Stunning Irish furniture worth investing in

Here are the furniture makers around the country that are finalists in the Irish Made Awards 2021

The thought, creativity and time that goes into handmade furniture is what makes an Irish-made piece so special.

As voting for the Irish Made Awards gets underway, we look at this year’s finalists in the furniture category, sponsored by GMIT Letterfrack. These furniture designer-makers are not only sustainable and local businesses worth supporting, but also stylish and practical too. Vote for your favourite here.

Coolree Design

Coolree Design makes high end furniture and gifts at their studio based and workshop based near the Bog of Allen in Co Kildare. This serene environment is reflected in the refined lines of each piece which aims to showcase the natural grain in the wood. Each handcrafted piece is created from sustainably sourced timber. coolreedesign.ie

David Oliver Bespoke

After returning from Australia in January 2021, David Carpendale started David Oliver Bespoke, a luxury handmade furniture design company. Based in the same workshop in Kilkenny as his father’s well-known ironcraft business, all materials including precious metals, natural stone and hardwoods are sourced within Ireland. davidoliverbespoke.ie

Esker Design

John Farrell started Esker Design in 2020, and his designs highlight the character of the wood, the beauty of the grain, and how different shapes and textures can transform the surface. Based in Offaly, he makes elegant chairs, tables and boxes by hand. eskerdesign.ie

Finline Furniture

Kieran Finane founded Finline Furniture in Emo, Co Laois in 1979, realising there was a gap in the market for Irish-made sofas and couches to compete with the popular English designs of the time. Running the business today with his sons Killian and Ciaran, they pride themselves on the quality and durability of their designs, made from kiln dried hardwood beech. finlinefurniture.ie

Living room, couch

John Lee

John Lee is a third generation cabinetmaker, and established his workshop in 2004 in Co Meath. His work, the Carrigeen tallboy and the Core low table are on display in the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin. His work is inspired by naturally occurring geometric forms, and enhancing the natural properties of timber with experimental designs. johnleefurniture.com

Modet

Paul O’Brien studied fine art before training as a furniture maker, and he now creates contemporary, design-led furniture in his workshop in Kinsale, Co Cork. Founded in 2017, the Modet aesthetic is minimal and elegant, taking inspiration from the craftsmanship of Japanese and Scandinavian design, and the curves of Art Deco and the clean lines of modernism. modet.ie

Shane Tubrid Furniture

Established in 2009 in Fethard on Sea, Co Wexford, Shane Tubrid Furniture specialises in made to order, freestanding pieces of furniture. Clients can commission bespoke furniture, or select designs from an expanding portfolio of work. The best wood is selected by hand for each project, and Shane works with the best glass and metal workers to ensure every detail is finished to the highest standard. shanetubridfurniture.ie

Studio Harris

The Dwellers Collection by Studio Harris sees furniture designer Tricia Harris team up with furniture maker Daniel Gill to create modern, polished pieces inspired by traditional Irish country furniture. Made from Irish oak and ash sourced from locally fallen trees, each piece is made with traditional techniques. Tricia has a studio in her native Kerry, and works with not just Galway-based Daniel, but also with French craftsman Philippe Hetier who has a workshop in Tipperary. studioharris.ie

Upainted

Furniture artist Jennifer McCullagh from Co Derry transforms vintage pieces into contemporary, intriguing pieces. Working with clients to finish commissions to a high standard, as well as creating one off pieces for sale. Using TLC and a bit of imagination to restore unloved and overlooked pieces, Jennifer is passionate about showcasing the craftsmanship that went into vintage furniture. upainted.co.uk