In 2015, China's hardware furniture and plastic parts industry reached a mature stage. During this period, the country's furniture exports accounted for approximately 22% of the global market, with over 75% of those exports directed to the U.S. and European markets. The rise of e-commerce has introduced new and effective marketing strategies for the furniture hardware sector, helping it better meet the needs of a growing number of young consumers. In recent years, online sales of furniture have gained positive feedback, showing that digital platforms are becoming an essential part of the industry.
As furniture cabinet accessories continue to evolve in terms of modernization and personalization, the demand for furniture has shifted from basic storage functions to more refined living experiences. These evolving expectations directly influence the role of hardware accessories. In the coming years, furniture hardware will become one of the most critical elements determining the overall quality of furniture products.
With the advancement of technologies such as the Internet of Things, mobile payments, and cloud computing, consumers will find it easier and more efficient to access and manage resources. E-commerce represents the optimal use of limited resources through modern technology, aiming to fulfill consumer needs as effectively as possible. Online furniture sales now allow people to purchase home furnishings without leaving their homes, making the process more convenient than ever before.
Despite the rich variety of hardware available on the market, the industry still faces design limitations. Leading global manufacturers invest heavily in product design, continuously innovating to bring fresh aesthetics to furniture hardware. This trend is especially noticeable in high-end furniture, where foreign brands dominate due to their superior design and functionality.
In an era of product homogenization, major manufacturers are leveraging advanced technology to create more user-friendly features, resulting in more stylish and adaptable designs that align with changing furniture trends. For smaller furniture companies, using imported hardware has become a key strategy to quickly improve product quality and brand recognition.
Foreign hardware holds a significant position in domestic furniture, largely due to its advantages. It is reported that over 90% of high-end furniture is equipped with imported hardware, which has become a symbol of luxury and quality. Even large domestic furniture companies, despite their growing popularity, often rely on foreign hardware to compete in the high-end market and gain a larger share of the industry.
The domestic market is filled with hundreds of furniture hardware brands, but few have established strong reputations. Especially in the high-end segment, there are very few domestic products that can stand out. Most Chinese hardware companies still lag behind their international counterparts in terms of design, manufacturing technology, and management practices. They need to recognize that the industry is still in an early stage compared to more developed countries.
The era of design-driven development is now upon the Chinese furniture hardware industry. However, design has also become a major bottleneck limiting its growth. To move forward, hardware companies must leverage high-tech innovations to enhance both design and production standards, while adopting advanced management practices to accelerate progress. With these efforts, the Chinese furniture hardware industry can reach a new level of sophistication and competitiveness.
Jiangsu Zhongyi Tools and Riggings Co., Ltd. , https://www.zy-rigging.com