[Comparison of the pros and cons of custom-made furniture and ready-made furniture]

Is it better to have custom-made furniture or ready-made furniture?

In Hong Kong, where every inch of land is valuable, homeowners or residents are often torn between custom-made furniture and ready-made furniture. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and are suitable for different needs and budgets. Design House HK will conduct an in-depth analysis of custom-made furniture and ready-made furniture from multiple perspectives such as design freedom, space utilization, quality, price, lifespan, option flexibility and purchase process, to help you make the right decision.

Design freedom and personalization

Custom Furniture

The biggest advantage of custom furniture is that it is "tailor-made". Furniture designers will create unique furniture based on the actual space, structure, living habits and aesthetic taste of the unit. Whether it is an odd space, ceiling beams, window edges, or angled walls, they can all be turned into useful storage space. You can customize your ideal furniture, including style, color, material, accessories and storage functions.

Ready-made furniture

Ready-made furniture comes in specific predetermined designs and sizes. Although there are countless options in the market today, it is still a big challenge to perfectly match your unit layout. Some large chain brands offer more styles, but they may not be able to adapt to special spaces (such as L-shaped walls or built-in furniture).

Unit space utilization

Custom Furniture

In Hong Kong, residential areas are generally small, and custom-made furniture can make full use of every inch of space. For example, tall built-in cabinets, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, under-bed storage boxes and window sill cabinets can all be tailor-made according to actual needs to make the best use of all space.

Ready-made furniture

The standard sizes of ready-made furniture may not necessarily fit the walls or ceilings well, which may easily lead to wasted corners or "dead spaces". Sometimes, in order to fit the ready-made sizes, some space or aesthetics have to be sacrificed.

Quality and durability

Custom Furniture

Custom-made furniture is usually made by professionals, and the materials used are highly transparent. Customers can choose to use E0, E1 plywood, solid wood, etc. The workmanship and details (such as seams, interfaces, and hardware accessories) are strictly controlled. The quality is more guaranteed, the durability is high, and the maintenance period is generally up to one year or more.

Ready-made furniture

Mass-produced furniture is mostly made of medium-density fiberboard, bagasse board and other artificial boards. The quality of each brand varies. They may have less smooth seams, assemblies or edges, poor durability, common problems such as uneven cabinet doors or drawers that cannot be opened properly, and the warranty period is usually only one month, or not at all.

Price and Budget

Custom Furniture

The price of custom-made furniture is higher than that of ready-made furniture because it involves multiple processes such as design, measurement, hand-making and installation. The price will fluctuate according to the size, materials and design complexity. Although the initial investment is larger, in the long run, it is not necessarily more expensive than frequently replacing ready-made furniture due to its high durability and easy maintenance.

Ready-made furniture

Mass-produced furniture is often more affordable and suitable for people who are short of funds or need temporary transition or rental, but in the long run, ready-made furniture may be limited by materials and durability and may need to be replaced repeatedly.

Purchase process and time

Custom Furniture

The cycle of custom-made furniture is also very long: including measurement, design, quotation, re-testing, production, transportation, installation, and completion; usually no less than one month. More complex designs require more time, so it is most suitable for families who have ample time and are interested in customization.

Ready-made furniture

Ready-made furniture is ready to move in right away, and once you’ve selected your style you can expect same-day delivery and installation, making it perfect for a quick move-in or short-term stay.

Relocation and reusability

Custom Furniture

Custom-made furniture is mostly built-in or fixed in design, which may not be suitable for the new unit layout when moving, and has low reusability.

Ready-made furniture

Generally, ready-made furniture can be moved at any time, which is suitable for people who move frequently or rent.

Material selection and environmental protection

Custom Furniture

You can choose the board material according to your budget and needs, such as plywood, solid wood, medium-density fiberboard and other options. In addition, you can also choose low formaldehyde, green panels and logs.

Ready-made furniture

Most ready-made furniture is mainly made of medium-density fiberboard and bagasse board. A small number of brands have environmental certification, but the selection is limited.

Common problems and precautions

When choosing custom-made furniture, you need to choose a professional designer or furniture company, pay attention to the company's reputation, read the quotation and design drawings carefully, and consider the materials, finishing services and warranty period. If you plan to buy ready-made furniture, at least measure the size of your home before buying it to see if the ready-made furniture you buy can be transported and placed. If buying online, be sure to check the return policy.

Design House HK's custom-made furniture service

Design House HK provides tailor-made furniture services, with professional interior designers following up throughout the process to ensure that every detail fits your needs. The service includes unit floor plans, furniture plans and 3D renderings, allowing you to clearly preview the new furniture design. All plans will be modified according to your opinions until you are satisfied. The project manager will strictly monitor the progress to ensure that the progress of the project is controllable. The price is clearly marked and the charges are transparent. There are also a variety of customized furniture packages to choose from, whether it is a hydraulic bed, wardrobe, bookcase, TV cabinet, etc., you can freely match them to help you create your ideal home. Please feel free to inquire with us at any time.

Click here to learn more about Design House HK's custom-made furniture service