Transparent Sourcing in Homewares Ireland | Taylor & Gray
The Importance of Transparent Sourcing in Homewares
Have you ever stopped to consider where the items in your home come from? That cushion on your sofa, the ceramic mug you drink your morning coffee from, or the candle holder on your dining table—do you know who made them, where they were produced, or the journey they took before arriving at your door? If the answer is no, you’re not alone. Many brands in the homewares industry choose to keep this information vague, if they state it at all. But at Taylor & Gray, we believe transparency is non-negotiable.
Why Do Some Companies Hide Where Products Are Made?
The reality is that a significant portion of homewares sold in Ireland and across Europe are mass-produced in the Far East, where labour is cheap, production is fast, and ethical standards can be difficult to trace. Many brands avoid stating the country of origin on their websites or packaging because they know that customers, when given the choice, might prefer to buy from a brand that values ethical production and sustainability. When you see a product listing that simply says “designed in Ireland” or “curated in the UK” but gives no clear indication of where it's made, it's worth asking why that information isn’t freely given.
A Commitment to European Craftsmanship
At Taylor & Gray, we take a different approach. Every single one of our products is made in Europe. Not only does this allow us to visit our suppliers and factories regularly, ensuring fair working conditions and high-quality craftsmanship, but it also significantly reduces the carbon footprint of our homewares. In an industry that is often reliant on long-haul shipping and fast, disposable production cycles, we’ve made it our mission to do things better.
Many of our pieces are made right here in Ireland, supporting local artisans and businesses. If an item isn’t made in Ireland, the furthest it will have travelled is Portugal—still within Europe, still held to the highest production and environmental standards.
The Power of Knowing Where Your Homewares Come From
We believe that customers deserve to know where their homewares are made. That’s why every product on our website is clearly labelled with its country of origin—no vague descriptions, no hidden supply chains, just honest, transparent sourcing. This should be the industry standard, yet many brands still choose to keep this information out of sight.
In 2022, we had the opportunity to speak on Newstalk with Sinead Ryan about transparent sourcing, a topic we’re deeply passionate about. It’s not just about telling our customers where our products are made—it’s about setting an example in the Irish market, proving that ethical production and business integrity can go hand in hand with beautiful, high-quality homewares, including ceramics, table lamps, cushions, and throws.
Why Transparency Matters
When you shop with Taylor & Gray, you can do so with confidence, knowing that every piece has been made responsibly, with care, and with respect for both the people who craft it and the planet we all share. We encourage you to ask questions, not just of us, but of any brand you shop with. If they don’t state where their products are made, consider why that might be—and whether that aligns with your values.
As consumers, we have the power to drive change. By choosing brands that prioritise ethical sourcing and transparency, we can collectively shift the industry towards a more honest, responsible future.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us.