What is Custom Furniture?

Custom furniture is furniture that is made to your specifications by request. You can design the piece entirely on your own, or you can choose a style and decide on the details, such as materials like wood, stain, and fabric. Creating your own custom furniture is exciting, and a one-of-a-kind piece will add a unique sense of charm to your decor.

The first step is to choose the furniture maker. Do any of your friends or relatives know a quality woodworker? Is there a custom furniture builder in the area that has a good reputation? When you find a prospective builder, you can ask to see some of his work. Certain custom furniture makers specialize in different kinds of pieces. Make sure the one you choose makes the type of custom furniture you will be ordering.

Next, decide the basics. What kind of custom furniture do you have in mind? Perhaps a beautiful, cherry wood china cabinet? Maybe a fine oak dresser with large, deep cedar-lined drawers, or a comfy oversized chair? Would you like to create a coordinating ottoman to go with it? If you're not already envisioning the piece, you will need to choose a style. Maybe you like clean, straight lines, or perhaps you prefer lots of curves and soft edges, or intricate woodwork.

When designing custom furniture, you might need to decide if you want your piece to have a skirted base, such as in the case of a chair. Skirts can be straight, ruffled, or pleated. Or you might prefer a clean edge with straight legs, carved legs, or upholstered feet. If your custom furniture will be a sofa, how many cushions will it have? Will the back be cushioned, or covered with pillows? Loose or attached? Filled with foam, fiberfill, or down?

For upholstered custom furniture you will have a wide range of fabrics to consider. From tapestry to leather and suede, there is something for every taste and budget. Choose the texture, color, and the type of material that is best suited to your needs such as an easy-to-care-for micro suede. You will want your custom furniture to last, so make sure you choose something durable, especially if you have children.

With so many options, you may have a hard time deciding how you want each custom furniture piece to look. It may be a good idea to seek recommendations from a designer or ask detailed questions of a custom furniture maker before making any final decisions.