From sliding door wardrobes to whole-home customization and premium bespoke designs, the custom furniture industry in China has undergone significant evolution. Each phase of development—from single product customization to comprehensive home solutions, and then to high-end customization—reflects changing market demands and consumers’ growing emphasis on quality.
 

In the mainstream customization market, companies like Oppein, Sofia, and Shangpin Home Collection have become leaders by focusing on the mid-to-high-end market with large-scale flexible customization. Meanwhile, some businesses have taken a different approach, targeting niche high-end markets to avoid direct competition and carving out their own path through differentiation.
 

In an era of consumer upgrades, preferences are becoming more personalized, younger demographics are driving trends, and there is a rising demand for high-quality products. This shift has fueled the popularity of premium bespoke designs. For these consumers, quality, service, mood, and experience are critical factors, and they are willing to pay more for top-tier products.
 

However, high-end custom brands rely heavily on a robust supply chain that includes materials like panels, hardware, machinery, and decorative items. Hardware, often considered the "soul" of furniture, may only account for 5% of a furniture piece’s cost, but it influences 85% of its functionality and comfort. This begs the question: why do Chinese premium brands almost exclusively use international hardware? What’s holding back Chinese hardware in comparison?
 

1. International Hardware: The Standard for High-End Brands
Most hardware used by Chinese premium furniture brands is imported from countries like Germany, Italy, Austria, Australia, and Japan, while domestic brands are notably absent. But why do Chinese high-end firms opt for international hardware? Their choice typically aligns with two trends: one, the need to match their high-end positioning; and two, the demand for specialized functional hardware, such as Italy's IF hardware with rebound functionality.

Globally, brands like Salice and Grass are synonymous with premium hardware, while Blum, Hettich, and Häfele, commonly used by Chinese brands, are considered mid-to-high-end. Even so, these brands still rank above most Chinese hardware brands.
 

2. Why Do Chinese Hardware Brands Lag Behind?
When it comes to development, international brands like Grass, Blum, and Hettich achieved Industry 4.0 standards over 20 years ago. Established decades or even a century ago, they have developed comprehensive systems for production, sales, design, operations, and service. In terms of brand reputation, quality, design, and service, they are far ahead of their Chinese counterparts.

Chinese hardware brands struggle due to limited technical expertise, outdated technology, lack of advanced equipment, talent shortages, and insufficient funding—all factors that restrict their growth. Additionally, the quality of materials used by international brands is superior, and their attention to detail and user-oriented design lead to a better overall experience. While Chinese hardware is improving, it still lacks the brand value and cultural significance of international names.
 

3. The Path Forward for Chinese Hardware Brands
Many Chinese hardware companies have historically focused on OEM and ODM manufacturing, primarily for export markets, with little emphasis on building their own brands. However, with rising domestic demand, they are now shifting their focus to the internal market and gradually enhancing brand development. Despite this, most Chinese hardware companies are small and have a long way to go. To truly compete with international brands, the Chinese hardware industry may need another 20 years to close the gap.
 

Conclusion
While Chinese hardware brands have made progress, they still trail behind international competitors in terms of technology, quality, and brand value. Overcoming these challenges will require significant investment in innovation, talent development, and brand building. As the domestic market matures and consumer expectations rise, there is hope that Chinese furniture hardware will eventually rise to the global stage.