New Zealand-made custom furniture &
upholstery since 1912
Our Values
We are passionate about the artistry and production of New Zealand-made furniture. We work alongside designers and their customers to create each piece. Starting from scratch, we build bespoke creations that perfectly suit the spaces and purposes they’re intended for. Each piece is built to be enjoyed for a long time and comes with a 10-year guarantee. Our innovative and unique no-sag steel springing system sets us apart from other manufacturers, as does our guiding principle: that the furniture we create looks good, feels comfortable and is built to last.
Our Story
Modern Chair was founded by George Howlett, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren run the business today. Seven Howlett family members are among the highly skilled artisans and colleagues who make up our tight-knit team; several members of which have been with the company for over 50 years. This special, intergenerational structure helps us remain at the forefront of quality furniture design and manufacturing in New Zealand. Knowledge is continually passed down and our apprentices learn from experts who have spent decades honing their craft.