How Bespoke Furniture Is Made in India: From Sketch to Delivery

1. Brief

The designer records how the piece will be used, who uses it, the room dimensions and the budget range.

2. Concept

Sketches and 3D views show proportion. This is the stage to change the shape, as changes later cost time.

3. Technical drawings

Plans, elevations and sections at scale, with every dimension and joint marked. Artisans build from these, so missing detail becomes guesswork.

4. Material and joinery

Timber is chosen for the climate and the load. It should be kiln dried to roughly 8 to 12 percent moisture before use, otherwise it moves with the monsoon. Joinery such as mortise and tenon holds a table for decades. Mrunalini Nikte does not use aluminium or plastic in her furniture.

5. Prototype

A full-size mock-up, or a first piece, is checked for comfort. A chair that looks right but sits wrong is caught here.

6. Production

Skilled artisans carry out the craft work: bone and resin inlay, brass casting, sculpting and hand-tufting. Each technique has its own workshop and its own timeline, which is why one piece can pass through several hands.

7. Finishing and installation

Sanding, polishing, upholstery and quality inspection come last. Delivery is packed to prevent edge damage, and installation is supervised by the designer.

What affects cost and timeline

• Number of craft techniques in one piece
• Size and complexity of the joinery
• Material availability and seasoning time
• Number of revisions after drawings are approved

How to brief a designer well

Share room photos, dimensions, usage, and two or three pieces you like and why. Say what you dislike as well.