said. “When we say it’s made in America, we mean it’s crafted in America with the majority of the product sourced here. The wood, for instance, will be sourced here. But most fabric is made elsewhere because we don’t have a lot of U.S. fabric mills anymore.”

Instead, fiber technicians and craftspeople in countries such as China, Pakistan, India, South Korea, Vietnam, Turkey and Bangladesh often provide fabric for U.S. furniture.

“A lot of fabrics from China are being discontinued because the affordability won’t be there, but vendors and manufacturers really focus on trying to find the best value for customers, and the fabrics being created in many of these countries are high quality and complement our furniture,” Connolly said. 

Looking to save? Here’s your life hack

First, don’t assume all American-made furniture won’t fit your budget, Connolly said.

“There are different price points in American-made furniture just like any other,” she said. “I remind people that cheap furniture actually costs more in the long run because you have to keep replacing it.”

Montgomery’s will be offering its signature Black Friday sale this month, including doorbusters and special offers on mattresses.

“But if you want a quality product and even starter price points seem too expensive, I encourage people to look on resale sites like Facebook Marketplace,” Connolly said.

“You’ll see pieces on there from our vendors. Some will even say they’re from Montgomery’s. If you get to know quality brands, you will find good furniture that still has tons of useful life left. I would much rather see someone experience our products that have been previously owned rather than buy less-expensive furniture new that we know will not hold up.” 

Montgomery’s designers are always ready to help you find the best American-made furniture for your home. Stop in any location, and enjoy their complimentary expertise, or begin your search online here.