Bernhardt Design

Founded in 1889 by John Mathias Bernhardt, Bernhardt Furniture Company’s history originates from humble roots, evolving into one of the largest family-owned furniture manufacturers in the U.S. today. The story begins 133 years ago, when Bernhardt found work as a logger in rural North Carolina after being orphaned at the young age of 13. A few years later, he furthered his career in the lumber business by purchasing his own sawmill. Bernhardt went on to construct a local railroad to transport timber. It didn’t take long for Bernhardt to recognize an opportunity to use his timber for the production of furniture. He honed the talents of local craftsmen and invested in the purchase of a veneer mill, lumber yard, and numerous kilns. His efforts resulted in what is now known as the Bernhardt Furniture Company. In 1981, Bernhardt Furniture expanded into the commercial marketplace with two additional companies – Bernhardt Design and Bernhardt Textiles.