FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is MEK Design?

MEK Design 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 and stone tables, consoles, sideboards, display cabinets and side tables. Every piece is designed and handcrafted in England, with refined materials, timeless proportions and a luxury aesthetic.

Are you a manufacturer?

Yes. MEK Design is a British furniture maker. Our furniture is designed and produced in England by our team.

Where is your furniture made?

All MEK Design furniture is handcrafted in England by our upholsterers and carpenters, using carefully selected materials and components.

Do you have a showroom?

We do not operate a showroom. We work directly with clients and provide fabric samples for viewing and comparison at home.

Ordering

How can I place an order?

Orders can be placed through our website or by email, allowing us to confirm your design, fabrics and specification in writing.

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.

Can I customise my furniture?

Many furniture offer options such as custom upholstery, wood finish, dimensions, piping and other model-specific details. Selected designs may also be made in bespoke sizes or finishes, depending on their model and construction.

Can I request a quotation?

Yes. Email us with your requirements and we can help confirm your specification and prepare a quotation.

Can I change my order?

Please ask us as soon as possible. A change may affect the price or lead time, and may not be possible once production has started.

Fabric Selection & Price Groups

How are fabric Price Groups organised?

Sofa fabrics are arranged into six Price Groups. Chair, armchair and bar stool fabrics are arranged into seven Price Groups.

What determines a fabric’s Price Group?

Price Groups reflect overall fabric value and specification, rather than fabric type alone. Factors may include price and brand; country of origin, including premium Italian mills; weave complexity; durability and technical performance; cleanability, including easy-clean and stain-resistant finishes; design character such as jacquards, textures and patterns; and composition including natural blends, leather, faux leather and nubuck.

Can similar fabric types appear in different Price Groups?

Yes. Velvet, chenille, bouclé, braids, woven fabrics, patterns, leather and faux leather may appear in different groups. Italian fabrics and easy-clean fabrics can also appear across different Price Groups.

Can I see fabric samples before ordering?

Yes. Fabric samples are provided for viewing and comparison at home. Please ask us about samples for your chosen fabric.

Can fabric colours look different on screen?

Yes. Screen settings and lighting can affect how a colour appears.

Can I use my own fabric?

Possibly. Suitability and the amount required must be confirmed before ordering, as these depend on your chosen model and fabric.

What is Pony Print Hair-On Leather?

Pony Print Hair-On Leather is an Italian hair-on hide with a refined printed pattern and a soft, tactile surface. It is available 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

Can I choose two fabrics for one piece?

Two-tone upholstery is available on selected chairs, armchairs and bar stools.

Which areas can use different fabrics?

On chairs, the inner seat and inner back can be in one fabric, with the outer back in another. On armchairs, inner panels can be in one fabric, with the outer shell in another. On bar stools, the inner seat and inner back can be in one fabric, with the outer back in another. Fabric combinations depend on your chosen model and must be confirmed before your order is finalised.

Vegan Fabrics

Are vegan and plant-based upholstery options available?

Selected vegan and plant-based options are available, including faux leather. Linen and cotton blends are not automatically vegan, so exact composition depends on each individual fabric.

Are Your Frames Natural?

Are your furniture frames made from natural materials?

Yes. Our upholstered furniture uses hardwood frames, and bar stool frames are made from solid hardwood. Natural timber can vary in grain, colour and character, and construction may vary between models.

Piping Options

Is piping available?

Piping is available on most upholstered chairs, armchairs and sofas. Options are No Piping, Matching Piping and Contrast Piping.

Can I choose contrast piping?

Contrast piping is available in Price Groups 1–3. Piping in higher groups can be requested and will be confirmed for your chosen fabric and model.

Sofas

How are your sofas made?

Our sofas are handmade in England using hardwood frames and refined upholstery techniques.

Can I customise the size of a sofa?

Selected sofa models may be made in custom widths or depths. Please ask about options for your chosen model.

Which cushion fillings are available?

Depending on the model, cushion options include foam, a foam-and-fibre blend and feather-wrapped cushions.

Can I customise the wood finish?
Wood finishes can be customised across our standard palette. Available finishes depend on the piece and your specification.

Chairs & Armchairs

How are your chairs and armchairs made?

Our chairs and armchairs are handmade in England.

Can chairs and armchairs be upholstered in different fabrics?

Selected models can be upholstered in fabrics from available Price Groups. Matching or contrast piping is available on most models.

Can I choose a different leg colour or finish for my chairs or bar stools?

Yes, on selected models, for orders of nine items or more. Please contact MEK Design UK before ordering to confirm availability and any additional cost.

Are your chairs and armchairs suitable for commercial settings?

Selected models may be suitable for hospitality, retail and other commercial settings. Please discuss commercial specifications with us before ordering.

Bar Stools

Are bar stools available in different heights?

Many models are available in counter height and bar height.

Can I customise a bar stool?

Selected models can be customised in fabric, wood finish and piping. Available choices depend on your chosen model.

How are bar stool frames made?

Frames are made from solid hardwood and designed for everyday use. Construction may vary between models, and commercial certification is not claimed for every model.

Dining Tables

What wood is used for dining tables?

Dining tables are made from solid oak or solid walnut.

Can I customise the size of a dining table?

Selected tables can be customised in length, width and height. Selected models can also be made with extension mechanisms.

Are variations in solid wood normal?

Yes. Natural variations in grain, colour, knots and texture are normal and form part of solid wood’s character.

Stone Tables

What stone options are available?

Options include sintered stone, quartz composite and selected natural stones.

Can I choose a different stone colour or finish?

Yes. We work with stone suppliers and can source a different stone for your table where it is available and suitable for the design. If you have a particular stone, colour or finish in mind, please contact us before ordering. We will check availability with our suppliers and, where possible, make your table using your chosen stone. Additional costs and lead times may apply.

How should I care for different stone surfaces?

Sintered stone is highly resistant to heat, staining and scratching under normal domestic use. Quartz composite is generally stain-resistant but can be sensitive to high temperatures. Natural stone may require sealing and ongoing care. Follow care instructions for your chosen stone, use trivets where appropriate and avoid impact.

Are variations in stone normal?

Yes. Natural variations in colour, pattern and texture are normal.

Consoles & Sideboards

Are consoles and sideboards handmade?

Our consoles and sideboards are handmade in England.

Can I customise their dimensions?

Selected dimensions can be customised, depending on your chosen design.

Do your consoles and sideboards have soft-close doors and drawers?

Soft-close hinges and drawer runners are available on most console and sideboard models, helping doors and drawers close smoothly and quietly.

Payments

Which payment methods do you accept?

We accept credit card, debit card, PayPal, Stripe and Direct Debit. Stripe is the secure payment provider and payment process used for card payments; it is not a separate card type.

50/50 Payment Plan

How does the 50/50 Payment Plan work?

A 50% deposit is payable when you place your order. Production begins once your deposit is received. The remaining 50% is payable when your furniture is completed and ready for delivery. Delivery is arranged once your final balance has been paid in full.

Which orders qualify for the 50/50 Payment Plan?

The plan is available for made-to-order and bespoke furniture.

Production & Lead Times

How long does production take?

Our standard production lead time is 6–8 weeks. Express production is not offered.

Delivery

Where do you deliver?

Delivery is available across four zones covering the UK and Crown Dependencies. Zone A, covering England and Wales, is free. Zones B–D have fixed charges listed in Delivery Information. International delivery is available on request.

What does standard delivery include?

Standard delivery is to the entrance of your building. White-Glove Delivery is optional and depends on your location, access and items ordered.

What should I check before delivery?

Please check dimensions and access through entrances, doorways, halls, staircases and lifts. Please see Delivery Information for full zone rates, access requirements and service details.

Returns & Cancellation

Can I cancel my order?

Cancellation rights depend on your product and the options selected. Furniture made to individual specifications or clearly personalised may not have the usual 14-day cancellation right. Not all made-to-order furniture is automatically excluded, so the position depends on your individual order.

What if my furniture is faulty, damaged or not as described?

Your statutory rights for faulty, damaged or not-as-described goods remain unaffected. Please contact MEK Design UK promptly. See Returns & Cancellation for full details.

Warranty — 2-Year Guarantee

What does the 2-year guarantee cover?

Our 2-year guarantee covers eligible workmanship, structural, construction and material faults in the frame, foam, fillings, mechanisms and upholstery arising under normal domestic use.

What is not covered by the guarantee?

Key exclusions include misuse, accidental damage, normal wear and tear, improper care, natural variations in materials and unauthorised repairs.

What are my responsibilities under the guarantee?

Please report a fault promptly and provide proof of purchase, photographs or other evidence where requested. You must also allow inspection if required.

Does the guarantee affect my statutory rights?

No. The guarantee is in addition to and does not affect your statutory rights. See the full Warranty terms for details.

Care & Maintenance

How should I care for upholstered furniture?

Follow the supplied care instructions for your chosen fabric, blot spills promptly rather than rubbing, and avoid harsh or unsuitable cleaning products.

How should I care for solid wood tables?

Follow the supplied care instructions for your chosen finish. Protect wood from standing moisture and excessive heat, and dry the surface promptly after cleaning.

How should I care for stone tables?

Follow the supplied care instructions for your chosen stone. Use coasters and placemats, use trivets where appropriate, and avoid abrasive or unsuitable cleaning products.

Contact

How can I contact MEK Design?

Email shop@mekdesign.uk with questions about products, fabrics, customisation, quotations, orders or delivery.