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36 DESIGN MAR/APR 2026 FDM ASIA | www.fdmasia.com
Through data triangulation one can find the common aspects This transition raises concern for the traditional skills and
on which all the three modules stress on. craftsmanship and the challenges the artisans face to keep
Firstly, it establishes the shift that modular furniture is going up with the changing times.
to dominate the industry, secondly it highlights pros and cons In spite of these obstacles, manufacturers of modular
for handmade and modular furniture and lastly it demands of furniture have found ways to include customisable elements,
hybrid solution that can satiate both where modern consumer simulating the distinctiveness of handmade items within a
demands are responded to while preserving tradition thus standardised manufacturing framework.
enhancing unique value and functional appeal and the artisans’ The findings support the hypothesis and show that age
values in tradition. and everyday lifestyle needs, more than design preferences,
Triangulation of the three data sources strengthens this are driving this change in the furniture market.
argument: survey data reveal clear age-wise preference variations. This transition raises concern for the traditional skills and
While interviews explain why these patterns occur and the craftsmanship and the challenges the artisans face to keep
literature confirms that urbanisation and market globalisation up with the changing times.
favour modular expansion. Together, these form strong evidence In spite of these obstacles, manufacturers of modular
to support modular furniture’s growth while highlighting the furniture have found ways to include customisable elements,
relevance of handmade craftsmanship. simulating the distinctiveness of handmade items within a
In conclusion, the shift from handmade furniture to modular standardised manufacturing framework.
furniture signifies societal change due to lifestyle changes, The analysis also points towards a combination of the
technological advancements, trends and evolving consumer two systems to form a hybrid solution which shall cater
preferences. to the issues faced by both the systems. This approach
It also highlights that practicality and affordability have suggests a blend between mass production and uniqueness,
taken a higher ground than art and tradition. satisfying todays customer’s needs and transforming the
Although handmade furniture is everyone’s desire due to furniture sector.
its distinctive craftsmanship, emotional ties and unique value, The future is not about which system or style shall hold
modular furniture adapts to the modern, fast paced, impatient the stakes but in development of a hybrid furniture system
lifestyle. It offers affordability, accommodates space constraint, that combines efficiency of modular design with uniqueness
and gives a feel of customisation. of tradition.
The analysis indicates the younger population tends more To remain competitive, a bridge between tradition and trend
towards modular furniture and are likely to buy from online needs to form to create more sustainable, scalable, customised
portals such as IKEA, Amazon, Livspace, etc. for the newness product to appeal the present fast paced life.
it delivers and for the permutations it offers for smaller living The findings suggest that modular manufacturers must
environments. invest in material quality, repairability, and modular–handmade
The older generation, although lean towards the handmade hybrid options to maintain long-term market relevance.
furniture, still accept modular’s functionality it offers in specific For policymakers, supporting artisan training programs,
areas such as kitchen, cluster development, and integration of digital fabrication tools
sofas, etc. the increasing popularity of modular furniture could help sustain traditional craftsmanship while enabling it
is not just about change of preferences, but a reaction to to participate in modern supply chains. FDM
modern lifestyle. ENQUIRY NO. 2301

