Haworth is a manufacturer of office furniture and workspace systems
Haworth is a furniture company that designs and makes desks, chairs, storage systems, and modular walls for offices. They sell through authorized dealers rather than directly to most customers, and their products range from individual pieces to complete workspace setups that companies can customize. If you're shopping for office furniture, Haworth is one brand among many, and understanding what they make and how to buy it will help you figure out whether their products fit your needs and budget.
The company has been making office furniture since 1948 and operates globally, though their main manufacturing and headquarters are in Michigan. They focus on systems that let offices reconfigure spaces — movable walls, modular desks, and integrated storage — rather than just selling standalone chairs or tables. This approach appeals to companies that expect their workspace to change over time.
Key Takeaways
- Haworth sells modular office systems designed to be reconfigured, not just individual furniture pieces.
- You cannot order directly from Haworth in most cases; you work through an authorized dealer who handles pricing, delivery, and installation.
- Haworth products tend to cost more than basic office furniture because they are built for long-term use and customization.
- The company makes ergonomic seating, height-adjustable desks, acoustic panels, and workspace dividers as core product lines.
How Haworth's dealer network works
Haworth does not operate retail stores or sell directly to individual buyers in most regions. Instead, they work through a network of authorized dealers — furniture retailers and office design firms that have agreements to sell Haworth products. When you want to buy Haworth furniture, you contact a dealer in your area, not Haworth itself.
A dealer's role is to show you what's available, help you choose pieces that fit your space and budget, handle the ordering process, arrange delivery, and often oversee installation. Dealers may also offer design services — someone who can visit your office, measure the space, and suggest a layout. Pricing varies by dealer and by the specific configuration you choose, so it's worth contacting more than one dealer to compare.
You can find dealers through Haworth's website, which has a dealer locator tool. Enter your location and it will show authorized retailers near you. Some dealers specialize in Haworth products; others carry multiple furniture brands alongside Haworth.
Main product categories Haworth makes
Haworth's core offerings fall into a few categories. Seating includes task chairs, conference chairs, and stools, many with adjustable features like seat height, armrests, and lumbar support. Desks and work surfaces range from fixed tables to height-adjustable models that let users switch between sitting and standing. Modular walls and screens are lightweight panels that divide open offices or create semi-private spaces without permanent construction.
Storage systems include cabinets, shelving, and filing solutions that integrate with their modular walls. Accessories cover monitor arms, keyboard trays, cable management, and desk organizers. Most of these products are designed to work together — a Haworth desk can connect to Haworth storage, and Haworth screens can attach to Haworth wall systems — so you can build a coordinated workspace.
Haworth also makes products focused on specific work styles: phone booths for private calls in open offices, lounge seating for break areas, and collaborative tables for team spaces. Their product lines change over time as they introduce new designs and retire older ones.
What affects the cost of Haworth furniture
Haworth products are generally priced higher than basic office furniture from mass-market retailers. Several factors drive this. First, Haworth builds for durability — their pieces are meant to last 10 to 15 years or longer in a commercial office, not a few years in a home. Second, customization costs money: if you want a desk in a specific size, finish, or configuration, that's more expensive than buying a standard size off the shelf.
Third, the modular nature of their systems means you're paying for the ability to reconfigure later. A fixed desk costs less upfront than a modular system, but if your office layout changes, you can't easily adapt a fixed desk. A Haworth modular system costs more initially but can be adjusted or expanded without replacing the whole thing.
Pricing also depends on what you choose. A basic task chair will cost less than an ergonomic chair with multiple adjustment options. A straightforward desk surface costs less than a height-adjustable desk with integrated cable management. Your dealer can give you a quote once you've decided what features matter to you.
How to start the buying process with a dealer
Contact an authorized Haworth dealer and describe what you need: how many workstations, what type of work happens there, any special requirements like standing desks or private spaces, and your budget range. The dealer will ask questions about your space — dimensions, existing infrastructure, how many people will use it — and may request photos or a floor plan.
Many dealers offer a consultation, sometimes free for larger projects. During this, they'll walk through options, show you samples or a showroom, and discuss what's realistic within your budget. They'll then prepare a proposal with specific products, quantities, pricing, and a timeline for delivery and installation.
Once you approve the proposal and place an order, the dealer manages everything: they order from Haworth, coordinate delivery to your site, and arrange installation. Installation timelines vary but typically take a few weeks to a few months depending on the size of the project and current demand.
Haworth's warranty and support
Haworth offers warranties on their products, though the length and coverage depend on the specific item. Chairs typically come with a longer warranty than desks or accessories. Your dealer should provide warranty information when you purchase, and they're usually the first point of contact if something breaks or needs repair during the warranty period.
After the warranty expires, you can still repair or replace parts — Haworth sells replacement components like chair cylinders, casters, and upholstery. Your dealer can order these for you, or you can contact Haworth directly if you know the part number. Because Haworth designs for longevity, parts are often available for products that are several years old.
Haworth versus other office furniture brands
Haworth competes with other modular office furniture makers like Steelcase, Herman Miller, and Knoll. These brands are similar in approach — they emphasize customization, durability, and integrated systems — and similar in price range. The main differences are in design aesthetic, specific features, and which dealers carry which brands in your area.
If you want lower-cost furniture, brands like IKEA, Wayfair, or Office Depot offer desks and chairs at a fraction of Haworth's price, but these are typically not modular systems and not built for the same lifespan. They're fine for a home office or a startup with a tight budget, but a company expecting to keep furniture for a decade usually finds modular systems more cost-effective in the long run.
The choice between Haworth and competitors often comes down to dealer availability, specific products you like, and how much customization you need. It's worth getting quotes from dealers carrying different brands so you can compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy Haworth furniture online?
Most Haworth products are not sold through standard e-commerce sites. You order through an authorized dealer, who may take orders online or by phone. Some dealers have websites where you can browse and request quotes, but the actual purchase and delivery happen through the dealer, not a direct-to-consumer website.
What if I only need one or two chairs, not a whole office setup?
You can buy individual pieces through a dealer. A dealer will sell you a single chair, desk, or screen if that's what you need. Pricing for small orders may be higher per item than for large projects, and some dealers have minimum order amounts, so ask before you assume they'll take a small order.
How long does it take to get Haworth furniture after I order?
Lead times vary. Standard products in stock may ship in a few weeks. Custom configurations or high-demand items can take two to three months or longer. Your dealer will give you an estimated delivery date when you place the order. Installation typically happens within a week or two after delivery, depending on the complexity and the installer's schedule.
Can I move Haworth furniture to a new office if my company relocates?
Yes, that's one of the main advantages of modular systems. Haworth furniture is designed to be disassembled, moved, and reassembled. Your dealer or a moving company experienced with office furniture can handle this. You may need to buy new components if parts are damaged during the move, but the core pieces can usually be reused.
Does Haworth make home office furniture?
Haworth primarily designs for commercial offices, not home use. Their products are built for heavy daily use in a shared workplace. While you could buy Haworth furniture for a home office, it's often overkill for that setting and more expensive than home-focused brands. Some dealers may be willing to sell to individuals, but it's not their main market.