How to Order Custom Upholstery Like a Pro

Ordering custom upholstery is one of those design upgrades that feels equally exciting and intimidating. A custom sofa or chair is not just another piece of furniture, it anchors the room and sets the tone for everything around it. I have ordered custom pieces for my own home and for client projects, and every single time I’m reminded how many thoughtful decisions go into getting it right. Fabric is just the beginning… comfort, proportion, construction, and details matter just as much. Given the crazy lead times at big box stores for semi custom pieces, you may want to consider a custom furniture maker. If you’re making a big upholstery purchase or are considering a custom sofa, sectional, or chair, this post should be helpful! There’s more to know than you might expect. I hope this proves to be your handy guide. If you want to order custom upholstery like a pro, here is exactly what to consider before you sign off.

If you’re taking more of a DIY approach here is my list of custom furniture resources (for non designers). There are lots of brands that offer high-quality, custom pieces that can be ordered online by the non trade consumers. You could also consider DIY options like how to make a custom upholstered bed if you’re up for a challenge with a big pay off. Anyway, let’s dive in…

1: Start With the Right Upholstery Maker

Honestly, the most difficult thing about ordering custom upholstery is finding a quality source. The craftsmanship of your custom upholstery starts with the person building it. You can work with a designer who can help with the entire process, find a local company to bring your vision to life, or take the semi-custom route with a larger retailer. You’ll want to look at proportions, stitching, cushion fill, and how their finished pieces look. An experienced upholsterer will ask how you use your furniture and help you translate inspiration into specifications. That collaboration separates a good custom piece from a great one.

I ended up having a local workroom make the daybed for my home office… it’s always nice to find a good local source for future projects! It rivals designer pieces for a fraction of the cost, and I’d much rather support a business in my community… plus, it’s always easier to work together in person. If you’re able to find a local furniture maker or person who reupholsters, by all means… take that route! I promise the end result will be better and the process will be easier.

2: Selecting Dimensions and Scale

Custom upholstery is flexible, but requires some decision making. Nailing down the dimensions requires a bit of planning, but will result in a sofa or piece of furniture that fits the exact needs of your family. Emmett and I are average height so we don’t require extra deep seats. Take into consideration how you will use your furniture and who will be using it. My advice is to sit on a bunch of sofas and see what feels best. You can shop around at different retailers testing sofas, even if you are taking the custom route. That’s really the best way to determine what you like since you’re building your furniture from scratch. Measure your space and think through how the piece will fit in the room. Beyond overall width, be sure to record the following measurements that feel best for you…

• Seat height
• Seat depth
• Arm height
• Back height

If you love curling up with a blanket and a book, you might prefer a deeper seat. If you entertain frequently and want upright comfort, a slightly shallower depth may feel better. Consider these factors when finalizing your dimensions. The scale of your room will also play a big factor in the size of your furniture!

3: Understanding Cushion Construction

The next critical decision when ordering custom upholstery is how the sofa or chair actually sits. Cushion construction determines whether your seating feels structured or relaxed. A high density foam core wrapped in down is a popular option because it balances softness with a tailored shape. All down cushions feel luxurious but require more maintenance, while firmer foam cushions hold a more rigid look. When working with an upholsterer, ask about foam density, cushion cores, and cushion wrapping.

I prefer a soft seat you can sink into, but I also don’t love the maintenance that comes with an entirely down-filled sofa… like the Cloud by Restoration Hardware, for example. It uses down feather seat cushions with 50 / 50 down poly blend back cushions. While super soft and sinkable, that ratio can look sloppy if you’re not into fluffing your pillows before and after each use. It’s a little too casual for my aesthetic, but I do love the way down cushions sit.

My preferred cushion is usually 90% feather and 10% down wrapped around a foam core, so the cushions hold their shape better and require less maintenance. I typically request a high-resiliency foam core wrapped in down. It gives that cloud-like, sink into the seat feel while allowing the cushions to hold their shape and it requires far less maintenance.

One helpful tip when researching upholstery is to check the tag underneath the seat cushions. Most sofas include a label listing the construction, manufacturer info (made in North Carolina is always a good sign), cushion fill, foam type, feather and down content, and frame construction. Once you start paying attention to those details, you can quickly learn which upholstery you like best.

4: Choosing Upholstery Fabric

Selecting upholstery fabric is my favorite part of the process. Another advantage of working with a local company is browsing their fabric library in person. The fabrics at the top of my list are usually natural materials- like cotton, linen, wool, or a performance fabric like Crypton. For the daybed in my home office, I opted for Crypton because our dogs use it… it’s basically a glorified dog bed at this point. I needed something stain resistant that would withstand the pups, so I opted for a performance fabric. Performance fabrics are a smart choice in high traffic homes or households with pets. Always review durability ratings and request larger samples. Observe the fabric in natural light and in the evening. Fabric can shift dramatically depending on lighting and surrounding finishes.

5: Consider Arm Style and Overall Silhouette

You’ll need to nail down the arm style… which personally, I think is an easier decision because there are fewer options. The arm style shapes the personality of your custom sofa. A tailored track arm feels modern. A rolled English arm reads as classic and inviting. A sloped arm introduces softness. Custom upholstery gives you control over these fun details. The classic or most common arm styles include the following (if you’d like to look them up):

• Sloped arm
• English (or rolled) arm
• Curved arm
• Square (or track) arm
• Swoop arm
• Paneled arm
• Pleated arm
• Shelter arm
• Key arm
• Ledge arm
• Ruched arm

6: Do Not Overlook the Legs

When designing custom furniture, you get to choose every little detail, including the leg or foot style. The leg style influences how heavy or light a piece feels. I’d recommend doing some quick searches or buying a book on furniture styles to see the options- because believe me when I say, there are a lot. From cabriole legs to straight reeded legs and tapers to twists or clawfeet, the possibilities are truly endless. You can also consider having casters installed at the bottom of the legs! I always love a classic english caster, and they make moving furniture a breeze. Tapered legs often feel transitional and refined. Turned legs add traditional character. The finish should look cohesive with other wood tones found in the space- whether you’re matching or intentionally mixing.

7: Tailoring Details

There is an array of fabric details you can choose from. Piping or a welted edge creates a crisp outline. A flange edge feels relaxed and slightly more casual. Nailhead trim can add interest and a metallic element. Trim or appliqué adds color and pattern. This is another one of my personal favorite parts of the process… be sure to consider adding any of the following to your cushions or upholstered frame:

• A piped edge
• A knifed edge
• A flange edge
• An appliqué or trim border detail (you know I’m partial to Greek key)
• A slipcover (for functionality and aesthetics)
• Nailheads

8: Wood Details to Look For

Just like the fabric details, you’re also able to choose your wood preferences. If your sofa has wood legs, wood details on the arms, or a plinth base, you can customize the stain color, specify your preferred wood species, and confirm the inner frame material. My preference is always kiln-dried hardwood! It resists warping and cracking over time and provides structural integrity that makes a custom sofa feel substantial and long lasting. When investing in custom upholstery, frame construction matters just as much as the fabric.

9: Planning for Budget and Lead Time

Custom upholstery is an investment, and pricing varies depending on fabric grade, construction, and customization. The same style sofa in two different fabrics can be thousands of dollars apart. My best advice? Tell your furniture maker what your budget is, be upfront, and ask them to show you fabrics and finishes within your price range. A skilled maker can help you adjust specifications while preserving the overall look.

I went in to buy my daybed, rattled off exactly what I wanted (without sharing my budget), landed on a Crypton fabric right away (a more expensive fabric), and was pleasantly surprised that my cost was slightly LESS than what I was going to pay for a super similar daybed from One Kings Lane. Lead times can range from several weeks to several months. Planning ahead prevents rushed design decisions and disappointment. Most custom furniture is not eligible for a return… just something to keep in mind! It’s all made to order.

10: Thinking Long Term

When ordering custom upholstery, think beyond trends. Choose proportions and fabrics that will feel relevant years from now. You can always layer personality through pillows, throws, and accessories that are easier (and less expensive) to update.

Something you may not think to have made are additional cushions. Since you’re having a piece of furniture custom made, you’ll be able to have extras constructed to match exactly. There is nothing I love more than a monochromatic moment or cohesive seating look! Be sure to consider additional bolsters, or custom sized pillows in the same fabric for a super tailored and designerly look. It will be much less expensive and easier than trying to buy cushions after the fact. It’s always a great way to incorporate that same fabric into another area in the same room… toss a pillow onto a lounge chair that matches the sofa you just had made. Having that cohesive element is really a nice thread of consistency.

Questions?

Related Posts

I love to mix high and low! Here are some more posts to check out for custom home items and DIY options…

• Custom Window Treatments : The Process
• How to Build a Custom Outdoor Sofa
• Custom Framing Art Tips, Cost, and Frame Selection Ideas
• How to Train Readymade Curtains for a Custom Look
• How to Make a Basic Ottoman Look Custom and High-End
• Ideas for Customizing a Kitchen Island Or Cart
• Custom Furniture Resources (For Non Designers)
• 10 Things Interior Designers Always Splurge On
• Affordable Window Treatments For a Custom Designer Look
• A Peek Into the Custom Furniture Ordering Process

My goal was to help you consider every last detail if you’re planning to invest in custom furniture someday. Ordering custom upholstery isn’t complicated once you understand how to the process works. Definitely pin this post for later, that way if the time comes… you’ll be armed with knowledge and ready to make the fun design decisions. I hope it was helpful! In the meantime, if you’re not ready to commit to custom, I am linking some timeless options below that won’t go out of style. Ask me any questions in the comment section below and have a wonderful week, friends.