10 Best Custom Furniture & Millwork Showrooms in NYC
10 Best Custom Furniture & Millwork Showrooms in NYC
By: AZ New York Editorial Team
From bespoke built-in libraries for a pre-war classic to sleek, modular Italian wall systems for a new-build penthouse, “planned furniture” in NYC is a high-stakes investment in lifestyle and property value. Start your search with our definitive guide:
10 Best Custom Furniture & Millwork Showrooms in NYC — featuring the top showrooms for modular systems, custom closets, and high-end millwork.
Flatiron & SoHo: NYC’s Luxury Furniture Corridors
The Flatiron District and SoHo are the parallel hearts of New York’s high-end furniture market. This combined area, under the jurisdiction of the City of New York, is where global flagships for the world’s top luxury design brands are concentrated. If you’re an architect or designer specifying a project, these neighborhoods are your first stop.
With a combined residential population of over 40,000 (NYC Planning, 2025) and some of the highest real estate values in the world, these areas are a showcase for luxury living. The market is defined by Italian modular systems (Poliform, Lema) and Swiss engineering (USM Haller), which are considered the gold standard for modern custom storage.
The A&D Building in Midtown East handles the “trade” kitchen and bath, but Flatiron and SoHo are where the consumer-facing luxury systems for closets, libraries, and living rooms are found. This is where you go to *experience* the furniture.
Transit is superb: The N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6, L trains serve the Flatiron/Union Square area, while the A, C, E, B, D, F, M, 1, and 6 trains serve SoHo, making it the most accessible design hub in the city.
The design density is unmatched: 40+ luxury furniture showrooms (Poliform, B&B Italia, Minotti), 15+ modular system specialists, and dozens of high-end lighting and rug galleries.
| Area / Neighborhood | Primary Specialty | Market Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Flatiron District, Manhattan | Modular Systems / Retail | Designers & Homeowners |
| SoHo, Manhattan | Global Brand Flagships | High-End Luxury |
| A&D Building, Midtown East | Kitchens & Fixtures | Trade Only (Designers) |
| Industry City, Brooklyn | Custom Fabricators | Artisans & Makers |
| Brooklyn Navy Yard | High-End Millwork | Architectural Scale |
3 Common Scenarios for Custom Furniture in NYC
- The “Boutique Hotel” Walk-In Closet
The Situation: A new condo owner in Chelsea wants a walk-in closet with integrated LED lighting, glass-front drawers, and custom inserts for jewelry and watches.
The Solution: They hire a high-end Italian systems specialist (like Poliform or Lema) to design and install a modular system that feels like a luxury retail boutique. - The 400 sq. ft. Studio Solution
The Situation: A studio apartment owner in the West Village needs to fit a queen bed, a sofa, a dining table, and a home office into one room.
The Solution: They go to a transforming furniture expert (like Resource Furniture) for a high-quality Italian Murphy bed that integrates a sofa and a pop-out desk. - The Pre-War Library Built-In
The Situation: An Upper West Side homeowner wants to convert a room into a classic library with floor-to-ceiling, paint-grade millwork and a rolling ladder.
The Solution: They hire a custom millwork firm or a full-service closet company (like transFORM) to scribe, build, and install a permanent, custom-fit solution.
Curiosity: What’s the difference between Millwork and Modular Systems?
Custom Millwork (or Cabinetry) is built-in, permanent, and custom-fit to the exact dimensions of your wall, often scribed to uneven floors. Modular Systems (like USM or Poliform) are pre-engineered, freestanding components that can be configured, reconfigured, and moved to your next apartment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I need an Interior Designer to use these showrooms?
- For some “trade-only” showrooms, yes. But for most brand flagships (Poliform, USM) and full-service companies (California Closets), they have in-house designers who will work with you directly.
- What is the average lead time for custom systems?
- Be prepared to wait. For systems fabricated in Europe (Poliform, Lema, USM), the lead time from order to installation is typically 14 to 20 weeks. Custom closet companies (California Closets) are much faster, often 4 to 8 weeks.
- What does “Made-to-Measure” mean?
- This means the product is not fully custom from scratch, but a standard modular system is cut or adjusted (e.g., in height or width) at the factory to fit your specific dimensions.
Ranking: 10 Best Custom Furniture & Millwork Showrooms in NYC
The AZ New York selection focuses on high-end systems, specialized custom closet leaders, and innovative space-saving experts.
1. Poliform
Address: 112 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 672-0060
WhatsApp: Not Available
Hours: Mon–Fri 10AM–6PM, Sat 11AM–5PM
Website: poliform.it
Services: Luxury Italian Kitchens, Wardrobes, Wall Systems, Bookcases
Justification: The global standard for high-end Italian modular systems. Their Flatiron showroom is a “must-visit” for designers specifying luxury walk-in closets, kitchens, and media units.
2. California Closets
Address: 26 Varick St, New York, NY 10013 (Multiple Locations)
Phone: (212) 518-2368
WhatsApp: +1 (212) 518-2368
Hours: Mon–Sat 10AM–6PM, Sun 11AM–5PM
Website: californiaclosets.com
Services: Custom Closets, Home Offices, Pantries, Murphy Beds, Garages
Justification: The most recognized name in the industry. They perfected the model of in-home design consultation, custom-fitting, and professional installation for every storage space.
3. Resource Furniture
Address: 969 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 753-2039
WhatsApp: Not Available
Hours: Mon–Fri 10AM–6PM, Sat 12PM–5PM
Website: resourcefurniture.com
Services: Transforming Furniture, Wall Beds (Murphy Beds), Extending Tables
Justification: The undisputed leader in high-end, space-saving furniture. They are the official source for the “Clei” Italian wall bed systems, which are essential for NYC studio apartments.
4. USM Modular Furniture
Address: 28-30 Greene St, New York, NY 10013
Phone: (212) 371-1230
WhatsApp: +1 (212) 371-1230
Hours: Mon–Fri 10AM–6PM
Website: usm.com
Services: Swiss Modular Furniture Systems (USM Haller)
Justification: An icon of design. The USM Haller system is a timeless, chrome-and-steel modular solution for home offices, media units, and retail display, found in design museums.
5. BDDW
Address: 5 Crosby St, New York, NY 10013
Phone: (212) 625-1230
WhatsApp: Not Available
Hours: Mon–Sat 10AM–6PM
Website: bddw.com
Services: Solid Wood Custom Furniture, Cabinetry, Sofas, Lighting
Justification: The pinnacle of the American maker movement. BDDW’s SoHo showroom is a gallery of heirloom-quality, solid wood furniture. Their custom credenzas and cabinets are works of art.
6. Lema (at DDC)
Address: 134 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 685-0095
WhatsApp: Not Available
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:30AM–6PM, Sat 12PM–5PM
Website: ddcnyc.com/brand/lema
Services: Italian Modular Wardrobes, Wall Systems, Bookcases
Justification: Lema is Poliform’s chief rival, famous for its “Air Cleaning System” wardrobe. It is carried by DDC (Domus Design Collection), a premier multi-brand showroom for high-end Italian design.
7. transFORM
Address: 230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 684-0800
WhatsApp: +1 (212) 684-0800
Hours: Mon–Sun By Appointment
Website: transformhome.com
Services: Custom Closets, Wall Beds, Home Offices, Built-In Millwork
Justification: A high-end, locally-based specialist in full-service custom millwork. They bridge the gap between simple closets and full architectural built-ins for libraries and offices.
8. Stickley, Audi & Co.
Address: 160 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
Phone: (212) 337-0700
WhatsApp: Not Available
Hours: Mon–Sat 10AM–6PM, Sun 12PM–5PM
Website: stickleyaudi.com
Services: Classic American Solid Wood Furniture, Custom Orders
Justification: For those who prefer classic, American-made solid wood over European modular. Stickley is an iconic brand, and their Flatiron showroom is the source for custom-ordered pieces.
9. Gautier
Address: 220 E 57th St, New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 813-0020
WhatsApp: Not Available
Hours: Mon–Sat 10AM–6PM, Sun 12PM–5PM
Website: gautier-furniture.com
Services: French Modular Furniture, Living Rooms, Bedrooms, Kids’ Rooms
Justification: A leading French brand offering stylish, contemporary modular systems. They are a popular choice for high-quality, design-conscious furniture that is less cost-prohibitive than top Italian brands.
10. Uhuru Design
Address: 61 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 (Industry City HQ)
Phone: (212) 882-1499
WhatsApp: Not Available
Hours: Mon–Fri 10AM–6PM (By Appointment)
Website: uhurudesign.com
Services: Custom Millwork, Commercial & Residential Furniture, Sustainable Design
Justification: A leader of the Brooklyn maker movement. Uhuru specializes in high-end, sustainable custom millwork and statement furniture, often using reclaimed materials.
And you—what’s your go-to brand for custom storage or millwork in NYC? Share your recommendations in the comments!
Explore More “Best of NYC” Guides:
- 10 Best Custom Furniture & Millwork Showrooms in NYC
- 10 Best Kitchen & Bath Showrooms in NYC
- 10 Best Tile & Stone Showrooms in NYC
- 10 Best Hardware & Building Supply Stores in NYC
- 10 Best Local Real Estate Brokerages in NYC
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