Frequently Asked Questions
Who is MEK Design UK?
MEK Design UK is a British furniture maker specialising in handmade sofas, armchairs, dining chairs, bar stools and benches. We also craft a curated range of living‑room furniture, including solid wood tables, stone tables, consoles, sideboards, display cabinets and side tables. Every piece is designed and handcrafted in England with quiet‑luxury proportions, refined materials and timeless aesthetics.
Are you a manufacturer?
Yes. MEK Design UK is a British furniture maker. Our furniture is designed and produced in England by our team.
Do you have a showroom?
We don’t operate a showroom. As a handmade furniture maker, we work directly with clients and provide fabric samples for at‑home selection.
Where is your furniture made?
All MEK Design UK furniture is handcrafted in England by our upholsterers and carpenters, using carefully selected materials and components.
Ordering
How can I place an order?
Orders can be placed directly through our website or by email. This ensures we have a clear and accurate record of your chosen design, fabrics and specifications.
Can I place an order by phone?
We kindly ask that all orders are placed through our website or by email, so every detail of your chosen design and materials is confirmed in writing.
Product Range
We create a curated collection of handmade furniture, including:
- Sofas
- Armchairs
- Accent Chairs
- Dining Chairs
- Bar Stools
- Benches
- Solid Wood Dining Tables
- Stone Dining Tables
- Consoles
- Sideboards
- Display Cabinets
- Side Tables & Coffee Tables
Every piece is made to order.
Fabric Selection & Price Groups
How do your Price Groups work?
Our Price Groups are organised by overall fabric value, not by fabric category. This means fabrics are grouped according to:
- price and brand
- origin (including premium Italian mills)
- weave complexity
- durability and technical performance
- cleanability (easy‑clean / stain‑resistant finishes)
- design character (jacquards, textured weaves, patterns)
- material composition (natural blends, eco‑leather, nubuck)
As a result, velvets, chenilles, boucle, braids, weaves, patterns, leather and eco‑leather may appear in different groups, depending on their quality and production cost.
How many Price Groups do you offer?
Sofas — 6 Price Groups
Our sofa fabrics are arranged into six groups, covering:
- luxury velvets
- premium chenilles
- boucle
- Italian designer textiles
- performance easy‑clean fabrics
- jacquards and textured weaves
- nubuck & eco‑leather (selected models)
Chairs, Armchairs & Bar Stools — 7 Price Groups
Our chair and stool fabrics are arranged into seven groups, including:
- velvets
- chenilles
- boucle
- braids & woven textures
- patterned fabrics
- Italian designer fabrics
- leather, eco‑leather, nubuck
Each group reflects material quality, origin, durability and production cost, not the fabric type itself.
Do fabric types repeat across groups?
Yes. A velvet may appear in PG2, PG4 or PG7 depending on density, brand, cleanability and weave quality. The same applies to boucle, chenille, weaves, patterns, leather and eco‑leather.
Do you offer Italian fabrics?
Yes. We work with premium Italian mills offering designer textiles with refined texture, luxury hand‑feel and advanced performance finishes.
Do you offer easy‑clean fabrics?
Yes. Many of our fabrics include stain‑resistant or water‑repellent technology and may appear in any Price Group.
Do you offer Pony Print Hair‑On Leather?
Yes. We offer Pony Print Hair‑On Leather, an Italian hair‑on hide with a refined printed pattern and a naturally soft, tactile surface. This material is ideal for accent chairs, armchairs, bar stools and selected Camden Loop pieces. It creates a distinctive quiet‑luxury statement while remaining durable and suitable for everyday use.
Two‑Tone Upholstery
Do you offer two‑tone upholstery?
Yes. MEK Design UK offers two‑tone upholstery on chairs, armchairs and bar stools. This option allows you to combine two different fabrics on a single piece, creating a refined, tailored look.
Which parts can be upholstered in two fabrics?
Two‑tone upholstery is available on:
- Chairs – inner seat & inner back in one fabric, outer back in another
- Armchairs – inner panels in one fabric, outer shell in another
- Bar Stools – inner seat & inner back in one fabric, outer back in another
This design highlights the silhouette and adds a subtle quiet‑luxury contrast.
Can I choose any fabrics for two‑tone upholstery?
Yes. You may select any combination from our Price Groups.
Is piping available with two‑tone upholstery?
Yes. You may add matching or contrast piping. Contrast piping is available in Price Group 1–3, with higher groups available on request.
Vegan Fabrics
Do you offer vegan fabrics?
Yes. MEK Design UK offers a wide selection of vegan fabrics, including:
- eco‑leather (vegan)
- high‑performance vegan textiles
- natural linen and cotton blends
- textured plant‑based weaves
All vegan fabrics are suitable for chairs, armchairs, bar stools and selected sofas.
Are your frames natural?
Yes. All MEK Design UK furniture is built using natural hardwood frames, crafted by hand in England. Our frames are durable, responsibly sourced and made to last.
Piping Options
Do you offer piping?
Yes. Piping is available on most upholstered chairs, armchairs and sofas.
What piping options do you offer?
- No Piping — a clean, seamless edge.
- Matching Piping — piping crafted in the same fabric as the upholstery.
- Contrast Piping — piping made in the same fabric as the upholstery or in a contrasting fabric of your choice.
Which fabrics can be used for contrast piping?
Contrast piping in a contrasting fabric is available in Price Group 1–3. For higher groups, please contact us for an individual quotation.
Sofas — Additional Information
Are your sofas handmade?
Yes. Every sofa is handcrafted in England using hardwood frames and refined upholstery techniques.
Can I customise the size?
Some of our sofa models can be made in custom widths or depths. Please contact us to confirm availability for your chosen design.
Do you offer different cushion fillings?
Yes. Options include foam, foam‑and‑fibre blend and feather‑wrapped cushions depending on the model.
Can I choose a different leg finish?
Yes. Wood finishes can be customised across our standard palette.
Chairs & Armchairs — Additional Information
Are your chairs handmade?
Yes. All chairs and armchairs are made by hand in England.
Can I customise the fabric?
Yes. You may choose any fabric from our 7 Price Groups.
Do you offer piping on chairs?
Yes. Matching or contrast piping is available on most models.
Are your chairs suitable for commercial use?
Yes. We offer reinforced frames and performance fabrics for hospitality and retail interiors.
Bar Stools — Additional Information
Do you offer counter height and bar height?
Yes. Many models are available in both heights.
Can bar stools be customised?
Yes. You can choose fabric, wood finish and piping (selected models).
Are your bar stools stable and durable?
Yes. All frames are made from solid hardwood and designed for everyday use.
Dining Tables — Additional Information
What wood do you use?
Our dining tables are crafted from solid oak or solid walnut.
Can I customise the size?
Yes. Length, width and height can be tailored to your space.
Do you offer extendable tables?
Selected models can be made with extension mechanisms.
Stone Tables — Additional Information
What types of stone do you offer?
We offer sintered stone, quartz composite and selected natural stones.
Are stone tables heat and stain resistant?
Sintered stone is fully heat, stain and scratch resistant. Natural stone requires standard care and sealing.
Can I choose a different stone colour?
Yes. Stone colours can be customised depending on availability.
Consoles & Sideboards — Additional Information
Are your consoles handmade?
Yes. All consoles and sideboards are crafted by hand in England.
Can I customise the dimensions?
Yes. Width, height and depth can be tailored to your project.
Do you offer soft‑close drawers and doors?
Yes. Soft‑close hardware is available on most models.
Payments
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept:
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
- PayPal
- Stripe
- Direct Debit
- 50/50 Payment Plan (deposit + final balance)
Is payment secure?
Yes. All payments are processed through secure, encrypted gateways.
50/50 Payment Plan
How does the 50/50 Payment Plan work?
- A 50% deposit is payable when placing the order.
- Production begins once the deposit is received.
- The remaining 50% balance is payable when the furniture is completed and ready for delivery.
- Delivery is arranged once the final balance has been paid in full.
This option is available for all made‑to‑order and bespoke furniture.
Production & Lead Times
What is your lead time?
Our standard lead time is 6–8 weeks, as each piece is handmade to order. Some designs may require additional time depending on materials and construction.
Do you offer express production?
We don’t offer express production. Each piece is handmade to order, and our standard lead time ensures the level of craftsmanship we stand for.
Delivery
Do you deliver across the UK?
Yes. We offer nationwide delivery.
Do you deliver internationally?
International delivery is available on request.
Do you offer white‑glove delivery?
Yes. White‑glove delivery is available for all MEK Design UK furniture. This service can be arranged directly with our team after placing your order.
Are delivery charges included?
Delivery charges apply and are calculated at checkout.
Returns & Cancellation
Can I cancel my order?
Made‑to‑order and customised furniture is exempt from the standard 14‑day cancellation period under UK law.
Do you accept returns?
Returns are accepted only in cases of manufacturing defects.
Warranty — 2‑Year Guarantee
All MEK Design furniture is covered by a 2‑year warranty against manufacturing defects and material faults.
What the warranty covers:
- workmanship faults
- structural or construction defects
- material defects (frame, foam, fillings, mechanisms, upholstery)
- failures occurring under normal domestic use
What the warranty does not cover:
- misuse, neglect, improper care
- accidental damage
- natural wear and tear
- softening of foam or stretching of fabrics
- pilling, shading, creasing
- variations in natural materials
- damage caused by incorrect assembly or unauthorised repairs
Customer responsibilities:
- report issues promptly
- provide proof of purchase
- supply photographs or evidence
- allow inspection if required
Warranty applies to the original purchaser and domestic use.
Care & Maintenance
How do I care for upholstered furniture?
Vacuum regularly using a soft brush attachment. For spills, blot gently with a clean cloth.
How do I care for solid wood furniture?
Avoid direct heat sources, clean with a soft cloth and use coasters for drinks.
How do I care for stone tables?
Sintered stone requires minimal care. Natural stone should be cleaned with pH‑neutral products.
Contact
How can I reach you?
Email: shop@mekdesign.uk We respond promptly and personally to every enquiry.
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