Custom Furniture Resources (For Non Designers)
This post was another reader request, I thought would make for an interesting topic and resource guide! I’ve chatted about custom furniture a little bit here on the blog and we definitely own some custom pieces that can be seen throughout our home: a few sofas, chairs, our bed, etc. These days you don’t have to work with a designer to get a custom piece of furniture. There are lots of brands that offer high-quality, custom pieces that can be ordered online by the average (non trade) consumer. Click through for a quick list I compiled!
First, what exactly classifies as custom furniture? Custom means you’re able to select your preferred fabric, sometimes the size of a piece, the leg style, color, etc. You’re able to make a few customizations to the product, so it best fits your space and aesthetic. You can catch a sneak peek of our new mohair custom sofa from Maiden Home below…
Being an interior designer who used to do this for a living, if you’re working with a designer– it’s best etiquette to order furniture through your designer. That is how designers make a living and they work hard to put together design plans and furniture options for their clients. They also “buy into” their preferred furniture manufacturers, which gives them the ability to sell custom furniture and provide their clients with an entire library of options. Therefore, designers usually have more customization options than most retailers- if you’re looking for additional options. You can learn more about what it’s like to work with a designer in this post, but even though consumers have access to custom and designer pieces these days… be a thoughtful client if you’re working with a professional.
This post is mostly for those who are designing their own home, taking the DIY approach, and want to add in some designer pieces or custom furniture on their own. Hopefully it provides you with a good online resource list for future use, whenever that time may come! Be sure to pin it for later.
- Maiden Home
- One Kings Lane
- Serena & Lily
- Crate & Barrel
- McGee & Co
- Pottery Barn
- Restoration Hardware
- Arhaus
- Williams Sonoma Home
- Room & Board
- Lulu & Georgia
- Interior Define
- West Elm
- CB2
- Ballard
- Anthropologie
- Wayfair
- The Inside
- BenchMade Modern
Some of these are higher-end custom furniture retailers, and some are lower-end… you should be able to find a variety of price points for furniture customization with that list!
Here’s a trade secret for you… many of the higher-end retailers on that list, use the same designer manufacturers- just in different styles. If it’s coming out of North Carolina- the custom furniture mecca , it’s probably really well made. You’ll find designer showrooms with heirloom quality furniture there, like: Hickory Chair, CR Laine, Lee Industries, Bernhardt, Ralph Lauren Home, Hooker Furniture, Vanguard, etc.
I also have a few tips for you, if you’re planning to order custom furniture online (because it’s usually an investment piece):
- Request swatches. I always look at swatches in person, in the space prior to committing to a fabric.
- Measure, then measure again. Make sure the piece is the appropriate scale… I like to tape it out, too. That’s a great strategy if you’re a visual person.
- Analyze the materials used and construction. Double check the materials, determine what is best for you (performance fabric, etc), and see how the piece is constructed- dovetail joints, down wrapped cushions, etc.
- Consider the lead time. Custom furniture always has a longer lead-time than products that are stocked. They can range anywhere from 4-16 weeks, so make sure it fits your timeline and don’t expect an instance delivery.
- Understand the return policy. Most custom furniture is not legible for a return… just something to keep in mind! It’s all made to order.
I hope that was helpful! Let me know if you have any custom furniture or interior questions in the comment section below. We’re headed to a cute Airbnb cabin in Jackson Hole for a weekend of skiing, but I’ll be back here on Monday with a new post. What is everyone up to this weekend? I hope it’s a good one! I’m excited for a change of scenery, time off work, and rest.