Home Decor: Made in America

Since the recession began, many people have been looking for ways to support their local manufacturers and workers, keeping jobs in the US instead of shipping them overseas.  What better time than this, with Independence Day right around the corner here in America, to explore some of the many “Made in America” options in home decor.

Fabrics

At one time, fabric mills dotted the East Coast, weaving textiles for the furniture, home decor and clothing industries.  Sadly, many of these mills have closed, leaving precious few options for fabrics made in America.  All is not lost, however!

Greenhouse Design devotes an entire section of their website to home decor fabrics that have been made in the US.  I love this Ikat pattern:

Furniture

Harden Furniture is made in New York state and is a wonderful example of well-made furniture at a fair price.  No, it’s not the cheapest furniture on the block.  But, you get what you pay for, and for the price, it is fantastic.  They also have their own forests and cut their own lumber, keeping the entire process stateside.  While some imported furniture may be cheaper, the quality will never match up.

There are also hundreds of smaller furniture companies throughout the country, offering their original designs and unique pieces.  One such company is Dust Furniture, located in Valparaiso, Indiana.  Their furniture can be ordered online and also through galleries around the United States.

Window Treatments

Although many window treatment companies offer items that are partially made in the United States, Hunter Douglas designs and assembles nearly all of their window treatments within the country (with the exception of some commercial shades).  Their headquarters is in Colorado, and their blinds and shades are assembled around the US.  While this may make their products more expensive than the competition, it also ensures a high-quality product; Hunter Douglas offers top-of-the-line window treatments in innovative styles.

 

Rugs

Capel Rugs has been manufacturing rugs in the United States for nearly 100 years.  While not all of their rugs are made in the US, several hundred styles are, and they have devoted an entire section of their website to them.  Their rugs are well-made and beautiful, with options for nearly any space, including this one:

Most carpets sold in the United States are also made in the US.  Companies like Shaw, Masland and Mohawk (the largest manufacturers in the country) make their products in the southern United States.

Tile

While locating tiles made in Italy is easy these days, domestic tiles rival their foreign counterparts in both style and price.  Crossville Tile is located in Tennessee, making ceramic and porcelain tiles in all shapes, sizes, colors and patterns.  Smaller companies, such as Pratt and Larson (offering custom handmade tiles like those in the tile mural photo below) and Oceanside Glass (you guessed it:  offering glass tiles) are both located on the West Coast, offering unique tile options.  The best part about working with tile companies that make their products stateside?  Not waiting for your tile to be shipped from Europe and make it through customs before you can install it.

Lighting and Accessories

Bellacor.com has thousands of items that were made in America, including lamps, rugs, accessories and furniture.  My very favorite American-made piece is this Burlap Princess Swing – fabulous!

Rejuvenation is another West Coast company offering lighting and house parts – hardware, drapery rods and more – made in the United States.

Plumbing Fixtures

Need a new toilet?  Check out the products made by Mansfield, like the toilet pictured below, which are readily available at home improvement stores and plumbing showrooms around the country.  Their well-priced, quality products are often used by home builders and homeowners alike.

Many of Kohler’s plumbing products are also made in the US, and the company is headquartered in Kohler, WI.   Kohler is known for high-quality products in high-style designs, as well as the basics.

While it may take a little more effort to find home decor items that were made in this country, it can be done.  In fact, many items such as custom and semi-custom cabinetry are made in small shops and large factories throughout America.  The options are too numerous to list here!  With a little planning, your entire home can be constructed and decorated with items made in the US.

This is only a tiny slice of what is made by our friends and neighbors, and your purchase helps to support the businesses that create jobs in America.  Take a moment to ask some questions and read some labels the next time you shop for furniture or accessories.  You may be surprised at the affordable options made right in our backyard.

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