Artisan products will always be popular with consumers who want something high-end and unique to show off in their homes. These items have plenty of visual and practical appeal and are exceptionally skillfully crafted wooden creations. The problem is that there are lots of creators out there online, on social media, and in makeshift workshops claiming to be much better than they are. The word artisan doesn't automatically mean quality, and that's why it pays to do your research. When you find local artisan creators with real skill and a stunning body of work, you know you are supporting someone who deserves it. Here are some tips for finding the best handmade furniture makers near you.

 

What To Look For When Choosing The Right Artisan Furniture Maker

1) Bespoke Furniture

When looking for a statement piece to bring a room together, it is best to look for reliable bespoke furniture and find the best artisan furniture makers. Their skill and creativity with different timbers, paired with their expertise in design, should make them the perfect choice for unique items. We go to artisans and creatives for unique pieces with individual flair. We want to get away from the monotony of flat-pack kits and tired boxy designs. These creators should jump at the chance to help you turn a vision for a piece of handmade furniture into reality and find clever ways to add their finishing touches so that you have something perfect for your home.

 

2) A Variety Of Pieces

It also helps if these top artisan designers have plenty of experience working with different types of furniture. Some creators are locked into one kind of product and are the best in their industry because of it. For example, you may know of someone who specializes in rocking chairs and carves them to order. However, if you want an interesting piece of furniture for a dining room or living room, such as a unique sideboard, drinks cabinet, or nesting tables, you need someone who has worked on something similar in the past. The broader their repertoire, the better the chance of them being able to create what you have in mind.

 

3) A Gallery Of Work

One way to be sure that these artisan specialists really can make stunning bespoke furniture is to take a look at their previous work. Most of the top creators will have a gallery set up on their website, where you can get a better look at their style and how they handle the wood. The more photos here are of their broad range of pieces, the more clients they've probably had. Some pieces may be showroom items or apprentices pieces, but they still highlight the creator's skill and creativity. If there aren't any photos online, check out their social media profiles to find past projects there.

 

4) Great Reviews

Next, you're looking for some positive reviews from previous clients. You want to know that other people who have worked with this design team had a positive experience. They should be happy with the final results in terms of the way the piece looks, its practical features, and the overall quality of the work. They may even have some photos of the item in its new home to show it off. Those reviews can also highlight the customer service and how easy it was to work with the team to get what they wanted. Those reviews could be on the company's website, or you may find them via Google or other third-party websites.

 

5) A Good Brand Story

This factor isn't essential, but it doesn't hurt. There are expectations that artisan creators in any field have a story to tell. Some people take up their trade because it was passed down to them through generations. Others do so to buck trends, save dying arts, or simply do something that lets them indulge a passion. Few do this purely as a 9-5 job to pay the bills. You may have the chance to read all about the company and its founder on the website. That brand story could be what makes one creator stand out over another.

 

6) Local Workshop

Again, the location of the workshop isn't an essential factor. There is something heartwarming about being able to support local tradespeople and independent businesses rather than shop with big brands. The closer to home they are, the better it feels. So, you're doing your bit if you can find someone with the skill and experience to make your bespoke wooden furniture within a small radius. There's also the potential that the materials will be local, decreasing the carbon footprint further.

 

7) Quality Materials

Regardless of their location, those materials for your custom handmade furniture should be of high quality. We're talking about premium solid wood from the right source of timber. Maybe you want a solid oak dresser or a teak sideboard. Your chosen company should know the difference between good and poor-quality wood and how to handle it.

 

8) Easy Communication

Finally, the best artisan furniture makers should be easy to work with. To start with, it helps if the brand has a contact form where you can enquire about services and pitch your suggestions. Ideally, the team will get back to you pretty quickly with their thoughts and ideas on your design. From there, there should be easy two-way communication throughout the process.

 

Don't Settle For Less

Ideally, you want a local furniture maker or workshop that ticks as many of these boxes as possible. Proof of previous bespoke pieces within different styles of handmade furniture is essential to ensure you're dealing with an expert craftsman. The more you can find out about the company and the easier it is to communicate ideas, the better. As for the chance to purchase items from local creators using local materials, that's just a nice cherry on the cake. Do your research, talk to these creators about their work, and make sure you're on the same page before paying for anything.