Why More Overseas Clients Are Turning to Chinese Custom Furniture

Written by Chloe Lee 

Published on April 21, 2025

In recent years, a quiet but steady shift has been happening in the world of interior design and home furnishing.

 

More and more overseas clients—from Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia to the Middle East—are turning their attention to one unexpected destination: Foshan, China.

 

Known as the heart of the global furniture supply chain, Foshan and its nearby district Shunde produce over 40% of the world’s furniture exports, according to recent industry reports.

And it’s not just about bulk buying anymore.

 

Increasingly, individual buyers, boutique designers, real estate developers, and even hotel owners are flying in directly to source their own custom furniture. With China recently launching 30-day visa-free entry for over a dozen countries, visiting these “factories of the world” has never been easier. Many are combining business with leisure—tasting local Cantonese cuisine, exploring design showrooms, and placing direct orders all in the same trip.

 

So, what’s driving this trend?

 

Let’s break it down.

1. Integrated Manufacturing Powerhouse

Chinese factories—especially those in Shunde—offer full-chain integration, from raw materials to final delivery.

 

Clients no longer need to coordinate with multiple suppliers. Whether you’re customizing a single coffee table or furnishing an entire villa, the process is centralized, streamlined, and highly responsive.

2. China is A Land Rich in Materials

China’s diverse geography means clients can choose from solid woods like walnut, oak, ash, as well as natural marble, rattan, bamboo, and more. Many materials that are considered “premium” abroad are widely accessible here, offering more options and better value for money.

3. Exceptional Craftsmanship at Competitive Prices

The “Made in China” label has evolved. Today’s workshops blend traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, enabling precision and efficiency. The same style that would cost €10,000 in Milan can be custom-built here for a third of the price—without sacrificing quality.

4. Global Shipping & Reliable Export Systems

With decades of export experience, Chinese manufacturers know how to get your furniture across borders. From professional packaging to customs clearance support, they make the international ordering experience surprisingly smooth.

5. AI, Social Media, and the Custom Revolution

More clients now bring AI-generated moodboards, Pinterest saves, or screenshots from Instagram as inspiration.

 

Instead of telling them “this isn’t possible,” Chinese custom workshops say, “Let’s break it down and make it real.”

 

For example, we recently helped a design student build her entire graduation project using AI-generated images—and it turned out beautifully.

6. Tastefully Designed in China

One quiet reason this trend is thriving? The rise of Chinese design itself.

 

Gone are the days when factories simply copied Western styles. More Chinese designers are building their own design language—mixing global aesthetics with Eastern minimalism, and offering something fresh, balanced, and globally appealing.

In Conclusion

China has become more than just the world’s factory—it’s becoming the world’s custom workshop.

 

With strong production capacity, rich material access, and an openness to global collaboration, it’s no wonder that more overseas clients are choosing to create their dream spaces here.

Planning a trip to China?

 

You might just come for the dim sum—but you’ll leave with a container full of custom furniture.

 

Explore more at: formofurniture.com

📧 chloelee@formofurniture.com / support@formofurniture.com