Why Furniture Prices Are Set to Rise: Act Now
Tariffs Are Reshaping Home Design Decisions
As global trade policies shift, design insiders are moving quickly to secure key investments before the approaching price surge.
In a light-filled Chicago apartment, one homeowner traces her finger along the channel-tufted headboard that now anchors her master bedroom. "I almost waited," she admits with visible relief. "But my designer insisted we move quickly." That urgency, once seeming perhaps overzealous, now appears prescient as the furniture industry braces for substantial price increases following the implementation of new tariffs.
The Policy Shift
On March 4, 2025, the current administration introduced significant new tariffs—25% on imports from Canada and Mexico and 20% on Chinese goods—that are sending ripples through the design industry. These countries have long served as crucial sources for both raw materials and finished pieces in the American home furnishings market.
The comfortable stability we've seen in furniture pricing is about to fundamentally change as these policies take full effect across the supply chain.
The Acceleration Effect
For industry insiders, the writing is already on the wall. Major manufacturers have begun issuing notices to the trade about impending price increases scheduled for April, with many anticipating multiple rounds of adjustments as the full impact of these policies unfolds.
What we're seeing is not just the direct tariff impact, but an acceleration effect. First comes the initial adjustment, then the ripple as domestic production costs increase due to competition for American-made components, and finally the inventory squeeze as stateside warehouses begin to empty.
This perfect storm has created what some designers call "the last window"—a brief period where consumers can still access inventory imported before the tariffs took effect.
Historical Context
This isn't the first time the furniture industry has weathered trade policy changes. In the early 2000s, anti-dumping duties on wooden bedroom furniture from China reshaped sourcing patterns. More recently, the 2018-2019 tariffs caused price increases ranging from 1.7% to 7.1% across furniture categories.
What makes the current situation particularly acute is timing. These tariffs are landing at a moment when global shipping is still recalibrating and material costs remain volatile. The compounding effect could be substantially more dramatic than what we've seen previously.
The Designer Advantage
In this climate of uncertainty, designers are providing more than aesthetic guidance—they're offering economic insulation.
Working with a designer has always been about optimization—of space, of beauty, of function. Now it's also about financial strategy.
Designers with strong vendor relationships can often secure favorable pricing, access inventory not available to the general public, and time purchases to leverage pre-increase pricing. For many homeowners, this translates to significant savings on custom upholstered pieces and imported furnishings.
A custom bed that might be listed at around $4,200 online could be secured at a lower price through a designer—not only through trade discounts but by placing the order before manufacturers implement their first round of increases.
Strategic Categories
Not all furniture segments will be equally affected by the new policies. Luxury furnishings, with their reliance on imported materials like Italian leather and specialized hardware, face complex exposure even when final assembly occurs domestically. Meanwhile, budget-friendly lines manufactured primarily in China and Mexico are expected to see the most immediate impact.
Perhaps surprisingly, even furniture labeled "Made in USA" isn't immune. American manufacturers still depend heavily on imported components, and those increased costs will inevitably be passed along to consumers.
The Psychology of Purchase
Beyond pure economics, a shift in consumer psychology is emerging. There's a newfound sense of urgency in the market. Decisions that might have stretched over months are now being finalized in weeks.
This acceleration comes with benefits beyond cost savings. Homeowners are experiencing their completed spaces sooner. There's something wonderfully satisfying about making decisive moves and then enjoying the results rather than lingering in indecision.
Navigation Strategy
For those contemplating significant furniture investments, a three-pronged approach makes sense:
First, prioritize pieces with the highest expected impact from tariffs—case goods with substantial metal components, upholstered items utilizing imported textiles, and anything manufactured entirely overseas.
Second, consider the longevity of each purchase. If it's a transitional piece you'll replace in three years, the pricing impact may be negligible in your overall calculation. But for investment pieces intended to last decades, securing pre-increase pricing could represent significant value.
Finally, leverage professional guidance. Designers with trade connections can provide not just aesthetic direction but critical market intelligence about which manufacturers are planning increases and when those will take effect.
Looking Forward
As the industry adjusts to the new normal, some anticipate a renaissance in American furniture craftsmanship. There's an opportunity here for domestic manufacturers to capture market share. But that transition requires time and investment. In the immediate term, consumers should expect higher price points across all categories.
For those who act quickly, the decision brings both financial benefit and peace of mind. Not just because of potential savings, but because they're living in spaces that bring joy now—not still waiting for them to come together six months from now at a higher price.
In a market characterized by rapid change, perhaps that immediate enjoyment is the most valuable luxury of all.
Denine Jackson is the principal designer at Denine Jackson Interiors, a full-service interior design firm specializing in residential and boutique commercial spaces. For consultation inquiries, visit deninejacksoninteriors.com.
