tf do i do about these tariffs ? (as a designer)

Resilience in Design: How Furniture Designers Can Navigate Tariff Challenges

Alright, let’s talk about the real struggle—tariffs are messing with material costs, and if you’re a furniture designer in the U.S., that’s a big deal. But design has always thrived under constraints, and this moment is no different. If history has taught us anything, it’s that when external forces shake things up, creatives get resourceful.

A Throwback to Crisis-Driven Innovation

This isn’t the first time the furniture world has been hit with material shortages or supply chain disruptions. Back in World War II, steel and rubber were prioritized for military use, and designers had to pivot. Enter molded plywood, engineered materials, and the birth of some of the most legendary mid-century pieces, like the Eames Lounge Chair. This era proved that limitations can drive some of the most innovative solutions in design.

The military used webbing for parachutes and other military equipment, so many private companies produced large quantities to meet this demand. Civilians could then buy the surplus at a low-cost,and that is how we got Miss Risom

Risom chair by Jens Risom (1940s)

Fast-forward to the 2008 financial crisis—companies like Herman Miller and Knoll leaned into adaptable, budget-conscious designs, proving that smart, responsive design always wins.

What’s the Move Now?

With tariffs cranking up material costs, it’s time to rethink the playbook. Here’s where we go from here:

1. Rethink Materials

Ditch the over-reliance on imported woods and metals. Look at sustainable alternatives—bamboo, reclaimed wood, and recycled composites. Innovation lives in materiality, so why not push the boundaries?

2. Lean into Digital Fabrication & Local Production

3D printing, CNC machining, and local collabs aren’t just trendy—they’re practical. Keeping production local cuts costs and keeps things agile while tapping into a new wave of digital craft.

3. Design for Adaptability

People want furniture that works for their changing lives. Modular, flexible designs that grow with a space aren’t just smart—they’re essential in an era where everything feels temporary.

4. Cut Out the Middleman

Direct-to-consumer models are the future. Think less traditional retail and more digital-first brands that deliver straight to buyers. It’s efficient, keeps costs down, and builds a stronger connection with your audience.

5. Look Beyond Traditional Markets

The U.S. and Europe aren’t the only places craving well-designed furniture. Expanding into emerging markets opens new doors, and honestly, it’s time to rethink where design conversations are happening.

Turning Challenges into a Creative Reset

Design isn’t about following rules—it’s about rewriting them. The world of furniture is at a turning point, and the ones who make the biggest impact will be those who see this moment as a creative reset rather than a setback.

If we’re gonna navigate these tariffs, let’s do it in a way that challenges how furniture is made, how people interact with it, and how design itself can evolve. Adaptability isn’t a trend—it’s the future.