What Is “Studio Furniture” and Why Do I Need It?

When people discover what I do, they are naturally very curious. I get the usual questions about where I studied, how I got into furniture making, what I make, etc. When I begin to elaborate on the subject, I almost always receive a look that seems to communicate some skepticism. This is the point where they either lose interest completely, or they throw down the challenge for me to justify my existence as a studio furniture maker.
“What is studio furniture and why would I need it when I can go buy furniture from the store?”

Good question. In my About Page, you’ll see that I come from a line of retail furniture store owners. In fact our family retail furniture business has been a pillar in the community for over 80 years! I’m not against purchasing furniture from a retail store. In fact, my desk chair, my bed, my couch; all of these came from our store. So, if we can get all the furniture we need from a store, then why would we need to even consider having a craftsman design and build a custom piece of studio furniture?

What is Studio Furniture?

Studio furniture is defined as:

“one-of-a-kind or limited production furniture objects designed and built by craftspeople. The work is made in a craftperson’s studio setting as opposed to being made in a high volume factory.”

Simply put, studio furniture is individually designed and crafted by skilled artists in a very intimate studio, or workshop setting. It’s this detail that sets studio furniture apart from all the rest. What’s the distinction? The Human Element.

In a factory you have many people and many machines cranking out piece after piece. Yes, human hands are part of the process, but the intimate connection is lost between maker and material. Studio furniture, however, is a result of that connection. The hands, eyes, intellect, soul, and spirit are all tools used by the craftsman to make the piece, and therefore are also hallmarks of quality studio furniture.

Why Do I Need It?

As I mentioned earlier, I am not opposed to factory furniture in our lives. I own some myself. The fact is, for most of us, it isn’t feasible to furnish our entire home with one-of-a-kind hand crafted pieces. (For the few that can, please feel free to contact me!)

However, we all look for objects to place in our homes that reflect our ideas, style, philosophies, and beliefs. We look for pieces that communicate something to us on an emotional level. Whether we are aware of it or not, we seek a connection that bridges the gap between us and our possessions. This is where studio furniture comes in.

From start to finish, studio furniture is designed, built, and finished exclusively by human hands. Since it is so intimately formed, quality studio furniture resonates with the passion, spirit, philosophy, and character of its maker. When we connect with such a piece on these levels we are instantly bonded not only to the piece itself, but to the maker as well.

Studio furniture is there to stand alone as a precious object of personal meaning and distinction. It exists to enhance the style and mood of any room and decor. When you have that “special piece” crafted for your home, you not only receive a piece that will last for generations, you will also receive the emotional satisfaction that transcends generations.