Top 10 Best Furniture Stores in Orkney Islands

Furnishing a Home in Orkney

Orkney homes range from traditional stone farmhouses and converted crofts to modern energy-efficient new builds in Kirkwall and Stromness. Furnishing them presents a distinctive mix of opportunities and challenges. On one hand, the islands are home to one of the most famous pieces of furniture in Scotland, the Orkney chair. On the other, buying larger items often involves mainland retailers, ferry freight and careful delivery planning.

This guide covers the ten best furniture makers and retailers for Orcadians, combining island craftsmanship with national retailers that offer dependable delivery to the islands.

The Top 10 Furniture Makers and Stores for Orkney

1. The Orkney Chair Maker

The traditional Orkney chair, with its distinctive hand-woven straw back, is a true island icon. Originally designed to shelter its occupant from draughts in croft houses, the chair is now prized worldwide as heirloom furniture. Specialist makers in Kirkwall continue the tradition, using locally grown black oat straw and hardwood frames, with each chair taking many hours of skilled handwork.

2. Kevin Gauld Orkney Chairs

Kevin Gauld is a respected Orkney furniture maker known for beautifully crafted Orkney chairs that honour traditional methods while achieving exceptional finish quality. His work is sought after by collectors and homeowners who value authentic craftsmanship with a story.

3. IKEA

IKEA's affordable, flat-pack furniture is a practical choice for island living, since compact packaging makes shipping more manageable. Orcadians furnishing new homes, holiday lets or student accommodation frequently turn to IKEA for storage, kitchens and essentials, often ordering online or visiting the Glasgow or Edinburgh stores during mainland trips.

4. John Lewis

John Lewis offers high-quality furniture backed by excellent customer service and strong guarantees. Its sofas, beds and dining sets appeal to shoppers seeking long-lasting pieces, and its clear delivery information helps island customers plan purchases.

5. Oak Furnitureland

Oak Furnitureland specialises in solid hardwood furniture, including dining tables, sideboards and bedroom ranges. Solid wood suits Orkney's traditional interiors and offers durability for family homes that see heavy daily use.

6. DFS

DFS is one of Britain's best-known sofa retailers, offering a wide range of styles, fabrics and finance options. Its comfortable, made-to-order sofas are a popular choice for Orkney living rooms where cosy evenings are a winter essential.

7. Dunelm

Dunelm offers affordable furniture alongside soft furnishings, curtains, bedding and home accessories. Its broad range helps Orcadians create warm, inviting homes, from thermal curtains that keep out draughts to occasional furniture and storage solutions.

8. Furniture Village

Furniture Village stocks premium sofas, beds and dining furniture from leading brands. Shoppers seeking quality upholstery and contemporary designs appreciate its curated selection and expert advice on materials and comfort.

9. Habitat

Habitat brings modern, design-led furniture and lighting at accessible prices. Its clean, Scandinavian-influenced aesthetic complements many Orkney homes, where light, natural tones help brighten interiors during the darker months.

10. Loaf

Loaf is known for relaxed, comfy furniture with a playful personality, including deep sofas, beds and lighting. Its focus on comfort and craftsmanship makes it ideal for creating snug living spaces that suit Orkney's long winter nights.

The Legacy of the Orkney Chair

The Orkney chair has a fascinating history rooted in necessity. In the past, timber was scarce on the largely treeless islands, so crofters used driftwood and locally grown straw to create practical seating. The high, curved backs protected against draughts in stone houses heated by peat fires. In the late nineteenth century, local craftsmen refined the design, and the chair soon gained fame beyond the islands. Today, an authentic Orkney chair is regarded as a piece of functional art and a cherished family heirloom.

Furniture Trends in Orkney Homes

Orcadians are increasingly blending heritage pieces with modern design, pairing an Orkney chair or antique dresser with contemporary sofas and lighting. Sustainable and long-lasting furniture is in demand, as is upcycling and buying second-hand to reduce waste and shipping. Energy-efficient homes with open-plan layouts are driving interest in multifunctional furniture, while home offices have become a standard feature as remote work grows across the islands.

Delivery Tips for Island Buyers

Always confirm delivery to Orkney before ordering, as some retailers exclude island postcodes or charge additional fees for large items. Ask whether delivery includes carrying items into the home and removing packaging. Consider flat-pack or modular pieces for easier shipping, and plan around ferry schedules, particularly in winter when sailings may be disrupted by weather. Local hauliers can sometimes collect items from mainland depots for a competitive fee.

Supporting Local Craftsmanship

Buying furniture made in Orkney supports skilled artisans and preserves traditional techniques. Beyond chairs, local joiners and woodworkers create bespoke tables, kitchens and storage, often using reclaimed or sustainably sourced timber. Commissioning a piece also means owning something truly unique that reflects the islands' heritage.

Conclusion

Furnishing an Orkney home is a chance to combine timeless island craftsmanship with modern comfort. Whether you invest in a hand-woven Orkney chair, a solid oak dining table or a cosy sofa for winter evenings, the ten makers and retailers above provide quality options for every style and budget.