When you think of West Michigan, 8 times out of 10, you are picturing the beautiful lakeshore and charming small towns throughout the lakeshore into the heart of Grand Rapids. But did you know this region is also considered the Furniture Capital of the World? Thats right! West Michigan has a rich history rooted in design, manufacturing not just beer but furniture and much more. This legacy in West Michigan spans over a century and continues to thrive through innovation, design, architecture, and a hub for the furniture industry. Whether you're looking for a classic wooden chair, sleek office furniture that Worklab HOME offers, or cutting-edge ergonomic designs, we've got them in West Michigan, and even better, you can find them right here at Worklab Home.
The city's proximity to hardwood forests made it an ideal location for manufacturing. Local companies began creating high-quality, handcrafted furniture, quickly gaining national recognition. By the late 1800s, Grand Rapids was home to dozens of furniture manufacturers, earning its title as the Furniture Capital of the World. Here in West Michigan, we’ve always valued handcrafted workmanship and the deep satisfaction of creating something enduring with our hands. This dedication to craft is more than a business strategy. It's a way of life passed down through generations. Beyond just producing furniture, the region thrives on a spirit of collaboration. West Michigan’s furniture industry is a community of businesses that support each other, united by a shared belief in keeping the industry strong within the state. Whether sourcing materials locally, partnering with nearby artisans or working together to bring innovative designs to life, there’s a collective pride in building furniture and relationships. This unity reinforces that Michigan’s success is rooted in teamwork and shared goals. When creating the brand of Worklab HOME, thinking back to our values and what we can to communicate to our customers is the heart of working with others in West Michigan to help our visions come to life.
To do this, we have partnered with BOLD+ Manufacturing right here in Muskegon, Michigan. BOLD+ values distinctive backgrounds with shared visions. “Coming from the lakeshore, we know how to row a boat.” (BOLD+). By keeping these processes close to home and investing in each other’s growth, West Michigan ensures that the craftsmanship and legacy of its furniture industry continue to flourish. BOLD+ shares the same values that we convey to bring our customers the best desks, help improve their work-life, find peace at their desks before the world wakes up, and keep the value of community together. It’s a cycle of creativity and cooperation that not only honors the region’s heritage but also secures its place in the future of furniture-making. This connection to our roots and each other makes the work of West Michigan furniture makers genuinely unique.