Top Reasons to Choose Local Artisans Over Imports Amid Rising Tariffs

The rollercoaster of tariff announcements, reversals, and revisions has left consumers and retailers alike wondering what’s next—especially when it comes to buying furniture and home décor. While political uncertainty has clouded the picture, one thing is increasingly clear: prices are shifting, and shoppers should prepare accordingly.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore how recent tariffs are impacting the furniture industry, how brands are adjusting, when it’s best to buy, and how savvy consumers can minimize costs.

How Tariffs Influence the Cost of Furniture and Décor

According to Dr. Jonathan Ernest, assistant professor of economics at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management, most tariffs directly translate to higher prices for consumers. With the U.S. importing nearly $70 billion worth of furniture annually, even a minor tariff change can have a ripple effect on household budgets.

The economic implications are extensive. Imported home décor and furniture—especially those from countries like China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Canada—are likely to see price hikes of 10% to 40%, depending on the materials and product category. The reason is twofold:

Tariff costs get passed to consumers
Domestic products also rise in price due to costlier raw materials and reduced competition

Dr. P.K. Kannan, professor and marketing chair at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, explains that U.S.-based manufacturers that rely on imported raw materials—like specialty woods or hardware—face sharp cost increases, especially from Asian markets.

How Brands and Retailers Are Reacting to Tariff Pressure

Brands have not waited passively. Several furniture companies have already adjusted their pricing to brace for tariff-driven cost surges:

MillerKnoll announced a 4.5% increase in list prices.
Steelcase implemented two rounds of price hikes, citing inflation and tariff recovery.
RH (Restoration Hardware) has quietly raised prices, though details remain under wraps, as reported by The Strategist.

Meanwhile, smaller U.S.-based companies are trying to strike a balance. Sabai, a sustainable furniture brand, acknowledged in a customer email that its costs are expected to rise 5–10%, despite manufacturing in the U.S.

Areaware, a brand known for modern home accessories, anticipates price increases by mid-year. “The constant changes make it hard to plan long-term,” says Anna Gale, their brand strategy director.

Brooklyn-based retailer Two Seventy Nine proactively raised its prices by 10% in anticipation of the tariffs. Co-founder Michael Arnone cited margin protection and supply chain uncertainty as driving factors.

However, not all brands are feeling the squeeze:

Room & Board, an American furniture maker, reports minimal impact due to its use of domestic materials.
Copeland Furniture, where over 98% of components are U.S.-sourced, has no current plans to raise prices, says sales director Ben Copeland.
Loll Designs, known for outdoor furniture made from recycled domestic materials, is absorbing costs to maintain current pricing.

Even The Joinery, a Portland-based handcrafted furniture company, while shielded from the worst of the tariffs, sees rising costs in imported hardware. CEO Jon Blumenauer emphasizes creativity and cost-efficiency to manage these increases.

And if you’re shopping second-hand? You’re in luck. Platforms like Chairish, 1stDibs, and AptDeco aren’t affected by these tariffs, since pre-owned items sourced domestically are exempt.

When Should You Buy Furniture and Décor?

Timing is everything.

With the market in flux, experts suggest shopping sooner rather than later. Dr. Kannan points out that many retailers are pre-emptively raising prices in anticipation of tariffs, especially for new inventory.

Retailers are facing:

Volatile pricing
Supply chain instability
Uncertainty in tariff enforcement timelines

Shannon Williams, CEO of the Home Furnishings Association (HFA), emphasizes that price increases are here to stay:

“Furniture isn’t going to get cheaper over the next few years.”

Her advice? Buy items that are especially tariff-sensitive now:

Upholstered furniture (sofas, recliners)
Solid wood dining sets and chairs
IKEA products
Lighting fixtures and LED lamps
Decorative accessories
Foam mattresses

For larger projects—like kitchen renovations—placing a deposit now could lock in lower prices.

Tips to Avoid Paying More Due to Tariffs

Don’t want to get caught by rising prices? Here’s how to stay ahead of the curve:

1. Buy American-Made Furniture

Furniture built in the U.S. using American-sourced materials (like Appalachian hardwoods) is less affected by tariffs. Look for heritage brands and local artisans.

2. Check Product Labels

Know the origin of your product. Items from countries with high tariffs—like China (up to 145%)—will be more expensive. Consider alternatives from regions with lower or no tariffs, like the European Union.

3. Prioritize In-Stock Items

Retailers with full warehouses haven’t yet passed on the added costs. Williams recommends buying same-day or next-day available inventory, which was likely purchased before price increases hit.

4. Shop Local Furniture Stores

Brick-and-mortar stores often hold their own inventory and turn stock more slowly, giving them more flexibility. These family-owned businesses may offer better value than mass-market online retailers.

5. Buy Second-hand

Vintage and pre-owned furniture from platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or your local consignment store offer style, sustainability, and tariff-free pricing.

What to Expect Moving Forward

Economic policy will continue to evolve. But based on current projections and expert insights, prices in the home furnishing sector will likely continue to rise over the next 2–3 years.

The smart move? Don’t wait. Be proactive, do your research, and consider alternatives that help you sidestep the brunt of tariff-driven price increases.

Sources and Notable Organizations:

How Tariffs Influence the Cost of Furniture and Décor