The Robert W. Irwin Company resulted from the merger of the Phoenix Furniture Company, founded in 1870, and the Royal Furniture Company, organized in 1892. Robert W. Irwin came to Grand Rapids in 1889 from Harbor Beach to join the Grand Rapids School Furniture Co.(later American Seating Company). Within two years Irwin was named factory superintendent and purchasing agent. Irwin resigned in 1900, and with A.W. Hompe and Ralph P. Tietsort, purchased the Royal Furniture Company. In 1907 the same three partners with Eber W. Irwin, Robert's brother, bought the New England Furniture Co. Robert Irwin then organized the Steele Furniture Co., and later in association with another brother, Earle S. Irwin, and A.W. Hompe acquired the business of the Macey Co. In 1911 Robert W. Irwin, Charles H. Bender, James W. Wylie, Dudley E. Waters and Ralph Tietsort purchased the Phoenix Furniture Company.

In 1920, Robert W. Irwin acquired controlling interest in both the Phoenix and Royal furniture companies, and under his name consolidated them into one company. The Royal line was continued. But, under the designation of "custom", as the Royal Furniture since 1915 had consisted of custom made reproductions, sold through galleries as works of the furniture art. During the 1920s the company flourished, due in no small part to the introduction of the Pendleton" line of furniture. The Pendleton Line was based on the custom line, but made to be less expensive for the working classes.

In 1931 the company bought and merged with Cooper-Williams, Inc. of Boston, another quality furniture company. The Company continued to hold its place through the 1930s. In 1951, Irwin, as owner of all stocks except small blocks held by the Earle Irwin and Eber Irwin estates, and a few individuals, sold the company to a group of Cincinnati businessmen headed by Abe Byer, president of American Compressed Steel Co. In 1953, the Company discontinued operations, citing a suit against Sterling, Inc. charging unfair practices, which cost the Robert W. Irwin Co. $400,000 in profits, and led to the failure of Irwin to pay $41,428 in debts owed. In May, 1953, the plant & equipment of the company were auctioned.