Top-Notch British Furniture Creators, Celebrated by Elite Designers and Architects
Top Recommended Furniture Makers in the UK
In the realm of bespoke and high-quality furniture, the UK stands out with a multitude of talented craftspeople. Here, we highlight some of the most highly recommended furniture makers, both indoors and outdoors, as endorsed by experts in garden design and furniture-making.
Indoor Furniture Makers
- John Makepeace (www.johnmakepeacefurniture.com) is renowned for producing exquisite bespoke furniture, each piece a testament to his dedication to craftsmanship.
- Candia Lutyens (www.lutyens-furniture.com) creates furniture with a distinctively Lutyens flavour, her designs a harmonious blend of form and function.
- Jake Phipps (www.jakephipps.com) caters to avant-garde tastes, offering both contemporary and traditional pieces, taking commissions for either.
- Sean Symington is praised for his exceptional work with George Smith's bespoke upholstered furniture, known for its classic silhouettes and excellent customer service.
- Saint John Architectural Interiors (saintjohninteriors.co.uk) specialises in creating the highest-quality architectural joinery, their work a testament to their extensive knowledge of the craft.
- Christopher Kurtz (www.christopherkurtz.net) is a sculptor-furniture-maker who works with hardwood, his pieces a unique blend of art and functionality.
- Clive Payne (www.clivepayne.com) is a furniture-maker and restorer with extensive knowledge of his craft, his work often imparting a sense of antiquity.
- Jerome Shorter (www.jeromeshorter.co.uk) is celebrated for his fantastic upholstery skills, his line of new, traditionally upholstered furniture a delight for connoisseurs.
- Alfred Newall (www.alfrednewall.com) and Joss Stoddart (jossstoddart.com) are both highly recommended furniture makers, their work a testament to their dedication to craftsmanship.
- John Nethercott (www.johnnethercott.co.uk) specialises in styles pre-1700, his pieces a unique blend of history and contemporary design.
- Rupert Bevan (www.rupertbevan.com) is known for his level of finish and detail, his work a testament to his dedication to the craft.
Outdoor Furniture Makers
- The Daybed Company (www.thedaybedcompany.co.uk) offers inviting, handmade, and comfortable daybeds, their pieces a delight for those seeking relaxation outdoors.
- Aisthésis (www.aisthesis.com) in Paris creates unique, contemporary furniture and cabinetry using various materials, their outdoor pieces a testament to their dedication to design and craftsmanship.
- Gaze Burvill (www.gazeburvill.com) is an extraordinary outdoor furniture-maker, their pieces noted for their quality and design, making them a favourite among outdoor living enthusiasts.
- Home & Garden Ironwork (www.homeandgardenironwork.co.uk) specialises in outdoor furniture, their pieces a testament to their dedication to craftsmanship and design.
- Munder-Skiles (www.munder-skiles.com) makes long-lasting and comfortable outdoor furniture with beautiful detail, their pieces a testament to their dedication to craftsmanship and design.
Retailers
- John Lewis is known for offering style across different price categories, their own well-regarded branded garden furniture as well as carrying other respected brands like Swoon, Nkuku, and Kettler. Their standout pieces include the Marcy garden chair and the Lozenge outdoor sofa, noted for comfort and design.
- Dunelm is recommended for fun, bold, and colorful outdoor furniture designs. Their collaboration with designer Sophie Robinson has produced popular collections like the Petal egg chair and the Santorini egg chairs, which have attracted attention for their vibrant appeal and comfort.
- Kettler is a leading UK supplier known for high-quality, durable outdoor furniture using materials like aluminum and synthetic wicker with UV-resistant cushions for longevity. Collections such as the Palma Signature Grande Corner Set and the Charlbury Signature Lounge Set combine luxury, style, and practicality, making them favoured by outdoor living enthusiasts.
- Armadillo Sun specialises in outdoor fabric furniture and garden bean bags handcrafted in Kent. Their outdoor bean bags and sofas are praised for comfort due to premium filling and weatherproof materials, offering a unique lounging experience distinct from traditional garden chairs.
- Harbour Lifestyle offers luxury outdoor furniture ranges combining comfort, style, and durability. They provide versatile collections including fabric corner dining sets with rising firepit tables and teak dining tables, suitable for enhancing outdoor living spaces with modern design elements.
These brands exemplify a range from luxury and design-led pieces to comfortable and colorful options, catering to different tastes and outdoor needs. They are frequently mentioned by garden design and furniture experts as top choices for quality and style in outdoor furniture in the UK.
[1] Giles Kime, The Telegraph, Homes & Gardens, and Decanter Magazine are platforms associated with the discussion.
In the broader spectrum of lifestyle, these furniture makers, renowned for their high-quality indoor and outdoor creations, have been commended by experts in garden design and furniture-making. Notably, 'John Makepeace' and 'The Daybed Company' offer bespoke furniture, ideal for enhancing indoor and outdoor living spaces respectively, revered for their commitment to craftsmanship. Moreover, in the realms of fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden, retailers such as 'John Lewis' and 'Dunelm' provide a diverse selection of outdoor furniture, appealing to a wide range of tastes and lifestyles due to their focus on design, comfort, and durability.
