The story of Harlen began during one of founder Kacie's renovation projects, where she had a persistent vision for two freestanding timber bathroom vanities. She quickly realised this style wasn’t something you could simply buy off the shelf — and finding someone to custom-make them at a price point most could afford, without compromising on quality proved to be a frustrating challenge. 

Two years later, the decision was made to bring these vanities to market. Though every attempt was made to keep the manufacturing process local, it ultimately wasn’t a commercially viable option. At the same time, turning to large-scale overseas manufacturing didn’t align with her strong values around preserving the art of handcrafting and maintaining a commitment to sustainability.

Through a twist of fate, her search led to Cape Town and a woodworking company led by a husband-and-wife duo, who’s values across craftsmanship, sustainability and social impact aligned directly with her own.  Through this partnership the Harlen brand was born – a company that creates timeless bathroom spaces and is redefining industry standards by weaving together artisanal skill and environmental and social responsibility. 

Each Harlen vanity is meticulously handcrafted by a team led by a Skills Gold Medallist and World Skills Finalist in Joinery and Wood Machining.  Our footprint is considered at every step of the manufacturing process — from using sustainability sourced timber, sustainably made finishing products that are good for people and the earth, building the vanities to last a lifetime, to repurposing wood shavings as mushroom mulch. We're also a proud Greenpop Pledge Partner supporting their Forest for Life program, where we plant a tree for every vanity sold.

Beyond craftsmanship and sustainability, each vanity creates real change by providing disadvantaged youth in Cape Town opportunities to gain formal skills development and qualifications in woodworking craft - helping them break the cycle of poverty.  A handwritten note transformed into a plaque is placed inside each vanity drawer, sharing this meaningful story and creating connection and joy with our customers.

Handcrafted for Good.