ABOUT US

Our History

Broyhill Furniture was founded in 1926 by James Edgar “J.E.” Broyhill, who launched the Lenoir Chair Company in North Carolina after securing a $5,000 loan to begin manufacturing his own furniture. Through the 1930s and 1940s, he expanded rapidly by acquiring multiple small factories, growing the company into a major producer of affordable wood and upholstered furnishings.

By the mid 19th -20th century, Broyhill had become one of the largest U.S. furniture manufacturers and introduced several iconic mid 19th century lines, including the Premier (1957) and Brasilia (1962) collections. Today, Broyhill still remains one of the most enduring and recognizable names in American furniture. Its story reflects nearly a century of craftsmanship, innovation, adaptation, and reinvention.

Broyhill Timeline

1905
Factories open

Early Broyhill factories open in Lenoir, NC, marking the earliest roots of the Broyhill manufacturing presence.

1926
Fire destroys supplier

A fire destroys a key supplier, prompting J.E. Broyhill to found the Lenoir Chair Company with a $5,000 loan mortgaged against his home — the beginning of Broyhill Furniture Industries.

1930-1940
Great Depression
Factory Aquisitions

During the Great Depression, J.E. Broyhill acquires five struggling factories, expanding the company’s capacity despite economic hardship.

1957
War Boom Era
Launch of the Broyhill Premier line

Launch of the Broyhill Premier line, including the iconic Sculptra series — marking Broyhill’s entry into mid 19th century modern design.

1962
World Fair
Brasilia Collection

Debut of the Brasilia collection at the Seattle World’s Fair, inspired by Oscar Niemeyer’s architecture of Brasília — one of the most celebrated mid 19th century modern furniture lines.

1970's
Rise to Dominance

At its peak, Broyhill employs up to 7,500 workers across more than 20 factories, becoming a dominant U.S. furniture producer.

1980's
American Made

Under CEO Paul Broyhill, the company emphasizes American manufacturing and large-scale workforce training, maintaining U.S. production leadership.

Early 2000's
Shift to Outsourcing

Broyhill expands its retail footprint dramatically with 340 Broyhill Showcase Galleries and 475 Broyhill Furniture Centers across the US, significantly boosting national visibility and accessibility.

2026
Broyhill Relaunch

Broyhill is reintroducing itself to a new generation of shoppers with a refreshed retail and online presence bringing an updated sensibility to its classic American design heritage. The relaunch blends the best of the past and present, offering consumers a familiar brand they’ve always trusted, now with a new point of view.

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