Despite a complex economic environment characterised by market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, the Italian furniture industry confirms its solidity, proving to be an essential component of the Italian manufacturing system.

Thanks to its long-standing manufacturing tradition, integrated supply chain, and globally recognised reputation for excellence, the sector maintained its leading position in international markets, securing fourth place worldwide, despite undergoing a natural slowdown following the post-pandemic surge.
The European economy’s slowdown, subdued household purchasing power, and geopolitical uncertainty have affected final household consumption, particularly in the furniture sector. However, the Italian furniture industry has shown greater resilience than Italian manufacturing in general and its main European competitors (Germany and France, in particular), which have experienced more pronounced declines in sector turnover.

After two years of growth above expectations, the value of furniture production began to decline in 2023, and the contraction continued in 2024, albeit less intensely than in 2023, due to weak foreign and domestic demand. The domestic market appeared to suffer, affected by the reduced purchasing power of Italian households, the withdrawal of incentives linked to the construction sector, and greater caution in investment.
Despite this, total turnover for Italian furniture remained high, exceeding pre-COVID levels (in value), supported by a solid industrial base, a strong export focus, and companies’ ability to innovate continuously.

EXPORTS STILL REPRESENT AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF THE SECTOR’S ACTIVITY

Sales on foreign markets continue to represent a significant sector component, accounting for over 50% of the total. 2024 closed with furniture exports worth approximately EUR 11.3 billion, down by -2.5% (at current prices) compared to 2023, but still well above the levels reached in 2021.

ITALIAN FURNITURE EXPORTS BY DESTINATION COUNTRY, 2024.
% SHARES AND % CHANGES OF VALUE DATA

The main markets remain France, the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, but exports to the Gulf area (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar) are growing, where major projects related to tourism, hospitality, and high-end retail are underway.
However, direct exports to other countries such as South Korea, Mexico, and Kyrgyzstan, although still marginal in value, show considerable dynamism, confirming a gradual increase in diversifying their commercial destinations towards more dynamic areas.

According to the CSIL ranking of the top 100 countries, Italy remains among the world’s top four furniture exporters, with a 6% share behind China, Vietnam, and Poland.

See more about CSIL’s World Furniture Outlook at https://www.worldfurnitureonline.com/report/world-furniture-outlook/

WIDESPREAD PRODUCTION

The Italian production structure is characterized by a pervasive network: according to official data, the sector has over 15,000 active manufacturing companies, employing 128,000 people.

The sector is largely made up of small and medium-sized enterprises, but also includes large-scale companies, many of which are leaders in their respective segments. Among manufacturing companies, 13% are dedicated to producing office furniture, 13% armchairs and sofas, 6% kitchen furniture, and 70% other home furniture.
The companies are mainly concentrated in the industrial districts of northern and central Italy: Brianza, Veneto (furniture from the Bassano area, Wood and furniture from Treviso, Bovolone style furniture), Friuli Venezia Giulia (Furniture and panels from Pordenone and Chairs and furnishing accessories from Udine), Forli, Tuscany (Upholstered furniture and Bedding systems from Quarrata and Prato), Marche (Kitchens from Pesaro), but also in Southern Italy (Upholstered furniture from Murgia).
Close collaboration between manufacturers, component suppliers, carpenters, upholsterers, and design studios continues to be a key competitive advantage.

THE NEW CHALLENGES: SUSTAINABILITY AND DIGITAL

The transition to more sustainable production models has been among the most significant trends in recent years. More and more companies are adopting recycled or biobased materials, implementing more responsible product life cycles, environmental certifications, and circular economy models. The green push is fueled by increasingly stringent European regulations and growing consumer awareness, especially in more mature markets.
Digital transformation, albeit heterogeneously, continues to advance. More and more companies are investing in e-commerce, online configurators, integrated supply chain management, and the digitisation of production processes. The ability to customise products, track their progress, and receive them quickly has become a competitive advantage.

CONTRACT AND CUSTOM-MADE PROJECTS: A STRATEGIC GROWTH DRIVER

Another strategic area is contract and custom-made furniture for turnkey projects (hotels, offices, public spaces, retail, high-end residential). It requires production flexibility, design skills, and a high degree of customisation.
It is becoming a primary growth driver for Italian companies, which combine design, craftsmanship, and the ability to coordinate complex projects.

See more about CSIL Contract Furniture and Furnishings research at https://www.worldfurnitureonline.com/report/the-contract-furniture-and-furnishings-market-in-europe-2/

OUTLOOK FOR 2025

The outlook for the furniture sector in real terms is slightly negative for 2025. Sales will be significantly affected by high uncertainty linked to geopolitical tensions, escalating trade tensions, and the fall in residential investment in recent years.
Companies will need to continue to maintain their position in established markets, open to new high-potential geographical areas, focus on product and process innovation, and strengthen the positioning of the Made in Italy brand worldwide.

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CSIL closely monitors trends in the Italian furniture sector mainly through two annual targeted reports, namely ‘Forecast report on the furniture sector in Italy’ and ‘Furniture distribution in Italy, analysis by province’.
The traditional Provisional Note containing final data for the previous year and forecasts for the next three years for the furniture sector and by segments (upholstered furniture, kitchen furniture, other furniture and office furniture) is now available.

 

Contact us for more details.