Founded in 1939 by Meyer Newman, Newel has since become a premier destination for furniture and antique collectors worldwide. With a rich history spanning over eight decades, the family-owned business has evolved from furnishing Broadway productions to becoming a vital resource for industry-leading designers and private collectors. Today, Newel boasts a 9,000-square-foot gallery in Manhattan and a 130,000-square-foot showroom and warehouse in Long Island City. In 2023, Newel expanded further by acquiring Gary Rubinstein Antiques and Modern Design inventory and taking over their gallery space in Hollywood, Florida.
“What sets Newel apart is our renting ability. We rent to stagers, client events, and even movies and television. Our items really make a place look special,” said CEO Jake Baer. Newel’s extensive inventory includes 55,000 unique items, ranging from Mid-century, Period Italian, French, Art Deco to contemporary designs. This diverse selection allows customers to find pieces that suit their individual tastes and needs.
The process of sourcing and curating Newel’s unique pieces involves a mix of traditional and modern methods, such as estate sales, email inquiries, and worldwide travel. Newel caters to a diverse clientele, primarily top interior designers from around the globe. In recent years, Baer has noticed a trend towards mixing and matching antiques with contemporary pieces, resulting in a unique and sophisticated aesthetic.
Ensuring the authenticity and quality of their antiques and furniture is a top priority for Newel. They gather as much information as possible to provide clients with a complete story of the piece’s history and significance, establishing trust and maintaining the brand’s reputation. Newel is also committed to being environmentally friendly and sustainable, promoting the inherent sustainability of their antique products.
When it comes to maintaining the integrity of antique pieces while adapting to modern trends and customer demands, Baer said, “Our eclectic inventory includes a vast array of styles and categories, which enables us to stay current with trends and adjust our purchasing accordingly.”
For those looking to start a collection or furnish their homes with antiques and vintage furniture, Baer advises finding what you love, educating yourself about the pieces, and not being afraid to incorporate them into your everyday life.
Newel is looking forward to an upcoming staging opportunity with Carolyn Roy of CR Studio in Palm Beach, where they will be designing the historic home of Gustaav Maas. With the continued growth and evolution of Newel, the company remains at the forefront of the decorative arts industry, successfully blending the past with the present.
Newel’s commitment to innovation and adaptability has positioned the company as a trailblazer in the decorative arts industry. With the recent expansion in Florida and the addition of Gary Rubinstein Antiques and Modern Design inventory, Newel continues to cultivate an unmatched selection of exquisite furniture and antiques.
In an industry where styles and trends are constantly changing, Newel’s ability to adapt and evolve has played a crucial role in its success. CEO Jake Baer attributes this to the company’s dedication to understanding and responding to customer demands while preserving the authenticity and integrity of its antique pieces. “We have a lot of great modern and contemporary artists that we work with, which really shows how antique pieces can be mixed and matched with contemporary art in a modern setting,” Baer said.
Newel’s extensive collaborations with interior designers, architects, and other industry professionals have not only contributed to its success but also fostered a sense of community within the decorative arts world. By partnering with charitable events like the Kips Bay Showhouse, Newel demonstrates its commitment to supporting worthy causes while showcasing the talents of the industry’s top designers.
Embracing the digital age has been a critical aspect of Newel’s growth and ability to cater to its diverse clientele. The company’s dedication to providing a seamless online shopping experience is evident in its efforts to catalog and photograph its entire inventory, making it easily accessible to customers worldwide. As Baer said, “We recognize the importance of providing a seamless online shopping experience for our clients, and we have cataloged and photographed all 50,000 pieces in our inventory to make them easily accessible to our customers.”
The future of Newel appears to be as bright as its storied past. As the company continues to expand and evolve, it remains steadfast in its commitment to blending the past with the present, staying environmentally friendly, and offering an unparalleled selection of unique and exquisite pieces. With a visionary leader like Jake Baer at the helm, Newel is poised to maintain its position as a leading force in the decorative arts industry for years to come.
As the decorative arts world continues to evolve, Newel’s dedication to providing exceptional pieces, a seamless customer experience, and a deep commitment to sustainability will ensure that the company remains an industry leader. With CEO Jake Baer’s guidance and passion, Newel’s future is undoubtedly filled with exciting opportunities and continued success in blending the past with the present, connecting people with the fascinating world of furniture and antiques.
