Summary

The global furniture market, valued at $558.1 billion in 2020, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%, reaching $715.6 billion by 2025. The main drivers of this market are increasing urbanization, rising disposable income, the affordability of furniture, growth in the real estate and hospitality sectors, the penetration of build-it-yourself furniture, and demand for luxury furniture in certain sectors. The market is segmented by furniture type, material and application, with residential furniture making up the majority. It's a highly fragmented market with a mix of small and large players, including such notables as Herman Miller, Ikea, and Ashley Furniture Industries.

Italy, as one of the world's leading furniture manufacturers and exporters, saw its market reach almost 20 billion euros, indicating a 4% increase on the previous year. The Italian market, characterized by a strong preference for furniture among the population, consists largely of home furnishings, followed by office furniture, kitchen and garden furniture, and mattresses, occupying smaller portions of the market. Italy is a net exporter of furniture, with significant exports to France, Germany, the USA and the UK, and its market is influenced by national trends, online shopping habits and the growing demand for eco-sustainable products

The Italian furniture market: trends, traditions and transformations

In recent times, the Italian home furnishings market has seen a myriad of trends reflecting the population's changing lifestyles and aesthetic preferences. Traditionally, Italy has been recognized the world over as a center of high-quality furniture manufacturing, a fact borne out by its high export figures. In fact, the country is one of the world's leading furniture exporters, with export values reaching approximately $10-15 billion. The Italian market shows a great affinity for furniture, an observation corroborated by the fact that the country ranks just behind Germany in terms of household furniture expenditure. Italians attach great importance to their domestic environment, particularly the living room, kitchen and dining room, and often devote considerable financial resources to their improvement. Sustainability has become a central theme, with a growing demand for eco-friendly and recycled materials.

In addition, there is a growing trend towards the personalization and individualization of interior design, foreshadowing an evolution from generic to more individualistic, bespoke furniture. Another trend to note is the growing interest in outdoor living spaces, accelerated by the changes inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This segment has seen an increase in demand for versatile, weather-resistant furniture, adding a new level of requirements for manufacturers and sellers. The search for a blend of rustic and industrial design, known as "rustrial", signifies a taste for a fusion of comfort and minimalist industrial appeal.

The advent of e-commerce has not escaped the furnishings market, with a substantial proportion of Italians - around 30% - choosing to buy online or at least to research before making in-store purchases. Significantly, mobile commerce is becoming increasingly widespread, indicating a shift towards consumer behavior that is more comfortable with technology. Despite this move towards online marketplaces, the Italian home furnishings scene remains highly fragmented. With several thousand players, most of them small and medium-sized enterprises operating locally, the market is characterized by its diversity and competitiveness. Major Italian manufacturers, such as Poltronesofà and Natuzzi, maintain a significant presence, while international retailers like Ikea carve out considerable market share.

In conclusion, the Italian furniture market, while steeped in tradition and craftsmanship, is undergoing a transformation influenced by changing consumer preferences, a growing penchant for eco-friendly practices and digital consumerism. These trends serve as pivots for market players, who must navigate through fragmentations and changes to meet the needs of a market that strongly values innovation, personalization and sustainability.

Key players in the Italian furniture market

The Italian furniture market, known for its rich tradition of craftsmanship and design, is home to an eclectic mix of big international names and well-established local giants. Among the major competitors shaping the market, certain names stand out for their reputation, market presence and distinctive product offerings.

  • Ikea - A world-famous brand, Ikea has also made its mark in Italy. Known for its affordable, functional do-it-yourself furniture, the Swedish company appeals to a broad public looking for modern, practical design.
  • Iris - A name associated with a wide variety of home improvement products, Iris offers a wide range of furniture options that appeal to cost-conscious customers who don't want to compromise on style and reliability.
  • Poltronesofà - An Italian company, Poltronesofà specializes in sofas and armchairs. Its emphasis on comfort, combined with an Italian flair for aesthetics, makes it a popular choice among those seeking a blend of functionality and design.
  • Natuzzi - Renowned for its luxury leather furniture, Natuzzi is the emblem of Italian craftsmanship. With products that exude elegance and sophistication, Natuzzi caters to the high-end segment of the market.
  • Château d'Ax - Another staple of the luxury furniture sector, Château d'Ax offers an exquisite range of products renowned for the quality of their materials and their timeless design, attracting a clientele with a penchant for opulence and comfort.
  • Armani Furniture - When haute couture meets furniture design, Armani Furniture is the result. This high-end brand offers furniture and home accessories that reflect the sophisticated, minimalist ethos of the iconic fashion house.
  • Zanaboni - A brand renowned for its classic furniture, Zanaboni offers pieces rich in detail and steeped in tradition, appealing to lovers of ornamentation and history.
  • Roche Bobois - Although a French brand, Roche Bobois also enjoys great popularity in Italy, where it is renowned for its innovative, high-end furniture, often featuring bold, contemporary designs.
  • Design Holding - Italy's largest manufacturer of furniture and design, Design Holding boasts a portfolio of prestigious brands and has carved out a significant market share thanks to its varied, high-end offering.
  • Leroy Merlin - Originally a French retailer, but with a strong presence in Italy, Leroy Merlin extends its DIY approach to home furnishings. Its stores offer a range of products that enable customers to personalize their homes.
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  • Number of pages : 30 pages
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  • Last update : 25/03/2024
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Summary and extracts

1 Market Summary

1.1 Definition and presentation

The furniture market includes different types of accessories:

  • Furniture (tables, sideboards and other cabinets);
  • Kitchen furniture;
  • Upholstered furniture (sofas, armchairs and benches);
  • Bedding;
  • Bathroom furniture;
  • Garden furniture;

The furniture market in Italy continues to perform well, dictated by both domestic consumption and strong exports-Italy is among the world's top furniture producers. Because of the very long lifespan of furniture, brands are therefore relying on three factors to increase their sales: fashion (especially kitchen), new housing construction, and population mobility. In a market that has historically been controlled by players in physical stores (e.g., Ikea, Leroy Merlin), traditional brands are increasingly finding themselves struggling in response to the rise of online and second-hand trade.

The following study covers the following products: furniture, kitchen furniture, sofas, armchairs and benches, bedding, bathroom furniture, and garden furniture. We explicitly exclude complementary products such as decorative items, lighting, appliances, and tableware from this market.

1.2 The global market

In ****, the world home furniture market is estimated at $***.** billion. Good growth in the industry is expected in the near future. A compound annual growth rate (***) of *.**% is estimated for the period ****-****, thanks to which the market could reach a total value of more than $*** billion by the end of ...

1.3 The Italian market

The furniture and furnishings sector represents one of the main segments of the Italian manufacturing industry. Between **** and ****, the total turnover of enterprises under Ateco Code ** "Manufacture of furniture" increased from **.** billion eurp to **.* billion eurp, marking a growth of **.* percent. The trend is positive throughout the entire period with the ...

1.4 Import - Export

In order to analyze Italy's trade flows related to the furniture segment, the import-export of products under HS Code **** are analyzed.

Italy ranks internationally as a net exporter of furniture. In fact, analyzing the export coverage index, determined by the ratio of exports to imports multiplied by ***, shows values always above ...

1.5 The consequences of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict

The outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in February **** led to, among other things, a general increase in price indexes. The sector related to home furnishings and furniture is not exempt from such increases. Analyzing the consumer price index for household furniture between **** and **** shows an increase of **.* points. This means that ...

2 Demand analysis

2.1 Demand in Italy

YoY change in furniture sales volumes Italy, ****-****, % OsservatorioFindomestic

2.2 Demand drivers

Home furniture purchase criteria Italy, ****, as % of total sample GroupMedioBanc

Sources of research on trends, costs and more, on furniture and home furnishings items Italy, ****, as % of total sample Source: ****

2.3 Geographical distribution of demand

In order to analyze the geographical distribution of demand for household furniture, two maps were created: the first depicting the geographical distribution of total consumption for furniture purchase and the second with the average monthly household expenditure on furniture purchase.

Regarding the first aspect, in **** the Northwest of the country collects ...

2.4 New demand trends

The growing demand for sustainable furniture reflects a broader environmental awareness and a desire among consumers to contribute positively to the planet through their purchasing choices. This trend is manifested in several trends and practices in the furniture industry. First, there is a strong emphasis on sustainable materials. Manufacturers are moving ...

3 Market structure

3.1 The market structure

In order to analyze the structure of the furniture market in Italy, active enterprises under Ateco Code ** "Manufacture of furniture" are analyzed. In particular, the number of enterprises and the number of employees in the industry as well as the legal form of different activities are analyzed.

Number of enterprises

Between ...

3.2 The value chain

3.3 The main manufacturers

Furniture manufacturing

Friul Intaglia Industries s.p.a: is a leading Italian company in the furniture industry, known for producing high-quality wood components. Founded in ****, it has distinguished itself over time for innovation and excellence in the design and manufacture of complex furniture parts, panels and accessories. Based in the heart ...

3.4 A focus on distribution

Between **** and ****, the total number of businesses active in household furniture retailing (***) appears to be decreasing. During the period analyzed, the number of businesses decreased from ***** to *****, marking a contraction of *.*%. The trend is negative during the entire period and the individual annual changes show homogeneous values, indicating a gradual decline ...

4 Supply analysis

4.1 Type of the offer

The furniture market includes a wide variety of products, which are summarized below (***):

Beds and mattresses Upholstered sofas and armchairs Tables, desks and bedside tables Chairs Bathroom furniture Kitchen furniture Storage units: bookcases, cupboards, cabinets Home accessories: pillows, rugs, mirrors, pictures, vases, lamps, chandeliers, lighting, etc.

In addition, these products can ...

4.2 The prices

In order to analyze the prices of home furniture in Italy, consumer price indexes for different types of products between **** and **** are considered

Regarding the consumption of home furniture in general, there is a marked increase in the price index between **** and ****. During the period analyzed, the value of the index ...

4.3 Focus on armchairs and ottomans

Armchairs and Poufs

4.4 New supply trends: circularity

The supply of secondhand furniture is booming, fueled both by the growing interest in sustainable consumption and the search for unique pieces with character and history. This trend reflects an increased ecological awareness and a desire to give objects new life, while reducing waste generation and encouraging the circular economy. Secondhand ...

5 Rules and regulations

5.1 General regulations

There are several bodies responsible for the development of standards projects:

CEN (***) in Europe ISO (***) worldwide

cEN and ISO are responsible for developing European and worldwide standards in line with market needs, but there is a standards body for each country. Worldwide, ISO has already developed nearly **,*** international standards and continues ...

5.2 National, regional and municipal regulations

In Italy there are furniture regulations that apply nationwide. Regions and municipalities often act at their own discretion.

At the national level there are numerous laws, rules and decrees that deal with issues such as environmental cleanliness of furniture and fire hazards. The following is a non-exhaustive list:

Presidential Decree No. ...

6 Positioning of actors

6.1 Segmentation

Furniture manufacturers

Manufacturers of sofas and armchairs

  • Natuzzi s.p.a
  • Poltrona Frau s.p.a
  • Minotti s.p.a
  • Friul Intaglia Industries s.p.a
  • Poliform s.p.a
  • Imab Group s.p.a
  • Giessegi Industria Mobili s.p.a
  • Cassina s.p.a
  • Gruppo Turi s.r.l
  • Ikea (Ikea Italia Retail s.r.l)
  • Iris Mobili (Mondo Convenienza)
  • Maisons du Monde

List of charts

  • Home furniture market
  • Home furniture market
  • Furniture market, breakdown by product type
  • Value and volume of production sold of upholstered, wood-framed chairs and seats for offices and other uses (Prodcom Code 31001250"
  • Total household expenditure on furnishings, furniture and carpets
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Companies quoted in this study

This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :

Natuzzi s.p.a
Poltrona Frau s.p.a
Minotti s.p.a
Friul Intaglia Industries s.p.a
Poliform s.p.a
Imab Group s.p.a
Giessegi Industria Mobili s.p.a
Cassina s.p.a
Gruppo Turi s.r.l
Ikea (Ikea Italia Retail s.r.l)
Iris Mobili (Mondo Convenienza)
Maisons du Monde

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