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DESIGN 33
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over material quality, and post-installation dissatisfaction Residents of owned homes and independent houses prefer
expressed by clients. handmade pieces for their permanence and value, whereas
The challenges associated with modular furniture often renters opt for modular due to convenience and lower cost.
stem from its lower durability compared to handmade options. Higher-income groups (₹15L+) show a strong preference
Conversely, while handmade furniture is generally deemed for modular (45%), reflecting modern lifestyles, while middle-
more resilient, it faces challenges such as reliance on skilled income consumers are evenly split, and lower-income groups

artisans, financial limitations, and extended production durations. show limited preference for either, largely due to affordability
Yet, experts have pinpointed substantial growth potential concerns.
in both types of furniture. Awareness of modular brands like IKEA is high (91%),
There was a clear understanding that improving quality and but unfamiliarity is more common among those earning below
design standardisation, along with incorporating customised ₹5L annually. Key purchase drivers include cost-effectiveness
solutions, could boost the reliability and attractiveness of (71%), durability (69%), and customisation (60%).
modular furniture. Most consumers buy from local carpenters or showrooms,
At the same time, handmade furniture provides distinct though 48 percent have purchased online.
value by supporting local artisanship, offering high levels of In modular furniture, design (84%), value for money (71%),

customisation, and aligning with luxury design trends. and ease of assembly (61%) are prioritised, though challenges
Survey findings reveal that 64.9 percent of professionals include limited customisation (43%), poor durability (25%), and
predict that, over the next decade, the industry will gravitate difficulty in assembly (21%).
more towards modular furniture. Handmade furniture is valued for durability (61%), unique
However, to foster the growth of the handmade furniture design (55%), and craftsmanship (47%), but barriers include
market, experts stressed the importance of adapting to modern high cost (51%), long production time (49%), and limited
consumer demands, especially regarding affordability, access availability (28%).

to labour, and integration with modular designs. Consumers would consider handmade furniture if it were
The primary recommendation promotes a hybrid approach more locally available (56%), cost-effective (45%), and faster
that combines the practicality of modular furniture with the to deliver (39%).
benefits of artisanal methods, addressing market demands Modular’s appeal would grow with modern design options
while preserving traditional craftsmanship. (64%), cost-effectiveness (50%), and ease of assembly (46%).
Although 69 percent view modular as the future, improved
Survey 2: Consumer Insights
The analysis reveals a delicate divide in consumer preferences Pixnio
between handmade/customised and modular/assembled

furniture, based on age, gender, income, and type of residence.
Younger individuals (18–34) favour modular furniture (31%)
for its affordability and portability, while older consumers (35+)
lean towards handmade options (31%) for their craftsmanship
and durability.
Gender-wise, preferences are nearly even, with a slight
female tilt towards modular (22.8%).