Sofas are actually a lot like shoes — you’ve got to find the right fit. Too deep and you’ll be swallowed up. Too narrow and you’ll lose the comfort factor. And just like shoes, style and color are completely personal. Are you a green velvet kind of person? Or do you prefer a soft mocha leather? Custom furniture might be the right answer for you!
At our furniture store in Farmville, Virginia, we know that customization isn’t just for the pros anymore. In fact, dozens of top furniture manufacturers offer affordable, accessible custom programs, allowing you to create a piece that fits both your style and budget. From selecting the frame to choosing fabrics and finishes, we’re here to help you create a piece that’s uniquely yours and perfectly suited to your home.
That’s why we’ve put together this custom home furniture guide — to show you that the custom order process isn’t as complicated as it seems! We’ll walk you through each and every step in this blog and then again when you visit our stores, ensuring you feel confident and excited about your choices. We have custom order options at our flagship store in Farmville, Virginia, as well as at our furniture store in Northern Virginia and our Raleigh furniture store. You’ll find custom living room furniture, including custom sofas, custom sectional sofas and custom leather furniture.
Insider Insight
Don’t forget: In this blog we’re focusing exclusively on custom upholstery furniture for your home. However, Green Front Outdoor Living carries custom cushions for outdoor furniture. We also offer custom wood furniture, including custom office furniture, custom dining tables and custom bedroom furniture. One of our favorite places to start searching for custom casegoods? Green Front Craftsman!
All this is to say: Your dream sofa might be just one custom order away! Read on to discover more about our frequently asked questions, purchasing options, step-by-step customization process, and top custom furniture manufacturers. Plus, get an exclusive look at Green Front staff favorites — including our President and CEO Den Cralle’s latest beauties uniquely crafted for Monument by Green Front!
Start Here: Our Top Custom Furniture Order FAQs
First things first: What are most Green Front customers most concerned about? Check out our top custom FAQs below!
How long does a custom order take?
While custom orders can take time, we have plenty of options to suit your needs. For quick delivery, come explore our in-stock furniture, check out our quick-ship programs or ask our sales team about the fastest manufacturer turnarounds. Less pressed for time? Most manufacturers will get you a piece in eight to 16 weeks, unless you’re using your own material, which can sometimes take longer.
Can I get a custom piece at my price point?
Absolutely! We offer a variety of custom options that might be more affordable than you think. Visit our store to consult with our sales team about your needs, preferences and specific requirements. We’ll guide you to the brands that best fit your budget and style, ensuring you find the perfect custom piece for your home.
Custom Order Pro-Tip
Customized furniture is an investment. Making smart choices about materials will help you design a lasting piece that’s perfect for YOU. While selecting the frame, cushioning and fabric, consider your home, lifestyle and how often you want to replace your furniture. Think about the room your new piece will go in and how you plan to use it. A gorgeous cream-colored velvet sofa might be perfect for minimal use in your drawing room, but a dark-blue performance sectional can withstand heavy use by kids and pets in your family room.
I’m not an interior designer. How will I choose the right fabric?
No design degree needed — custom furniture is for everyone! Our knowledgeable sales team is here to guide you through the process.
- Concerned about color? When selecting your new piece to complement a rug or room color you love, bring photos of the space. One of our favorite tips is to use crayons or paint chips to match the colors in your rug (or on your wall) as closely as you can. Bring these, along with the photos, to help us make a perfect match.
- Want to see the fabric in your own space? Manufacturers offer fabric swatches that you can take home to see how they look in your home with your room’s color palette and lighting.
- Is durability a concern? Ask about performance fabrics, which are designed to withstand everyday wear and tear with minimal maintenance.
Green Front Rugs
The Green Front Guide to Custom Furniture Design: From Frame to Finish
When customers start envisioning their perfect piece, we often get the same question: “But how does this whole custom design process work?”
It’s surprisingly simple! Follow our step-by-step guide below.
Step 1: Frame Your Vision
Remember: When it comes to crafting your perfect piece of furniture, the frame is the foundation. Most of our manufacturers offer hardwood frames which are both strong and durable. Some modern pieces boast metal frames for a sleeker look. The frame determines the shape and support of your furniture. In other words, when choosing a frame, it’s essential to consider your comfort and aesthetic preferences. Whether you’re designing a sturdy sofa to withstand family gatherings or a chic armchair for a stylish accent, starting with the right frame ensures your custom piece is built to last and tailored to your unique vision.
Step 2: Select Your Support
Once you’ve selected the perfect frame, it’s time to consider your cushion options. Cushions play a crucial role in the comfort and feel of your custom made furniture. Our manufacturers offer a range of cushion fillings:
- High-density Foam: Best for firm support, long-lasting and resistant to sagging. Bonus? Easy to care for and clean.
- Spring Down: Offers the plush, luxury of down encasing a supportive foundation of inner springs and foam. Versatile enough for formal and casual settings.
- Foam and Down: Combines the support of foam with the plushness of down for balanced comfort. Note that this option may be heavier and/or more expensive than foam-only cushions.
Step 3: Dress Your Design
It’s important to remember that not all fabrics are created equal. Choosing the right fabric is about more than style. It’s a vital step in creating a custom piece that not only looks great but will last. Read on to discover everything you need to know about selecting the right fabric for your custom order.
Here’s a quick lesson in upholstery fabrics: Fabrics are classified in grades, starting at either the number 1 or the letter A. As numbers or letters increase, the grade of the fabric does too. Fabric grades measure cost, determined by how difficult a particular material is to make. Each grade has unique benefits, ensuring that your custom piece not only looks great but also meets your lifestyle needs. Whether you prioritize affordability, luxury or durability, understanding fabric grades will help you make an informed decision:
- Entry-Level Fabrics: Designated as 1/A, these are the least expensive options, typically including polyester solids and cotton blends. A good number of entry-level fabrics can be very durable — and perfect for high-traffic areas.
- Medium-Grade Fabrics: Mid-range fabrics like rayon or linen are perfect for custom living room furniture that receives moderate traffic. They provide a good balance between cost and quality, offering both durability and comfort.
- High-End Fabrics: Think intricate silks, heavy chenilles and velvets, mohairs and tapestries. High-end fabrics deliver a luxurious feel for those seeking a touch of elegance and sophistication. It’s important to note that the high-end designation doesn’t necessarily indicate durability. In fact, the opposite is often true as many of these materials (like silks) are delicate and not as suitable for high-traffic areas.
Another consideration for those with kids or pets: Durable, easy-to-clean performance fabrics — like Crypton or Sunbrella — stand up well to everyday wear and tear. Made of synthetic fibers like olefin, acrylic or nylon, they’re designed to protect against stains, water damage, mold, mildew and even UV rays, often boasting a longer life than non-performance upholstery.
Explore Your Purchasing Options
In-Stock Furniture (Same Day Purchase)
In-stock furniture is on the showfloor and ready for you to take home — today, if you’d like! For these items, there is absolutely zero wait time – just load them up or schedule your delivery.
Quick Ship (2-4 Weeks)
For those who need quality furniture quickly, select brands like Precedent, Century and CraftMaster that offer a quick-ship option. Choose from a limited group of frames and fabrics for faster turnaround time. Brands like Bernhardt and Universal Furniture offer “married sofas,” for which certain fabrics and frames are pre-paired to expedite the custom order process.
Custom Order (8-16 weeks)
Design your perfect piece. With 30+ custom upholstery furniture manufacturers to choose from, Green Front’s custom order process offers comprehensive choices for frames, cushions, fabrics and finishes. Custom home furniture is ideal when working with set dimensions, matching an existing color scheme or complementing a unique style. It takes a bit longer than our in-stock or quick-ship options, but the result is a piece tailored precisely to your vision.
Customer’s Own Material: COM (Varies)
For the ultimate in customization, use your own material! This specialized option ensures that each piece is uniquely crafted to fit your individual needs and preferences. Timing depends on the manufacturer and fabric availability.
Insider Insight:
Green Front President & CEO Den Cralle chose the COM option to design a Highland House sofa and Chaddock chairs for Monument by Green Front — more on these pieces below!
Whether you prefer a modern, glossy look or rustic, vintage charm, selecting the right finish for exposed wooden legs or arms is key to creating your custom piece.
- Stains enhance the natural grain of wood with a range of shades from light to dark, providing a timeless and classic look.
- Paints and lacquers can be selected to match any decor — from soft, traditional tones to bold, high-gloss hues.
- Distressing deliberately weathers wood to add character and that antique vibe.
Elegant upholstery finishes can include all kinds of personalized touches. For a sophisticated, tailored look, consider adding nailhead trim, available in different sizes and metals — Hancock and Moore even has options like pewter and black pearl! Distinctive stitching patterns, such as French seams, tufting or contrast stitching, add details to reflect craftsmanship and style.
A Catalog of the Top Custom Home Furniture Manufacturers
Here’s a list highlighting some of our most popular brands for custom orders — plus a few hidden gems you might not be aware of! Don’t see what you want? Visit our stores to explore 30+ designer brands with custom options.
Sherrill Furniture: From Everyday to Elevated
What’s better than a brand that has it all? At Green Front we love Sherrill Furniture — in fact, we have an entire Sherrill Studio at our flagship furniture store in Farmville, VA. Known for quicker turnaround times, Sherrill offers American-made custom-order furniture perfect for everyday family use with options for durable performance fabrics. But the versatility doesn’t end there. For those seeking a more elevated look, the Sherrill family of brands includes:
- Lillian August: Renowned for its beautiful, colorful styles, adding a “yummy” touch of sophistication to every space.
- Mr. and Mrs. Howard: Offers quirky, petite designs that bring a unique charm to your home.
- Hickory White: Versatile enough to fit seamlessly in a rustic cabin — or the Oval Office. Options range from bold colors to animal prints to luxurious gold accents.
Perfect for: Just about everyone! This brand spans from pet-friendly to high design.
Find it at Green Front: Farmville Building 9 (first floor), NOVA, Raleigh
King Hickory: Stylish and Kid-Friendly
Need kid-friendly furniture? King Hickory offers unbeatable customization at a price point that’s perfect for families. Known for high-end construction — solid frames, eight-way hand-tied springs and durable cushioning — this brand ensures every piece is built to last (and to be jumped on occasionally)!
Perfect for: Young families looking for a comfortable (yet stylish) home
Find it at Green Front: Farmville Building 5, NOVA, Raleigh
Jessica Charles: Undeniable Style
Jessica Charles’ secret: This brand’s designers only select fabrics with personalities as vibrant and sophisticated as yours! From swivel chairs and gliders to rockers and occasional chairs, Jessica Charles offers some of the best custom-designed seats available. Designers utilize a variety of fabrics from linen to chenille, cutting and sewing each pattern by hand.
Perfect for: Style influencers and fashion enthusiasts
Find it at Green Front: Farmville Building 10, NOVA, Raleigh
Rowe Furniture: Hip & Eco-Conscious
For locally crafted, eco-conscious custom design at a moderate price point, look no further than Rowe Furniture. Crafted in Elliston, Virginia, these frames have plenty of personality — plus a hip vibe. Fabric options even include performance leather, allowing for sophisticated pieces that will hold up under the wear and tear of daily living.
Perfect For: Young professionals and families who want a stylish home
Find it at Green Front: Farmville Building 8, NOVA, Raleigh
CR Laine: The Perfect Sit, Every Time
Love specific finishes? American-made CR Laine offers various fabrics, leathers, cushions, trims, stitching, finishes and even nails. With the ability to intricately design each piece — down to details like French-seam stitch versus saddle stitch — you can bring home a sofa or chair you truly love.
Perfect for: Those who love specific finishes — plus a perfect sit!
Find it at Green Front: Farmville Building 8
Green Front Exclusive: Staff Favorites
Ashley’s Picks
Taylor King: “A Pretty Sofa That Can Do it All!”
Taylor King’s stylish collaborations with top designers like Lauren Liess and Celerie Kemble make family living truly fabulous. In other words: beautiful fabric meets washable slipcovers!
Our sales team member Ashley loves the mid-century-inspired Architect sofa by Lauren Liess with its elegant curved base. Two more noteworthy picks? The Courtier slipcovered sofa for smaller spaces (and easy cleaning) or the Hawthorne custom sectional sofa for sprawled out comfort. Ashley’s favorite Taylor King custom fabric? An elegant Belgian linen.
Perfect for: Those who want “a pretty sofa that can do it all!”
Find it at Green Front: Farmville Building 9, NOVA, Raleigh
Gail’s Picks
Wesley Hall: Fun and Full of Personality
Ready to make your space roar? Sales team member Gail loves the vibrant fabrics of Wesley Hall — and she can’t get enough of those animal prints! Her top pick, the Thomas sofa, features an English Arm, castor legs and gorgeous leopard fabric. Known for attention to detail, all Wesley Hall pieces are 100% bench made.
Perfect for: Those who love a walk on the wild side — not to mention expert pattern matching and impeccable tailoring!
Find it at Green Front: Farmville Building 9, NOVA, Raleigh
Hickory Chair: Custom as Art
Gail’s second pick, the Bertrand sofa, demonstrates how effortlessly Hickory Chair elevates customized furniture to an art form. Gail loves this sofa’s updated traditional design, which features a camel back and bench seat, and she can’t get enough of the gorgeous baby-blue velvet upholstery. With high-end, designer-oriented pieces and a meticulous Made-for-You program, Hickory Chair doesn’t just offer personalization — the brand encourages it!
Perfect for: Interior designers and those who love high-end style!
Find it at Green Front: Farmville Building 10
Den’s Picks
Highland House: The Master of the Truly Unique Piece
There’s a reason designers choose Highland House consistently: It’s truly timeless. With versatile, antique-inspired designs (and impeccable attention to detail) this brand delivers pieces that will withstand both time and trends. Better yet? It’s an industry leader in using customer’s own material. While working with Avery Frank Designs to outfit Monument by Green Front, Den selected the Weezie swivel chairs. Upholstered in a gorgeous cream and gold art deco pattern with a contrasting gold welt, these lounge chairs create the perfect reading nook in the library. Next, he chose the Ella slipper chairs in a classic Colefax and Fowler Malabar animal spot velvet with a blonde cerused oak finish for the drawing room. Finally, the drawing room’s Etienne sofa features stunning Lee Jofa velvet crafted in Belgium in a dragonfly beige and gold — watch the unboxing video below!
Perfect for: Customer’s-own-material (COM) orders!
Find it at Green Front: Farmville Building 10
Chaddock: Where Custom is Standard
Why did Den choose Chaddock for his armchairs? What’s above-and-beyond at other companies is standard here. Chaddock’s dedication to hand-tailored seating and hand-applied finishes elevates American-made furniture. Take the Morocco lounge chairs, for example – they bring a fresh twist to the classic armchair design. The Lee Jofa coral velvet, crafted in the Czech Republic, adds a touch of deep elegance that’s simply unmatched.
Ready to Invest in Custom Home Furniture?
Whether you’re looking for a stylish sofa, a cozy sectional or a one-of-a-kind chair, Green Front is here to help you bring your vision to life. Visit our Farmville campus, as well as our stores in Northern Virginia or Raleigh, to explore our extensive selection and consult with our knowledgeable team. For extra inspiration, don’t forget to click below to check out our dedicated Sherrill Studio for even more bespoke furniture possibilities. Your dream home is just a custom order away!