Must-Do Tips for Ordering Custom Furniture

Embarking on a home redesign journey with custom furniture can transform your living space into a haven of comfort and style. However, ordering custom pieces requires thoughtful planning to ensure you receive comfortable furniture that perfectly fits your needs. Whether you're enhancing your home office, updating your dining room, or searching for the best space-saving furniture for small homes, these must-do tips will guide you through the process smoothly, even during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Impeccable American Craftsmanship Takes Time

When it comes to custom furniture, quality should never be compromised. At Penny Mustard, we pride ourselves on impeccable American craftsmanship, partnering with smaller, independent builders to create nearly all our pieces. In 2019, 97.1% of our sales were built in the US or Canada, with 88.7% crafted by family businesses within 475 miles of our Greendale headquarters in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, or Michigan.

Why Timing Matters:

• High Demand Seasons: Late summer and early fall are peak times for ordering custom furniture, especially with the upcoming winter holidays. By placing your order by the end of September, you can ensure timely delivery before Christmas.
  
• Avoid Holiday Delays: Waiting too long can lead to longer wait times and increased chances of delivery hiccups during the busy holiday season.

Pro Tip: Plan ahead and place your orders early to secure your desired delivery dates and avoid last-minute stress.

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• Quality Assurance: Ordering sooner ensures a higher quality, longer-lasting piece of furniture, reducing the risk of holiday delivery issues.
  
• Support Local Businesses: By choosing custom furniture from local builders, you support small businesses and contribute to sustainable practices.

2. Know a Little About Wood

Understanding the types of wood used in your custom furniture can greatly impact the longevity and beauty of your pieces. Furniture is typically crafted from three primary types of wood: solid wood, veneers, and particleboard.

Types of Wood:

• Solid Wood: Offers durability and timeless beauty. Matte finish blonde wood is a popular choice for its elegant and natural look.
  
• Veneers: Provide the appearance of solid wood at a lower cost, suitable for minimalist home decor.
  
• Particleboard: An affordable option, though less durable. Best for low-maintenance decor and small spaces.

Design Tips:

• Choose Durable Woods: Opt for solid or veneer woods for key pieces of furniture like dining tables and coffee tables to ensure longevity.
  
• Match Your Decor: Select wood tones that complement your existing color palettes and neutral colors for a cohesive look.

Pro Tip: Please note that investing in higher-quality wood upfront can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements.

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• Mix Materials: Combine wood with metals or glass to create a visually interesting and balanced design element.
  
• Sustainable Choices: Choose sustainably sourced wood to support eco-friendly practices and enhance your home's environmental footprint.

3. Drawers Are Important

The functionality and durability of drawers are crucial in custom furniture design. Poorly constructed drawers can lead to frustration and premature wear.

Key Considerations:

• Craftsmanship: Look for drawers with interlocking joints like dovetail joints, which offer better durability compared to simple glued or nailed assemblies.
  
• Material Thickness: Ensure that the drawer boxes are made from thick enough boards to handle regular use and the weight of stored items.

Design Tips:

• Smooth Operation: Test drawers for smooth opening and closing to ensure they function seamlessly.
  
• Organizational Features: Incorporate dividers or compartments within drawers for better organization and accessibility.

Pro Tip: Invest in drawers with removable, washable covers to maintain cleanliness and extend the life of your furniture.

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• Storage Solutions: Utilize modular shelving units and built-in storage to complement your drawer designs and keep your space organized.
  
• Custom Inserts: Add customizable inserts to your drawers for tailored storage options that fit your specific needs.

4. Fabric for Lifestyle

Choosing the right fabric is essential, especially if you have a busy household with kids or pets. Durable and stain-resistant fabrics can make your furniture more practical and long-lasting.

Fabric Choices:

• Durable Fabrics: Look for fabrics like microfiber, leather, or performance fabrics that are easy to clean and maintain.
  
• Stain-Resistant Options: Opt for fabrics treated with stain-resistant finishes to protect against spills and stains.

Design Tips:

• Match Your Lifestyle: Select fabrics that align with your daily activities and household dynamics. For example, a home office may benefit from easy-to-clean upholstery.
  
• Color Coordination: Choose colors that complement your color coordination efforts, using bold colors for accent pieces or neutral colors for main furniture pieces.

Pro Tip: Use throw pillows and removable covers to add style and functionality, allowing you to change the look of your furniture without significant investment.

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• Layering Textures: Combine different textures like plush cushions with smooth leather or rugged textiles to add plush textures and depth to your space.
  
• Accessorize: Incorporate faux fur accents or patterned throws to enhance the texture and warmth of your furniture.

5. Consider Colors

Color selection is a critical aspect of home redesign. It influences the mood, perception of space, and overall aesthetic of your home.

Color Coordination Tips:

• Use Color Tools: Utilize color tools like Adobe’s Color Wheel to experiment with different color schemes and ensure harmonious color coordination.
  
• Seasonal Palettes: Adapt your color palettes to reflect seasonal changes, incorporating warm tones for winter or vibrant hues for spring.

Design Tips:

• Accent Walls: Paint one wall in a bold or contrasting color to create a statement piece and add visual interest without overwhelming the space.
  
• Neutral Base: Start with a neutral color palette for larger furniture pieces and add pops of color through accessories like rugs, pillows, and artwork.

Pro Tip: Please note that lighting significantly affects how colors appear in your home. Test paint samples under different lighting conditions before making a final decision.

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• Bold Colors: Incorporate bold colors in smaller decor items like throw pillows or area rugs to add vibrancy without dominating the room.
  
• Neutral Colors: Balance bold accents with neutral colors to maintain a sophisticated and cohesive space feel.

6. Good Seats

Comfort is paramount when selecting furniture, especially for seating options. High-quality cushions and supportive designs can enhance both comfort and longevity.

Key Considerations:

• Cushion Quality: Pay attention to the density and thickness of the foam in cushions. Higher density foam offers better support and durability.
  
• Removable Covers: Choose cushions with removable, washable covers for easy maintenance and longevity.

Design Tips:

• Supportive Design: Ensure that chairs and sofas provide adequate support for prolonged sitting, promoting better posture and comfort.
  
• Plush Textures: Add plush textures with throws and cushions to increase the comfort and aesthetic appeal of your seating.

Pro Tip: Opt for furniture with clean lines and versatile designs that can blend seamlessly with various home decor styles.

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• Mix and Match: Combine different furniture pieces with varying cushion types and textures to create a dynamic and inviting seating area.
  
• Statement Pieces: Invest in a standout piece like a luxurious recliner or a stylish armchair to enhance the visual appeal of your living room.

7. The Look

Defining your design style is essential for a cohesive home redesign. Whether you prefer Mid-Century Modern, Contemporary, or Traditional styles, having a clear vision will guide your furniture and decor choices.

Steps to Define Your Style:

• Gather Inspiration: Create an inspiration board using Pinterest, magazines, or photos of furniture you love. This helps you visualize your desired style.
  
• Identify Key Elements: Determine the design elements that resonate with you, such as clean lines, bold colors, or minimalistic wall art.
  
• Consistency: Ensure that all furniture pieces and decor items align with your chosen style to maintain a unified look.

Design Tips:

• Personal Touches: Incorporate personal items like family photos, travel souvenirs, and handmade crafts to add personality to your space.
  
• Balance Styles: While maintaining a primary style, feel free to mix elements from different styles for a unique and personalized home decor.

Pro Tip: Please note that taking photos of your existing furniture and decor before shopping can help identify what styles complement your current setup and what needs updating.

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• Minimalist Home Decor: Embrace simplicity with minimalist home decor, focusing on quality over quantity and ensuring each piece serves a purpose.
  
• Bold Accents: Use bold colors and eye-catching decor items to add interest and highlight key areas of your home.

Final Thoughts: Transform Your Home with Custom Furniture

Ordering custom furniture doesn’t have to be daunting. By following these must-do tips, you can ensure a smooth and successful home redesign process. From understanding the importance of impeccable American craftsmanship and selecting the right wood to mastering color coordination and choosing the perfect furniture pieces, these strategies will help you create a cozy home that reflects your personal style and meets your functional needs.

Pro Tip: To further personalize your space, consider adding modular shelving units that offer both storage and display options, enhancing the functionality of your home office or dining room.

Call to Action: Ready to elevate your home with custom furniture? Start by consulting with our interior designers and creating your own inspiration board today. Explore our wide range of comfortable furniture and seasonal decor options to make your living space both beautiful and functional. Don’t forget to share your custom furniture stories in the comments below and inspire others to transform their homes!

Stop in a showroom. Chat with us on our website. Schedule an in-showroom, in-home, or virtual design consultation. Get some inspiration from our Facebook or Instagram pages.

Whatever the venue, we are here to help you get the perfect furniture pieces so that you’re ready for the holidays.