Customizing wooden furniture: the key to a design that speaks about you

In a way, your home is your story. It's the place where you surround yourself with things that make your life more beautiful and inspire you, with special objects received from loved ones or collected from vacations and travels.

In decades of experience manufacturing furniture for residential spaces in Romania and abroad, we, the people of Nord Arin, have learned how important it is for the furniture we include in our homes to have a story behind it and to bear something of our personal imprint.

In this article, we will explore the advantages of custom furniture, as well as the customization options available at Nord Arin.

Why choose custom furniture?

It is relatively easy to furnish your home with mass-produced items, with high accessibility and immediate availability, which fulfill the desired function in the short term. However, the truth is that these items are often made of inferior quality materials, based on temporary trends, to be used in the short to medium term. Over time, these pieces lose their charm and relevance.

The alternative is artisanal, handcrafted items, customized and made to order, just for you. In this case, the products acquire timeless value, always remaining authentic and current.

If we refer strictly to furniture, the possibility of customization offers not only the freedom to create an environment that reflects the lifestyle and preferences of the occupants, but also plays a significant role in optimizing space and shaping a harmonious and balanced arrangement.

By selecting dimensions, finishes, and materials, each custom furniture piece becomes a statement of style and authenticity, and you become the co-author of the object you invite into your home.

Custom furniture vs. made-to-order furniture

The terms "custom furniture" and "made-to-order furniture" are often confused, but we are talking about two different production areas. We specify from the outset that both types of furniture differ from mass-produced furniture, manufactured according to standard measurements and characteristics, and which can be purchased as such, exclusively in the variant presented in the catalog/store.

1. Made-to-order furniture involves creating a furniture unit or ensemble from scratch, according to the dimensions and specifications desired by the client, who can intervene in the design and functionality of the product.

The two main advantages of this type of furniture are the intelligent compartmentalization, designed for each client, and the possibility of maximizing every corner of a room. This type of furniture is ideal for those who live in compact spaces and need furniture that makes the most of every centimeter and creates vertical storage space.

Made-to-order furniture is an optimal solution especially for kitchens, where we have built-in appliances, but also for dressing rooms and other integrated storage solutions. Thus, clients can make the most of the available space, enjoying increased comfort and functionality, while also having the freedom to choose options such as materials and finishes from the design phase.

2. Custom furniture refers to high-quality furniture, with a unique design and manufactured using complex techniques, often artisanal.

This type of furniture involves the client's intervention on elements related to the aesthetics and dimensions of the product, starting from a pre-existing design.

In this case, clients choose certain furniture precisely because of the original design signed by the respective brand's designers, but, of course, also for reasons related to quality and durability. Almost always, design furniture promises more than just a unique aesthetic, being made from premium, sustainable materials, with impeccable attention to detail.

Therefore, in the case of custom furniture, the design and functionality of the product generally remain unchanged, while the client can add their personal touch by determining the optimal dimensions for their space and playing with materials, finishes, and accessories.

This type of furniture is excellently suited for key furniture pieces in a home, with both functional and decorative roles – the dining table and chairs, the sofa, the coffee table, sideboards, or chests of drawers. These objects can completely transform the room in which they are placed, and by customizing them, you channel your energy and manifest your creativity through the pieces with the greatest impact on the decor.

Customizing wooden furniture - an expression of your style and personality in any decor style

Regardless of whether you prefer a minimalist, Scandinavian, Japandi, modern rustic, mid-century, eclectic, or any other contemporary decor style, customizing furniture allows you to bring more meaning and authenticity to the decor. By harmonizing the materials, textures, and colors of the furniture with the wall and floor finishes, as well as the architectural details of the home, you can elevate the decor to a whole new level.

If you opt for a neutral color scheme - based on beige, off-white, light gray, and pastel tones - the warm coloration of an essence like oak, beech, or ash, complemented by a natural finish, will flow naturally into the narrative of your decor. On the other hand, if you want to create a sophisticated decor and a focal point with the help of textures, furniture with noble American walnut veneer can be a welcome idea.

By customizing living and dining furniture, the tabletop can mirror a natural stone floor or wall, its base can counterbalance a statement light fixture suspended from the ceiling, while the upholstery of the dining chairs will perfectly integrate into the texture and color scheme of the textiles in the rest of the living area. The result? A unified decor, where everything is in balance and nothing is left to chance.

How to integrate custom furniture into your home's style

Considering that custom furniture has a longer production time, of several weeks or even months, it is advisable to configure and order it in advance. Also, it is recommended that when ordering large furniture pieces, you have a clear idea of the desired decor style and have already established the main finishes for walls and floors.

Here are the aspects you need to consider for custom furniture to blend harmoniously with your home's interior design:

1. Know the color palette of the space. Choose finishes and shades that complement the predominant color scheme of your interior. If you have a minimalist decor with neutral colors, natural oak furniture will add warmth without visually cluttering the space.
2. Respect proportions. Furniture must be adapted to the room's dimensions. An oversized piece can make the space feel overwhelming, while a low piece, placed in a room with a high ceiling, will seem insignificant.
3. Choose complementary materials. Wood beautifully complements colder materials like marble, glass, or metal, creating a necessary balance and a pleasant tactile contrast.
4. Maintain stylistic coherence. Custom furniture must follow the common thread of the decor, whether you have chosen a contemporary, retro, or eclectic style. Mixing influences can work excellently, but it must be done carefully to avoid a chaotic look.
5. Opt for functionality. When configuring your furniture, think about your family's habits and your lifestyle. Custom furniture is usually ordered for long periods, so filter every choice through functionality.

Customizing the dining table - how to choose the right tabletop shape

The dining table holds an important place in our homes. Whether we spend our mornings enjoying a delicious breakfast before each family member starts their usual activities, or we have made a ritual of enjoying family dinner, the dining table is literally at the center of our family during the key moments of each day.

Through its design, presence, details, and materials, this piece of furniture can enrich precious moments with loved ones, creating an aura of authenticity and refinement around it.

On the market, there are numerous models, shapes, and sizes of dining tables, and tables can also be fixed or extendable. When choosing the tabletop shape, it is important to consider the room's dimensions, the number of people who will frequently use it, and the natural flow of the space.

Next, we present the benefits of different tabletop shapes for the dining table.

1. Round table – ideal for intimacy and small spaces

The round shape allows for closer interaction between guests and facilitates conversations, being perfect for family dinners or small gatherings. If your dining area has small dimensions or a fluid layout, the round table saves space and adds an elegant air, without corners that block traffic.

The round table is generally recommended for 4-6 people, but there are also large-diameter round tables for 10-12 people.

2. Oval table – elegance and versatility

If you want a table that combines the fluidity of a round table with the ability to accommodate more people, opt for an oval top.

The oval table creates a balance between functionality and aesthetics, being suitable for medium-sized dining areas, arranged more longitudinally.

3. Rectangular table – maximum space and visual impact

Rectangular tables are the most popular choice due to their ability to host large families or groups of friends. It is also the ideal choice if you frequently organize festive dinners. Rectangular tables fit best in large and spacious rooms, offering symmetry and a strong visual impact.

Due to its generous dimensions, the rectangular dining table tends to visually dominate the space. Make sure you choose a piece with a harmonious design, with natural texture and finishes, and avoid cluttering the space around it.

4. Square table – practical and compact

A suitable option for small rooms and intimate configurations. For families of up to 4 members who do not frequently host guests, a square table can be a convenient choice, especially since it can be placed in different areas of the house and easily repositioned. In large spaces, two square tables placed together can offer flexibility in arranging guests.

How to correctly determine the size of your dining table

Once the tabletop shape that harmoniously integrates into the space has been chosen, the next step is to calculate its size by correctly measuring the total area to be allocated to the dining table.

A table that is too large can clutter the space, while one that is too small can affect aesthetics, functionality, and long-term comfort. Avoid these possible inconveniences by following the recommendations below:

• Leave enough space for chairs and traffic. Make sure there is at least 90-100 cm clear space between the edge of the table and walls or other furniture pieces.
• To the dimensions of the desired furniture piece, add this distance all around, on all sides of the tabletop. This space allows for easy chair maneuvering and comfortable movement around the table.
• In more spacious rooms, you can increase this distance to 120 cm for added ease.
• Calculate the table dimensions based on the number of people who most frequently dine in that space.
• For each person to have enough space at the table, allocate 60 cm width per seat.
• For example, a 180 cm long table can comfortably seat 6 people. If you prefer round tables, a diameter of 120 cm is ideal for 4 people, and 150 cm for 6 people.

Nord Arin furniture customization - expressiveness and refinement for your home

At Nord Arin, each product is made to order to offer you more than just furniture. With every new project, we aim to bring nature into your home through a timeless contemporary design that creates emotion and exudes refinement, year after year.

We believe in the power of simplicity, which is why Nord Arin creations can be described as minimalist. Nevertheless, each piece has a characteristic, a detail, or an element that intrigues, captivates, or invites conversation. When you choose a Nord Arin piece, you can be sure it has a story behind it, and through customization, you take up the pen and carry the story to the next chapter.

To enable you to create the ideal configuration of your favorite product, we have designed an extensive range of customization options that bring together noble wood and natural stone essences, fused glass with a subtle and elegant texture, and luxurious upholsteries made of leather, fabric, bouclé, or recycled polyester.

Also, certain models can be further customized with features such as LED lighting with warm light - a welcome option, designed to create an intimate and refined atmosphere.

Sustainable furniture, manufactured with care for the environment

We want you to know that the materials we use are of sustainable origin, sourced from reliable suppliers and used responsibly. Nord Arin experts travel across the country (sometimes even further) to hand-select the lumber, logs, and veneers that live on through the brand's furniture pieces. The wood used in production is FSC certified.

Additionally, many of our finishes are developed in the Nord Arin factory, following our own "recipe," alongside international specialists in wood furniture finishes. To color our creations, we use water-based paints or paints with low VOC content, which are environmentally and human-friendly.

From warm Ivory and Honey tones to rich shades like Terra or Red Wine, our matte and semi-matte finishes are designed to highlight and bring to the surface the unique grain and natural texture of the wood.

How to choose the ideal configuration for your Nord Arin furniture

Once you have determined the model, dimensions, and respective compartmentalization, in the case of storage furniture, you can proceed to choose the type of veneer, glass, Ruschița or Botticino marble, finishes, and upholstery, in the case of dining chairs. You can follow these steps on each product page. If you need help during the product configuration process, we are always available to provide additional information and consultation, so you can make the most inspired choices.

All customization options in Nord Arin's portfolio are studied and tested to complement and highlight the timeless design of the products. However, if you feel that you haven't found the optimal option for you, you can contact us and we will do our best to honor your request.

It's good to know that both the design, as well as the finishes and materials are conceived to allow you to combine furniture pieces from different collections, for a distinctive mix and match effect. In this case, the design language found in all our creations, high-quality materials and nature-inspired finishes will become the common denominator that gives consistency to the arrangement.

For example, the Cortina sideboard fits equally well with the Cortina table and Marilyn tables, the Dune sideboard creates a spectacular decor with the Eve table, and in the center of the Milano collection you can place the ARC table, Inia or the round Marilyn table, for an elegant contemporary decor.

Customizing wooden furniture is not just a design choice, but an investment in quality and authenticity. With the help of custom furniture, you can transform your home into a sanctuary of comfort, elegance, and good taste, and even more, you can create a unique home, just like you.

Choosing the materials that inspire you, the suitable finishes, and the optimal dimensions ensures the harmonious integration of each furniture piece into your home's decor.

Whether you want a dining table like a jewel, to become the center of good cheer during gatherings with loved ones, a spacious sideboard with a sophisticated design, or chairs that invite relaxation, Nord Arin is the place where the furniture of your dreams becomes reality, with you as a co-author.