Join In: A Beginner’s Guide to Bespoke Joinery
Create storage furniture that's tailor-made to suit your home by commissioning custom-made carpentry
Jennifer Chong
16 November 2017
Interior designer, Houzz contributor and champion of local businesses in Cambridge.
I have a passion for all things beautiful combined with a meticulous eye for detail. Through my company, Feioi, I offer an affordable in-home consultancy design service. I believe everyone deserves to live in a beautiful, functional home and smart design concepts can be applied to any space, no matter the size or budget.
Interior designer, Houzz contributor and champion of local businesses in Cambridge.
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We all browse images of beautiful homes, free from the clutter of everyday life, save the odd leather-bound book casually resting on the arm of a sofa, but who actually lives like that? If you’re one of those people who ruthlessly discards all but necessary items and have a habitually tidy home, then I commend you. The rest of us, however, need a solution – storage. If you want to maximise that storage space and have a something that looks beautiful too, bespoke joinery is the answer. Here’s everything you need to know for designing a piece of storage that works perfectly in your home.
Choose the location
First things first – where to put your lovely new piece of furniture? It requires thought because, unlike freestanding furniture, once it’s in, it’s in. Take an objective look at your current room layout and make sure you’re happy with it. If there are other options you want to try, now’s the time to shift your furniture around and experiment. Once you’re happy with the layout, you can decide where your built-in furniture piece can go.
Also consider what you’ll be storing in it. Where’s the best location in the house for these items? Do you want things on display or hidden behind doors? Just because there’s a vacant space in a particular room, that doesn’t mean it’s the right place for your new piece of storage.
First things first – where to put your lovely new piece of furniture? It requires thought because, unlike freestanding furniture, once it’s in, it’s in. Take an objective look at your current room layout and make sure you’re happy with it. If there are other options you want to try, now’s the time to shift your furniture around and experiment. Once you’re happy with the layout, you can decide where your built-in furniture piece can go.
Also consider what you’ll be storing in it. Where’s the best location in the house for these items? Do you want things on display or hidden behind doors? Just because there’s a vacant space in a particular room, that doesn’t mean it’s the right place for your new piece of storage.
Give it a purpose
The next job is to think about the purpose of your new joinery. You may want things on display or hidden from view, but make sure you consider all the options. Sometimes the most obvious choice isn’t the best one. Rather than cramming them in a rack concealed behind a door, these beautiful shoes are displayed on open shelves and add interest to the walk-in wardrobe. The shelving offers the added bonus of preventing the footwear from getting squashed, and it also keeps it well ventilated.
Alternatively, if you have a tendency to be messy or prefer a streamlined look, opt for doors or drawers to conceal the internal chaos. A multi-functional piece to house many different items may require a mixture of doors, drawers and open shelving.
Built-In Joinery Takes Homes to the Next Level
The next job is to think about the purpose of your new joinery. You may want things on display or hidden from view, but make sure you consider all the options. Sometimes the most obvious choice isn’t the best one. Rather than cramming them in a rack concealed behind a door, these beautiful shoes are displayed on open shelves and add interest to the walk-in wardrobe. The shelving offers the added bonus of preventing the footwear from getting squashed, and it also keeps it well ventilated.
Alternatively, if you have a tendency to be messy or prefer a streamlined look, opt for doors or drawers to conceal the internal chaos. A multi-functional piece to house many different items may require a mixture of doors, drawers and open shelving.
Built-In Joinery Takes Homes to the Next Level
Choose materials and finish
By definition ‘joinery’ refers to items made of wood, but while it’s still a key material, there are other options you can go for instead.
Veneer sometimes gets bad press, being associated with cheap, mass-produced, flat-pack furniture. However, good quality veneer does exist and is a good choice as an alternative to solid wood.
If you’re looking for a natural wood finish, a combination of solid wood and veneer is often the best option to ensure your furniture stands the test of time. Solid wood looks great, but it can warp and move with varying temperatures and humidity. A veneer with a good-quality MDF or plywood substrate is more stable and sometimes stronger than solid wood. There are other benefits, including a wider range of style options, uniformity in colour and tone, and the fact that veneer is better for the environment.
By definition ‘joinery’ refers to items made of wood, but while it’s still a key material, there are other options you can go for instead.
Veneer sometimes gets bad press, being associated with cheap, mass-produced, flat-pack furniture. However, good quality veneer does exist and is a good choice as an alternative to solid wood.
If you’re looking for a natural wood finish, a combination of solid wood and veneer is often the best option to ensure your furniture stands the test of time. Solid wood looks great, but it can warp and move with varying temperatures and humidity. A veneer with a good-quality MDF or plywood substrate is more stable and sometimes stronger than solid wood. There are other benefits, including a wider range of style options, uniformity in colour and tone, and the fact that veneer is better for the environment.
Cast your material net wide
If you’re opting for a painted finish then there is even more scope to include alternative materials to wood. A strong material such as MDF on the internal carcass will ensure your unit is strong. It will also prevent warping, or any expanding and contracting that might occur when the temperature fluctuates. Add wood to the edges and areas with decorative mouldings, as it can be carved into features and gives a natural grain texture.
MDF is a particularly good choice for bathrooms or any area exposed to heat or moisture. Waterproof MDF in a durable painted finish should remain strong and undamaged for years.
Make sure you ask your joiner for advice about the best materials to use. Give them an idea of the look you want to achieve, and what you will be using the furniture for, so they know how much weight it will need to support. Ask to see samples of each material to check how it looks against other colours and textures in the room, but bear in mind that there can be a variation in natural products.
If you’re opting for a painted finish then there is even more scope to include alternative materials to wood. A strong material such as MDF on the internal carcass will ensure your unit is strong. It will also prevent warping, or any expanding and contracting that might occur when the temperature fluctuates. Add wood to the edges and areas with decorative mouldings, as it can be carved into features and gives a natural grain texture.
MDF is a particularly good choice for bathrooms or any area exposed to heat or moisture. Waterproof MDF in a durable painted finish should remain strong and undamaged for years.
Make sure you ask your joiner for advice about the best materials to use. Give them an idea of the look you want to achieve, and what you will be using the furniture for, so they know how much weight it will need to support. Ask to see samples of each material to check how it looks against other colours and textures in the room, but bear in mind that there can be a variation in natural products.
Calculate dimensions
When you’re measuring up for your new piece of furniture, it’s important to be as accurate as possible. This is particularly important if it is fitting within a pre-defined space, such as an alcove. Of course, the joiner you hire will take their own accurate measurements, so unless you’re planning a DIY job you shouldn’t need to worry about this too much. However, it’s a good idea to measure at the pre-planning stage to make it easier to obtain estimates and work out your design.
Don’t forget to take into account any inherent features in the room, such as sloping ceilings, dado rails, cornicing and skirting boards.
When you’re measuring up for your new piece of furniture, it’s important to be as accurate as possible. This is particularly important if it is fitting within a pre-defined space, such as an alcove. Of course, the joiner you hire will take their own accurate measurements, so unless you’re planning a DIY job you shouldn’t need to worry about this too much. However, it’s a good idea to measure at the pre-planning stage to make it easier to obtain estimates and work out your design.
Don’t forget to take into account any inherent features in the room, such as sloping ceilings, dado rails, cornicing and skirting boards.
Design the exterior
The facade of your joinery will not only contribute to the look of the piece, but also to the room as a whole. If the piece you are designing is large, the sheer size of it can have quite an impact on your interior design.
The false bookcase-effect on these doors gives the space a quirky, yet traditional look. Minimalist, contemporary doors, even in the same colour, would create an entirely different aesthetic. Some other exterior ideas to consider are fretwork doors, glass panels, mirrors, shadow gaps and patterned effects.
The facade of your joinery will not only contribute to the look of the piece, but also to the room as a whole. If the piece you are designing is large, the sheer size of it can have quite an impact on your interior design.
The false bookcase-effect on these doors gives the space a quirky, yet traditional look. Minimalist, contemporary doors, even in the same colour, would create an entirely different aesthetic. Some other exterior ideas to consider are fretwork doors, glass panels, mirrors, shadow gaps and patterned effects.
Complement the room’s style
In a contemporary interior, it’s usual to opt for clean lines with minimal detailing. Traditional-style homes, on the other hand, suit designs such as panelled doors, decorative beading and carved, fluted edges. Check out any architectural features in the space, such as architraves, skirting boards and cornicing, and consider mirroring them on your new furniture.
Here, the cornice has been fixed to the front of the unit, which allows it to continue seamlessly around the room. It also provides a neat edge to the cupboards.
Think about how to finish edges and where the unit will meet other surfaces, such as the floor, walls and ceiling. Plinths or skirting details help to neaten things up at the base, or if you want a more streamlined effect you can take the unit straight down to the floor.
In a contemporary interior, it’s usual to opt for clean lines with minimal detailing. Traditional-style homes, on the other hand, suit designs such as panelled doors, decorative beading and carved, fluted edges. Check out any architectural features in the space, such as architraves, skirting boards and cornicing, and consider mirroring them on your new furniture.
Here, the cornice has been fixed to the front of the unit, which allows it to continue seamlessly around the room. It also provides a neat edge to the cupboards.
Think about how to finish edges and where the unit will meet other surfaces, such as the floor, walls and ceiling. Plinths or skirting details help to neaten things up at the base, or if you want a more streamlined effect you can take the unit straight down to the floor.
Ask your joiner for advice
Your joiner should be able to offer some good advice on design, if you give them an idea of the look you are trying to achieve. Discuss any ideas you have with them, as this can have an effect on the construction as well as the style. For example, mirrors on doors can add a lot of weight and would require sufficiently strong doors and hinges.
It’s a good idea to look through your joiner’s portfolio, or browse images online and in magazines for inspiration.
Find a joiner on Houzz for your project
Your joiner should be able to offer some good advice on design, if you give them an idea of the look you are trying to achieve. Discuss any ideas you have with them, as this can have an effect on the construction as well as the style. For example, mirrors on doors can add a lot of weight and would require sufficiently strong doors and hinges.
It’s a good idea to look through your joiner’s portfolio, or browse images online and in magazines for inspiration.
Find a joiner on Houzz for your project
Pay attention to the internal design
The internal features of your furniture require even greater thought than the exterior. After all, the interior is where you’ll actually be putting your things, so functionality comes into play as well as appearance.
Obviously you need to think about what you want to store within the unit. If it’s books, measure all the shelves to ensure there is enough room for them all. Also check the height of your books and space the shelves accordingly. Bookcases look much better when there is not too much space between the top of the books and the next shelf, plus you’ll maximise on your storage space.
With drawers and cupboards, think about what will be going in them and how easy it will be to access. Cupboards are good for large items and utilise the entire internal space, but can be impractical for smaller items which can be hard to reach when pushed to the back. Drawers take up more space, but allow more access to smaller items. Also, think about how deep you want your drawers to be, depending on what will be stored inside.
Bear in mind that anything with moving parts, such as drawer runners, add to the cost, so if budget is an issue discuss your requirements with your joiner. Always be upfront and realistic about how much you can afford to spend, so that the joiner can recommend what’s best for you.
The internal features of your furniture require even greater thought than the exterior. After all, the interior is where you’ll actually be putting your things, so functionality comes into play as well as appearance.
Obviously you need to think about what you want to store within the unit. If it’s books, measure all the shelves to ensure there is enough room for them all. Also check the height of your books and space the shelves accordingly. Bookcases look much better when there is not too much space between the top of the books and the next shelf, plus you’ll maximise on your storage space.
With drawers and cupboards, think about what will be going in them and how easy it will be to access. Cupboards are good for large items and utilise the entire internal space, but can be impractical for smaller items which can be hard to reach when pushed to the back. Drawers take up more space, but allow more access to smaller items. Also, think about how deep you want your drawers to be, depending on what will be stored inside.
Bear in mind that anything with moving parts, such as drawer runners, add to the cost, so if budget is an issue discuss your requirements with your joiner. Always be upfront and realistic about how much you can afford to spend, so that the joiner can recommend what’s best for you.
Consider specific needs
Don’t forget, this project is completely bespoke, so you can avoid standard pieces and design the furniture to suit you. For a wardrobe, for example, think about whether you prefer hanging or folding. How much full-length hanging do you really need? Factor in spaces for specific items in your collection, such as hats, bags or scarves.
Shallow drawers and shelves can work much better than the large shelf spaces you get in standard wardrobes, as they reduce big, messy piles that make it hard to see and reach things.
Don’t forget, this project is completely bespoke, so you can avoid standard pieces and design the furniture to suit you. For a wardrobe, for example, think about whether you prefer hanging or folding. How much full-length hanging do you really need? Factor in spaces for specific items in your collection, such as hats, bags or scarves.
Shallow drawers and shelves can work much better than the large shelf spaces you get in standard wardrobes, as they reduce big, messy piles that make it hard to see and reach things.
Decide on adjustable features
It can be useful to make shelves adjustable, but think about whether or not you really need this feature. If you’ve put consideration into your layout, chances are you’ll never change it. Shelf tracks can be unsightly and will increase the cost, so if you’re not going to use them it’s not worth paying the extra. The shelves on this magnificent unit are perfectly symmetrical. It’s a good example of a piece that would be ruined by adjustable shelf heights.
However, internal shelves or open shelves that aren’t on display, such as in a walk-in wardrobe, can benefit from being adjustable without compromising on the design. It’s a useful feature so is well worth considering, but the key is not to add it in if you don’t really need it.
Browse walk-in wardrobes
It can be useful to make shelves adjustable, but think about whether or not you really need this feature. If you’ve put consideration into your layout, chances are you’ll never change it. Shelf tracks can be unsightly and will increase the cost, so if you’re not going to use them it’s not worth paying the extra. The shelves on this magnificent unit are perfectly symmetrical. It’s a good example of a piece that would be ruined by adjustable shelf heights.
However, internal shelves or open shelves that aren’t on display, such as in a walk-in wardrobe, can benefit from being adjustable without compromising on the design. It’s a useful feature so is well worth considering, but the key is not to add it in if you don’t really need it.
Browse walk-in wardrobes
Back it up
Your joiner might ask you if you want your furniture to have a back. I would usually recommend that you do have one, as it gives the finish a more polished look. But if you’re fitting shelves in an alcove, or if your space or budget is tight, then there’s no need.
Here, the back of the open units has been painted a bold orange to make a fantastic statement.
Your joiner might ask you if you want your furniture to have a back. I would usually recommend that you do have one, as it gives the finish a more polished look. But if you’re fitting shelves in an alcove, or if your space or budget is tight, then there’s no need.
Here, the back of the open units has been painted a bold orange to make a fantastic statement.
Incorporate concealed lighting
Lighting gives a lovely finishing touch to a piece of joinery. It highlights the workmanship and makes the item more functional too. Concealed LED lighting strips are a simple and inexpensive way to introduce lighting and the results are very effective. Lighting makes it much easier to view your storage and adds a professional, bespoke touch.
Let your joiner know where you want the lights to go and they’ll include all the appropriate channels for cables and the light fittings to be attached to, making them virtually invisible.
Don’t forget the switches – options include fitting a switch to the inside of the unit, adding a door switch or even installing a motion sensor.
Lighting gives a lovely finishing touch to a piece of joinery. It highlights the workmanship and makes the item more functional too. Concealed LED lighting strips are a simple and inexpensive way to introduce lighting and the results are very effective. Lighting makes it much easier to view your storage and adds a professional, bespoke touch.
Let your joiner know where you want the lights to go and they’ll include all the appropriate channels for cables and the light fittings to be attached to, making them virtually invisible.
Don’t forget the switches – options include fitting a switch to the inside of the unit, adding a door switch or even installing a motion sensor.
Include decorative lighting
Similarly, decorative lighting features can easily be fitted within a unit. If your new furniture is large and takes up an entire wall, you may need to include lighting for the whole room, as well as the storage.
Here, a pendant light hangs within the bookcase and the cable runs through the shelf itself.
Similarly, decorative lighting features can easily be fitted within a unit. If your new furniture is large and takes up an entire wall, you may need to include lighting for the whole room, as well as the storage.
Here, a pendant light hangs within the bookcase and the cable runs through the shelf itself.
Choose your hinges and runners
It’s worth putting thought into the little details that make all the difference to the look and feel of your furniture. There is a large range of hinge options. Your design style, as well as the purpose of the piece, will help you choose the right ones.
Traditional-style doors may suit a brass butt hinge with decorative finials. These are visible from the outside, and can be a decorative feature. For a minimal look, go for a concealed hinge like the ones on this wardrobe. They create a clean, streamlined look on the exterior, but bear in mind that they are more conspicuous on the inside than a traditional butt hinge.
Drawer runners also come in a wide choice of designs. Standard runners are positioned on the side of the drawers and are visible when the drawer is opened. Alternatively, undermounted runners give a cleaner look with sides that are kept clear, but they take up a little more space.
Also, think about features such as soft-closing or self-closing mechanisms, magnet catches to keep doors closed, and push catches for a handleless option. Your joiner will be able to run through the pros and cons of each option with you. Make sure you also tell them how heavy the contents of the drawers will be, so they can factor this in.
How Bespoke Furniture Can Solve Your Design Problems
It’s worth putting thought into the little details that make all the difference to the look and feel of your furniture. There is a large range of hinge options. Your design style, as well as the purpose of the piece, will help you choose the right ones.
Traditional-style doors may suit a brass butt hinge with decorative finials. These are visible from the outside, and can be a decorative feature. For a minimal look, go for a concealed hinge like the ones on this wardrobe. They create a clean, streamlined look on the exterior, but bear in mind that they are more conspicuous on the inside than a traditional butt hinge.
Drawer runners also come in a wide choice of designs. Standard runners are positioned on the side of the drawers and are visible when the drawer is opened. Alternatively, undermounted runners give a cleaner look with sides that are kept clear, but they take up a little more space.
Also, think about features such as soft-closing or self-closing mechanisms, magnet catches to keep doors closed, and push catches for a handleless option. Your joiner will be able to run through the pros and cons of each option with you. Make sure you also tell them how heavy the contents of the drawers will be, so they can factor this in.
How Bespoke Furniture Can Solve Your Design Problems
Get a handle on it
Handles are like joinery jewellery, and can completely transform the appearance of your furniture. The choice is vast, with an incredible array of shapes, styles and finishes available. You could go for antique brass for a classic look, or polished nickel for a slick, contemporary feel. Mix it up with colourful ceramics, or choose something really bizarre and quirky.
Alternatively, you could opt for a sleek, handleless look with push catches, a routed finger groove or simply a cut-out handle. These are great when you want the doors to blend seamlessly into the background, or to prevent things getting caught on protruding handles in narrow spaces.
If you choose to purchase your own hardware, make sure you do it in plenty of time so as not to hold the project up.
Handles are like joinery jewellery, and can completely transform the appearance of your furniture. The choice is vast, with an incredible array of shapes, styles and finishes available. You could go for antique brass for a classic look, or polished nickel for a slick, contemporary feel. Mix it up with colourful ceramics, or choose something really bizarre and quirky.
Alternatively, you could opt for a sleek, handleless look with push catches, a routed finger groove or simply a cut-out handle. These are great when you want the doors to blend seamlessly into the background, or to prevent things getting caught on protruding handles in narrow spaces.
If you choose to purchase your own hardware, make sure you do it in plenty of time so as not to hold the project up.
Look at ease of access
When your joiner comes for a site visit to measure up, make sure they’re aware of any access issues. Stairs, narrow hallways, doors and tight angles will need to be taken into account, so that they know what size pieces can be comfortably brought into the property to be assembled on site. If access through another entrance, such as the back door, is easier, then make them aware of this. You may also want to tell them about any parking restrictions.
Before your joiner starts, be sure to clear the area where they will be fitting the unit, as well as the path in and out of the house.
When your joiner comes for a site visit to measure up, make sure they’re aware of any access issues. Stairs, narrow hallways, doors and tight angles will need to be taken into account, so that they know what size pieces can be comfortably brought into the property to be assembled on site. If access through another entrance, such as the back door, is easier, then make them aware of this. You may also want to tell them about any parking restrictions.
Before your joiner starts, be sure to clear the area where they will be fitting the unit, as well as the path in and out of the house.
Make it your own
A bespoke piece of joinery can solve many a storage problem, as well as adding a design statement to your home. Treat it like an investment piece, but don’t be afraid to have a bit of fun and add your own personal touch. After all, it’s being made just for you, so let those creative juices flow!
Tell us
Are you planning a joinery project? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below. And if you found this story helpful, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
More
Read more stories about storage
A bespoke piece of joinery can solve many a storage problem, as well as adding a design statement to your home. Treat it like an investment piece, but don’t be afraid to have a bit of fun and add your own personal touch. After all, it’s being made just for you, so let those creative juices flow!
Tell us
Are you planning a joinery project? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below. And if you found this story helpful, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
More
Read more stories about storage
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Thank you Jennifer Chong for featuring us. Great piece.
Kat - crazy new idea, induction cook tops are easier to clean again, safer, better to cook with. Modern ovens can be built in at any height that YOU choose. (Under bench all the way for me - hate my existing wall height ovens, but everything in personal, and personalisable
This is a lovely article with fabulous designs.