Ordering furniture sounds easy. You choose the style, size, materials, and in a couple of weeks you enjoy your new kitchen, wardrobe, or sofa. But in practice, things are not so smooth. Even when ordering from reputable contractors Buyers often make mistakes that lead to overspending, inconvenience and disappointment..
In this article we will analyze top 15 most common mistakes when ordering custom furniture and we'll tell you how to avoid them.
🔍 1. There is no clear idea of what exactly is needed
The most common and dangerous mistake is to contact the workshop “on emotions”, without thinking:
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where the furniture will be,
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what will be stored in it,
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how it will be used every day.
🛑 What could go wrong:
— Ordering a wardrobe that doesn’t fit long dresses.
— Kitchen without space for a microwave.
— The table is at an inconvenient height for all family members.
✅ Solution:
Make a preliminary list of requirements for the furniture: size, functions, style, storage capacity, room features.
📏 2. Errors in measurements
If the measurement was taken “by eye” or the following was not taken into account:
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baseboards,
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sockets,
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pipes,
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niches and protrusions,
this may lead to the fact that the furniture just won't fit.
🛑 Example:
— The sliding wardrobe does not fit in height due to the ceiling overhang.
— The corner kitchen blocks the electrical outlet.
✅ Solution:
Always call a professional measurer. And don't be shy about being present during the measurement - ask questions.
📄 3. No formal contract
Many agree to work "by agreement", especially with private individuals. This is fraught with:
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failure to meet deadlines,
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replacing materials with cheaper ones,
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lack of guarantee.
🛑 Risks:
— The master stops communicating after the prepayment.
— The finished furniture does not match the description, but “you didn’t sign anything.”
✅ Solution:
Always conclude official agreement with technical specifications, terms, amount, payment conditions and guarantee.
🎨 4. Ignoring visualization and project
When you don’t see a 3D visualization of the furniture or even a sketch, there is a risk:
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errors in size,
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design expectations mismatch,
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difficulties at the installation stage.
🛑 Example:
— The facades turned out to be matte, but you wanted gloss.
— The handles are inconveniently located, but it’s too late to change anything.
✅ Solution:
Ask for a design project with visualizations, diagrams and specifications before starting work.
⚒️ 5. Choosing materials that are too cheap
The temptation to save money leads to furniture:
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loses its appearance after just six months,
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breaks at the first load,
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peels off, creaks and cracks.
🛑 What people often save on:
— Chipboard instead of MDF.
- Cheap Chinese fittings.
- No edge or metal guides.
✅ Solution:
Choose proven materials (Egger, Swisspan, Blum, etc.). Remember: quality fittings mean silence, smoothness and service life.
⏰ 6. Unrealistic timeline expectations
Good furniture is not made in 2 days. But many believe the promises "it will be ready in a week", and then:
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sit without a kitchen for months,
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lose the advance payment,
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receive furniture in a hurry with defects.
✅ Solution:
Check the actual deadlines in the contract. Custom furniture production usually takes 2-6 weeks.
🧾 7. Prepayment without confirmation
You give money, but do not receive a receipt, acts or receipts. This is dangerous.
🛑 What happens:
— The master disappears.
— The furniture is made in a slipshod manner — you can’t prove anything.
✅ Solution:
Make the prepayment officially: by invoice or with a receipt. And only after signing the contract.
🪛 8. Ignoring the editing stage
Even the most expensive furniture can be damaged if it is assembled poorly:
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warped facades,
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unattached modules,
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scratches on the floor and walls.
✅ Solution:
Please clarify, Is installation included in the price?. And who will be responsible for the result.
🧱 9. Order furniture "in advance" before renovation
Ordering furniture before the floor, ceiling or walls are done is a common mistake. Then it turns out:
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the height of the room has changed,
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moved the sockets,
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changed the location of the plumbing.
✅ Solution:
Furniture is designed only after final measurements have been taken. ready-made repairs.
💬 10. They do not specify the terms of delivery and lifting
This is especially important if:
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you have a high floor without an elevator,
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narrow doorway,
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assembled furniture.
🛑 What could go wrong:
— They are asking you to pay extra for the lift.
— The modules do not fit through the doorway.
✅ Solution:
Discuss in advance: who lifts, who carries, how the furniture is packed.
🔧 11. Not taking into account ventilation and access to equipment
A typical mistake when ordering a kitchen is to “seal it”:
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sockets behind cabinets,
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pipes and siphons without access,
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hood without ventilation.
✅ Solution:
Work with an experienced designer/craftsman who thinks about not only appearance, but also functionality.
👂 12. They don't ask questions
Buyers are often shy or afraid of "looking stupid." This is a mistake. Your money - your furniture - your rules.
✅ Solution:
Ask:
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what material is used,
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what manufacturer of fittings,
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how to care for facades,
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Is it possible to make changes?
🛡️ 13. They don't check the warranty
No warranty = no liability.
✅ Solution:
Make sure the contract includes:
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warranty period (usually 12-36 months),
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list of warranty and non-warranty cases,
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Contact details for inquiries.
🏁 Conclusion
Ordering custom furniture is always the way to a unique and comfortable interior, but only if you avoid common mistakes.
✨ What you need to remember:
✔️ Clearly formulate tasks
✔️ Trust, but verify - documents, calculations, measurements
✔️ Don't skimp on fittings and installation
✔️ Always read the contract
✔️ Be an active participant in the process
📢 Ready to order furniture — but don't want to take risks? Look for a reliable manufacturer with a portfolio, reviews, and a transparent work process.
