20 essential ideas for choosing bespoke furniture

Choice of furniture to order

When it comes to the interior design of our home, choosing the right furniture is essential to create a comfortable and personalized environment.

Custom furniture offers a unique opportunity to express our style and fulfill our specific needs. In this article, we'll explore 20 things to look for when making custom furniture and look at the pros and cons of choosing between MDF and solid wood.

Ideas to follow when ordering custom furniture:

1. Plan ahead: Start by assessing your needs and wants and make a list of the furniture you need.
2. Accurate Measurements: Be sure to take accurate measurements of the available space to ensure the furniture will fit perfectly.
3. Style and design: Choose a style that matches the rest of the decor and make sure the design reflects your personality and taste.
4. Quality materials: Check the quality of materials used in the manufacture of custom furniture to ensure durability and resistance over time.
5. Finishes and colors: Choose finishes and colors that match the rest of the room and that fit your preferred style.
6. Storage Spaces: Plan your storage spaces carefully and make sure the furniture you choose meets your organizational needs.
7. Functionality: Bespoke furniture should be functional and offer solutions for the specific needs of each room.
8. Ergonomics: Make sure the furniture you choose is comfortable and appropriately suited to the activities in that room.
9. Durability: Check the furniture's materials and construction to ensure it will last over time.
10. Budget: Set a clear budget before ordering custom furniture and make sure you choose options that fit within it.
11. Recommendations and Reviews: Look for recommendations and reviews of custom furniture manufacturers or designers to ensure you make the right choice.
12. Preview: Try to see a mock-up or visual representation of the custom-made furniture before making the final order.
13. Expertise and Knowledge: Work with a designer or custom furniture maker with experience and knowledge in the field.
14. Delivery times: Make sure you set clear delivery and installation times and are aware of the lead time for production.
15. After-sales services: Check if the manufacturer or designer offers after-sales services such as repairs or adjustments.
16. Certifications and Warranties: Check if custom furniture comes with certifications and warranties to ensure its quality and reliability.
17. Joints and construction: Check the quality of the furniture's joints and construction to ensure its strength and durability.
18. Adaptability: Bespoke furniture should be adaptable to future changes in decor or needs.
19. Further consultation: If you are unsure of your choices, seek the advice of a professional to help you make the right decision.
20. Price comparisons: Don't forget to compare the prices and offers of different manufacturers or designers to get the best value for money.

The advantages and disadvantages of custom-made MDF and solid wood furniture:

MDF (medium density fibreboard):

Advantages:

1. Affordable price compared to solid wood.
2. Versatility in available finishes and colors.
3. Moisture and crack resistance.
4. Easy to process and customize.

Disadvantages:

1. It does not offer the same durability and strength as solid wood.
2. It cannot be effectively restored or repaired in case of major damage.
3. It can give off formaldehyde or other chemicals, so it's important to choose a quality MDF.

Solid wood:

Advantages:

1. Durability and resistance over time.
2. Natural and warm appearance with unique beauty.
3. It can be effectively redone and repaired.
4. Increased value and inheritance potential.

Disadvantages:

1. Higher cost compared to MDF.
2. It can be sensitive to humidity and temperature fluctuations.
3. It requires periodic maintenance such as oiling or varnishing to maintain appearance and protection.

In the end, the choice between MDF and solid wood depends on personal preference, available budget and individual needs. MDF can be a suitable option for those on a tighter budget or who want varied customization options, while solid wood offers superior quality and long-term value.