In an age of mass production, true craftsmanship has become a statement of integrity. For more than a century, Hicks Furniture has represented that integrity, designing and producing handcrafted contract furniture that merges tradition with the needs of modern hospitality spaces across Ireland and Europe.
From boutique hotels to contemporary restaurants, contract furniture shapes how people experience a space. It is not just seating and surfaces; it defines comfort, character, and atmosphere. Hicks Furniture’s approach proves that Irish craftsmanship still sets the standard for durability, aesthetics, and connection.
Defining Contract Furniture
Contract furniture is designed for commercial environments where strength and consistency are as important as design. Each table, chair, and cabinet must balance form, function, and endurance.
While many suppliers rely on imported components, Hicks Furniture manufactures in Dublin, using proven joinery methods and premium finishes that perform under daily wear. Every item is engineered to meet hospitality standards for safety, hygiene, and maintenance.
Why Irish Craftsmanship Endures
Ireland has a long tradition of cabinet-making, and Hicks Furniture stands among its most respected names. Eleven generations of makers have refined the art of producing furniture that is understated yet distinctive.
This heritage brings tangible benefits to today’s hospitality market:
- Attention to detail: every joint, edge, and curve is refined by hand.
- Local accountability: direct collaboration with a Dublin workshop ensures transparency and speed.
- Sustainable materials: responsibly sourced hardwoods and veneers reduce environmental impact.
Hicks Furniture’s reputation for reliability and authenticity continues to attract architects, designers, and hoteliers who value heritage and precision.
Designing for Experience
A successful hospitality interior invites emotion and comfort. Hicks Furniture works closely with designers and project managers to create pieces that support a cohesive atmosphere. A bar counter becomes a social focal point, while a dining table becomes the heart of a restaurant. Material texture, comfort, and light are considered from the first sketch to installation.
Typical applications include restaurant and hotel tables that combine elegance with structural integrity, seating designed for long service hours, and reception or bar joinery that unites functionality with brand identity. Each commission is treated as a one-of-a-kind project.
Durability as Design Philosophy
Longevity is part of the design process. Hicks Furniture builds for the long term using mortise-and-tenon and dowel joinery, reinforced bases, and layered finishing systems tested for stain and moisture resistance. The result is furniture that maintains its finish and stability through years of service. A focus on endurance protects both investment and reputation.
The Collaborative Process
- Consultation and Concept – understanding brand, layout, and operational requirements.
- Design Development – producing technical drawings and material samples for approval.
- Production – in-house fabrication using certified materials and traditional methods.
- Installation and Support – professional delivery and fit-out with aftercare options for maintenance.
Hicks Furniture manages every stage, providing one point of contact for quality control and scheduling.
Irish Craft, European Reach
Based in Dublin, Hicks Furniture serves clients across Ireland and throughout Europe. Designers and developers choose Hicks for authentic craftsmanship backed by modern production capability. Centralised design, manufacturing, and logistics ensure consistent quality and efficient delivery to international projects.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
Sustainability is integral to the workshop. All materials are selected for environmental responsibility, using FSC-certified hardwoods, low-VOC finishes, and efficient waste-reduction processes. This commitment aligns with LEED and BREEAM standards and supports Ireland’s national sustainability objectives.
Why Work with Hicks Furniture?
- Heritage craftsmanship refined through eleven generations
- Integrated design, manufacturing, and installation services
- Bespoke flexibility with commercial strength
- Trusted trade partner for architects, designers, and developers in Ireland and the EU
Furniture built with purpose endures in both form and memory. Hicks Furniture continues to create pieces that bring warmth, character, and authenticity to every space.
References
National Museum of Ireland. (n.d.). 20th-century furniture: James Hicks and Sons. https://www.museum.ie
The Irish Times. (2013, June 15).
The durable appeal of a prince of pastiche. https://www.irishtimes.com
Bonhams. (2022).
Irish late 19th-century mahogany side table by James Hicks of Dublin. https://www.bonhams.com
