To Sit is to Believe
By: April Rose Hina
More Than a Chair, a home furnishing company based in Pampanga, began its journey in 1998 producing chairs. Since then, it has expanded its business and product line to include tables, beds, and other furniture pieces. The company’s creations are designed to enhance the allure of any living space, matching its philosophy of creating pieces that inspire and make people happy.
Caught in the Process
At the 71st edition of Manila FAME, More Than a Chair showcased a collection of furniture and home accessories made from a combination of raw materials exclusively sourced from the Philippines.
Known for a wide range of styles and innovative concepts, More Than a Chair crafts exquisite pieces primarily made from wood, further enhanced by intricate carvings and feature the use of organic shapes. Aside from its signature chairs crafted from lampakanay, rattan (solihiya), and abaca, the company also boasts a collection of top selling pieces such as beds and benches made from Gmelina wood, mahogany, and rattan. Known for its sleek lines and timeless designs, More Than a Chair seamlessly harmonizes traditional craftsmanship with modern sensibilities, offering a sophisticated touch to any setting.
The design process behind these products mirrors the intricacy of their final forms. Nina Rivera, marketing manager at More Than a Chair, reveals that the journey towards exemplary craftsmanship begins with the vision of the owner, Mr. Allan Bituin. After receiving the design, the in-house designer interprets it and determines which materials are most suitable for the desired product. Subsequently, the research and development team takes charge of overseeing the drafting, full sizing, and eventual production stages.
Across the Globe
More Than a Chair prioritizes quality and design excellence. According to Rivera, while their products may be perceived as 'a bit pricier' compared to counterparts from neighboring countries, Philippine products stand out for their superior design elements. Their unparalleled distinctiveness ensures that these designs remain unmatched elsewhere. Furthermore, the use of natural resources that are abundant in the Philippines contributes to the top tier quality of their products.
Exporting these kinds of products takes a lot of time and effort. To ensure that global standards are met, they believe that brands should always be able to keep up with the trends and have an effective marketing strategy. More Than a Chair effectively ventures out its business by conquering the global market, exporting to clients in Europe, the USA, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. The company maintains its willingness to take on prospective clients in additional markets by joining shows like Manila FAME.
Above all, elegance
For More Than a Chair, Filipino artisans' attention to detail and principle makes Philippine products stand out from the rest. The design and quality of the products are at their finest, with each piece designed with limitless imagination and generation-old craftsmanship and traditions.
More Than a Chair produces exquisite pieces from traditional to contemporary. Featured designs include intricately carved metallic leaves that give color and accent to the furniture, these innovations are highly sought after by their Middle Eastern clients while the simple, streamlined shapes cater to clients' tastes in South America, Europe, and the US.
