Sit, Stand, Where’s The Water Cooler?

As the dust settles from the global overreaction to COVID-19 and the shuttering of businesses coast to coast, one unexpected casualty was the office furniture market. With remote work suddenly the norm, demand for office chairs, desks, and couches plummeted, leaving manufacturers like MillerKnoll in a rut. But now, as the world begins to regain a sense of normalcy, office spaces are coming back to life—and so is the demand for furniture.

MillerKnoll, a major player in the industry with brands like Herman Miller and Knoll, has seen a rebound in orders from corporate clients and retail shoppers alike. For the first time in years, companies across the Americas are investing in office setups again, and this time it’s not just about traditional office desks and chairs. Businesses are shifting to hybrid-specific furnishings, with increased demand for nontraditional pieces like sofas, coffee tables, and outdoor furniture, reflecting a new era of flexible workspaces.

Even retail customers are back in the game, upgrading their home offices and living spaces with stylish new pieces. While it’s been a bumpy road for the office furniture market, the recent uptick in orders suggests that the industry might finally be turning the corner—and furniture makers are ready to seize the moment.