PMR Expects a Stable Growth Trajectory for the US Office Furniture Market Based on Innovations in Office Furniture Design and Technology in Line with Aesthetic and Ergonomic Trends
Report ID: PMRREP34542
Report Type: Ongoing
Format: PPT*, PDF, EXCEL
Industry: Consumer Goods
The US office furniture market is estimated to value at US$23.2 Bn by the end of 2031 from US$15.3 Bn estimated to be recorded in 2024. The market is expected to secure a CAGR of 5.4% in the forthcoming years from 2024 to 2031.
Market Attributes |
Key Insights |
US Office Furniture Market Size (2024E) |
US$15.3 Bn |
Projected Market Value (2031F) |
US$23.2 Bn |
Value CAGR 2024 – 2031 |
5.4% |
Value CAGR 2019 – 2023 |
6.1% |
The United States office furniture market is a dynamic and evolving sector characterized by a growing emphasis on ergonomic design, sustainability, and technological integration. This market caters to a diverse range of businesses, from start-ups to large corporations, each seeking to optimize work environments for enhanced productivity, and employee wellbeing.
The demand for flexible, modular furniture solutions has surged in response to the rise of remote and hybrid work models, while innovations in materials and smart furniture are transforming traditional office spaces. With a focus on both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency, the US office furniture market is poised for continued growth, driven by trends in workplace modernization, and evolving corporate needs.
The office furniture market is composed of various types, each serving distinct purposes and catering to different office environments. Desks, and workstations currently dominate the market, accounting for a significant share due to their essential role in every workspace.
Ergonomic chairs, designed to enhance comfort and reduce health risks, have seen a marked increase in demand, reflecting a growing awareness of employee wellbeing. Storage solutions, including filing cabinets and modular storage units, remain vital for organization and space efficiency.
Conference furniture, such as meeting tables and collaborative seating, is increasingly sought-after as companies emphasize teamwork and collaborative spaces. Additionally, the rise of remote work has boosted the popularity of home office furniture, which blends functionality with residential aesthetics.
Statistical analyses indicate that the market for ergonomic and flexible office furniture is growing at a faster rate compared to traditional furniture, driven by changing work patterns and a focus on health and productivity.
The office furniture market in 2024 is characterized by key trends and innovations that prioritize flexibility, sustainability, and employee wellbeing, reflecting the evolving needs of the modern workforce. Ergonomic innovations take center stage, with a focus on designing furniture that promotes employee health and comfort.
Sustainable materials are increasingly utilized, responding to a growing awareness of environmental impact, and driving the adoption of recyclable materials, and low-impact products.
Office furniture companies in the US are leveraging strong networks of distribution partners to enhance their market presence. Despite these strengths, businesses face significant challenges due to market pricing pressures, which can affect profit margins and make it difficult to secure new business in certain segments.
Moreover, the increased use of digital marketing and catalog mailings by competitors can diminish the effectiveness of a company's own marketing efforts. This environment requires businesses to continuously innovate and enhance their product offerings, marketing strategies, and customer service to maintain and grow their market share.
The historical growth of the office furniture market in the US has been underpinned by rigorous standards that ensure comfort, safety, and durability, significantly influenced by the efforts of the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA). Over the years, BIFMA has advanced, revised, and refined numerous standards.
These standards have facilitated the development of furniture that withstands daily use, supporting secure seating, smooth rolling casters, and durable storage solutions.
The market has evolved in response to changing workplace dynamics, including the rise of ergonomic designs and the increasing importance of sustainability, as highlighted by standards like ANSI/BIFMA X5.5-2021 for desk and table products, and ANSI/BIFMA X6.5-2022 for home office furniture.
Key features of new office furniture include adjustable height desks, modular components, and integrated technology such as wireless charging and cable management systems.
The market is poised for further growth driven by continued innovation in product design and performance standards, addressing emerging needs in hybrid work environments and promoting healthier, more efficient workspaces.
Key Trends and Innovations in the Market
Key Growth Drivers
Evolving Work Environments
As of 2023, 12.7% of full-time employees in the US are working from home, while 28.2% work in a hybrid model, combining both home and in-office working. By 2025, it’s projected that 32.6 million Americans will be working remotely, constituting about 22% of the workforce.
A significant population of workers, around 98%, have expressed a desire to work remotely at least part of the time. These statistics underscore the growing prevalence and popularity of remote work trends within the US workforce.
Workforce trends, precisely the rise of remote and hybrid work models, serve as a significant driver in the office furniture market. As more employee’s transition to remote or flexible work arrangements, there is an increased demand for furniture solutions that cater to home office setups.
Ergonomic chairs, height-adjustable desks, and compact storage solutions are among the key products sought after by remote workers to enhance comfort and productivity in their home workspaces.
Additionally, as businesses adopt hybrid work models, there is a growing need for furniture that seamlessly integrates into both home and office environments, allowing for easy transition between spaces.
The shift towards remote work is reshaping the traditional office landscape, influencing the design, functionality, and adoption of office furniture to meet the evolving needs of a remote-enabled workforce.
Increasing Technology Intervention
The integration of technology has sparked a revolution in office furniture, paving the way for smart and interconnected workspace solutions. Imagine desks equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors that seamlessly adjust height and posture based on individual preferences, promoting ergonomic comfort, and reducing strain.
Chairs embedded with sensors monitor posture and provide real-time feedback, suggesting ergonomic improvements to enhance user well-being. Additionally, smart lighting and climate control systems dynamically adjust environmental conditions to optimize working conditions, fostering productivity and comfort.
Economic Downturn
Economic downturns and recessions significantly restrain the growth of the office furniture market. For instance, during the Great Recession of 2008-2009, the US office furniture market saw a sharp decline as companies cut back on capital expenditures, including office renovations and new furniture purchases.
Similarly, the economic fallout during and after the COVID-19 pandemic led to a severe contraction in business spending. The US GDP plummeted by 3.5% in 2020. This downturn forced many businesses to reduce their expenditures on office infrastructure as they grappled with financial uncertainty.
Intense Market Competition, and Influx of Domestic Players
With numerous players vying for market share, competition drives price wars, squeezing profit margins and limiting investment in innovation. Established companies must contend with both large multinational corporations and smaller, agile firms, all competing to offer the most attractive product portfolios and customer experiences.
Additionally, the entry of new local competitors further intensifies market dynamics, disrupting established players and increasing pressure to innovate. As a result, companies must continually invest in research and development, marketing strategies, and customer service to stay ahead in this fiercely competitive landscape.
Growing Popularity of Sustainable Office Furniture
Recent studies underscore the profound impact of good office design on company culture, community, and employee wellbeing. Design elements like proper lighting, flexible layouts, and biophilic features play crucial roles, but excellent furniture design is equally essential for user comfort and productivity.
According to recent statistics, every year, 8.5 million tons of office furniture finds its way into US landfills, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. Good office furniture prioritizes comfort, appearance, versatility, flexibility, resistance, durability, and sustainability.
In fact, sustainability has become a critical consideration in office furniture design, with 78% of consumers stating that they prefer eco-friendly products. Manufacturers like Andreu World are setting new standards by designing with minimal carbon footprints, adhering to Cradle to Cradle (C2C) principles, and contributing to the circular economy.
C2C certification ensures products are safe, circular, and responsibly made, with requirements including waste elimination, clean energy use, water conservation, and respect for human and natural systems.
Andreu World's commitment to sustainability, with all its products certified under the C2C framework, exemplifies a holistic approach to environmentally conscious office furniture design.
Category |
Projected CAGR through 2031 |
Product Category - Chairs |
5.9% |
Material - Plastic |
6.1% |
Distribution Channel - Online Marketplaces |
6.5% |
Chairs Remain the Top-Selling Furniture Category
Chairs stand out as the leading product type due to their pivotal role in employee comfort and productivity. Given the significant amount of time employees spend seated, ergonomic office chairs are essential for preventing musculoskeletal issues and enhancing overall well-being.
The emphasis on ergonomic design, with features such as adjustable lumbar support, height adjustments, and seat depth, addresses the diverse needs of a modern workforce, promoting better posture and reducing the risk of work-related injuries.
Additionally, the increasing prevalence of remote work and home office setups has spurred demand for high-quality, comfortable seating solutions that can be used in both professional and personal environments.
Consequently, chairs are not only fundamental to workplace design but also critical in supporting the health and efficiency of employees, making them a top priority for businesses seeking to optimize their workspaces.
Lightweight and Affordable Plastic Furniture Highly Sought-After
Plastic has emerged as the leading material due to its versatility and favorable ergonomic properties. Plastics are highly adaptable, allowing for the creation of innovative designs that can be precisely molded to support the human body effectively.
This flexibility is crucial in developing ergonomic office furniture that promotes comfort and reduces the risk of musculoskeletal issues. Additionally, plastic materials are lightweight yet durable, making furniture easier to move and adjust to meet the dynamic needs of modern office environments.
The ease of incorporating various ergonomic features, such as adjustable supports and contours, further enhances the appeal of plastic in furniture manufacturing.
Moreover, advancements in sustainable plastic options and recycling technologies align with the growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, making plastic a preferred choice for office furniture that meets both functional and ecological criteria.
E-commerce Set to Take over Traditional Stores
The US office furniture market is experiencing a shift towards online channels, with E-commerce capturing as high as a third of the market share till 2023 and expected to grow the fastest through the end of 2031. This is driven by the rise of online furniture retailers and improved online shopping experiences, including features like product recommendations, and easier navigation.
However, traditional brick-and-mortar stores remain significant and currently represent thirds market share in 2022. These stores cater to customer needs for personalized advice, installation support, and immediate product availability.
Some furniture companies like Williams-Sonoma choose to offer eco-friendly furniture through both online and offline channels.
Recent Developments in the US Office Furniture Market
Attributes |
Details |
Forecast Period |
2024 to 2031 |
Historical Data Available for |
2018 to 2023 |
Market Analysis |
US$ Billion for Value |
Key Regions Covered |
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Key Market Segments Covered |
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Key Companies Profiled in the Report |
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Report Coverage |
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Customization & Pricing |
Available upon request |
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Companies in the US office furniture market differentiate themselves through innovative product design, functionality, quality, speed of delivery, strong distribution networks, and competitive pricing.
Some of the key players operating in the market are Herman Miller, HNI Corporation, Steelcase Inc., and Haworth Inc.
Trends include a growing emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly materials, the integration of ergonomic and flexible furniture designs, the rise of remote work solutions, and increased competition from online retailers.
The surge in demand is driven by factors such as the rise in remote and hybrid work arrangements, increased focus on ergonomic and health-friendly furniture, and the need to upgrade home offices and corporate workspaces to meet new standards of productivity and comfort.
The chairs segment records a significant market share as of 2024.