Shopping from our favorite Black-owned businesses for furniture and decor is a year-round pleasure of ours, but for Black History Month, we wanted to share a non-exhaustive list of some of the names we’ve sung the praises of over the years. As talented as these creators are, many Black-owned brands are also historically underrepresented on shelves, which is all the more reason to spread the word and stock up. From Estelle Colored Glass’ latest antique-inspired glassware to E&KO.’s playful luxury furniture, these brands are more than innovators in the industry, their work also spotlights the founders’ life stories and cultural perspectives.
Furniture
“Former NFL player Darryl Sharpton discovered his admiration for design while attending the University of Miami. On top of his workload as a student and athlete, Sharpton sold furniture as a side hustle which cultivated an even greater interest in design. When he decided to retire after playing five seasons of professional football, Darryl and his wife Jessica opened Edloe Finch. Together, the couple has successfully developed a furniture business where they create contemporary and trim homeware that can be found exclusively online.” —Andrea Lewis, contributor
“Right before Emmanuel Olunkwa became the editor of Pin-Up, he debuted a line of his own functional furniture. My personal favorite piece from the collection is this adorable side table made out of birchwood plywood. Long live flower power ✿” —Sydney Gore, contributor
“Founded by husband and wife duo Darryl and Jessica Sharpton, Albany Park is on a mission to create low-cost furniture that’s built to last. Their collection is filled with durable, timeless finds that include some of our favorite sectionals and sofas. Not to mention that the pieces are designed with comfort in mind and avoid harsh chemicals in their production process for a cozy, eco-friendly setup.” —Nashia Baker, senior commerce editor
“I first visited Lichen in 2020 when I was reporting a story about intrepid New York City shopkeepers. I’ve been obsessed ever since. The inventory is always changing, but step inside, grab a coffee, and look around. You’re sure to discover something incredible from the past or present. Maybe it’s a super rare 1980s Robert Venturi Chippendale chair. Or the work of an experimental young designer like Nifemi-Marcus Bello, based in Lagos, whose work I have been following since I first saw it at Lichen.” —Hannah Martin, senior design editor
“From a cubist lamp to the super luxe daybed that has hosted many a yap session in the AD office, AD100 designer Brigette Romanek’s furniture always keeps me coming back for more. Her collaboration with Crate & Barrel portrays California cool while playing with texture and silhouettes in a very chic way.” —Lauren Arzbaecher, commerce producer
Home Decor
“Bolé Road Textiles is always my recommendation for the maximalists out there. Hana Getachew’s brand is based in New York and gives a modern twist to textiles you’d find in Ethiopia, including this pillow adorned with a hot pink base color and complementary orange pattern. The versatile collection has items for every area of the home, from shower curtains to rugs that are handwoven in Ethiopia using traditional techniques.” —Nashia Baker, senior commerce editor
“Linen is a fairly new material in my bedding lineup, but the breathability and longevity it offers is unlike any other. Linoto handcrafts all their offerings in upstate New York with high-quality Italian and Belgian linen—their sheets have made our list of the best linen bedding for years. Founder and creative director Jason Evege also created the company with a focus around minimizing environmental impact, so the makeup of practically everything is free of chemicals or plastics, from the products themselves to the packaging.” —Lauren Arzbaecher, commerce producer
“I’m a big fan of designer Élan Byrd, so when I got the alert about her collection for Lulu and Georgia it seemed like a good excuse to indulge in some retail therapy. Lighting is the last thing that I need to be concerned about right now, but I couldn’t resist the cuteness of this rattan table lamp—are you kidding me?! 10 out of 10, no notes!” —Sydney Gore, contributor
“From hand-carved candle holders to throw pillows designed with bold colors and textures, Ifsthetic is the embodiment of luxury home decor. Founder and creative director Brittney Ifemembi takes inspiration from her Nigerian American roots to amplify her culture through her home goods line. The chic Pēkäk slippers and sultry ÌHÉ candle are two decor standouts in my space, but I look forward to adding to my collection with every Ifsthetic drop.” —Nashia Baker, senior commerce editor
“La Réunion Studio was started by Nigerian-American designer Sarah Nsikak as an homage to African culture (the name nods to the island of the same name off Madagascar). Using dead stock fabric from fashion friends and textiles acquired at antique markets/auctions, she weaves them into colorful quilted designs that recall the work of the Gee’s Bend community. Departing from her signature patchwork dresses, Nsikak has since migrated into the home decor lane, with a new small run of goods that includes this posh, Marie Antoinette–esque floor mat.” —Lori Keong, commerce director
“I’m always watching Badlands Vintage for their next drop—the store is ingeniously curated and filled with unique, vintage pieces, from midcentury modern to Bauhaus to artisanal ceramics. I learn more about design from a 30-minute scroll on their website than I do scrolling interiors on Instagram for two hours.” —Julia Harrison, commerce writer
“There’s nothing like the smell of burning beeswax to make a room feel homey. I’m an Earth sign, so I thrive when I’m grounded—setting good vibes in your domestic environment through scent is crucial to unlocking this level of inner peace. I became familiar with Alysia Mazzella and her beeswax practice during the pandemic and have never looked at candles in the same way since. I get so much use out of these packs of tea lights that she sells. At this point, I should be on the subscription plan so I never experience running out again!” —Sydney Gore, contributor
“Claude Home hooked me first with its catalog of Justine Menard ceramics, namely these liqueur glasses and these petits vases, which then opened the door to the amazing curation of Claude Home’s founder, Maggie Holladay. From one-of-a-kind sculpture to design-forward furniture Claude Home considers every detail—down to the smoked glass sconces.” —Julia Harrison, commerce writer
“Upon entrance to Taaru Majeure in Larchmont, New York, shoppers are immediately greeted by store owner Mama Faye and will find themselves immersed in a vibrant world full of wanderlust. The refined pan-African design bazaar showcases beautiful items, from woven baskets to nubby mudcloth pillows, but my favorite are the handcrafted bed throws from Casamance, Senegal. The small shop is a quick ride from New York City, but many of the handcrafted items are also available on the shop website.” —Michael Shome, global visuals director
“I trust pretty much anything from Yowie, but this lamp collab might be founder Shannon Maldonado’s greatest invention yet. No exaggeration, it adds the most gentle glow to my space. While I have the best natural lighting in my apartment during the day, I can never seem to maintain that in the evening no matter how many lamps I acquire… (Don’t ask me how many I’ve adopted in the past year).” —Sydney Gore, contributor
“If you’re looking to make a good impression with a stellar housewarming gift, I’d go with any one of Estelle’s handblown colored glass sets, which are both elegant and whimsical. I have an all-red set of these stemless wineglasses, which I keep displayed on my countertop because they’re just so beautiful (especially around the time of day when they catch the sunlight)!” —Audrey Lee, commerce editor
Food & Drinks
“Each truffle from Midunu Chocolates looks like a work of art and tastes even better. Founded by the culinary force Selassie Atadika and handcrafted in Ghana, Midunu’s unique flavor profiles are inspired by the region’s lively dining culture and include ingredients like West African spice blends, curry, chai, wild hibiscus, coffee, and cardamom.” —Audrey Lee, commerce editor
“If you’re a fan of multihyphenate Issa Rae like I am, you’re probably already familiar with her business ventures—from her clean, textured hair care brand Sienna Naturals to her long line of movies and TV shows. For toasting to life’s special moments, you can’t go wrong with Viarae. Her spirit brand is complete with a classic prosecco and prosecco rosé that each offer crisp flavors and peach tasting notes that I love for any alfresco celebration.” —Nashia Baker, senior commerce editor
“With an added sprinkle of sea salt on top, these gluten-free, not-too-sweet chocolate chip cookies from Bell’s Reines are the perfect sweet treat. Spring for traditional chocolate chip or try other fun flavors like matcha white chip, snickerdoodle, and lemon.” —Audrey Lee, commerce editor
“Golde makes you feel good inside and out. The superfoods brand, founded by Trinity Mouzon Wofford and Issey Kobori, makes two products I’ve had in constant rotation the past few years: the Clean Greens face mask and the Turmeric Superfood Latte. Made with chlorella and spirulina, this mask is the ultimate detox. Golde calls it a smoothie for your face, and I could’t agree more–my very sensitive skin drinks it right up. As for literally drinking, the turmeric blend is delicious in hot drinks or sprinkled in yogurt, on oatmeal, or wherever you might want a golden boost of anti-inflammatory goodness.” —Rachel Fletcher, commerce director
“LaToya Tucciarone scours the globe for the best in sustainably and ethically made home decor and every day essentials. Her Atlanta-based boutique is a one-stop shop for curated glassware, ceramic goods, textiles, and more. I treated myself to a ceramic mug and a bag of delicious beans from Portrait Coffee (a Black-owned, Atlanta-based roaster which, yes, led me to sign up for a monthly subscription of their coffee after trying! Shopping may be a problem for me), but you can find something for any room of the home at this thoughtfully curated shop.” —Rachel Fletcher, commerce director
“Partake makes it easy for foodies with food allergies to safely enjoy delicious treats like pizza, pancakes, and cookies thanks to ingredients free of the top nine food allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, milk, soy, fish, shellfish, and sesame). For someone like me who’s nut-free and tries to avoid gluten, the brand’s easy-to-make fudge-y brownie mix is a godsend that lets me get my dessert fix without feeling guilty.” —Audrey Lee, commerce editor
Fragrance & Beauty
“Ever since I was little, my grandma always told me that organic ingredients like extra virgin olive oil are more than just food—they’re equally as important for nourishing hair and skin. I love that Ayesha Curry’s skincare collection was inspired by her grandma’s wisdom, too, and uses naturally sourced Caribbean superfoods that speak to her heritage. This “Essentials” trio has been a gentle addition to my skincare routine day in and day out for months now with hydrating and exfoliating extracts like papaya and lychee seeds.” —Nashia Baker, senior commerce editor
“I am a self-proclaimed fragrance girly and am always lighting candles around the house with scent profiles that can almost tell a story. That’s why there’s really nothing not to love about Harlem Candle Company to me. Every note is thoughtfully considered to evoke the energy of Harlem Renaissance trailblazers like Billie Holiday, whose candle is inspired by the white gardenia she usually wore in her hair.” —Nashia Baker, senior commerce editor
“Pat McGrath, who many refer to simply as “Mother,” is one of the most legendary makeup artists on the planet—having created some of the most iconic runway beauty looks of the last couple decades. She blessed us with an entire line of lipsticks, eyeshadow palettes, and beyond in 2015 that have since become mainstays of stars like Taylor Swift and humble editors like myself. I swear by her eye primer, and look to the brand’s shimmery eye shadows when McGrath influences me to try something bolder via her Instagram makeup tutorials. If you were off the app this past month, you may have also missed that she launched a mask based off her viral Maison Margiela glass skin look that’s already destined for infamy.” —Lori Keong, commerce director
“With fine hair that falls somewhere between wavy and curly, I went through a lot of trial and error before finding a product that enhanced my texture without weighing it down. Pattern Beauty’s curl gel has a flexible finish that holds my curls while still being light enough to feel soft, not crunchy. Founded by Tracee Ellis Ross, the haircare brand has options for a range of curl types, from daily routine upgrades to masks and serums to pamper yourself with every once in a while.” —Lauren Arzbaecher, commerce producer
“Most of my inner-circle doesn’t play when it comes to Beyoncé. So naturally when she debuts a new product, our thoughts are immediately shared in the group chat. After trying Sir Davis (very smooth, I might add), Cécred was next on my list. The conditioner has been a standout since I got my hands on it early this year, particularly due to the fresh, eucalyptus fragrance and super curl hydrating recipe.” —Nashia Baker, senior commerce editor
“I take bath time pretty seriously—I’m not one to try cheap fragrance-filled soaps, especially since my skin has gotten pretty sensitive in the last couple years. This African black soap is a saving grace with add-ons like coconut oil and West African palm oil. The brand says the formulation comes from a recipe dating back centuries and is a healing remedy similar to what people often use in the Togo region.” —Nashia Baker, senior commerce editor
“Nothing brings me more joy and comfort than a pleasantly perfumed room—whether that's using a diffuser, one of those fragrance plug-ins, or, as of late, a classic candle. Recently I’ve been burning a few wicks from Loam, a home fragrance company that creates scents inspired by plants and the outdoors. The brand’s Midnight Moon candle (currently OOS) brings a heady yet floral smell that fills me with the warm and fuzzies.” —Megan Wahn, contributor
“Fenty makes the perfect cool tone brown contour shade (soft amber) to give you a little definition where you want it if you have a lighter complexion like me—plus, I’d ride for Rihanna any day.” —Audrey Lee, commerce editor
“Kari Herrera pays homage to Black literary figures one candle at a time through her brand, Litotes. As an avid reader of everyone from Langston Hughes to Zora Neal Hurston, Herrera’s custom candles made me an immediate fan. With creations like Maya Tangelo, complete with notes of citrus and mint tea, each of her candles evoke scents that reflect the unique journeys of the icons she spotlights.” —Nashia Baker, senior commerce editor
“Dark spots and hyperpigmentation don’t stand a chance against Eadem’s brightening trio, which focuses on cleansing and restoring to make your skin tone appear more even and improve texture. Founders Marie Kouadio Amouzame and Alice Lin Glover met while working at Google, and since launching in 2021 have earned the Glossier Grant for Black-owned businesses, as well as other honors in the skin care space.” —Audrey Lee, commerce editor
“I’m unashamedly scent obsessed and on a near constant search for the best ways to bring good smells into my home. I don’t know if the journey will ever really end, but if I were told I could never add a new perfume product to my home again, I think I’d be able to rest peacefully knowing I have Space fragrances. Created by Daniel Scott and Ronn Richardson—who are a lovely couple—these are easily some of the best smelling room sprays I’ve ever had the pleasure of spritzing. I think I like Bloom the best (it’s a warm, sweet saffron smell) but Due West and Saint are also heavenly, and you couldn’t go wrong with any of them.” —Kate McLaughlin, digital features editor
Fashion & Lifestyle
“This is a NY-based brand founded by Hiywet Girma, who approaches her design mission-first. The brand hand-dyes artisanal African textile, while also making a commitment to reduce waste. Their designs feel sophisticated with character. In particular, I need this slide, which is both chic and sherpa—a combination I often find hard to pull off.” —Julia Harrison, commerce writer
“You may recognize Grace Wales Bonner from her excellent collaborations with Adidas (which, tellingly, sell out with regularity), but the London-based designer has a lot more up her sleeve when it comes to laid-back luxury. I’m a big fan of her preppy spins on athleticwear—think track pants in jewel tones and graphic, colorblocked polos—but her poppy, retro ’70s knits are always a good time too.” —Lori Keong, commerce director
“Kindred souls who are eternally online and know wholly too much about film and TV, this one’s for you. I started reading Hunter Harris’s work across various publications around five years ago, and was quick to join her newsletter Hung Up for more. Her sharp views on pop culture happenings never fail to make me laugh and are something I look forward to reading each week. The great thing about Substack is that you can follow creators on a free subscription for weekly posts, or join in the paid list to get more frequent content. —Lauren Arzbaecher, commerce producer
“There’s a good chance you’ve seen a pair of Brother Vellies shoes on one of your favorite people. You also likely know the brand because of its incredible creative director and founder, Aurora James (hello, Fifteen Percent Pledge!). But onto the socks—since I don’t get to see my bare feet from October through June, I’m always looking for the most cozy, delightful footwear, and these cloud socks are perfection. Plus, they come in so many amazing colors, so an ideal item to stock up on.” —Zoë Sessums, contributor
“I’ve been taking pottery classes on and off since 2019. It is a great creative outlet for someone who stares at a computer screen all day for work, and it is incredibly meditative and relaxing. It’s also extremely difficult. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, but I continue to be in awe of other artists whose work I see at the studio I go to or online. Some of the Black ceramicists I admire who are doing awesome things with clay include London James of Porcelain Sneakerhead, Virginia Felix of Keraclay, Whitney Simpkins of Personal Best Ceramics, and Tiana Tucker are all great, as is Sherród Faulks of Deep Black, who makes minimalist pieces in rich colors, like this decorative vase. I also highly recommend following @black_ceramicists on Instagram to find even more!” —Rachel Wallace, senior entertainment editor
“I love how Megan Dorsey reimagines Blackness in the Victorian era through her independent business Everthine Antiques & Stationery. In addition to the books, jewelry, clothing, ephemera, art, furniture, and miscellaneous home goods that she finds, Megan designs her own stationery and calling cards to honor and celebrate her ancestors.” —Sydney Gore, contributor
“Founded by writer and entrepreneur Amira Rasool, the Folklore Connect is a wholesale marketplace that discovers and scales diverse B2B, consumer, and media product businesses to new heights through streamlined sales technology. I love this jacket’s metallic finish and bold color story, which brings this structured, simple silhouette to life.” —Livia Caligor, U.S. content operations manager
“One of my favorite purchases of 2020 was an acrylic planter from DC-based Grounded. Not only do founders Mignon Hemsley and Danuelle Doswell stock gorgeous, healthy greenery for any experience level, they also curate plant accessories that are, dare I say, sexy, and have built a modern and visually distinct brand in a category that often looks more or less the same.” —Rachel Fletcher, commerce director
"When I finally had the opportunity to check out Reparations Club while visiting LA last summer I didn't realize that I was walking into a design destination. Come for the books and stay for the corduroy couch corner! I can't wait to eventually go back, but until then I will continue to proudly walk around the cold streets of New York City with my bright neon tote and remind everyone that this is a Black and woman owned business! (While you're there, might as well lean into bookshelf wealth and stock up your shelves too!)” —Sydney Gore, contributor
“The anti-woke agenda will surely be seething at the suggestion of this cultural commentary, but there’s no harm in educating yourself—especially when critical thinking and media literacy are on the decline. While the process of unlearning everything you’ve ever been taught doesn’t happen overnight, resources like this new guidebook from Elizabeth (Dori) Tunstall, a design anthropologist, educator, and writer, are excellent tools for self-improvement. The book holds space for an important conversation around what it really means to decolonize design by outlining all the ways in which the institution at large should be working toward centering BIPOC communities. Warning: The language is very academic so brace yourself if it’s been a minute since you last cracked open a theory book! While you’re here, add The Black Experience in Design and Mid-Century Modernism and the American Body to your cart too.” —Sydney Gore, contributor
“If IRL hardware stores give you the willies, there’s never been a better time to spec your next wall finish from a distance. Clare, a brand founded in 2018, is shortlisted for my next home reno project. It’s zero-VOC, self-priming, and offers cheeky hues like Meet Cute (an updated millennial pink), Two Scoops (a sage variation), and the honestly named Greige. Clare also offers a Color Quiz and inexpensive sample packs—sweet mercies for tinkerers as indecisive as me.” —Lila Allen, contributor
“If you’re shopping for any sort of gift (including for yourself!), I’d highly recommend Goodee, whose unique selection of homeware and decor items range from classic to totally unexpected at any price point. Personally, I don’t think you’d be disappointed with this classic hoodie from the brand or maybe this Acne Studios scarf-esque throw blanket for your space.” —Audrey Lee, commerce editor
