Chicory, the outdoor furniture brand recognized for its machine-washable and modular outdoor sofa systems, has introduced its “Live With It Longer” initiative, a company-wide commitment to designing outdoor furniture that helps consumers keep products in use longer instead of replacing them after only a few seasons.
Rather than viewing sustainability as a single feature, Chicory says it has approached the issue through product design. Every major decision—from materials and construction to maintenance and modularity—was made with longevity in mind.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans generate more than 12 million tons of furniture and furnishing waste each year, with millions of tons ultimately ending up in landfills. Industry experts also point to shorter furniture replacement cycles as one of the biggest contributors to growing household waste.
“We kept hearing the same frustrations from people,” the company shared. “Furniture looked great online, but it wasn’t designed for real life.”
Those conversations became the starting point for Chicory.
Since launching in 2024, the brand has focused on creating outdoor furniture that combines elevated design with everyday durability. That approach recently earned national recognition when Forbes named Chicory’s sofa the “Best Upholstered Outdoor Sofa,” citing its combination of comfort, innovation, and practical design.
“We think longevity matters,” the company said. “Furniture should not feel disposable.”
Five Ways Chicory Designs Sustainability Into Every Sofa
Rather than asking consumers to change their habits, Chicory believes brands should first build products that naturally last longer.
1. Machine-Washable Covers Extend Product Life
Instead of replacing cushions after stains or spills, Chicory designed removable, machine-washable covers for both the cushions and the frame.
“We wanted to remove the stress that often comes with owning outdoor furniture,” the company explained. “People should be able to enjoy their space without constantly worrying about damage or maintenance.”
2. Durable Materials Help Reduce Replacement
The collection features powder-coated steel frames paired with performance fabrics designed to withstand weather, everyday use, and regular cleaning.
The company says building products that hold up over time is one of the most effective ways to reduce unnecessary furniture waste.
3. Modular Design Means Furniture Can Grow With Families
Outdoor spaces change over time. Families move. Homes expand. Entertaining needs evolve.
Rather than requiring customers to replace an entire furniture set, Chicory’s modular system allows seating configurations to be expanded or rearranged as lifestyles change.
“People’s homes and lifestyles evolve,” the company shared. “We wanted furniture that could evolve with them.”
4. Swappable Slipcovers Refresh the Look Without Replacing the Sofa
Another design decision centered on flexibility.
Instead of replacing an entire piece of furniture to achieve a different style, customers can refresh the appearance of their sofa with affordable replacement slipcovers.
The company believes extending the usable life of a product is often one of the most practical forms of sustainability.
5. Efficient Design Supports Lower Environmental Impact
Chicory also incorporated flat-pack shipping into its product design to improve transportation efficiency while reducing shipping volume.
Combined with durable construction and replaceable components, the company says these decisions help reduce waste throughout a product’s lifecycle.
“We wanted to think about the full product lifecycle,” the company explained. “Long-lasting products naturally reduce waste over time.”
Rethinking Sustainability Through Better Design
Chicory believes sustainability should begin long before a product reaches a customer’s home.
Instead of relying on consumers to replace furniture less often through willpower alone, the company says brands have a responsibility to create products that are easier to maintain, adapt, and enjoy for years.
“We wanted to create furniture that people could actually live with,” the company shared. “Families use outdoor spaces constantly. Products should reflect how people really live.”
As more homeowners look for products that combine design, functionality, and durability, Chicory believes the furniture industry has an opportunity to rethink how sustainability is measured—not simply by the materials used, but by how long products remain useful.
“We think the future of furniture is about adaptability,” the company said. “People want products that work with real life and continue serving a purpose over time.”
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Chicory
Chicory is a Rancho Cordova, California-based outdoor furniture brand specializing in machine-washable, modular outdoor furniture designed for modern living. Founded in 2024, the company combines durable powder-coated steel frames, performance fabrics, removable washable covers, and modular construction to create products built for long-term use. Chicory was recently recognized by Forbes as the “Best Upholstered Outdoor Sofa,” reflecting the brand’s commitment to combining elevated design with everyday practicality.
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Media ContactCompany Name: CABA Design ReviewsContact Person: CABA Design ReviewsEmail: Send EmailCountry: United StatesWebsite: chicoryhome.com
