Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For those considering commissioning a piece of bespoke furniture

Below are a series of FAQs that we have compiled to help answer some of your queries prior to commissioning a piece of bespoke furniture. We intend to continually update this section so please continue to visit this page for the latest FAQs.

Please note all comments made in this section are subject in full to our website's Terms of Use.

  • I have never purchased bespoke furniture before. Is it much more expensive than ready made?

    Since bespoke furniture is custom made to your exact specifications it is understandably more expensive than readily available high street stock. However, it is not necessarily as expensive as you may think especially when you compare the quality. Prices will vary according to the intricacy of the design and the materials used.

  • Will my furniture maker be able to 'colour match' the new piece with my existing furniture?

    Most furniture makers will be able to harmonise the finish or colour of your bespoke piece to suit any existing furniture you have. This will be dependent on the materials used, however.

  • Do you recommend any furniture makers?

    All of the manufacturers in our directory have been selected on the basis that they can provide bespoke or limited edition furniture, i.e. something that is not in their general brochure. We do not recommend any specific craftsmen as everyone's style and taste is personal.

  • Why should we submit our email address for your newsletter?

    Subscribing to our newsletter will enable us to keep you informed of the latest news, events and exhibitions related to the manufacturers in our directory.

  • Do you have a checklist of things to remember when designing a piece of furniture?

    Since there are different things to consider depending on the piece we have not compiled an overall list. However, if you look at the list of articles you will see various helpful hints related to the room you are commissioning furniture for.

  • How long does it take to make a piece of bespoke furniture?

    This will be dependent on a number of factors including how complicated the design is and how busy your chosen craftsman is. However, you should reckon on it taking a minimum of 12 weeks and some take up to a year.

  • What happens if I don't like the finished article?

    Taking delivery of a piece of handmade furniture that you are happy with is the result of a collaboration between you and your selected manufacturer. They should guide you through the commissioning process, provide sketches or detailed drawings and give you choices where relevant in order to help avoid any disappointment. If, in the rare event, you are not happy with it, discuss this with the craftsman to see if anything can be altered.

  • What happens if the furniture maker goes out of business before my final piece is delivered?

    You will usually only have paid a deposit of around 25-30% so, in the unlikely event that the furniture maker goes out of business, your risk is limited to this amount. You may find that paying by credit card will offer you some protection against this problem. Check with your credit card provider for full details.

  • What is a dovetail joint?

    Dovetailing is a traditional technique of joining sections of timbers together and involves a series of joints which interlock to provide strength. They are also aesthetically pleasing.

  • Is every aspect of handmade furniture made by hand or are power tools used?

    In modern day furniture making, the concept of handmade embraces the design, construction and finishing of each piece of bespoke furniture. Throughout the manufacturing process modern equipment and methods will be used especially in the preparation stages of the raw timber but the care involved in the hand assembly and finishing processes ensure that the end result is both unique and superior.

  • Can I put hot plates, cups and dishes on my new wooden table?

    Most wooden furniture will have been coated with a lacquer to give general protection from warm plates. However, you should always check the finish with your furniture maker first and, certainly, always use a heat pad when placing anything directly from the oven.

  • What happens if I change my mind on the size mid way through manufacture?

    The correct sizing and siting of any piece of furniture is crucial to the overall look. Be sure to make careful measurements of the space before commissioning and, ideally, ask your chosen furniture maker to visit your house to give guidance and recommendations on the size. The implications of changing the size will depend on the scale of your required change and the stage of production.

  • Can I see my furniture being made?

    Many bespoke manufacturers will encourage visits to their workshop to see the commissioned piece being made.

  • I have seen some manufacturers have been awarded the Guild mark. What does this mean?

    Manufacturers who hold this mark have had their premises and furniture assessed by a Jury of the Worshipful Company of Furnituremakers and have been found to be achieving the highest standards of manufacture and materials.

  • How durable is glass furniture?

    Modern technology has made glass furniture surprisingly robust and, provided it is looked after and not overloaded there is no reason for it to last less time than other materials. Ask your bespoke furniture maker to confirm that your commission will comply with all the relevant British Standards specifications for safety and durability.

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