Custom Furniture: An Overview
Custom furniture making is the art and craft of designing and building furniture pieces tailored to a client’s specific needs, preferences, and space requirements. Unlike mass-produced furniture, custom pieces are handcrafted with attention to detail, quality materials, and personalized design elements that reflect the owner’s unique style and lifestyle.
Core Concepts of Custom Furniture
There are several key aspects that define the custom furniture industry:
Personalized Design: Custom furniture is created based on your exact specifications, including dimensions, materials, finishes, and style. This ensures that each piece fits perfectly in your space and complements your existing decor.
Quality Craftsmanship: Custom furniture makers typically use traditional woodworking techniques combined with modern precision tools. Each piece is built to last for generations, often becoming a family heirloom.
Material Selection: Clients can choose from a wide variety of woods (oak, walnut, maple, cherry), finishes, stains, and upholstery options. Many makers also work with reclaimed materials, live edge slabs, and specialty materials.
Local and Sustainable: Many Nashville-area furniture makers source materials locally, support American manufacturing, and practice sustainable forestry. This reduces environmental impact while supporting the local economy.
Top 3 Custom Furniture Makers in Nashville, TN
1. Nashville Custom Furniture
Best For: Clients seeking personalized, handcrafted furniture with a focus on quality craftsmanship and customer collaboration throughout the design process.
Philosophy: Customer-focused approach where each piece is designed and built to meet the client’s specific vision. Emphasis on clear communication and collaborative design.
Products and Services:
Indoor Furniture: Custom tables, chairs, bed frames, dressers, entertainment centers, and storage solutions.
Outdoor Furniture: Patio tables, benches, and outdoor seating designed to withstand Tennessee weather.
Custom Projects: Unique pieces designed from scratch based on client ideas and requirements.
Gift Certificates: Available for those looking to give the gift of custom furniture.
Owner: Keith
Location: Nashville, TN (mobile/workshop-based)
Contact: (615) 669-3105
Website: nashvillecustomfurniture.com
Pricing: Custom quotes based on project specifications. Contact for consultation.
Notable: Known for excellent customer service and attention to detail. Keith works directly with clients from initial concept through final delivery.
2. Rail Yard Studios
Best For: Clients seeking industrial-style furniture crafted from authentic reclaimed railroad materials. Ideal for urban lofts, mountain retreats, corporate offices, and those who appreciate unique, conversation-piece furniture.
Philosophy: Artisan-designed, craftsman-built furniture that honors railroad heritage while creating functional, modern pieces. Focus on sustainability through the use of reclaimed and rescued materials.
Products and Services:
Dining and Conference Tables: Industrial-style tables built from authentic railroad components including reclaimed steel and hardwood timbers.
Entertainment and Game Tables: Shuffleboard tables, ping pong tables, and custom game room furniture.
Art Installations: Sculptural pieces and custom art created from century-old reclaimed steel.
Commercial and Residential: Serves both home owners and businesses seeking distinctive furniture.
Custom Designs: Bespoke pieces created to client specifications.
Location: 57 Willow St, Nashville, TN 37210 (South Nashville)
Contact: (615) 576-0797 | Furniture inquiries: (615) 969-3333
Website: railyardstudios.com
Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Notable: 5-star rating on Houzz. Made in the USA and sold worldwide. Also operates the Graff Museum at 638 Benton Avenue, Nashville. Wheelchair accessible. Accepts credit cards and cryptocurrency.
3. Head Springs Depot
Best For: Families seeking high-quality, American-made furniture with quick custom turnaround times, extensive fabric options, and affordable pricing. Ideal for those who want the look of luxury brands like Arhaus and RH at competitive prices.
Philosophy: Family-owned and operated business focused on delivering high-quality, stylish products at the best price possible. Works factory-direct with manufacturers to provide discounted solid wood furniture, mattresses, and decor.
Products and Services:
Custom Upholstered Furniture: Sofas, sectionals, chairs, and ottomans with hundreds of fabric options. Custom furniture delivered in as little as three weeks.
Solid Wood Furniture: Dining tables, bedroom sets, coffee tables, and storage pieces from American-made brands.
Mattresses: Wide selection including Sealy, Serta, Tempur-Pedic, and Stearns & Foster.
Rugs and Decor: Area rugs, hide rugs, home accessories, and more.
Interior Design Services: Professional design consultation to help with space planning, color selection, and material choices.
Brands Carried: Four Seasons Upholstery, King Hickory, Mayo Furniture, Mavin Furniture, Smith Brothers, Younger Furniture, England Furniture of Tennessee, and more.
Showroom Location: 547 Mount Hope Street, Franklin, TN 37064 (Downtown Franklin)
Distribution Center: 5542 Nashville Highway, Chapel Hill, TN 37034
Contact: (615) 671-4021
Website: headspringsdepot.com
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed Sunday.
Delivery: White Glove Delivery service with in-house team. Local delivery starting at $69. Includes furniture setup, placement in room of choice, and old mattress removal.
Financing: 0% interest financing available for up to 5 years.
- Notable: In business for 24 years. Over 100,000 satisfied customers. Fresh arrivals weekly. Free storage available for new home buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much does custom furniture cost in Nashville?
The cost of custom furniture varies widely based on the complexity of the design, materials used, size of the piece, and the craftsman’s expertise. According to Houzz, the average cost for custom furniture in the Nashville area ranges from approximately $1,210 to $4,521. Simple pieces like end tables may cost less, while large dining tables or complex built-ins can cost significantly more. Most furniture makers offer free consultations and custom quotes based on your specific project.
2. How long does it take to receive custom furniture?
Lead times vary by maker and project complexity. Simple pieces may take 2 to 4 weeks, while complex custom designs can take 8 to 12 weeks or longer. Head Springs Depot offers quick custom turnaround with furniture delivered in as little as 3 weeks for upholstered pieces. Always discuss timeline expectations with your chosen furniture maker before placing an order.
3. What materials are commonly used for custom furniture in Nashville?
Nashville furniture makers work with a variety of materials including domestic hardwoods (oak, walnut, maple, cherry, hickory), reclaimed wood (barn wood, railroad timbers), live edge slabs, metal and steel accents, and high-quality upholstery fabrics. Many makers also offer sustainable and locally-sourced options. Discuss your material preferences during your initial consultation.
4. Can I provide my own design or do furniture makers only work from their templates?
Most custom furniture makers welcome client designs and ideas. You can bring sketches, photos, Pinterest boards, or magazine clippings to your consultation. Skilled craftsmen can work from your vision to create exactly what you imagine, or they can collaborate with you to refine your ideas. Some makers also offer their own signature designs that can be customized with different finishes, sizes, or materials.
5. Do Nashville furniture makers offer delivery and installation?
Yes, most Nashville-area furniture makers offer delivery services, though policies vary. Head Springs Depot provides White Glove Delivery with in-house teams, including setup and placement. Smaller shops like Nashville Custom Furniture and Rail Yard Studios typically arrange delivery and can discuss setup options during your consultation. Delivery fees depend on distance and the size of the pieces. Always confirm delivery terms and costs before placing your order.