Dining Set Manufacturers Defy Global Downturn With High-end Products

By BELINDA FAN

Despite the global economic downturn and weak market demand, dining set manufacturers in China are confident that they can deal with the challenges and difficulties they face and keep turning out the high-end products they need to maintain their strength in the global arena.

Like other furniture manufacturers, dining set makers are also suffering from ballooning manufacturing costs resulting from rising raw materials prices and wage hikes. Some foresee a further rise of 8%-10% in production costs in the coming year. To maintain better control of costs, they have committed themselves to upgrading manufacturing technology and enhancing operating efficiency.

An ordinary dining set usually consists of one table plus four to six chairs, with a design that can be Oriental, Western, or mixed. Materials used vary according to pattern and style, but can be generally categorized into several types based on their nature: steel and glass, wood, rattan, marble, and precious stone. Wood comes from different tree species, of course; the species most often used in dining sets are pine, fir, beech, elm, birch, oak, and mahogany, among others.

Generally speaking, dining sets made of wood present a classic and elegant style, particularly those made of such rare wood as mahogany. Oriental- and Western-style wooden dining sets usually feature classic designs and lacquered surfaces, and are popular with consumers that are at a relatively high level in terms of both age and income. Modern glass and metal dining sets feature compact, simple designs, and are quite popular among youngsters.

Furniture manufacturers in China report that top-tier consumers in Asia prefer wooden dining sets made of mahogany with elegant engraved Oriental patterns, which can generate an atmosphere of Oriental serenity and help soften the dining room environment.

They find it interesting that, with China's emergence as a power both economically and culturally in recent years, more and more Western consumers today have a liking for Chinese-style furniture. Some Westerners consider products with a Chinese flair as a kind of fad, and such products often become hot sellers in the market.

Nature-loving consumers also prefer furniture made of natural woods. Elm, for instance, with its plain and rustic grain, is good for making both indoor and outdoor dining sets. Of course, the surfaces of elm dining sets can also be painted in different colors, depending on the preferences of customers.

Rattan is another popular choice for dining sets, and its flexibility and durability make it popular among manufacturers of ergonomic furniture. However, the rampant harvesting of rattan has made it a rare breed in the pool of furniture materials. Other rare materials used in the industry include marble and precious stones, which naturally make furniture using them relatively expensive.

Glass and metals are also popular materials in the furniture industry, and dining sets made of them are often seen in the market; they are popular with consumers since they are easy to clean, durable, water- and mold-proof, and fire-resistant. Such dining sets can be used either indoor or outdoor or both. With their advantages and relatively low prices, these dining sets take a lion's share of the market. (JL)