A Beginner’s Guide to Planning a Bespoke Joinery Project
Create storage furniture that’s tailor-made to suit your home by commissioning custom-made carpentry
We all browse images of beautiful homes, free from the clutter of everyday life, save the odd Penguin Classic casually resting on the arm of a sofa, but who really lives like that?
If you’re one of those people who ruthlessly discards all but necessary items and has 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.
If you’re one of those people who ruthlessly discards all but necessary items and has 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.
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 designed by Gregory Phillips Architects. 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 multifunctional piece to house many different items may require a mixture of doors, drawers and open shelving.
Read reviews of joiners in your area in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
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 designed by Gregory Phillips Architects. 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 multifunctional piece to house many different items may require a mixture of doors, drawers and open shelving.
Read reviews of joiners in your area in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
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 a 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, as in these shelves by An Artful Life, 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, too, including a wider range of style options and uniformity in colour and tone.
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 a 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, as in these shelves by An Artful Life, 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, too, including a wider range of style options and uniformity in colour and tone.
Cast your materials net wide
If you’re opting for a painted finish, as here in a project by Blakes London, there’s 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 variations in natural products.
If you’re opting for a painted finish, as here in a project by Blakes London, there’s 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 variations 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’s fitting within a pre-defined space, such as an alcove, as with these shelves by
Stiff & Trevillion.
Of course, the joiner you hire will take their own accurate measurements, so you shouldn’t need to worry about this too much. However, it’s a good idea to measure at the 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 a sloping ceiling, 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’s fitting within a pre-defined space, such as an alcove, as with these shelves by
Stiff & Trevillion.
Of course, the joiner you hire will take their own accurate measurements, so you shouldn’t need to worry about this too much. However, it’s a good idea to measure at the 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 a sloping ceiling, dado rails, cornicing and skirting boards.
Design the exterior
The façade 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 Hayburn & Co doors gives the space a quirky yet traditional look. Minimalist, contemporary doors, even in the same colour, would create an entirely different look. Some other exterior ideas to consider are fretwork doors, glass panels, mirrors, shadow gaps and patterned effects.
The façade 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 Hayburn & Co doors gives the space a quirky yet traditional look. Minimalist, contemporary doors, even in the same colour, would create an entirely different look. 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, can also 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, in a Kate Lovejoy Interiors project, the cornice at the top of the cupboards echoes the one on the ceiling. 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, can also 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, in a Kate Lovejoy Interiors project, the cornice at the top of the cupboards echoes the one on the ceiling. 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’re trying to achieve. Discuss any ideas you have with them, as they can have an effect on the construction as well as the style.
For example, mirrors on doors, as in this Nicky Percival design, 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 for inspiration.
Your joiner should be able to offer some good advice on design if you give them an idea of the look you’re trying to achieve. Discuss any ideas you have with them, as they can have an effect on the construction as well as the style.
For example, mirrors on doors, as in this Nicky Percival design, 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 for inspiration.
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’s enough room for them all. Also check the height of your books and space the shelves accordingly. Bookcases look much better when there isn’t too much space between the top of the books and the next shelf, plus you’ll maximise your storage space. This unit by Brayer Design shows the idea nicely.
With drawers and cupboards, think about what will be going in them and how easy access will be. Cupboards are good for large items and make use of 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 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’s enough room for them all. Also check the height of your books and space the shelves accordingly. Bookcases look much better when there isn’t too much space between the top of the books and the next shelf, plus you’ll maximise your storage space. This unit by Brayer Design shows the idea nicely.
With drawers and cupboards, think about what will be going in them and how easy access will be. Cupboards are good for large items and make use of 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 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 Peach Studio unit are perfectly symmetrical. It’s a good example of a piece that would be ruined by adjustable shelves.
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.
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 Peach Studio unit are perfectly symmetrical. It’s a good example of a piece that would be ruined by adjustable shelves.
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.
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 piece a more polished finish. But if you’re fitting shelves in an alcove, or if your space or budget is tight, then there’s no need.
Here, the backs of the open units in this Blanchard project have 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 piece a more polished finish. But if you’re fitting shelves in an alcove, or if your space or budget is tight, then there’s no need.
Here, the backs of the open units in this Blanchard project have 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, as in this wardrobe by BP Kitchens & Interiors.
Let your joiner know where you want the lights to go and they’ll include all the appropriate channels for cables and the light fitting attachments, 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, as in this wardrobe by BP Kitchens & Interiors.
Let your joiner know where you want the lights to go and they’ll include all the appropriate channels for cables and the light fitting attachments, 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, in a Cue project, 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, in a Cue project, 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’s 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 Maple & Gray wardrobe. They create a clean, streamlined look on the exterior, but bear in mind that they’re 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 open. 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.
It’s worth putting thought into the little details that make all the difference to the look and feel of your furniture.
There’s 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 Maple & Gray wardrobe. They create a clean, streamlined look on the exterior, but bear in mind that they’re 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 open. 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.
Get a handle on it
Handles are like joinery jewellery, and can transform the appearance of your furniture, as illustrated by this Bath Bespoke design. 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 quirky.
Alternatively, you could opt for a sleek, handleless look with push catches, a routed finger groove or a simple 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 up the project.
Handles are like joinery jewellery, and can transform the appearance of your furniture, as illustrated by this Bath Bespoke design. 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 quirky.
Alternatively, you could opt for a sleek, handleless look with push catches, a routed finger groove or a simple 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 up the project.
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 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 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? Have you recently had something made for your home? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments.
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? Have you recently had something made for your home? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments.
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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 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, as in this design by Openstudio Architects, or hidden behind doors? Just because there’s a vacant space in a particular room doesn’t mean it’s the right place for your new piece of storage.