Furniture Capital Luxury: High Point's Elite Design and Shopping Experience

High Point's transformation from a small Quaker settlement to the undisputed Furniture Capital of the World mirrors the evolution of many ancient craft centers I've studied throughout the Mediterranean. Just as Athens became synonymous with marble sculpture or Damascus with steel, High Point has, since the late 19th century, built its identity around the mastery of woodworking and furniture design.

What's particularly fascinating is how the city's twice-yearly Market—the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world—functions much like the ancient agoras and forums. These are not merely commercial spaces but cultural crossroads where ideas, techniques, and artistic visions converge. While the Market itself is primarily for industry professionals, its influence permeates the entire city, creating a year-round atmosphere of design appreciation.

For the historically inclined visitor, the High Point Museum offers an excellent primer on this evolution, displaying everything from early Piedmont furniture pieces to interactive exhibits on contemporary manufacturing. I spent a contemplative afternoon there, drawing mental connections between the joinery techniques of early American craftsmen and those I'd observed in ancient Egyptian furnishings at the Cairo Museum.

For couples seeking a luxurious design immersion, High Point offers an experience akin to what art lovers find in Florence or Paris—except here, the masterpieces are functional as well as beautiful. While many showrooms traditionally operate to-the-trade only, an increasing number now welcome retail customers, particularly in the areas around Main Street and English Road.

The crown jewel of accessible luxury is undoubtedly the Showplace, where multiple high-end manufacturers display their finest pieces in carefully curated vignettes. Walking through these spaces reminded me of exploring the perfectly preserved homes of Pompeii—each room telling a story about aesthetics, lifestyle, and cultural values.

For the most elevated experience, I recommend scheduling a private tour with a design consultant at Baker Furniture or Bernhardt. These legacy companies bridge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sensibility, much like how ancient Roman architects incorporated Greek design principles while innovating new forms.

After a day of design immersion, retreat to your accommodations with a glass of wine in hand. I found my electric wine opener invaluable for enjoying North Carolina wines in my hotel suite—its effortless operation preserves both the cork and the moment. For design notes, the leather-bound notebook I carry has become filled with sketches of furniture details that inspired me, from carved acanthus leaves to innovative joinery solutions.

High Point's design culture extends well beyond furniture into a comprehensive luxury lifestyle experience. The city and its surrounding areas offer sophisticated shopping opportunities that would satisfy even the most discerning ancient merchant.

The Market Square area houses several high-end home accessory boutiques where one can find exquisite objects that complement fine furniture. I was particularly drawn to pieces that echoed ancient design motifs—geometric patterns reminiscent of Greek key designs, sculptural vessels that could have been at home in a Roman villa, and textiles with patterns that have remained essentially unchanged since Mesopotamian times.

For couples seeking to elevate their home bar experience, I discovered a remarkable shop specializing in artisanal glassware and bar accessories. My purchase of a whiskey decanter set has transformed my evening ritual at home—the lead-free crystal catching light in ways that remind me of artifacts in the Athens Archaeological Museum.

A short drive to neighboring Greensboro expands the luxury shopping options considerably, with Friendly Center offering high-end fashion boutiques and specialty stores. Here I found a cashmere throw blanket in a subtle herringbone pattern that now adorns my reading chair—its craftsmanship representing the same dedication to material excellence I've observed in textiles from ancient Peru to modern Italy.

The appreciation for craftsmanship that defines High Point extends seamlessly into its culinary scene, where chefs apply the same dedication to detail and materials that furniture makers do. For couples seeking a complete luxury experience, the dining options provide perfect punctuation between shopping excursions.

At 1924 Prime Steakhouse, I experienced a dinner that rivaled meals I've enjoyed in major metropolitan centers. The restaurant's philosophy mirrors what archaeologists have discovered about ancient Roman culinary traditions—simple, exceptional ingredients prepared with masterful technique. The steak knife set I later purchased for my home kitchen was inspired by the elegant, perfectly balanced knives provided with my dry-aged ribeye.

For a more intimate experience, Blue Rock Pizza and Tap offers artisanal wood-fired pizzas in a setting that thoughtfully combines industrial elements with warm wood tones—a design approach that would make any High Point furniture designer proud. Their careful sourcing of ingredients reflects the farm-to-table ethos that, interestingly, was standard practice in ancient Mediterranean cultures long before becoming a modern movement.

Wine enthusiasts should not miss a visit to High Point's Splendid Grapes wine shop, where the knowledgeable staff can recommend perfect pairings for your dining experiences. I found their selection of North Carolina wines particularly enlightening, as they showcase how this region is developing its own viticultural identity, much as ancient Greek city-states were known for their distinctive wine styles.

What transforms a luxury shopping trip into a truly enriching experience is the opportunity to deepen one's understanding of the craft and culture behind the objects. High Point offers several unique educational experiences that elevate a visit from mere consumption to genuine cultural immersion.

The crown jewel for design enthusiasts is undoubtedly the Bienenstock Furniture Library, which houses the world's largest collection of books on furniture and design history. As someone who has spent countless hours in the great libraries of Europe studying ancient architectural texts, I found this specialized collection absolutely captivating. The library offers guided tours that provide context for understanding how furniture styles have evolved in response to cultural, technological, and artistic movements—much as temple architecture evolved across ancient civilizations.

For a hands-on experience, several woodworking studios in the area offer weekend workshops where couples can learn basic techniques from master craftspeople. I participated in a half-day session on traditional joinery methods and gained a new appreciation for the skill involved in creating even the simplest furniture pieces. The wood carving tools I purchased afterward have allowed me to continue exploring this ancient craft at home, connecting me to traditions that span millennia.

The High Point University campus also hosts occasional lectures on design history and theory that are open to the public. These scholarly presentations often draw fascinating parallels between furniture design and broader cultural movements—intellectual feasts for those who, like me, find deeper meaning in the material expressions of human creativity.