UK Furniture Companies

In the 21st century we are more than somewhat spoiled for choice of furniture with every imaginable option and choice of materials - stainless steel, glass, aluminium or perhaps rich dark mahogany from the other side of the world and you'll find a myriad of choice here in our directory.

More than anything though, furniture needs to be right for the purpose it's intended. Is it for a sumptuous lounge or dining room, a child's bedroom perhaps, a studio apartment in the city or even an hotel? In any event, once you have decided what room you are furnishing, then style, colour and maybe other pieces it needs to blend with need consideration before going out to buy it! Scroll down our list of subscribers, and there's bound to be a few ideas amongst the wide range you'll find here.

If you're a furniture supplier, manufacturer or shop, Click Here to add your business to our large list of subscribers to improve your online prominence and provide our users with even more choice.

Top Furniture Companies UK

In a competitive market and with so many furniture suppliers and companies to chose from we are compiling a list of top furniture companies in the UK that we hope to publish as voted by users of this directory. Please contact us with your details and give your recommendations with marks out of 5 for quality, value, customer service and range.

How to Check The Quality of Furniture

Great furniture does not necessarily mean expensive furniture so to make your purchase easier, we've added some simple checks on testing the quality of the furniture you're buying. Follow the tips below to help you make the best decision between price, quality and fashion.

• Price. In general the higher the price the better the quality but do not be fooled as sometimes this may not be the case. You may be paying a premium for a fashionable brand and there are some great quality cheaper brands.
• Length of warranty will give you a good indication of quality
• Where the furniture has been manufactured is also a good indicator (for example a piece of furniture made in China is likely to be of lesser quality)

Tips for Buying Quality Sofas:

• Hardwood and kiln dried (to prevent warping and cracking) frames are better quality.
• Check the underside of the sofa. It should feel thick. A thin underside increases the chances of it squeaking as you move.
• Get an explanation of the spring system. The more hand tied coil springs the better the quality.
• Built in legs are more durable than those that screw in.
• Upholstery - seams should be even, piping should line up and all the fabric should match.
• Top grain leather will wear the best.
• The padding and stuffing in this day and age is most likely to be a mixture of foam and other materials such as cotton batting. The denser the feel and better support of the padding and stuffing in cushions, seats and backs, the more durable and comfortable the sofa is likely to be. Ask the retailer for details of materials used and if the foam is high density. Quality foam should have at least a density of 1.8 lbs per cubic foot.

Tips for checking the quality of wooden furniture:

• Self explanatory but the overall finish should exude quality. The polish and varnish should show the beauty of the wood, be even, smooth and without any obvious staining or discolouration.
• Better quality wooden furniture is solely made from hardwoods i.e from deciduous trees such as walnut, oak, cherry, mahogany, teak. Hardwood furniture tends to be more expensive.
• Soft woods (pine, cedar, redwood) are cheaper but are more prone to damage and scratching but can still be of reasonable quality.
• The more knots in the wood the more susceptive it will be to cracks.
• Quality wooden furniture will have dovetail joints which require skill and will indicate care and attention has gone into making the piece.
• Look for obvious signs of glue as this will indicate less care and attention.
• Any back panels should be smooth, sanded and screwed.
• Drawers should fit well and glide easily and the drawer interior should be smooth.
• Doors should close flush.
• Try moving the piece of furniture. It should not wobble and feel sturdy.

Useful Furniture Information, Associations and Government Bodies

	If you are thinking of upholsetering your furniture and your first port of call should be to The Association of Master Upholsters & Soft Furnishers.
	Ensure your Antique Furniture dealer is registered with The British Antique Dealer's Assocation.
	Ensure your Antique or art dealer is registered with The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers.
	The Association For British Furniture Manufacturers