Design Within Reach

Overview

Design Within Reach is a retailer of modern furniture, lighting, and accessories that specializes in making iconic mid-century and contemporary designs accessible to consumers. Founded on the principle of democratizing design, the company sources pieces from established and emerging designers, offering both residential and contract-quality products used in commercial settings. DWR operates through an omnichannel model combining e-commerce, physical Studio locations across North America, and design consultation services.

History

Founded in 1998 by Rob Forbes, Design Within Reach emerged from the founder's frustration with the limited availability of classic modern designs. Within its first year, the company partnered with Herman Miller to bring products like the Eames Lounge Chair and Aeron Chair directly to retail customers through catalog sales—a first for these brands. In 2015, Design Within Reach was acquired by Herman Miller, integrating into the larger design company while maintaining its distinct brand identity and retail operations.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Design Within Reach sources products from multiple manufacturers globally, including established partners like Herman Miller. Products range from in-house designed pieces to licensed designs from renowned designers. Manufacturing is outsourced to specialized producers, with many items meeting contract-quality standards for commercial use in hospitality, healthcare, and educational settings.

Notable Products

• Eames Lounge Chair - Iconic mid-century lounge chair by Charles and Ray Eames, a flagship product that helped establish DWR's retail model
• Aeron Chair - Herman Miller ergonomic office chair, one of the first products DWR brought to direct retail distribution
• Le Corbusier LC2 Sofa - Modernist sofa by Le Corbusier, representing the brand's focus on canonical design pieces
• Eames Molded Plastic Chair - Affordable entry-point mid-century chair, exemplifying DWR's mission to democratize design
• Nelson Platform Bench - George Nelson design offering versatile seating and storage solutions

Reputation

Design Within Reach is respected among design professionals and enthusiasts for curating authentic modern pieces and making quality design more accessible than traditional luxury furniture retailers. The brand benefits from strong associations with Herman Miller and iconic designers, lending credibility to its assortment. Some customers note that despite the accessibility mission, prices remain premium compared to mass-market alternatives, and the product range can feel curated rather than comprehensive for certain style preferences.