Room & Board
Minneapolis modern furniture, mostly made in the USA, built to last
- Founded
- 1980
- Founder
- John Gabbert
- Headquarters
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Made
- Mostly by manufacturers and artisans in the United States
- Ownership
- 100% employee owned (announced 2024)
Written by Evelien Bunnik-RemmeltsCo-Founder and CEO, WhoppahRoom & Board is a modern furniture retailer founded in 1980 by John Gabbert and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Gabbert came from a family furniture business, Gabberts, and started Room & Board as his own company. What sets it apart for me is where it makes things: more than 90% of its products come from manufacturers and artisans in the United States. The style is clean American modern, solid wood, simple sofas, steel and natural materials, nothing that shouts. On Whoppah, that kind of furniture is exactly what I want to see more of, because it's made to be used for decades and it looks just as good in its second home. Our curation team reviews every listing before it goes live. Here's how I'd approach a secondhand Room & Board piece, and why I think it's one of the smarter buys in American furniture.
Who founded Room & Board?
John Gabbert founded Room & Board in 1980. He grew up in the furniture trade through his family's Gabberts stores, and Room & Board became an independent company with him as CEO. It's still based in Minneapolis.
In 2024 the company announced it had become 100% employee owned. I like that. A furniture brand that plans on staying around for a long time tends to make furniture that does too.
What makes Room & Board furniture recognizable?
Calm, modern shapes with a focus on materials: solid walnut, cherry and oak, powder-coated steel, wool and leather upholstery. Many collections are made by long-term partner workshops in the US, and that shows in the construction.
It's not flashy, and I think that's the point. A Room & Board sofa or sideboard doesn't try to be the star of the room. It makes the rest of the room easier.
What should I look for secondhand?
With solid wood, check for water rings, dents on the edges and whether drawers run smoothly. Minor wear can usually be refinished. With sofas, sit on it if you can, or ask about sagging, frame noises and the condition of the fabric on the arms.
Labels are often under seats or inside drawers and tell you the collection. That's useful, because many collections were sold for years, and knowing the name helps you check dimensions and materials.
How does Room & Board work in a home?
It's the backbone furniture. A walnut bed, a simple sofa, a dining table that seats eight. Build on that with a few louder pieces: a colorful vintage chair, an Italian lamp, art.
Because the lines are so clean, Room & Board sits comfortably next to mid-century and contemporary European design.
“Room & Board is the kind of furniture I'd rather buy once and pass on, and secondhand is where it proves it.”
Frequently asked questions
Where is Room & Board furniture made?
Room & Board says more than 90% of its products are made by manufacturers and artisans in the United States. Check the label on a specific piece for details.
Who owns Room & Board?
Room & Board was founded by John Gabbert in 1980. In 2024 it announced that the company is 100% employee owned.
Is secondhand Room & Board worth it?
Solid wood and well-built upholstery age well, so it's often a good secondhand buy. Check the frame, drawers and fabric before you commit.
How do I find the collection name?
Look for a label under the seat, on the back or inside a drawer. The collection name helps you confirm the original materials and dimensions.
Can I sell Room & Board furniture on Whoppah?
Yes. Add clear photos, dimensions and the collection name if you know it. Our curation team reviews every listing before it goes live.
If you like furniture that quietly does its job for decades, Room & Board is worth the wait. Set a saved search on Whoppah, or list the piece you've outgrown.