Founded in 1928, HOWE is a leading international company specializing in the production of
multifunctional contract furniture for workspaces, educational environments, and public areas. The range mainly includes
folding, stackable, and mobile chairs and tables, designed to offer maximum versatility and optimize space in contemporary environments. HOWE’s design philosophy blends advanced functionality with minimalist aesthetics and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The company was founded in Trumbull, Connecticut, as a manufacturer of folding tables and accessories. With the slogan “If it folds, ask HOWE,” it quickly established itself in the North American market as a benchmark in
space-saving furniture. Starting in the 1960s, HOWE’s European operations grew in Denmark, where the company’s international headquarters are now based. Since 2011, the “One World – One HOWE” strategy has unified global operations, bringing the European approach to North America and solidifying a widespread presence with offices in the USA, UK, France, and Poland.
Multifunctional tables and chairs: the flexible design of HOWE
At the heart of HOWE’s mission is the development of furniture solutions that merge form and function according to Bauhaus principles. Every product is conceived to be
foldable, stackable, or easily transportable, ensuring adaptability in dynamic, multipurpose spaces such as classrooms, conference halls,
offices, and
public venues. The design is focused on maximum efficiency, with an essential aesthetic that highlights build quality and ease of use. One of the brand’s most iconic pieces is the
40/4 chair, designed by
David Rowland, a student of Bauhaus master László Moholy-Nagy. This model, famous for its exceptional stackability—up to 40 chairs in just four feet—is part of the temporary collection at the Bauhaus Museum in Dessau. HOWE’s entire design philosophy is rooted in concepts like reduction to essentials, modularity, and democratic functionality, qualities that make HOWE furniture ideally suited to international and cross-sector design contexts. Over the years, HOWE has collaborated with designers and professionals who share a focus on ergonomics and sustainability, creating collections that meet high technical standards and contemporary aesthetic demands. Every product results from a meticulous engineering process, taking into account mobility, durability, maintainability, and seamless integration into diverse environments. Ongoing technical innovation is a core element of HOWE’s production process, aligned with the evolving needs of modern architecture.
Sustainability, certifications, and the circular economy of HOWE furniture
For over a decade, HOWE has followed strict sustainability guidelines implemented across all stages of its production chain. The company is ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certified and uses FSC®-certified materials (license C041311). It also offers solutions developed with “Design for Disassembly” principles and the Cradle to Cradle philosophy. HOWE chairs and tables come with EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) and VOC assessments, ensuring low environmental impact and excellent indoor air quality. Special attention is given to the use of trivalent chrome (Chrome III), which is less harmful than hexavalent chrome. In 2011, HOWE launched its
Take Back program to recover and regenerate products at the end of their lifecycle, especially the 40/4 chair. Its modular construction allows for replacement parts, reupholstery, and refinishing, significantly extending product life and reducing waste. This initiative is part of the company’s broader circular economy strategy and allows clients to keep iconic furnishings in use with minimal investment. HOWE stands out for its flexible international organization guided by shared values: flexibility, focus, innovation, passion, and humanity. The company positions itself as a reliable partner for architects, designers, and dealers, offering efficient service, dedicated technical consultancy, and continuous support. Each project is handled with care, with the aim of delivering concrete, long-lasting solutions aligned with the highest quality and environmental standards.
