Since its inception in 2002, The Sofa & Chair Company has carved out a reputation for quality craftsmanship which put its services in increasing demand. This eventually lead to the opening of a flagship studio in West London, which now serves as the company’s main workshop base. Victoria Noakes explores further ...
The Sofa & Chair Company’s initial goal was to provide the capital’s interior designers with a truly unique buying experience, comprising quality furnishings at competitive lead times. With its scope now dramatically widened, as a leading ambassador for British design, The Sofa & Chair Company aims to reach new and emerging markets within the luxury furniture industry both in the UK and internationally.
Taking inspiration from all facets of iconic British design, from fashion to interiors, the company looks to serve an ever-expanding sphere of trade clients seeking quality and design innovation – two qualities which it strives to uphold. “Ultimately, we believe that true quality speaks for itself, and our clients recognise this in our products,” says Julien Sannier, commercial director.
The company designs and manufactures handcrafted furnishings, specialising in iconic sofas and chairs including luxury dining chairs, designer sofas, contemporary modular sofas and bespoke pieces.
All of its furniture is handmade in Britain using cutting-edge design and manufacture techniques, and the company produces its own frames from kiln-dried hardwood timbers. In addition to this, The Sofa & Chair Company stocks and maintains a range of luxury homeware sourced from some of the finest suppliers in Europe, which are chosen to complement its collection.
“We work directly with the best interior designers and fabric suppliers in the industry, and as a result, we are privy to the inside knowledge on what is currently in demand – enabling us to set trends rather than follow them. For example, before the release of The Great Gatsby film and the twenties retro-fever that followed, we had already finalised production on Fenton, our award-nominated 1920’s-style chair,” Julien explains.
All items in the company’s extensive designer furniture collection are available for customisation in the fabric, timber and finish of choice. The Sofa & Chair Company is able to accommodate any specific requirements in size, finishing or detailing for all luxury furniture pieces. Furniture can then be delivered to the customer approximately 4 weeks from receipt of the fabric.
The company’s exclusive bespoke furniture service runs from initial concept through to the delivery of the customer’s unique piece. Working from supplied sketches or ideas, its designers can create a piece of furniture that is tailored to exact specifications. The Sofa & Chair Company also provides CAD technical drawings to confirm all specifications, with property access checks and measurement services regularly carried out to ensure bespoke pieces are made to measure.
Following a period of huge growth, one of the biggest challenges the company now faces is answering the growing demand for its products in the international market. “We anticipate that in time our remit will extend further internationally, and we are prepared for the new challenges this will pose. We look forward to sharing our design innovations and commitment to quality with new partners across the globe,” says Julien.
Despite The Sofa & Chair Company’s success, it remains unwavering in its dedication to British-inspired design and quality manufacturing traditions. It is clear that its vision centred on providing an authentic service and personalised experience deviates from the common standard, setting it apart from the competition.
