What Is the Difference Between Custom and Made-to-Order Furniture?

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DIRECT ANSWER:

Made-to-order furniture generally starts with an existing design and allows selected options such as size, finish or material. Custom furniture begins more directly with the client’s particular space, function, dimensions and design requirements.

CHOOSING FROM OPTIONS IS DIFFERENT FROM STARTING WITH YOUR PROBLEM.

MADE-TO-ORDER

Often begins with:

Existing model

Existing construction

Existing proportions

Available options

CUSTOM

May begin with:

Room

Problem

Function

Dimensions

Storage needs

Architectural context

NEITHER IS AUTOMATICALLY BETTER

Made-to-order can be an excellent choice when an existing design already solves the problem.

Custom becomes valuable when it doesn’t.

Frequently asked questions

IS CUSTOM THE SAME AS CHOOSING A DIFFERENT STAIN?

Not necessarily.

DOES CUSTOM MEAN I HAVE TO DESIGN IT MYSELF?

No.

CAN I START WITH SOMETHING I’VE SEEN ELSEWHERE?

Reference imagery can help communicate preferences, but a custom project should be developed appropriately rather than simply copying another maker’s protected design.

IS CUSTOM ALWAYS THE RIGHT CHOICE?

No.

IF THE OPTIONS DON’T SOLVE THE PROBLEM—

START WITH THE PROBLEM.

Send Lloyd’s a photo of the space, approximate dimensions and an explanation of what the finished piece needs to do.

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ALREADY HAVE A PIECE THAT ALMOST WORKS?

Before replacing it, find out whether it can be repaired, restored or modified.

CAN THIS BE SAVED?