Tailored to Perfection:
A Buyer’s Guide to Bespoke Furniture
If you’re looking for furniture that is as stylish as it is functional, opting for bespoke pieces may be ideal. Fitted furniture is tailored to meet your individual needs and preferences, adding a unique and personal touch to your home.
However, because this type of furniture is often permanent, making a decision can be a daunting task. Whether you’re after a statement piece for your bedroom or a method of optimizing your space, take a look at our guide to buying bespoke furniture.
What Is Bespoke Furniture?
Bespoke furniture sets itself apart from traditional pieces due to its personalized nature and high level of craftsmanship. Since each item is custom-built, it’s highly likely you’ll receive a unique piece that can’t be found in retail stores. You’ll get to pick what materials you want and the types of finishes to suit your interior.
Custom pieces can also come in any shape or form, occupying even the most awkward of spaces. The most popular types are fitted wardrobes, home offices, and under-stairs storage, but you could even opt for over bed wardrobes or bay window seats with built-in storage.
Determine What It Is You Want
During the initial stages of purchasing bespoke furniture, it’s essential to determine what you want the final product to be. Consider the specific area you wish to furnish and the functionality that is required. As you’ll be paying a premium for the quality of the piece, it’s important to be clear about your budget from the offset to stay within your means.
For example, are you primarily looking to improve the curb appeal of your property? Or are you hoping to free up some space in the home? Once you have a clear understanding of your requirements, you can start exploring different design options and materials.
Find An Experienced and Reputable Supplier
The key to quality bespoke furniture lies in finding a person or company with the right skills and experience. Ensure that whoever you go with has a detailed portfolio showcasing their work and plenty of positive customer reviews. It’s also worth checking if they have a workshop nearby with examples of their projects for you to see.
Generally, companies will offer a free initial consultation to go through your options and may even provide a level of design and detailing free of charge. Regardless, you should request quotes from multiple suppliers to compare pricing and services. You can then see who is best equipped to meet your requirements.
Sign Off on The Design
Before work can commence on your commission, you need to sign off on the design. Now is the time to speak up if you’re unhappy about anything, otherwise any changes could be costly and time-consuming. Be sure to examine all drawings and sketches covering the main elevations, joinery, and dimensions, as well as the materials and hardware being included.
Depending on the scale of the project, you should expect your piece of furniture to be delivered from a few weeks to a few months. Generally, it will be installed in your home by professionals and may require physical sign-off to check you are satisfied with the final product.