Bernhardt Furniture Company is one of the oldest and the largest family owned and operated manufacturers of furniture in the U.S. Four generations have played an active role in Bernhardt's history since its founding in 1889 with 25 employees building simple chairs of solid oak. Vision, integrity and commitment to the principals of fine craftsmanship distinguished the early chapters of the Bernhardt story, and are still evident today in all Bernhardt furniture collections.
     G. Alex Bernhardt, Sr., chairman and chief executive officer, is the grandson of founder John Mathias Bernhardt, and son of John Christian Bernhardt, who is still active in the company at age 92. Nephew J. Rountree Collett, Jr., is executive vice president, and son G. Alex Bernhardt, Jr., is vice president and general manager of the Upholstery Division. Another nephew, William B. Collett, is also involved in the business as marketing director, Residential. Alex Sr.'s wife, Anne, heads the Contract Furniture Division. Lewis G. Norman Ill is the president.

Located in Lenoir, North Carolina, the company has more than 2,000 employees and owns some 2.5 million square feet of space for offices, warehouses and plants. There are 10 furniture production plants, plus supply plants including a veneer mill, a saw mill, and both particleboard and adhesive plants. Manufacturing is effectively integrated from the processing of raw lumber through milling and tooling to the final perfectly polished finish. Bernhardt maintains its own fleet of trucks to speed cost effective distribution and delivery.
     As a privately held corporation, Bernhardt has always been entrepreneurial in its approach to the marketplace, sustaining a competitive advantage and superior service. Bernhardt's solid financial foundation is marked by sales of more than $200 million annually, with virtually no debt.

The Residential Division
     Attuned to the special needs of the home, Bernhardt's Residential Division includes two important business units - Casegoods and Upholstery - that provide clients with a wide range of choices at various prices, in both traditional and contemporary styles.
     Casegood offerings include dining rooms and bedrooms, and occasional tables for formal or family living rooms. Only the finest woods and veneers are used, each carefully selected for strength and beauty, and kiln-dried for maximum performance. Many finishes involve up to 28 steps to complete. The 11 exclusive residential collections feature many choices such as dark or light woods, stone or wood tops for tables, fabric or leather dining chairs, canopy beds, poster or sleigh beds, and an array of beveled glass mirrors and tables.
     "Flair," Bernhardt's premier line of upholstered furniture, features the finest fabrics and leathers. Each sofa, loveseat, chair and ottoman is designed and crafted by seasoned experts and matched with textiles which are perfectly tailored to the frame. Each piece is a harmony of scale and proportion, creating a visual statement for today's spacious living areas. Flair's frame construction, cushion thickness and composition of materials are all engineered for maximum seating comfort.

The Grand Savannah Collection
     Bernhardt's homage to the stately homes of the antebellum south.
     Grand Savannah strikes an ideal balance between past and present with generously scaled select hardwood solids and sumptuous prima vera veneers.
     Dramatic curves, graceful shapes and elegant forms set the stage for sophisticated dining. Sweeping curves and intricate motifs, the selected use of an antiqued gold finish and the option of marble tops accentuate the opulence of Grand Savannah's formal, traditional design.
     The Grand Savannah china announces its presence with arched glass doors and stylized leaf motifs decorating the softly rounded arch top. Finished in an antique gold, the solid brass hardware perfectly complements the wood tones.

Arcadian Home
An Artistry Series Collection
    This casual traditional collection is inspired by the Arts & Crafts Movement. It has figured ropey cherry veneers in a burnt amber finish with walnut and maple inlays and accents. Key style elements include stained and seeded glass, hammered copper and antiqued pewter hardware.