BY TRISHA MCBRIDE FERGUSON
Like many home furnishings categories, dining room sales slowed in 2023—particularly in the second half of the year. In fact, annual sales showed only 0.2% growth over the prior year, according to a FurnitureCore, Inc. industry model developed by Impact Consulting Services (parent company to Home Furnishings Business). Closing the year at $14.45 billion in sales, the dining room furniture category was up only slightly over 2022’s $14.41 billion in sales.
With economic conditions and consumer confidence outside the industry’s control, manufacturers continue to raise the bar by designing products that generate their own demand. From innovative materials to classic design revivals, here’s a look at what’s selling best in the dining category.
The sustainability story resonates for customers of Greenington Fine Bamboo Furniture, according to Troy Lerew, vice president of sales. “Our Azara dining room collection is a proven success story for our dealers and a perfect example of how we can create beautiful and high-quality furniture using one of the earth’s most sustainable resources, bamboo.” Greenington’s caramelized and exotic tiger finishes are not surface stains, they’re colors resulting from the company’s innovative production processes using only heat, steam and pressure. The result is a selection of natural, solid bamboo tones that are environmentally safe and feature a beautiful grain pattern with continuous color throughout the material.
At Stickley, classic Mid-century modern styling continues its decades-long popularity, as demonstrated by the success of its Walnut Grove collection, explains Aminy I. Audi, CEO and chair of the board at L. & J.G. Stickley. “The broad appeal of its stunning mid-century modern style is undeniable, as our customers continue to remind us.” Mid-century modern looks resonate at Simpli Home as well. “Shoppers appreciate the Malden Bentwood dining chair for its simple elegance and versatility,” says Darcy McGilvery, chief marketing officer of Simpli Home. “Its sleek midcentury design fits seamlessly in dining rooms, kitchens, offices, or sitting areas.” Quick shipping times and solid-wood construction are key success factors at Fusion Designs.
“The Harmony leg table is a best-seller because customers see the value in solid wood furniture made in America, the fact that it is easy to expand to accommodate additional people, the convenience of our
fast 10-day shipping, and the fact that the finish is customizable. All these attributes set this product apart,” says Marcus Bontrager, president of Fusion Designs.
Durable materials and design innovation are driving Bellini Modern Living’s best-sellers. “Consumers are gravitating to Italian ceramic dining tables because they are so durable and highly resistant to scratches and stains,” says Hossein Azimi, chief executive officer of Bellini Modern Living. “But the real beauty of this table is in the return-on-investment retailers enjoy per square foot.”
The return of round dining tables is also notable. “Coaster’s trending sellers in the dining category are large round tables,” says Crystal Nguyen, vice president of merchandising and product strategic planning of Coaster Fine Furniture. “There’s a noticeable trend resurgence in round dining tables, striking the perfect balance of style and affordability. These tables are designed to support the return of family gatherings and face-to-face conversations.”
Read the article in the Home Furnishings Business E-Market Preview print edition online: http://digitalissues.hfbusiness.com/publication/?i=819617&p=29&view=issueViewer
