When I am designing a space for a client and it comes time to make furniture selections one of the biggest decisions is where the individual pieces will be sourced from. Furniture can be purchased through various retail outlets or on line sources. It can also be made to order from many local custom furniture builders. Not all my pieces will come from one source. I will use a mix of sources to create the overall design and to meet the client's budget.
Buying furniture from retail locations allows you to, in most cases, see the finished product up close. You can visualize the furniture piece and know exactly how it will sit and feel. They do often provide you with a few options for fabrics, colour, stain and size. The price point is sometimes substantially lower than custom. Many clients may opt for the retail option when the budget does not allow for custom. The lead time tends to vary from store to store but items that need to be ordered tend to fall into the 8 - 12 week time line.
Ordering custom furniture allows you many more options which may allow you more flexibility with layouts and configurations. When using a custom workroom I consider function to help me determine the type of piece. I consider the area that the pieces will go into when deciding on size and style. With custom furniture I can alter almost all elements of a piece or I can develop a new design and have it made from scratch. If we consider the elements of a typical sofa we can look at just how many options we may have to consider: length, depth, height, fabric, colour, foot style, seat cushions, seat fill, arm style, stitch style, additional decorative design details, etc. Having the ability to customize all these options will allow the client to have a piece that is unique from any other and also totally suited for their home.
I like the fact that the custom pieces I order are locally made. This allows me to get prompt customer service if needed. I can also visit the workrooms to ensure that specified details are being added correctly and answer questions the furniture maker may have. It also allows the client to see how the furniture is made if needed.
When ordering custom furniture it does not always mean the cost is going to be very expensive. In most cases it is slightly higher but there are many great custom options at reasonable prices for high quality furniture. Custom pieces tend to be items that you will keep for many years and allow you the option of refinishing or re-upholstering at a later time in life so you can re-purpose the furniture you love.
Weather I decide to use a custom workroom or a retail outlet I always consider the space, the layout, the function, the budget, and my client's lifestyle needs. Ultimately I want my client's home to feel comfortable and liveable and having the options allows me to achieve this.
Ready-made pieces allow you to see the finished product before committing to a purchase.
Custom pieces will give you and endless selection of colours and patterns.
Colours, fabrics, finishes - all options to make your furniture unique.
Custom workrooms will give you many options that you can apply to any pieces. You can see them all in one place.
