White Oak, Walnut Designs Featured In High Point 

White Oak, Walnut Designs Featured In High Point 

There was keen interest in American products at the recent High Point Furniture Market, held in High Point, NC, and this focused attention on Appalachian hardwood species.

The tariff situation is ever-changing and retail buyers at the twice annual exhibition were seeking products that had stable pricing. Domestic manufacturers reported that was an early question for many who visited the 12 million square feet of showroom space in High Point.

Several makers highlighted USA goods with signage and banners. Others are known for their product origin.

“We had several new buyers talk with us because they know we make it in Virginia and we can deliver quickly,” said Doug Bassett, president of Vaughan-Bassett Furniture. “They like that and want the stability that comes with it.”

The Galax, VA, manufacturer offers bedroom groups made of solid Soft and Hard Maple, Oak and a mixed Maple/Walnut design that was new for market. It was well-received as were other pieces.

“We are all about Maple this market with several new designs of our own and our partnership with Erin & Ben Napier,” Bassett said. “This continues to perform well in all of our markets.”

Solid Hardwood Designs Win Awards

Pinnacle Awards are the top prizes given to furniture designers annually for unique pieces by The International Society of Furniture Designers. The 2025 recipients included pieces from key American species.

Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc. sponsored the Designer – Maker Category and the winner was Jeremy Kamiya of Kamiya Furniture for his Covenant Bed. The piece was made from American Walnut and was described as a marriage of natural material – each component held together by fit, not by force.

Kamiya said the tedious joinery techniques reinforce its construction integrity without the use of nails or screws, which allow for signature design details. It included sliding dovetail stretchers, dowel-reinforced haunched through-tenons and hand-cut, polished brass pins and wedges.

The company is headquartered in High Point, NC, and Kamiya is a repeat winner.

Real American Hardwood sponsored the Biophilic Design Category and there was a tie between winners Bernhardt Furniture for its Madura Outdoor Sofa and the Pelican Storage Chair and Perriand Table by Hévéa House.

The Madura sofa in solid Teak will lend a natural presence to any outdoor setting. Designed with exterior wood-grade materials, the sofa has plush cushions for entertaining and relaxing.

The Perriand table is the result of a harmonious form around which three people can gather, exchange ideas, and learn. The Perriand Table features a spacious tabletop and three drawers, allowing for shared use while respecting individual needs. Its ingenious design offers a perfect balance between collaboration and independence.

There were two dozen Pinnacles given with 18 products made from wood. More information is available at www.isfd.org.

Vaughan-Bassett also expanded its solid wood Artisan & Post bedroom line with Pure Maple, which is also part of the Erin & Ben Napier licensed collection. Made with solid Maple, it includes several bed options and companion case pieces in several finish options and also has an upholstered bed in several fabric options.

Gat Creek Furniture introduced new designs in solid Walnut and solid Maple. The Walnut group had a clear urethane finish that is baked on and extremely hard, said Gat Caperton, owner.

“We have been working on this finish to make it the most durable in the market, we believe,” he said. “Our customers like the look and the way it shows off the grain.”

Gat Creek had two groups in Maple with painted finishes. The look was fresh and appealing to buyers, he said.

White Oak dominated most of Century Furniture’s new designs.

The hardwood collections have styling with natural, washed and dark finishes that show off the grain.

Field & Stream magazine introduced a solid hardwood occasional, dining and bedroom collection by Urban Barnwood. The pieces were manufactured in Sugarcreek, OH, from Oak and Maple as well as reclaimed barn wood.

Lexington Home Brands showed its newest Tommy Bahama collection, Copacabana, which features 30 case goods pieces made with White Oak veneers.

There was a new licensing partnership between Linon Home Décor and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation introduced at market. It featured three bath vanity collections in White Oak that were designed to bring Wright’s architecture principles and nature into bathroom design.

Kincaid Furniture expanded groups in both Oak and Alder. The company
specifies species when placing order with international manufacturers.

The groups were well-received by retailer buyers and designers.

The next High Point Market is April 25-29, 2026. Learn more at highpointmarket.org.