A gorgeous blue painted shaker style bespoke fitted home office in Retford. — *A gorgeous blue painted shaker style bespoke fitted home office in Retford*

Are you looking into bespoke fitted home office furniture for your next project?

In this article, you will find all the information you need to make informed decisions and create a truly personalised and efficient workspace. Let’s get started!

Why opt for bespoke fitted home office furniture instead of off-the-shelf solutions?

*A bespoke ergonomic attic office with solid wood desk*

When thinking about setting up a home office, it is natural to be drawn to store-bought generic solutions because of the cheap price tag.

However you will find that bespoke fitted solutions offer a range of benefits that cannot be found elsewhere. We have summarised these for you in a handy table for quick reference

Feature	Benefits
Customisation	Tailored to individual preferences and requirements, allowing for a personalised and unique design.
Optimised Space	Maximises the use of available space by fitting seamlessly into the dimensions of the home office, ensuring efficient utilisation.
Functionality	Designed with the user's workflow in mind, offering specific features and layouts to enhance productivity and organisation.
Aesthetic Appeal	Provides a visually appealing and cohesive look to the home office, contributing to a more inspiring and comfortable work environment.
Storage Solutions	Offers customised storage options, addressing specific organisational needs and reducing clutter in the workspace.
Quality Craftsmanship	Typically crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail, ensuring durability and longevity.
Unique Design	Stands out from mass-produced furniture, allowing users to express their individual style and preferences.
Long-Term Investment	Despite potentially higher initial costs, bespoke fitted furniture is often considered a long-term investment due to its tailored design and durable construction.
Increased Property Value	Well-designed bespoke fitted furniture can enhance the overall value and appeal of a home, especially in the context of a dedicated home office space.

Design Considerations

You can see why bespoke home offices are far superior to off-the-shelf solutions. Now let’s look at some design considerations before starting your project.

Designing bespoke fitted home office furniture involves careful consideration of both ergonomics and aesthetic preferences to create a functional and visually appealing workspace.

Here is a quick overview of these below.

Workspace Layout

The layout of your work surfaces should support natural body movements and posture. This will ensure that you can work comfortably for extended periods of time.

Customised Storage Solutions

Consider accessible and well-organised storage to minimise physical strain when reaching for frequently used items, such as stationary and printing supplies.

Here, we created a nifty solution to hide away the printer in its own completely bespoke printer drawer.
Out of sight and clutter-free!

Adjustable Furniture Components

Incorporate adjustable features such as height-adjustable desks and ergonomic chairs to accommodate individual preferences and promote a healthy work environment.

Lighting Design

Optimise natural and artificial lighting to reduce eye strain and enhance concentration.
The placement of lights is also key, for example you can save precious horizontal and vertial space by mounting lights under shelves.
This adorable bespoke home office set-up that we created for one of our lovely clients is perfect for children. Kids can store all their books and more in the clever custom storage.
And the under-shelf lights mean you do not need a separate desk lamp at all..

Material Selection

Choose materials that are comfortable to touch and easy to clean, considering the practical aspects of daily use.

For example we recommended a simple dry cloth (or very slightly damp one) to gently dust our painted finish home offices. No need for harsh chemicals or abrasives!

Cable Management

Personalisation

Investing in a bespoke fitted home office means taking the time to tailor furniture to your individual needs. Think about factors like preferred working height and reach and discuss these with your designer.

Out of all these design considerations, we believe that customised storage solutions are the biggest and most important factor that affects successful home office design.

So in this section, we will take a closer look at how we can optimise storage solutions for your bespoke home office.

Customised Built-In Storage

Even if you have awkward cornices and quirky ledges in your space, having a fully bespoke home office solution means you can get a perfectly seamless and integrated look effortlessly. Here are some things to consider when it comes to customised built-in storage.

Customised Desk

Customised Art Display and Storage

Customised bookshelves for home office — If you love your creative hobbies, bespoke solutions both display and safely store your creations, ensuring they contribute to the overall ambiance of your home office.
These gorgeous bookshelves were tailored to store our client’s collection of hobby sculptures, books and more.

Materials and Finishes

Selecting the right materials and finishes for your bespoke fitted home office furniture is crucial for achieving both functionality and aesthetics.

Here we look at two of our favourite finishes.

Wood

Painted Finish

Whatever material you opt for, you can choose a painted finish in any colour of your choice to match the office decor.

Painted finishes can be matte or glossy, so you can have a lot of room to play around with when it comes to the effect you want to create for the interior.

When choosing your bespoke home office furniture, your choice of materials and finishes should align with the overall design theme, functional requirements, and personal preferences.

Taking the time to do this carefully can result in a cohesive and visually appealing home office space.

Testimonials

Take a look at what our customers have to say about our bespoke furniture service.

“Thanks to Up North Cabinet Makers and the team for their work on our office. We are thrilled with the results. They managed to fit lots of storage and filing into an awkward space with sloping ceilings. We especially love the curved solid wood desktop.”

— ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“We are absolutely delighted with the end result which has delivered exactly what we wanted.
My vision was understood and adapted to incorporate some additional requests. There was a good choice of finishes and handles and the workmanship is superb.
We would thoroughly recommend Up North Cabinet Makers.”

— ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I absolutely love the alcove shelves that Up North Cabinet Makers fitted for me. The quality is excellent, and they even made some custom sized shelves with dividers for all my sheet music.
They had to work around some tricky corners but came up with great solutions, and the end result is even better than I expected. Thank you!”

— ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Guidance for Bespoke Furniture

Here are our top three practical considerations that will help you approach your home office project with the right mindset.

1. Your budget

It’s a good idea to begin with a budget in mind before embarking on your bespoke home office project. As you approach different furniture businesses, make sure you discuss your budget openly with their designers.

Not only does it set realistic expectations of what is possible, it also allows you to explore cost-effective materials and design options.

You will be amazed to see how sometimes, something that seems financially completely out of reach can be easily adapted to your budget restraints with a small switch in materials and/or finishes.

2. The measurements

When we build anything for you, we will do multiple check-and-measures to ensure everything is precisely designed to your space.
However it is good to have some rough measurements in hand before you approach furniture makers.
Something as simple as the total width, depth and height of your space is enough to give our designers a good starting point for further discussions with you.
If there are any wall irregularities or architectural features like alcoves or slanted ceilings, you could take photos of these to accompany your initial measurements.
All you will need is a simple measuring tape, paper and pencil to get the three main measurements.
And then you’re good to go!

3. Collaboration with designers

bespoke home office design draft — Our designers are here to accommodate all of your vision and more, so don’t be shy! Communicate your likes, preferences, and quirky must-haves clearly with our designers.
At the same time, stay open to their suggestions and expertise for optimising your space and its functionality.
We love it when you review our design drafts and the dialogue keeps flowing. This ensures that the final product we create for you is one that you will truly fall in love with.

Choosing a Reliable Provider

Choosing a reliable provider for making and installing bespoke fitted furniture in the UK is essential to ensure that you are delighted with the quality and craftsmanship of your home office.

Here are some tips to guide you in the selection process

Research and Reviews

Conduct thorough research on potential providers.
Look for reviews and testimonials from previous customers to gauge their satisfaction with the company's products and services.
For example you can easily look at our dozens of reviews on Facebook and Google to get an idea of the kind of work we do.

Portfolio and Previous Work

Examine the provider's portfolio or gallery showcasing their previous bespoke furniture projects. This allows you to assess their style, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

As an example, you can see regular updates and insights into our work through our Instagram account as well as our Google posts. You can also take a look at our gallery of fitted furniture on our website.

Recommendations

Seek recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have had positive experiences with bespoke furniture providers. Personal referrals can be valuable in finding reputable companies.

Ask About the Customisation Process

Don’t be afraid to enquire about the customisation process. A reliable provider should be willing to collaborate with you, understand your needs, and offer personalised solutions.

As veteran and transparent fitted furniture makers, we have simplified our bespoke design, manufacture and installation process into a series of easy, user-friendly steps.

Take a look at these here.

Check for Certification and Accreditation

Verify if the provider is certified or accredited by relevant industry organisations. This can be an indicator of their commitment to quality and adherence to industry standards.

As industry veterans, we have WON the category for Bespoke Furniture Retailer of the Year twice in a row at the Yorkshire Prestige Awards. You can find out more about our achievements at this link.

We are also members of the prestigious Federation of Master Builders, which is a testament to the exceptional level of our skill, quality of work and customer service. Take a look at our listing here.

Insurance and Guarantees

When investing in a bespoke home office, ensure that the provider has adequate insurance coverage. Additionally, inquire about guarantees or warranties on their products and services. This demonstrates their confidence in the durability and quality of their work.

At Up North Cabinet Makers, you have peace of mind that our joinery or furniture manufacture and installation is subject to a 5-year warranty. This means that we will repair or replace any defective goods completely free of cost to you within this timeframe of installation.

What’s more, certain products such as hinges and hardware have even longer warranties, depending on the manufacturer's specifications.

Communication and Transparency

Assess the provider's communication style. A reliable company should be transparent about costs, timelines, and any potential challenges.

When you work with us, we provide you with an itemised breakdown of all the costs involved so you know exactly where your money is going.

You can also always reach out to us via phone, text, email or Whatsapp easily.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Choose a provider that is flexible and adaptable to changes or adjustments during the project. A willingness to accommodate modifications demonstrates a customer-focused approach.

For example our designers will continue to tweak and adjust the design of your home office until you are absolutely thrilled with the result. Nothing less will do for us!

What the Experts Say

So you know by now how we feel about bespoke home offices. But don’t just take our work for it!

Have a look at what the experts are saying.

According to Octagon Capital,

“Not only do home offices save your sanity whilst all the family are in the house together, they can have long-term benefits to the resale value of your home. On average adding a home office to your house can increase the sale price of your house by 5 - 10%.”

Now that’s a real reason for investing in a bespoke home office!

What’s more, Yopa echoes the sentiment too:

“The addition of a home office can add around 8% to 10% to the value of your property in the current market. Not a bad return on your investment!”

There are other benefits too.

According to Global Workplace Analytics, you can save between around £470 and £4700 per year* by working at home half the time.

These savings are primarily due to reduced costs for travel, parking, and food.

What’s more, half-time telecommuters save the equivalent of 11 workdays per year in time they would have otherwise spent commuting. In fact, extreme commuters save more than three times that amount!

Still on the fence?

Not to worry! We have put together a quick summary of the most popular home office design types, their key features, and benefits to help you take a decision.

Home Office Design	Benefits
Traditional Design	Classic and timeless Formal and professional Familiar and comforting
Modern Design	Sleek and minimalist Clean lines and simplicity Emphasis on technology
Scandinavian Design	Bright and airy Natural materials Functional and cosy
Industrial Design	Raw and edgy aesthetic Use of exposed materials Emphasis on functionality
Contemporary Design	Current and evolving Mix of styles and elements Emphasis on individuality

Maintenance and Longevity

Taking proper care of your bespoke fitted home office furniture is crucial for maintaining its beauty and durability. Here are some practical tips to ensure your pieces stay in top-notch condition

1. Dust Regularly

Gently dust your office furniture regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime.

This simple routine can go a long way in preserving its appearance.

2. Avoid Direct Sunlight

Position your bespoke furniture away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or discoloration. If exposure is unavoidable, consider using curtains or blinds during peak sunlight hours.

3. Use Appropriate Cleaning Products

When cleaning, opt for mild, non-abrasive cleaners suitable for the specific materials used in your bespoke furniture.

While we always recommend a dry, lint free cloth, sometimes you might need a slightly damp cloth for any spills or heavy dust.

Which brings us to our next recommendation …

4. Wipe Spills Immediately

Accidents happen! If any spills occur, wipe them up promptly with a slightly damp cloth. This helps prevent stains and ensures that liquids don't seep into the material.

5. Be Mindful of Heat

Never place hot items directly on your furniture. Always use coasters or trivets to protect against heat damage, especially for surfaces like wood or delicate finishes.

6. Handle with Care

Treat your bespoke furniture gently. Lift items instead of dragging them across surfaces to avoid scratches. Be cautious with sharp or heavy objects that may cause unintended damage.

7. Polish Occasionally

Depending on the finish of your furniture, consider using a recommended polish or wax occasionally to enhance its lustre. Always ask us for instructions if you’re unsure …we’re happy to help!

8. Maintain Humidity Levels

Maintain a consistent humidity level in your home, as extreme variations can affect the wood and other materials. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed, especially in seasonal changes.

Remember, a little regular care can go a long way in preserving the beauty and longevity of your bespoke office furniture pieces. Your bespoke furniture is an investment, and proper care will ensure it remains a source of pride and joy for years to come.

For your free design concept, click here!

Jaw-Dropping Interiors! Bespoke Fitted Home Office Furniture That Redefines Luxury and Functionality