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Democratic design: Tilia’s sixty-year journey towards accessible, meaningful furniture

Sixty years ago, Tilia™ began with a vision: to produce quality furniture that is not only functional and beautiful, but also accessible. A vision grounded in empathy for real people, in real spaces—with real needs. Today, that vision continues to guide every product we bring to life.

At the heart of Tilia’s approach lies a simple but powerful principle: Democratic Design.

What does that mean?

It means creating furniture that doesn’t just look good in catalogues, but works beautifully in daily life. It means designing collections that are affordable without compromising on quality, sustainability, or style. And it means responding thoughtfully to the realities of our customers, from fast-paced foodservice environments to refined hospitality spaces.

We believe good design should belong to everyone—not just a few. That belief drives our commitment to using recyclable materials, sustainable production methods, and ergonomic forms that endure. Whether you’re furnishing a rooftop terrace, a busy restaurant floor, or a serene café, Tilia collections are built to support the rhythm of real life with quiet elegance.

This approach isn’t just about materials and shapes. It’s a design philosophy that values people and the planet equally—ensuring every chair, table, or armchair reflects both intention and responsibility.

At WhitCo, we’re proud to bring Tilia’s purpose-driven collections to the UK and Northern Ireland. As exclusive brand and distribution partner, we’re excited to champion a future where sustainability, beauty, and accessibility go hand in hand—just as they were always meant to.

Want to experience Tilia™ in person?

Visit our Customer Experience Centre to see and try out the collections up close.

To make the most of your visit, email us at tilia@whitcoltd.com or call 01832 734433 so we can prepare the best experience for you.