Help & FAQs — Upholstery, Interior Design & Bespoke Furniture

Why use an interior designer?
An interior designer helps you make confident, well-informed decisions so your home feels cohesive, functional and beautifully personal. We bring fresh ideas, creative clarity and deep material knowledge, helping you avoid costly mistakes and bringing your vision to life with ease.

At Marsden Grace, we also make many of the bespoke elements your project requires — from seating and headboards to curtains and soft furnishings — meaning your designer and maker are perfectly aligned.

What areas do you cover?
We’re based in South London and work across London (North, South, East and West), as well as Surrey,Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex.
For larger design projects, we can travel further. Travel fees apply outside our local working areas which are listed below.

Local Areas covered
Blackheath, Brockley, Crofton Park, Dulwich, Forest Hill, Greenwich, Honor Oak, Ladywell, Lewisham, New Cross, Nunhead, Peckham, Rotherhithe and Surrey Quays.

If you're unsure whether we cover your location, feel free to get in touch — we’re always happy to help.

What is included in an Interior Design Consultation?
A one-room consultation (£300) includes a friendly 15-minute call, a one-hour home visit, and a personalised follow-up presentation with:
• 3 paint sample pots
• curated fabric samples
• a specifier list with up to 10 recommended items
• up to three 2D layout drawings
It gives you clarity, confidence and a clear design direction you can implement at your own pace.

Do you offer online consultations?
Yes. Remote consultations are ideal if you’re outside our core area or prefer an online format.

How much do full interior design services cost?
Full design services start at 10% of an agreed project budget (minimum budget £5,000). This includes 3D drawings, elevations and photorealistic renderings so you can visualise the space before making important decisions.

Is it cheaper to reupholster or buy new?
Often, yes — especially when comparing handcrafted work to high-street options. Older furniture is typically far better made, and reupholstery extends its life while giving you complete freedom with fabrics, fillings and finishes.

How much does reupholstery cost?
Costs vary by size and condition, but as a guide:
• Dining chairs from £75 (1-3m fabric)
• Armchairs from £600 ( 6-10m fabric)
• Sofas from £900 (plus 14–20m fabric)
Reupholstering a sofa is a skilled, time-intensive process usually carried out by two craftspeople over one to two weeks.

Is reupholstery eco-friendly?
Yes. Reupholstery is one of the most sustainable ways to refresh your home, keeping quality furniture out of landfill and greatly reducing the need for new materials.

Do you work with client-supplied fabric?
Yes, provided it meets UK fire-safety regulations. We’re happy to help you check suitability or recommend alternatives.

Is upholstery fabric different from normal fabric?
Yes. Upholstery fabrics are specially made to be durable, safe and long-lasting. They meet strict standards that everyday fabrics do not.

How much do bespoke curtains cost?
A typical pair of fully interlined, double pinch-pleat curtains (150cm wide × 280cm drop) in plain cotton starts from around £750, including professional measuring, fabric guidance and expert fitting. Bespoke curtains offer a perfect fit and thoughtful craftsmanship that ready-made options can’t match.

Do you supply fabric?
Yes — we work with exceptional UK and European mills, including Rapture & Wright and Liberty. Buying fabric through us helps keep labour costs fair thanks to supplier commissions.
If you already have a fabric in mind, we can use it as long as it meets UK fire safety regulations.

Can you make cushions, Roman blinds and lampshades?
Absolutely. We create cushions, blinds, pelmets, lampshades and more, all hand-sewn in the UK.

How much does bespoke furniture cost?
Most bespoke pieces fall between £300–£6,000 depending on size, materials and level of detail. Banquettes, headboards and window seats are priced individually after we discuss your ideas.

How long does a bespoke piece take to make?
Lead times are typically 6–12 weeks depending on design complexity and workshop scheduling. We guide you through every step from sketches to installation.

Do you make banquettes, headboards, ottomans and window seats?
Yes — almost any upholstered piece can be designed and built to your exact measurements.

How long do upholstery and curtain commissions take?
Most commissions take 6–8 weeks from the point your chosen fabric is confirmed and in stock. Larger projects or specialist fabrics may take longer if suppliers have waiting times. We keep you fully updated throughout.

How long does bespoke upholstered furniture take?
Between 6–12 weeks, depending on size, materials and design development.

How much is delivery?
Delivery is included in the cost. Larger items requiring a two-person team will be delivered to any ground-floor room at UK mainland addresses. Additional floors or further travel can be arranged — just let us know what you need.

Is there a discount if I collect?
Yes. Our workshops are in Worthing (×2), Lancing and SE14 London. We’ll let you know where your piece is being made and confirm the collection discount if you prefer to pick it up.

What is your returns policy?
Reupholstery, bespoke furniture and made-to-measure curtain and blinds are created individually for each customer, so they are classed as bespoke items and not eligible for return if you change your mind.

However, under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you are fully protected if an item arrives faulty, damaged or not as described. We will arrange repair or replacement, and if that isn’t possible, a refund may be offered.

Can I return customer-supplied fabric?
No, customer-chosen fabrics cannot be returned unless defective.

What if I have concerns after placing my order?
Just get in touch. We’re here to help at every stage.