Bespoke Furniture Brief: A Specification Checklist for B2B Projects
A clear bespoke furniture brief helps everyone assess the same scope. Whether the enquiry concerns one upholstered piece, a room set or furniture for several areas, the brief should make quantities, dimensions, finishes and site requirements easy to compare.
Use the checklist below before requesting a quotation. It is designed for furniture retailers, interior designers, hotel teams and commercial buyers who need a practical starting point rather than a long design document.
1. Define the room, use and quantity
List every item by room or area and state how it will be used. A lounge sofa, reception seating, bedroom storage and fitted joinery each require different information. Add the quantity of each item and note whether all pieces should match or whether several variants are needed.
2. Record dimensions and layout constraints
Provide the required width, depth and height for each item. For corner seating, include the orientation when viewed from the front. For fitted elements, add wall dimensions, ceiling height and the position of doors, windows, sockets, radiators or skirting. If drawings are available, include them together with the written dimensions.
3. Describe the look, materials and finishes
Reference images are useful, but identify what matters in each image: shape, proportions, upholstery, colour, leg style, edge detail or storage layout. Where a material is not fixed, say which appearance or performance requirement the finish needs to meet. This keeps the brief open enough for suitable options without losing the design intent.
4. Separate fixed requirements from preferences
Mark the points that cannot change, such as maximum dimensions, required quantities or a specific layout. Then list preferences that may be adjusted, such as colour direction, handle style or decorative details. This distinction makes alternative proposals easier to assess and reduces unnecessary revisions.
5. Add access and site information
For delivery planning, include the destination, floor level, lift dimensions and any narrow doors, corridors or stair turns. For commercial projects, note loading restrictions, delivery windows and whether the furniture will arrive in phases. These details may affect packaging, handling and installation planning.
6. Clarify delivery and installation scope
State whether the request is for supply only, delivery to site or delivery with installation. Separate loose furniture from fitted elements and indicate which party is responsible for final positioning, fixing and site readiness. If the project has a target completion date, include it as a planning requirement rather than assuming a standard lead time.
7. Request a quotation that can be compared
Ask for the quotation to identify the model or item, quantity, selected finish, commercial basis and delivery scope. When options are still open, request them as clearly separated alternatives. A structured response is easier to review internally and helps prevent different assumptions from being compared as if they were the same offer.
Relevant starting points
For made-to-measure upholstered seating, review Bespoke Sofas.
For hotel and multi-room briefs, see Hotel & Interior Furniture Fit-Out.
To compare current models, browse Sofas,
Corner Sofas and
Prepare your enquiry
Before sending the brief, check that it contains the item list, quantities, dimensions, finish direction, reference images, delivery location, access information and required scope. Missing information can be added later, but a complete first brief makes the initial review more useful.
When the checklist is ready, request a B2B proposal from The Lavish Designs.
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