It seems as though practically every store sells furniture these days. Grocery stores offer up outdoor furniture every spring, and big box stores – from Best Buy to Wal-Mart – have year-round, dedicated furniture sections. But what is the biggest differentiator amongst all of these offerings? Where the furniture is made.
Why Furniture Made in the USA is Special
For those who are searching for American-made furniture, it should be noted that there are varying degrees of “Made in the USA,” just as there are varying degrees of environmentally friendly furniture. Some furniture stores import wood from locations around the world and then build the furniture in the U.S., so technically, the items are “Made in the USA.” Then there are high-end furniture stores that harvest wood from acres of their own forest in the United States and custom make furniture to customer specifications. These furniture makers craft heirloom pieces that can be passed down for generations. These products are 100 percent made in the U.S., and it is their quality and craftsmanship that makes the pieces so special.
Why You Should Buy Furniture Made in the USA
Buying American-made products is about more than patriotism – it helps build our national economy. Given the increasing uncertainty of the global marketplace, buying goods made in America is more important than ever. Here are a few notable reasons to consider purchasing furniture that is made domestically:
Stringent Regulations – American-made furniture has stringent quality requirements and regulations in order to be put on the market. When purchasing American-made furniture, look for the third party certificate that certifies it has been “Made in the USA” and meets safety requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). Meeting CPSIA standards ensures that the furniture is constructed to strict safety guidelines, not just in construction of the piece, but in the chemicals used to create the finish of the furniture. In other countries, furniture can be treated with chemicals that can “off gas” (i.e. emit chemicals from material into the air) for many years. Often, there are no regulations to ensure these items are safe to use in your home. Confirming that your furniture meets CPSIA standards is especially important when buying children’s furniture.
Support Local Jobs – Buying furniture made in the U.S. helps create and maintain jobs for thousands of people in America. While it’s tempting to purchase items made abroad based on lower prices, supporting the U.S. economy helps drive down the occasionally higher cost of shopping locally for furniture. As the demand for local production increases, the U.S. manufacturing sector grows and pushes more money into the domestic economy. The cycle of buying American-made goods and supporting American manufacturing not only creates jobs today, but for future generations as well.
Guaranteed Safe and Fair Working Conditions – Our government can’t control foreign labor standards. In many third-world countries, sweatshops are rampant. They implore child labor, unsafe working conditions, and nominal pay for long hours to guarantee that their products are made. While you may never see the 8-year-old child forced to work 12-hour days instead of going to school, buying goods made in these countries supports these conditions. To ensure a fair wage is earned and proper laws are enforced, buy products made in the U.S. where local and federal laws control the work environment.
Quality of Goods – American-made furniture translates to quality and excellent craftsmanship. While the initial cost may be higher for products made in the U.S., the long-term price tag is often lower as the piece will last much longer compared to a foreign-made item.
Better for the Environment – Our government can’t regulate production methods in foreign manufacturing facilities, and the environmental impact of unregulated manufacturing goes unchecked. Buying American-made furniture reduces the carbon footprint by reducing shipping and ensuring that emissions meet federal guidelines.
Support the Domestic Economy – The U.S. currently has an enormous trade deficit. Investing in American-made products boosts the U.S. economy and helps eliminate this deficit. Reliance on foreign exports – furniture and other items – diminishes America’s strength in the global economy.
Tips for Finding the Right Pieces for Your Space
Have fun when decorating your home but be smart about what you’re purchasing. Keep a balance between affordably upgrading the décor of your home, and owning pieces that you’ll keep forever and pass along to your children. Regardless of style and décor of the furniture you choose, purchasing American-made products for family heirlooms leaves you with something to pass along with pride and confidence.
While it may seem difficult to find anything that is made domestically these days, there are several well known furniture makers who have been crafting goods in the USA for decades. The Guest Room offers a wide selection of top quality, trusted brands that are handcrafted in North America. We have decorative accessories, bedding and local art work to complete the look of your room. We believe that creating a beautiful, comfortable home is important. The right design, color scheme, furnishings and details can transform any home into an inspiring and livable space. Stop by today to explore all of our American-made pieces.