Photo above courtesy Doug Mills/The New York Times/Redux.
In a culture permeated by mass-produced goods and consumers who expect instant gratification, most are unaware of the care, craftsmanship and legacy behind premium furniture. Those with impeccable taste know that furniture of the highest quality is manufactured by hand, to exacting standards and specifications with meticulous attention to detail. These sophisticated customers commission their home furnishings from uncommon companies such as JONAS. With a roster of the most affluent, powerful and admired clientele, such as Ralph Lauren, Oprah Winfrey and Tom Hanks to name just a few, JONAS creates the most comfortable and stunning pieces that define a room.
Reminiscent of a European Atelier of the finest tradition, the JONAS artisans use 19th century techniques and the finest natural materials to handcraft luxurious upholstered heirlooms.
The 80-year-old family-run business produces all of its pieces at their Workroom in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood. What further defines its reputation is that JONAS is one of the last companies that still manufactures it’s products within the borough of Manhattan; a testament to the consistent quality of its work and the loyalty of its discerning customers.
Walking into the JONAS Workroom is like being transported back in time. One immediately notices the bustle of activity, where their loyal group of craftspeople are busy at their stations: French polishing the exposed legs of a chair, hand springing a sofa seat platform, or hand-sewing rings onto curtain panels.
These artisans approach fine upholstery and window treatments as living art, tending to every minute detail, such as creating a sculptural and nuanced shape to a sofa’s arms, hand-sewing the dressmaker’s style skirt on to a clubchair, or draping the mock-up pattern for a swag and jabot.
JONAS encompasses a complete collection of sofas, dining chairs, club chairs, ottomans, benches and curtains – all representing the best of Made in America ingenuity. Their one-of-a-kind pieces are on permanent display for all to admire at iconic institutions such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Tiffany & Co’s 5th Avenue flagship store and The President’s Oval Office. To learn more visit them online at http://www.jonasworkroom.com.
