Bespoke furniture: compare quotes and prices

Describe the commission through pieces and functions

Name the pieces, quantities and intended use. A bookcase, desk and bench have different requirements. Several types can share one commission; a short combined description is enough initially.

Distinguish a freely developed one-off piece from a configurable furniture system. Advice and design may be separate services. For upholstered seating, particular material combinations or outdoor furniture, confirm whether the contractor does the work or collaborates with specialists.

Distinguish approximate sizes from manufacturing dimensions

Known width, height and depth help with the first quote. The contractor can take measurements where information is missing. A sketch or idea is not yet an approved manufacturing drawing.

Fitted pieces need to account for uneven walls, skirtings, slopes, sockets and windows. Doors and drawers need room to open. Junctions, clearances and fixings are determined against the actual room.

Agree drawings, essential dimensions and construction before manufacture. Changes after production approval can create extra work. For several pieces, identify items and options clearly so delivery and fitting match the correct rooms.

Choose material, visible finish and edges together

Solid timber, veneer and faced panels are different constructions. Veneer is a real wood surface over a substrate; a decorative face may imitate wood. A painted finish alone does not identify the material underneath.

Specify the material, visible sides, edges and surface treatment. Samples help you assess colour, texture and sheen. Natural timber can vary in grain and colour; discuss the effect you want beforehand.

Moisture-resistant does not automatically mean waterproof or suitable for unprotected outdoor exposure. Material and finish must suit actual use. Ask about care, suitable cleaning products and possibilities for later refinishing.

Plan internal layout and fittings around use

Organise storage around what will actually go into it. Bookshelves, document drawers and equipment spaces have different requirements. Adjustability, reach and usable internal space often matter more than numerous special fittings.

Doors, pull-outs and flaps should suit their surroundings. Appliances and lighting require consideration of cables, air circulation and accessible connections. Supplying the furniture alone does not automatically include necessary electrical work.

Suitable construction and fixing depend on size, use and location. Have stability and fixing assessed, especially for tall, wall-mounted or pull-out furniture. You do not need to specify loads or wall plugs yourself.

Clarify position, transport and fitting early

Freestanding furniture, wall-hung pieces and full-width fitted units have different requirements. Locations against cold or damp walls need to be suitable; a standard gap recommendation cannot replace assessment.

Check the transport route: doors, stairs, lifts and narrow turns. Large furniture may need a design that separates into parts. Collection, kerbside delivery, carrying inside and complete fitting are distinct services.

Agree protection, assembly space and disposal of packaging or old furniture. An advertised manufacturing period is not automatically a firm delivery and fitting date. Clarify which information and approvals are needed before work starts.

Compare bespoke furniture prices for the specified construction

Price depends on size, quantity, materials, finish, fittings and manufacturing work. Simple open shelving is not comparable with a painted fitted unit including drawers and lighting. A price per metre without height, depth and equipment describes the job inadequately.

Separate design, survey, manufacture, delivery and fitting. An inexpensive configurator result may exclude extra services. For individual designs, agree options, changes and approval before production.

Compare full scope, VAT, travel and exclusions. Unknown fitting conditions should be clarified before construction. One advertised piece or starting price is not a reliable Swiss average.

Review the essentials before ordering

A clear agreement connects the furniture you want with its actual use. Open technical information is clarified with the contractor before manufacture.

• Need. Describe pieces, quantities, use and known sizes together.
• Appearance. Agree material, visible sides, samples and important functions.
• Installation. Have geometry, fixing, access and interfaces checked.
• Commission. Define design scope, price, changes and production approval.
• Handover. Agree delivery point, fitting, care information and outstanding work.

From idea to finished furniture

An initial concept can start with approximate information. The necessary precision comes from coordinated design and surveying before manufacture.

1. Describe your wishes. Give pieces, use, known sizes and the support needed.
2. Develop the design. Assess room and materials, agree functions and construction.
3. Approve quote and drawing. Set out dimensions, scope, costs and changes clearly.
4. Make and deliver. Coordinate manufacture, transport and agreed fitting.
5. Review together. Check workmanship, operation, fixing and care; record outstanding points.