The furniture industry of Bali and some designs.

Bali is famous for its furniture designs and imports in the United States, Australia, and elsewhere, justly so to some extent, but much of what is called “Bali furniture” has nothing much to do with Bali, rather it is simply marketed from the island.

Much of the furniture which is sold on Bali itself is in fact made elsewhere, in the town of Jepara, central Java, to be precise, and is trucked to Bali for display purposes and because many foreign buyers make trips to Bali for their purchasing needs, usually those buyers who are not exactly the most knowledgeable in the furniture business. Additionally much of the online furniture sales of “Bali furniture” are also of Javanese made products.

Coconut shell shelf, handmade by Ketut Sukayasa.

But there are some furnishings which are made on the “Island of the Gods” itself, most well known being Bali rattan, bamboo, and teak wood furniture, as well as some wrought iron items. Indoor models, particularly for the bedroom, are a speciality, while some work is done in outdoor sets. Most of it is antique reproduction, or primitive style, this latter type often being made from old reclaimed wood, but some innovative and modern furniture is also made.

If you decide to come to Bali yourself do be aware that much of the furniture sold by the large warehouse operations is of very dubious quality. In the place where it is made in Java, Jepara, there is a saying. There is ‘A’ class furniture, ‘B’ class, ‘C’ class, and Bali class. The rubbish goes to Bali.

As you might imagine as well prices tend to be expensive in Bali, due to transport costs and the fact that Bali is a tourist place with tourist rates. Better to try your luck with small workshops and artisans, best if you can see the furniture actually being made somewhere, like at the back, and then you can rest assured that you are getting the real, Balinese, deal, with its delicate antique style carving.

Balinese Mahogany Wood Table & Bench.

On this page are some examples of Bali furniture that can be bought online in the United States. Click the pictures to see price and other information.

Bali Sofa Loveseat.

Tags: Armoires, Bali, Balinese, Bamboo, Benches, Chairs, Furnishings, Furniture, Jepara, Outdoor Furniture, Rattan, Tables, Teak, Wicker, Wood, Wooden, Wrought Iron