Muhammad Luqman

Turkish furniture has lately gained popularity in Pakistan’s major urban centres like Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad due to its unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, reports WealthPK.

Known for high quality materials, such as luxurious woods and fabrics, Turkish furniture has both durability and aesthetic appeal. The fusion of cultural influences from Europe and the Middle East creates distinctive, elegant pieces that stand out in the global markets, including Pakistan.

“As imported Turkish furniture is very expensive, Pakistani companies have started manufacturing furniture of Turkish designs. They are using solid wood instead of MDF (medium density fiberboard) used by the Turkish companies,” Zaid Iqbal, Chief Executive Officer of Furniture Hub company, told WealthPK. He said a sofa set with Turkish design produced locally cost up to Rs200,000 against the imported one that may cost Rs400,000.

“A furniture enthusiast will have to spend at least Rs1.3 million for imported furniture including sofa set, bed set, dining table and chairs, whereas he will have to pay Rs400,000 for the locally produced articles,” Zaid Iqbal said. However, he said, the imported furniture had unique Turkish designs on the basis of fashion forecasting which couldn’t be found locally due to the slow adoption of new trends.

Major Turkish designs, according to the furniture dealers, include classical Ottoman style characterized by intricate carvings, ornate metal work and luxurious fabrics while modern Turkish (European) style has clean lines, minimalist aesthetics and innovative materials like glass, metal and leather. Rustic Turkish Style, also found in the market, incorporates natural materials like solid wood, stone, or wicker, with earth-toned colors.

Popular Turkish furniture pieces in Pakistan include Berta Console Mirror, Terra Mirror, Marion Dining chairs, Padme Coffee Table, Luxury Sofas and bed sets. Local furniture manufacturing companies admit that the imported furniture from Turkey, China and Western countries is gradually making way into the drawing rooms of the upper middle class and super rich class of Pakistani society.

“However, the Pakistani companies can produce quality furniture inspired by Turkish designs. Pakistan has a strong furniture-making industry with skilled craftsmen and access to the quality materials,” said Mian Kashif Ashfaq, Chairman of Pakistan Furniture Council, the umbrella organization of local manufacturers and exporters of furniture. In an interview with WealthPK, Mian Kashif said the Pakistani companies could replicate the Turkish aesthetics, combining the traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style to meet the local and global demand.

The Turkish furniture produced locally can meet the demand of lower middle class that can’t afford the imported furniture. He said technical training institutes at the federal and provincial levels could help the furniture industry in producing quality products of international designs and standards by producing skilled human resource.

“The mismatch between the required and available human resource has been a major obstacle to meeting the local and international demand for furniture,” Mian Kashif said. The total size of Pakistan’s furniture market is estimated to be worth over USD2.5 billion. The annual furniture exports are around USD10 million while imports are just USD7 million.

Credit: INP-WealthPk