Ordering custom furniture might seem like a daunting task. After all, there’s a lot more thought that goes into buying a custom item rather than going to a furniture store and simply picking something out and purchasing it. But custom furniture can really make a statement in your home, which is something that you can’t always get from a piece you buy off the floor in a store. If you’re considering getting a new sofa, loveseat, or other big-ticket item, here are the best tips for ordering custom furniture.
Decide on A Style
You may want to order an item to blend in with your pre-existing furniture. Or, you might decide that you want to redesign your space and start with a custom designed piece to launch your new look. In either case, make sure that you’ve already determined the style that you want to go with. Remember, custom furniture is going to be more expensive, so you don’t want to buy it only to realize later that it isn’t the exact aesthetic that you had intended.
Pick Your Spot
When it comes to custom furniture, you don’t want to wing it. You should know exactly where it’s going to go in the room. If you’re replacing a piece of furniture, then you probably have the spot already picked out. But if it’s a newer item, make sure to plan out where you’re going to put it. Some furniture suppliers have apps that allow you to play interior designer and see exactly how the item will look in your space before you buy it.
Measure…A Lot
When space is at a premium, it’s important to measure every inch of your room. Why? Well, sometimes a sofa that is a few inches larger than intended can throw off the entire look of the space. You want to make sure that you’re supplying the correct measurements, and that ultimately the custom furniture that you order will fit perfectly in the room.
Ask for Samples
From fabric swatches to embellishments, there are definitely a lot of things to consider when ordering custom furniture. But since you’re not purchasing the product directly from the showroom floor, you might not know exactly what you’re getting. So ask if they have any samples of the fabric you are interested in on hand. This will allow you to not only see and touch the fabric, but you’ll also be able to determine how the fabric looks in different lighting, from sunlight to lamps. And be sure to ask to see wood samples, too, since grains and finishes can vary depending on the manufacturer.
Know the Return Policy
It happens. You finally receive an item only to discover that you don’t really like it after all. Or that fabric which they swore could hold up to kids and pets got ruined during the first week in your home. Knowing the store’s return policy can help assuage your fears of being stuck with a custom piece of furniture that doesn’t work for you or your family. You might not get your entire purchase price back, (most firms charge a restocking fee) but it might be worth it if you want to find furniture that really works in your home.
Ordering custom furniture might take a little extra time and effort, but it can really be a showstopper! Just take the process slowly, and soon, you’ll wonder why you didn’t order custom furniture sooner!
