Business Details
Custom Fine Furniture Crafted with Legacy & Precision
For over 150 years, Kittinger Furniture has dedicated itself to crafting exceptional custom furniture rooted in tradition and innovation. Founded in 1866, our legacy includes creating iconic pieces for the White House, Senate, Congress, Supreme Court, and international dignitaries. Our commitment to quality is unwavering, with every item meticulously handcrafted through processes that can involve up to 21 finishing steps and 50 hours of artisan labor. We specialize in transforming client visions into heirloom-quality furniture, offering bespoke options for wood, stains, paints, leather, and fabric.Our team of master craftsmen ensures that each piece reflects both historical craftsmanship and modern customization needs. Sustainability and attention to detail remain central to our operations, from selecting materials to final delivery. With a factory in Buffalo, NY, and showrooms nationwide, we continue to uphold the standards set by Irvine J. Kittinger, who famously stated, 'Our business is not primarily to turn furniture into money, but to produce something really worthwhile.'
Services
Custom Furniture
Furniture Restoration
Contract Furniture
Leather Upholstery
Wood Finishing
Highlights and features
- 150+ years of continuous furniture-making heritage
- Official White House furniture provider since 1969
- Complete customization from wood selection to finish details
- Master craftsmen employing time-honored hand-finishing techniques
- Sustainable practices preserving traditional woodworking methods
Services
Custom Furniture
We transform client visions into handcrafted masterpieces using any wood, finish, or fabric. Our process begins with design consultation and CAD drawings, followed by artisan production involving up to 50 hours of hand-finishing. Clients receive stain samples and detailed approvals before final production, ensuring perfect alignment with their vision.
Furniture Restoration
Specializing in reviving antique and historic pieces to their original glory. Our craftsmen employ traditional techniques to repair woodwork, reapply finishes, and restore leather or fabric elements. This service preserves the legacy of important furniture while ensuring structural integrity for modern use.
Contract Furniture
Providing high-end furniture solutions for government institutions and corporate spaces. We've outfitted the White House Cabinet Room, Roosevelt Room, and other prestigious locations with durable, elegant pieces. Our contract furniture meets rigorous specifications while maintaining artistic integrity.
Leather Upholstery
Offering premium leather options from suppliers like Garrett and Cortina. Our artisans hand-select hides and apply gold-tooled detailing for customized desk and table tops. We ensure durability and aesthetic perfection through meticulous hand-finishing techniques passed down through generations.
Wood Finishing
Creating signature finishes through a 21-step process requiring up to three weeks. We offer standard stains and paints with multiple sheen options, plus custom color matching. Techniques include open/closed pore finishes, chinoiserie painting, and gold/silver leafing applied using methods unchanged since the 1940s.
Questions
How long has Kittinger Furniture been in business?
Kittinger Furniture has been crafting fine furniture since 1866, making us one of America's oldest continuously operating furniture manufacturers.
Can I customize my furniture's finish and materials?
Yes, we offer complete customization including wood selection, six standard stains, custom color matching, leather options from premium suppliers, and fabric choices from leading brands like Scalamandre.
Does Kittinger Furniture work on restoration projects?
We specialize in furniture restoration, particularly for historic pieces and White House commissions, using traditional techniques to preserve original character while ensuring modern functionality.
What makes Kittinger's craftsmanship unique?
Our 150+ year legacy combines hand-finishing techniques requiring up to 50 hours per piece with modern customization, creating heirloom-quality furniture that meets exact specifications.
How does the custom furniture process work?
The process starts with a design consultation, followed by CAD drawings, finish samples, and client approvals before our craftsmen begin production using traditional woodworking methods.
