HIGH POINT, NC - The fall 2012 High Point Furniture Market, which opened Saturday, will see more than 75,000 attendees by the time it closes Thursday, Oct. 18.

The residential furniture industry is clearly in recovery, with exhibitors announcing many more new furniture line extensions and introductions than last year.

Customization and an emphasis on wood finishing and wood visibility is evident in early  announcements from furniture makers. Designs also expose wood components, such as La-Z-Boy's Malina, which incorporates a delicately turned wood leg.

Harden Furniture launched a natural-edge custom table program for its  Cabinetmakers Cherry line which features natural edge tops in solid cherry or walnut. The line keeps the natural layer that lies just under the bark as the edge detail, a feature that can only be accomplished using solid wood.

Harden, the largest privately held furniture manufacturer, offers dining tables in the line that can be custom ordered by the inch; and can even be specified to include the bark on the natural edge.

Universal Furniture International Inc., which produces furniture at its dedicated plant in Cina for Paula Deen Home, for Macy's, and for independent retailers and chains  is emphasizing finishes on its lines crafted of poplar solids and figured cherry veneers, or quartered ash and walnut inlays.

Manchester Wood, Winchester, NY furniture producer, says its solid wood furniture is in high demand "as a growing number of consumers pay closer attention to where and how their products are made." At this year's 2012 High Point Furniture Market, Manchester Wood unveiled  several new colors for its most popular solid wood furniture, including its chairside tables designed to fit into the narrow spaces next to chairs. The tables are  available in yellow, white, black, red, light blue, and sage green finishes, in addition to  original chestnut and golden oak.

Norwalk Furniture introduced the Benton Dining Collection reclaimed from barns built by 19th century German immigrants to Holmes County, OH, where Norwalk Furniture is based. Norwalk Furniture is working with Amish craftsmen using the barn wood to create dining furniture.

More High Point Market Fall 2012 furniture news:

Norwalk Furniture's 's Ottoman Like Little Black Dress of Furniture>>

Hickory Chair Furniture Co.'s Storied History Continues>>

Hudson House Celebrates Kincaid's Solid Wood Heritage>>

Lane Furniture Adds Seven Motion Upholstery Collections>>

HGTV HOME Furniture Collection Produced by Bassett Furniture>>