Vintage Sofa Makers is a British furniture maker specialising in handmade sofas and armchairs built using traditional upholstery methods.

Our story began in 1985, selling carefully sourced antique and second-hand sofas and chairs across the UK and Europe. We travelled extensively through the UK, France, Belgium and Holland, selecting furniture for its build quality, comfort and design — not trends.

By 2017, well-made vintage furniture had become increasingly scarce. Rather than compromise on quality, we chose to start making our own.

We were among the first in the UK to remake vintage-style sofas and armchairs from scratch, combining classic proportions with modern build standards.

Every piece is handmade to order in Britain, using:

• Solid hardwood frames
  
• Traditional upholstery techniques
  
• UK-compliant fire-retardant materials
  
• Carefully selected natural and durable fabrics
  

We do not import furniture, use flat-pack systems, or mass-produce.

In 2017, we developed our own original vintage leather, designed to age naturally. This is a 100% natural leather that shows scars, creases and markings — the signs of real hide — rather than the coated, uniform finishes common in mass-market furniture.

It took time for customers to understand this approach, but those who do value leather that improves with use rather than wears out.

Alongside our leathers, we upholster in vintage-style velvets and genuine Harris Tweed, chosen for durability, texture and long-term comfort.

Our purpose extends beyond the furniture itself.

We actively support skilled upholsterers and train younger makers to help preserve traditional British craftsmanship — something increasingly rare in modern furniture production. Our workshop encourages collaboration, forward thinking and continuous design development, with new pieces introduced every 12–14 weeks.

Four decades of experience, one clear approach

After more than forty years in the trade, our approach remains simple:

• No shortcuts
  
• No false finishes
  
• No imported alternatives
  

We build honest, well-made sofas and armchairs at fair prices, designed to be lived with for decades. Every piece is made to order in 4–6 weeks and built to offer lasting comfort, weight and quality.

If you’re looking for handmade British furniture with character, substance and integrity, you’re in the right place.