NEW YORK—The International Interior Design Association’s New York Chapter (IIDA NY) has launched FurnitureMatch, a groundbreaking platform designed to connect surplus furniture with nonprofits and community organizations throughout New York City. This forward-thinking initiative aims to reduce landfill waste by giving high-quality furnishings a second life in the neighborhoods that need them most.
FurnitureMatch acts as a centralized hub that connects designers, furniture liquidators, nonprofit leaders, and community stakeholders, streamlining the redistribution of furniture and fostering a more circular economy within the built environment. By closing the gap between surplus and need, the platform helps ensure that valuable resources are repurposed in impactful and sustainable ways.
“FurnitureMatch grew from a belief that surplus furniture could serve as a powerful catalyst for community transformation,” said Reem Makkawi, Executive Director & Co-Founder of FurnitureMatch. “With over 8.5 million tons of office furniture sent to landfills in the U.S. annually, it’s clear we need smarter systems. We’re not just redistributing furniture—we’re reshaping how we value resources, people, and impact.”
A Crucial Connector
Jennifer Graham, Director of Partnerships & Co-Founder of FurnitureMatch, added, “There’s a significant disconnect between those who have surplus furniture and those who need it—not just in New York City but across the country. This platform serves as a crucial connector, bringing together design professionals, municipal agencies, and community organizations to build a more equitable and environmentally responsible future.”
As a core initiative supported by IIDA NY’s Catalyst program, FurnitureMatch is rooted in collaboration and innovation. The platform collaborates in partnership with circular economy experts, community centers, nonprofits, and organizations like the New York City Department of Sanitation to create a replicable model of sustainable furniture reuse.
With FurnitureMatch, IIDA NY is leading the charge toward a more sustainable and socially conscious future, where design excellence is paired with environmental and community stewardship. For more information, visit https://www.iidany.org/furniture-match.
