Business Details
Custom Fine Furniture Crafted with Heritage and Precision
Kittinger Furniture has dedicated over 150 years to crafting exceptional custom furniture, serving prestigious institutions like the White House, Senate, Congress, Supreme Court, and international dignitaries. Our legacy began in 1866 with a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation, values that continue under the leadership of Ray and Karen Bialkowski, who revitalized the company in 1996. We specialize in creating bespoke pieces tailored to individual client needs, utilizing time-honored techniques and sustainable practices. Our skilled artisans meticulously execute every detail, from hand-applied finishes requiring up to 50 hours of labor to intricate gold leafing and custom leather upholstery.As a trusted name in fine furniture, we maintain rigorous quality standards, offering a seamless collaboration process from initial design to final delivery. Our work extends beyond mere functionality, aiming to produce heirloom-quality pieces that reflect both tradition and personal expression. With a global presence and a focus on client satisfaction, Kittinger Furniture remains a leader in the industry, blending heritage with modern customization.
Services
Custom Furniture
Furniture Restoration
Contract Furniture
Leather Upholstery
White House Furnishings
Table Banding
Gold Leafing
Chinoiserie Painting
Highlights and features
- We offer over 150 years of expertise in fine furniture craftsmanship.
- Our team has produced furniture for the White House and Supreme Court.
- We provide fully customizable designs with sustainable materials.
- Our artisans use hand-finishing techniques perfected over generations.
- We maintain full transparency in our production and client collaboration.
Services
Custom Furniture
Kittinger Furniture creates fully customizable pieces tailored to client specifications. Our process begins with collaborative design consultations, followed by detailed CAD drawings and handcrafted production using premium materials. Clients may select from a range of finishes, fabrics, and structural modifications to ensure each piece meets their exact requirements.
Furniture Restoration
We specialize in restoring antique and historically significant furniture to its original glory. Our master craftsmen employ traditional techniques to repair woodwork, reapply period-accurate finishes, and replace damaged components while preserving the piece's authenticity and structural integrity through meticulous attention to historical detail.
Contract Furniture
Kittinger provides custom furniture solutions for government institutions and corporate clients. This includes large-scale projects like the White House Cabinet Room table and Senate furnishings, executed with the same precision and quality standards as our private commissions while meeting specific institutional requirements.
Leather Upholstery
Our leather upholstery service combines premium materials from suppliers like Garrett Leather with artisanal craftsmanship. Options include hand-tooled leather surfaces, custom staining, and gold-leaf detailing, ensuring each upholstered piece balances durability with aesthetic sophistication for both residential and commercial applications.
White House Furnishings
Since 1969, Kittinger has supplied and restored furniture for the White House and other governmental institutions. This specialized service includes creating historically accurate reproductions, modifying existing pieces for modern use, and crafting official gifts for foreign dignitaries, maintaining strict adherence to presidential legacy and protocol requirements.
People
Ray Bialkowski
Co-Owner & Master Cabinetmaker
Ray Bialkowski, a master cabinetmaker with decades of experience, co-owns Kittinger Furniture. He revitalized the company in 1996, preserving its legacy while modernizing production techniques. His expertise ensures every piece maintains the highest craftsmanship standards.
Karen Bialkowski
Co-Owner
Karen Bialkowski co-owns Kittinger Furniture with her husband Ray. Since acquiring the company in 1996, she has focused on business operations and client relations, ensuring the company's continued growth while maintaining its commitment to quality and tradition.
Irvine J. Kittinger
Former President
Irvine J. Kittinger, the company's namesake, led Kittinger Furniture during its formative years. His philosophy of prioritizing quality over profit shaped the company's ethos, establishing its reputation for producing 'something really worthwhile' through exceptional craftsmanship.
Questions
How do I commission custom furniture?
Contact our Buffalo factory directly or work with a design professional to begin the customization process using our detailed consultation and CAD design services.
Does Kittinger offer furniture restoration?
Yes, we specialize in restoring antique and historically significant pieces using traditional techniques while preserving original character and integrity.
What materials do you use?
We use sustainably sourced hardwoods, premium leathers from Garrett and Cortina, and offer custom paint finishes including Chinoiserie and gold leafing.
Can I visit a showroom?
Showrooms are available in Buffalo, Atlanta, Tokyo, Belle Mead, New York City, and Pittsburgh. Check our website for specific locations and contact details.
Is Kittinger furniture available internationally?
Yes, we serve global clients through our Buffalo factory and international showrooms, including projects for foreign Heads of State.
What is your production timeline?
Custom pieces typically require 8-12 weeks for completion, with finishing processes alone taking up to three weeks due to our meticulous hand-crafted approach.
