Made to Order

Made to Order FAQ

Why choose made-to-order furniture?

Made-to-order furniture allows makers to build each piece specifically for your home rather than producing it in large batches. This slower process supports traditional craftsmanship and allows greater attention to detail and customization.

Can I customize upholstery or finishes?

Many of our made-to-order pieces are available with a selection of upholstery fabrics, wood finishes, or material options. Product pages include the available choices, and we have sample swatches for many items. For upholstery, we like to approach traditional materials in unexpected ways - using a Saja sheepskin to transform a familiar piece into something entirely its own, or our Colina Harvest Collection which is made from vintage grain sacks that were originally used to carry harvested crops. Our custom upholstery gives pieces a history and character that can’t be replicated with new fabric.

We also offer performance fabrics that are selected for their durability and longevity, particularly for pieces that will see everyday use, families, pets, or a higher level of wear. While these fabrics may not be natural fibers, we hold them to the same standards we apply to everything else we carry: a beautiful hand feel, a tactile quality, an authentic, often handmade appearance, and a sense of permanence that doesn’t feel overly synthetic or trend-driven.

We’re always happy to answer questions before you place an order to ensure you are confident with your choice.

When should I order a swatch?

A swatch sample is a small, representative piece of a material used to evaluate color, texture, and quality before committing to a larger purchase. For custom-made, made-to-order, or non-returnable items, ordering a swatch is often worth the small extra cost because it can help avoid an expensive mistake.

Why choose a slipcover?

A slipcover is a practical choice for furniture that gets a lot of use. Because the cover can be removed, it can be cleaned, repaired, or replaced over time without replacing the entire piece. It is a way to invest in a well-made frame and give it the ability to evolve with you.

We also like the way slipcovers look as they age. Linen and other natural fabrics soften with use and develop a relaxed, lived-in quality. A slipcover can also be changed when a room or your needs change, while the underlying frame remains the same.

Why do production timelines vary?

Every maker works a little differently. Some furniture is built by a single workshop, while rugs, chair pads, and textiles may involve multiple artisans or hand-finishing processes. Estimated lead times are listed on each product page and reflect the time needed to craft each piece with care.

What does “benchmade” mean?

Benchmade furniture is made by skilled craftspeople, often in a workshop setting, rather than produced entirely through automated factory processes. Individual stages of construction—from cutting and joining the frame to shaping, sanding, finishing, and upholstery—are handled by people with specialized knowledge of the craft. The term doesn’t necessarily mean that every part of a piece is made entirely by hand. It refers more broadly to a method of furniture making where skilled workers have a direct role in the construction and finishing of the piece.

Why does benchmade furniture take longer?

Because more of the work happens at the workshop level, production is often slower and less predictable than mass-produced furniture. Wood needs to be selected, cut, joined, and finished; upholstery needs to be cut and fitted; and some pieces require additional hand-finishing or inspection before they are ready to ship.

That time is part of the process. We work with makers who prioritize construction and materials over speed, so lead times can vary depending on the piece, the workshop, the materials being used, and how much of the work is done by hand.