Essentially Metal: Redefining Bespoke Furniture through Timeless Craftsmanship

Nishu Jouhari
Managing Partner

In today's rapidly evolving furniture market, custom furniture manufacturers face growing competition from the influx of imported, mass-produced pieces that often attract buyers with their low prices and glossy finishes. While such options may initially seem appealing, they usually lack the creativity, durability, craftsmanship, and personalization that define truly bespoke furniture.

Yet, amidst this flood of cheap imports, a big discerning segment of customers continues to value the artistry, precision, and lasting quality that only handcrafted custom furniture can deliver. It is this niche that allows manufacturers such as Essentially Metal to thrive successfully, sustaining their reputation for excellence and trust over decades.

Essentially Metal, established in 1998, was born out of a personal quest for stylish yet lightweight furniture. Founded by a husband-and-wife duo – Ravi and Nishu Jouhari , the idea took shape when they designed furniture for their own home, pieces that quickly caught the attention and admiration of their friends and social circle. Recognizing a unique market opportunity, they transformed their creative experiment into a business.

Over the past 25 years, Essentially Metal has built a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship, competitive pricing, and enduring client relationships. The firm’s furniture adorns prestigious hotels such as the Oberoi and the Taj, a testament to its lasting quality and timeless appeal.

Supported by skilled designers and master craftsmen (karigars) specializing in materials like metal, wood, cane, and upholstered goods, the firm creates bespoke pieces that balance aesthetics, durability, and affordability. “Our strength lies in blending materials like metal, wood, and cane, which lets us create versatile and innovative designs.

We focus on quality, authenticity, and building lasting relationships with our clients, often serving multiple generations of the same family”, shares Nishu Jouhari, Managing Partner, Essentially Metal.

Sustainability & Smart Design

Essentially Metal has been at the forefront of recent evolving trends such as sustainability, eco-conscious materials, and multifunctional design, aligning its practices with the growing consumer awareness around environmental responsibility. The firm actively incorporates sustainable materials such as recycled wood, bamboo, and innovative plywood made from repurposed plastic waste to minimize its carbon footprint while maintaining aesthetic appeal and durability.

A notable example of this is the furniture supplied to Head Start School in Bangalore, where Essentially Metal utilized eco-friendly ply derived from waste plastic for cabinets, tables, and chairs. Beyond sustainability, the firm is responding to modern lifestyle needs through space-optimized and multi-use furniture solutions. Its designs include convertible pieces that serve as dining tables, study desks, or benches, as well as stackable and easily storable options ideal for compact spaces.

Integrating Technology & Craftsmanship

At Essentially Metal, every project begins with a personalized interaction between the client and Nishu, who gains a deep understanding of the client’s vision, preferences, and functional needs. Once this initial briefing is complete, the project moves to the design stage, where a team of skilled designers brings ideas to life using advanced digital tools. These technologies allow clients to visualize their furniture in precise detail, from dimensions and materials to colors and finishes, ensuring complete alignment before production begins. This integration of technology at the design level not only streamlines communication but also eliminates guesswork, setting a strong foundation for the handcrafted stage that follows.

After design approvals, the project transitions to the production team, who interpret the technical drawings and coordinate with master craftsmen (karigars) specializing in materials such as metal, wood, cane, and upholstered goods. “While the essence of the work remains deeply artisanal, technology enhances efficiency through computer-aided paint mixing, precision finishing, and modern material processing techniques. The production is carefully supervised to maintain consistency and quality, from selecting the right raw materials to ensuring impeccable finishes and secure packaging”, adds Nishu. Finally, the logistics team manages timely delivery and installation.

  • We take pride in offering fully customized furniture, guiding every project from concept to delivery, and ensuring each piece perfectly reflects our client’s unique vision and style

Vision for the Future

Essentially Metal envisions a future of continued growth and wider reach, both within India and internationally. Having established a strong presence across major cities in the country, it now aims to expand its footprint into India’s emerging second-tier cities, bringing its bespoke, high-quality furniture to a broader clientele. On the global front, the firm plans to strengthen its export operations, building on its initial success in markets such as Australia, Dubai, and Italy. “We focus on creating furniture that is stylish and durable while also being kind to the environment. With our commitment to craftsmanship and innovative design, we aim to serve clients who appreciate quality and thoughtful living, both in India and around the world”, concludes Nishu.

About Project- Essentially Metal

About Amenities- Essentially Metal

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