A Guide To Choosing Bespoke Furniture
If you are considering a bespoke sofa or armchair, you will be investing in a customised piece of furniture that reflects your individual style. It’s a wonderful investment to make – one that requires careful consideration to ensure the finished piece is exactly what you expected.
At Beaumont & Fletcher, we have been creating exceptional handcrafted furniture for over three decades, so it’s fair to say we are well versed on this matter.
Here is our little guide to help you choose the perfect piece.
Size
Make sure you measure your space accurately. Consider the dimensions, including length, depth and height, to ensure it fits well without overwhelming the room or any existing furniture.
While it might sound obvious, make sure it will fit through your entrance door or round tight corners and stairwells. The very best quality furniture, such as our own bespoke sofas, have legs that are built into the frame itself, rather than being screwed in at the end. While this is essential for robustness and longevity, it does need to be taken into consideration for delivery. There is often an alternative access point such as a window, but you will most likely want to know about this in advance.
Budget
Determine your budget early on and be clear about what you can afford. Investing in high-quality materials and craftsmanship may cost more upfront, but saves money in the long run by avoiding replacements. We firmly believe a bespoke sofa or armchair should last a lifetime and beyond, standing the test of time in terms of both design and quality.
Style
Know your style, whether it’s contemporary, traditional, minimalist or eclectic. Look at your existing décor and decide on a design that complements or enhances it. Consider the lines, shapes, and general aesthetic of the furniture.
Purpose
Consider how the sofa or armchair will be used. Is it for a formal living room, a busy family space, or to curl up on with a good book? Deep seats are great for lounging, while shallower seats may be better for more formal settings when entertaining. Also, give thought to the height of the back and make sure it is comfortable for those who will be using it most.
The usage will influence the choice of upholstery fabric and design.
Fabric
When you are choosing a fabric, think about the fibres, design and colour that will work best for the intended purpose. A plain white linen probably isn’t the best choice for a high traffic family sofa, but would work perfectly on an occasional, accent armchair.
Select a colour or pattern that fits your decor. Neutral tones offer versatility and longevity, while bold colours or patterns can make a statement. Remember that darker shades might hide stains better, while lighter ones can brighten a room.
We always advise our clients to request swatches so they can see the fabric in situ. Certain fabrics have an incredible ability to seemingly change colour depending on the light, so it’s important it works in the room it’s intended for – and with the other furniture. You don’t want to pay a premium for a bespoke piece of furniture that’s the wrong colour!
It’s also worth checking if your fabric can be treated with a stain repellent.
Cushions
The type of cushion filling can affect the comfort and longevity of the furniture. Foam offers firm support and holds its shape well, while feather or down fillings provide a plush, sink-in feel but require regular plumping. A combination of foam and feather offers a balance of support and softness.
It’s worth considering this at the same time as you are choosing your fabric, as a thicker, tightly woven fabric with less give can impact the plumpness of the cushion inner.
Quality and craftsmanship
If you’re buying a bespoke sofa, it should be of the highest quality.
A durable frame is essential. Hardwood frames, such as those made from kiln-dried beech, oak, maple, or ash, are robust and less likely to warp or crack over time. High-quality sofas, such as the bespoke pieces we make at Beaumont & Fletcher, should also feature joints that are dowelled, screwed, and glued for added strength.
Maintenance
Think about how easy the sofa is to clean and maintain. Removable and washable covers can be a practical choice, especially in homes with children or pets, as can arm caps.
Lead time
Bespoke furniture is made to order, and while you will need a little patience it should always be worth the wait. It may take between 8 to 16 weeks depending on the time of year and your design specification, so make sure you factor this in to your plan.
Customer service
Good customer service is crucial. The supplier should be willing to answer all your questions, provide detailed information about materials and construction, and offer support and guidance during the design process. If you are investing in a bespoke sofa or armchair, you need to feel comfortable asking as many questions and you need to make an informed decision.
Delivery and installation
Check if the supplier offers delivery services and whether there are any additional costs involved. Will your beautiful new armchair be delivered to the room it is intended for, with the packaging removed – as we do – or will it be left elsewhere? Ensure your new upholstered furniture can be delivered into your home without issues as we suggested earlier.
Warranty and aftercare
Check the warranty offered by the supplier. A good warranty covers the frame, springs, and cushions for several years. Understand what is included and any conditions that may void the warranty. And make sure you know about aftercare – what do you need to do to keep your new bespoke sofa looking good for years to come.
When you’ve checked all of the above, you’re good to go ahead and make your final choice.
Browse our collection of bespoke armchairs and sofas here, or contact our team on sales@beaumontandfletcher.com to request a brochure.