1. Councils for furniture craftspersons evolving from the first guilds
2. A trade association or organization for furniture designers (furniture as art and architecture)
3. Furniture manufacturers and other big industry groups
4. Furniture retailers and other commercial suppliers

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Visit websites of a government-supported furniture council or furniture organization

If you're a furniture artisan or craftsperson, find a furniture council or furniture association that's supported on a local, state or national level.

I recommend: National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) is a valuable resource for furniture artisans and craftspeople seeking support organizations on a local or state level. The Furniture Society, a nonprofit furniture organization geared to furniture makers, offers online member portfolios. Cabinet Makers Association, a group of custom cabinetmakers, and Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) are examples of furniture organizations supporting small- to mid-sized furniture crafts groups on a national level. The Vermont Crafts Council is a prime example of a craftsperson and furniture maker support organization on a state level.

Visit websites of designer furniture organizations or furniture associations

While furniture designers are considered craftspeople, many come from a more architectural background and have their own separate furniture organizations or furniture associations.

I recommend: American Society of Furniture Designers (ASFD) is an international organization of furniture design professionals. See the finalists of its annual ASFD Pinnacle Design Achievement Awards. International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) is another longstanding and important international furniture design organization. Their focus is on women in the furniture design industry. The organization's website offers an extensive "Find an Expert" list of members with specific design specialties.

Visit websites of furniture manufacturers associations

While most furniture craftspeople and designers create furniture in small batches, furniture manufacturers aim at mass production. They also have their own separate furniture manufacturers associations.

I recommend: Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) supports businesses that produce, design and market furniture for offices and institutions including government and academic venues. Their website offers a long link list of BIFMA members. Association of Woodworking & Furnishing Suppliers (AWFS) is an international trade association that includes manufacturers and distributors of supplies to furniture manufacturers. They are the sponsors of the huge AWFS Fair (typically held every other year) that showcases the latest in furniture supply products.

Visit a website of an association for furniture retailers along with wholesaler organizations

Furniture organizations aimed at retailers and wholesalers share a primary interest in mutual support issues regarding public commerce.

I recommend: National Home Furnishings Association (NHDA) provides support to home furnishings retailer members with discounted services and products. Office Furniture Dealers Alliance (OFDA), an organization of furniture retailers in the US and Canada, has a searchable member database.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Furniture retailer support groups are especially helpful for services offered to small business owners.
• •  Furniture designer and craftsperson support groups are valuable for the promotion of individual creative works.