Residential Furniture Optimism

Residential furniture orders extend YOY growth streak

By Karen M. Koenig

November 6, 2026 | 12:02 pm CST Print

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash.

HIGH POINT, N.C. — New residential furniture orders dropped 4% in August compared to July figures, but were up 11% compared to August 2025, continuing the year-over-year growth streak for a fourth straight month, according to the October issue of Furniture Insights. Approximately two-thirds of participants reported increases in August compared to a year ago. 

Year to date, new orders remain up 5% over 2025 figures. 

Shipments were down 2% compared to July 2026, but up 1% from August 2025, with approximately two-thirds of the survey participants reporting increases compared to the year prior, according to Mark Laferriere, assurance partner at Smith Leonard, the accounting and consulting firm that produces the monthly report. Year to date, shipments remain up 1% over 2025 numbers. 

August backlogs were up 2% compared to July and up 17% compared to 2025. Receivable levels were up 1% from July, but down 2% from August 2025, according to the report. Inventories were down 1% from July 2026, but up 1% from last year.

“As stated before, hopefully the elevated backlogs (up 17% over last year) will provide good momentum for the remainder of our reporting year despite various headwinds,” Laferriere said.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, sales at furniture and home furnishings stores in September were up 1.3% compared to August, and up 4.9% compared to September 2025. Year-to-date on a non-adjusted basis, sales were down 1.5% according to October’s Furniture Insights. 

This latest report followed the recent High Point Market, where, Laferriere noted, “Lots [of] discussions about tariffs, supply chain challenges, AI implementations, retail trends, interest rates, and the ‘K-shaped economy,’ but overall sentiment was high.”

https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/furniture/residential-furniture-orders-extend-yoy-growth-streak