History of Design and Craftsmanship

Is Custom Furniture More Expensive?

Is Custom Furniture More Expensive?

Custom furniture can be more expensive than mass-produced or ready-made furniture, but the cost difference can vary depending on several factors. Most Custom Furniture has been well thought out and designed by a craftsman who takes great pride in his work. It takes time and skill to create something unique. The materials used to create custom-made furniture are often of higher quality and, thus, more expensive. Here are some additional reasons why custom furniture might be more expensive:

  1. Labor and Expertise: Custom furniture often requires skilled artisans or craftsmen who work on designing, creating, and finishing the piece according to the client’s specifications. Their expertise and time contribute to the higher cost.
  2. Materials: Custom furniture allows for the use of high-quality materials chosen by the client and the craftsman who works with these materials every day, which can add to the cost. Mass-produced furniture might use cheaper materials to reduce costs.
  3. Design and Complexity: Unique designs and intricate details in custom furniture can demand more time and effort to create, increasing the overall cost compared to standardized designs.
  4. Size and Scale: Custom furniture might be made to fit specific spaces, which can lead to higher costs due to the need for precise measurements and adjustments.
  5. Customization: The ability to customize aspects like size, shape, color, and finishes in custom furniture can lead to additional costs, as these options require extra effort and resources.
  6. Limited Production: Custom furniture is typically produced in smaller quantities, resulting in higher production costs than mass-produced items that benefit from economies of scale.
  7. Personalization: Custom furniture is often made to meet a client’s unique preferences, which involves extra communication, design iterations, and adjustments, all of which can contribute to increased costs.
  8. Quality and Durability: Custom furniture is often associated with higher quality and longer lifespan due to the use of better materials and craftsmanship. This can justify a higher price tag.

It’s important to note that while custom furniture can be more expensive, it offers the advantage of owning a unique, personalized piece that meets your exact specifications and design preferences. The decision to invest in custom furniture depends on your budget, the value you place on customization and uniqueness, and your overall design goals.

One last tip on how to help make custom furniture is to work with a local furniture maker, this will save you some money on shipping.  I am a furniture maker in Denver, Colorado.

I’m the owner of Benham Design Concepts, a mixed media art studio where I design and build custom furniture and other works of art using wood, glass, stone, and various metals.
In this blog, I talk about the art I create, my journey, and the things I learn along the way.