Home furnishings as an industry isn’t as well known as others. Yet, what better than home furnishings for those who find design and aesthetics as their passion and interests? In this article, we’ll take a look at answering the question, “Is home furnishing a good career path?” We’ll begin by taking a look at the industry for those who may be unfamiliar; we’ll then review some of the best companies and jobs in the industry.
Our living spaces have become an extension of our identity, showcasing our individuality and providing solace from the chaos of the outside world. As a result, the demand for home furnishings has skyrocketed, turning this once-overlooked industry into a thriving realm of creativity, innovation, and financial opportunity.
The appeal of a career in home furnishings stretches far beyond the surface. It is not merely about selecting beautiful pieces or arranging furniture in a pleasing manner; it is about understanding the psychology behind how a space can positively influence our well-being. It is about skillfully navigating trends and using them to create timeless designs that transcend the fickleness of fashion. Finally, it is about embracing the ever-evolving nature of our society and adapting to homeowners’ changing needs and desires.
The global industry of home furnishing is valued at $471 billion. At the same time, the furniture industry is worth $252.7 billion in the US alone. Make no mistake; this is a massive industry fueled by demand.
Best Companies in the Home Furnishings Industry
As you can imagine, some of the biggest names in the home furnishings industry are well-known retailers. However, the largest company is no other than Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffet’s investment firm. That’s saying something. If someone like Warren Buffet is heavily invested in the Home Furnishings industry, what does he know that others don’t?
Take a look at the list of the best companies below:
- Berkshire Hathaway (Nebraska Furniture Mart, Jordan’s Furniture, Inc., and RC Willey Home Furnishings)
- IKEA
- Ashley HomeStore
- The Home Depot
- Williams-Sonoma
- Big Lots
- Wayfair
- Menards
- Ace Hardware
- Lowe’s Home Improvement
Best Jobs in the Home Furnishings Industry
As you might expect, major companies reserve the highest-paying roles for C-level roles. Additionally, those who choose to work in the industry as small businesses, freelancers, or agencies can also make a large sum of money. The roles we have listed below are other jobs that pay well within the industry.
Take a look below:
Home Stager
While not explicitly linked to home furnishings, home stagers earn considerably more than other roles. They are responsible for getting properties ready for rent or sale. They use home furnishings to make sure that the property can be seen in the best light to make it desirable. As their work is likely to attract buyers, they are rewarded handsomely.
Average Salary: $119,746 Per Year
Salary Range: $53,131 to $260,891
Design Architect
Design architects are responsible for making buildings unique artistically. They combine their technical expertise with clients’ preferences and design wishes to create something unique.
Average Salary: $91,505 Per Year
Salary Range: $49,207 to $132,958
Home Designer
A home designer will work with a client to help them create a home reflective of their personal taste or style. They will explore everything from paint and lighting down to furniture choices.
They may also help arrange furniture to make the interior look more appealing.
Average Salary: $92,403 Per Year
Salary Range: $49,266 to $131,775
Home Organizer
As the name implies, a home organizer helps clients organize homes, whether that’s through introducing new furniture or working with existing ones to create a home that makes use of the space available.
Average Salary: $82,010 Per Year
Salary Range: $43,959 to $198,303
Home Furnishings Sales Representative
A home furnishing sales representative is responsible for furniture sales. They may act as a furniture salesperson or will help sell whatever product their business has. They will use a variety of sales techniques in order to find and attract clients before closing a sale. They may work in a retail position selling to customers or to a furniture store manager in a business-to-business capacity.
Average Salary: $71,995 Per Year
Salary Range: $30,553 to $123,449
Furniture Designer
A furniture designer will create new furniture through personal insights or industry trends. They will also work with a furniture manufacturer to ensure it meets the specifications required.
Average Salary: $78,685 Per Year
Salary Range: $44,072 to $124,546
Interior Designer
Surprisingly, an interior designer is at the bottom of our list. However, keep in mind that interior designers can range considerably in terms of what they offer and who they typically work with. However, they will typically always work, making interior spaces look unique.
Average Salary: $65,147 Per Year
Salary Range: $31,986 to $104,725
Bottom Line:
The home furnishings industry is vast and varied, as you may have noticed that the majority of the best-paying jobs require skills and experience more than formal education or qualifications. Instead, having great taste and a sense of style will help you succeed. Additionally, being able to take those ideas and translate them into real projects is a skill in itself.
For those who struggle with having a universal sense of style, all is not lost. If you’re good at sales or other business services, you’ll always be able to assist others who work in the industry, whether that’s helping in project management or bringing in leads and closing sales. The home furnishings business is big enough for you to succeed too.
The industry has changed in recent years. Nowadays, the majority of sales are conducted through online shopping. However, with certain large items, there is still a requirement for physical spaces that can attract footfall. Therefore, the industry is now diversified between both retail and online.
This means that while demand for physical customer service/sales roles in furniture stores has reduced, there is still a requirement for support through back-end support in aspects such as logistics, warehouse operations, and other business functions.
As the industry continues to thrive, one thing’s for certain. The demand for home furnishings is unlikely to reduce. People will always want a nice home and are willing to spend money to achieve that vision. Therefore, working in home furnishings can be a great career choice. The main thing to keep in mind is that whatever you choose, as long as it matches your personal interests and passions, then working in that field is a good choice for you!
If you enjoyed this article, check out the rest of our site for more articles about employment and average salaries.