FAQ
Bespoke furniture, answered.
The questions we are asked most often — about commissioning, materials, lead times, pricing and craftsmanship.
Getting started & concepts
- What is the difference between bespoke furniture and custom-made furniture?
- While often used interchangeably, “bespoke” implies a piece designed and built from scratch specifically for your space and requirements, often involving a collaborative design process. “Custom-made” sometimes refers to modifying standard pieces from a pre-existing catalogue. At Bespoke Furniture, we specialise in fully bespoke designs.
- Why should I choose bespoke furniture over ready-made store options?
- Bespoke furniture offers perfect fit, superior materials and unique design. It maximises your storage, matches your interior aesthetic exactly and is built to last a lifetime, whereas mass-produced furniture often uses lower-grade chipboard and standardised dimensions.
- Do you design furniture for commercial spaces, or just residential?
- We serve both. We have extensive experience creating bespoke reception desks, boardroom tables, storage cabinetry and retail display units for offices, restaurants and retail spaces.
- Can you replicate a piece of furniture I saw online or in a magazine?
- Yes. While we pride ourselves on original design, we are happy to use photos as design inspiration to create a piece that fits your specific dimensions and material preferences while retaining the style you love.
The design & build process
- How do I start the process of commissioning a bespoke piece?
- It starts with a consultation. Contact us through our contact page with your rough measurements, inspiration photos or a brief description of what you need. We will then discuss the scope, provide a rough estimate and move to the design phase.
- Do I need to provide architectural drawings?
- No. We offer a full end-to-end service. We can work from your sketches or photos, and our team will handle all technical drawings, site measurements and structural planning.
- Can I choose the specific wood types and finishes?
- Absolutely. We offer a curated selection of sustainable hardwoods and veneers. During the design phase we provide material samples — wood types, paint colours, metal finishes — so you can touch and feel the final look before production begins.
- What if I don't know exactly what I want yet?
- That is part of our service. Our design team is experienced in space planning. We can help you identify your functional needs and propose design concepts that suit your lifestyle and existing interior decor.
- How long does it take to design and build a bespoke item?
- Lead times typically range from 6 to 16 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project, material availability and our current workshop schedule. We provide a specific timeline estimate before the project commences.
Pricing & logistics
- How much does bespoke furniture cost?
- Costs vary widely based on material selection, complexity of joinery and size. Because every piece is unique, we provide customised quotes after the initial design consultation. We are happy to work with you to adjust designs to meet specific budget targets.
- Do you offer delivery and installation services?
- Yes. For fitted furniture, our team handles professional installation to ensure a perfect, seamless fit. We also offer white-glove delivery for freestanding pieces so your furniture arrives safely.
- What is your typical payment structure for custom projects?
- Typically we require a 50% deposit to secure your slot in our workshop and purchase raw materials. The remaining balance is usually split into an interim payment (for larger projects) and a final payment due upon successful delivery or installation.
- Do you provide a warranty for your furniture?
- We stand by the quality of our craftsmanship and provide a written warranty on structural components and joinery. The exact term and coverage are set out in every contract before production begins.
- What are your standard lead times for custom quotes?
- We aim to get back to all enquiries with an initial estimate within 3–5 business days.
Acoustics, lighting & craftsmanship
- Can you integrate acoustic panels or sound dampening into custom cabinetry and wall feature units?
- Yes. We regularly design bespoke furniture, slatted wall features and media units that incorporate hidden acoustic fabric, acoustic felt or micro-perforated wood panelling to improve sound quality and reduce echo in home theatres, offices and open-plan living areas.
- How do you handle integrated lighting arrangements in bespoke furniture?
- We design integrated LED channel lighting, concealed task lighting and ambient strip lights directly into our joinery. We handle all cable routing during workshop fabrication so the lighting integrates seamlessly into your home's electrical setup.
- How do I maintain and clean my solid wood furniture?
- Avoid harsh chemical cleaners. We recommend dusting with a soft, dry cloth and using manufacturer-recommended wood soap or wax for periodic care. We provide a care guide with every delivery.
- Will solid wood furniture crack or warp over time?
- Solid wood is a natural material and breathes. While we use traditional joinery techniques and movement slots to accommodate natural expansion and contraction, we recommend keeping your furniture away from extreme heat sources such as direct radiators and maintaining stable humidity levels in your home.
- Can you integrate technology or lighting into my custom furniture?
- Yes. We regularly integrate soft-close hinges, cable management systems, wireless charging pads and smart lighting into our cabinetry and desks.
- What makes your joinery better than flat-pack furniture?
- We use traditional techniques such as mortise-and-tenon and dovetail joints, which are structurally superior to the cam-locks and screws used in flat-pack furniture. This ensures your piece will not wobble or sag over time and can be passed down as a family heirloom.
Still have a question?
Send us your room, your plan or simply your idea. We reply to every enquiry with a preliminary assessment.