By LOKESH G

The Indian furniture market is rapidly transforming, driven by changing consumer preferences, increasing urbanization, and the rise of a more affluent consumer class.

With people spending more time at home, particularly following recent global events, the demand for aesthetically pleasing, multifunctional, and comfortable living spaces has surged. This shift is redefining the design, production, and tooling solutions used by furniture manufacturers.

India currently accounts for approximately 3% of global furniture production, with the domestic market projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.11% from 2024 to 2029.

The per capita consumption of wood-based furniture in India is estimated at ₹500 annually, significantly lower than in many developed countries. This indicates substantial growth potential, driven by rising incomes, increasing urbanisation and evolving lifestyles.

Urbanisation and the rise of nuclear families are key factors fuelling this growth. As more people migrate to cities, demand for space-efficient, modern furniture suited to smaller homes continues to rise.

Additionally, nuclear families seek customisable, utility-driven furniture to accommodate their evolving needs, spurring further innovation in the market.

Emerging trends

With a burgeoning middle class of over 600 million people – larger than the combined population of the European Union and the USA – India is witnessing significant shifts in furniture trends.

Urban dwellers increasingly favour modular furniture that maximizes space while maintaining style and comfort. Expandable dining tables, convertible sofas, and wall-mounted shelving units exemplify this trend, offering adaptability for evolving lifestyles.

Growing eco-consciousness is driving demand for furniture made from sustainable materials like bamboo, alongside environmentally friendly production techniques such as water-based paints and non-toxic finishes.

As digitization and smart home adoption rise, furniture is evolving to enhance convenience. Tech-enabled products – such as beds with USB charging ports, coffee tables with wireless charging, and height-adjustable desks – cater to modern connectivity needs.

Today’s consumers seek furniture that reflects their personal style, fuelling demand for custom-made pieces. Online platforms offer bespoke design services, allowing customers to select materials, colours, and dimensions.

E-commerce giants like Pepperfry and Urban Ladder are reshaping the furniture shopping experience by providing convenience and a vast selection.

Click furniture, designed for easy, tool-free assembly using a ‘click-and-lock’ mechanism, is gaining popularity in urban India. Ideal for compact spaces, this cost-effective and customizable furniture appeals to budget-conscious consumers and do-it-yourself enthusiasts alike.

Precision, efficiency

To meet growing demand for high-quality, customizable and sustainable furniture, manufacturers are embracing advanced tooling solutions that enhance precision, efficiency and flexibility.

For coated materials like chipboard and MDF, pre-scoring the bottom edge before cutting ensures cleaner finishes. A combination of diamond-tipped scoring blades and RazorCut main circular sawblades (tungsten carbide) extends tool life while reducing maintenance costs.

CNC (computer numerical control) machines have revolutionized furniture production, enabling precise cutting of solid wood, plywood, and composite panels. Diamond-tipped jointing router cutters with alternate shear angles ensure tear-free panel edges, improving product quality.

Achieving precise mitre cuts on CNC router machines requires specialized circular sawblades with small cutting widths and high axial run-out. Tools like Leitz’s Katana carbide-tipped and WhisperCut diamond-tipped circular sawblades ensure smooth, breakout-free finishes even at sharp angles.

The nesting process, which involves cutting complex shapes from large panels, benefits from smaller cutter diameters that reduce cutting forces and improve vacuum performance.

Leitz’s nesting router cutters – available in Z2+2 and Z3+3 designs with diameters as small as 10mm – enhance efficiency and precision without compromising material integrity.

Overall, the Indian furniture market is evolving towards multifunctional, customizable, digitalized and sustainable designs. To remain competitive, manufacturers must adopt advanced tooling solutions that balance quality, cost-efficiency, and precision, ensuring they meet the growing demands of a dynamic consumer base.

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