How to Buy Custom: Frames, Fabric, and Other Customization Options Explained

The best furniture doesn’t just fill a space: it reflects how you live, relax and gather. Custom furniture is an investment not only in your home’s aesthetic but also in your comfort and lifestyle. And, as we mentioned in an earlier post, it offers value that ready-made options just can’t match. At U-Fab Interiors, we help our clients design pieces that are just as functional as they are beautiful, with every detail tailored to suit their unique space, needs, and personal style.

But if you’ve never ordered custom before, the process can feel a little overwhelming. That’s why we’re breaking it down, step by step, so you know exactly what to expect when you begin designing your own custom upholstery with us.

Your style, your way. U-Fab offers customizable furniture that lets you choose the frame, fabric, and finish to create a piece that’s uniquely yours.

Step One: Frame Selection and Functionality

The first step in designing a custom piece is selecting the right frame. Are you looking for a chair, a sofa, or a sectional? Each piece serves a different purpose, so it’s important to think through not only the size and shape, but how it will function in your home. This decision is about more than just style. It’s about how the piece fits your body, your space, and your everyday life. As Ana explains, thinking about how your body fits into the frame and what you’ll be using it for can help guide the entire design process. Do you want to sit in the piece or more on top of it? Will it be your go-to spot for lounging and napping, or is it meant for occasional seating in a guest room or reading nook?

Maryjane encourages clients to consider who will be using the piece and how comfortable they want to feel. A deep, plush sofa might be perfect for family movie nights, while a more upright frame may work better in a cozy corner for reading. Julie also reminds clients that frame size matters not only for the overall footprint of the room but for day-to-day comfort: “You can select the frame size that fits you and your space,” she says, which makes a big difference in how the piece functions long term.

Functionality plays a major role in the selection process, and many clients are surprised by how many options they have. Diana points out that sofas often come in different lengths or depths, and chairs can frequently be ordered as swivels or gliders—perfect for rooms with multiple focal points. Heather always asks how the space is laid out: “Is the room open concept? If so, would swivel chairs help you shift the view between the TV and the fireplace?”

Another important consideration is the design details of the frame itself. Are you drawn to the softness of a rolled arm or the clean lines of a track arm? Do you prefer a classic, modern, or transitional style? These choices shape the personality of your furniture and how it complements your space. If you’re unsure, don’t worry—our design consultants are here to help you explore options and find the perfect look that fits your vision.

When chosen thoughtfully, the right frame does more than fill a space; it supports the way you live in it.

Designed by U-Fab’s own Diana Vicenti, this cozy custom living room blends comfort and personality with a thoughtful mix of patterns, textures, and tailored details.

Step Two: Choosing the Right Fabric

Once you’ve selected the perfect frame, the next step is picking a fabric that suits both your lifestyle and your personal style. This choice is just as important as the frame because it affects how your furniture looks, feels, and holds up over time.

Maryjane emphasizes durability as a key consideration. Many clients ask, “Is this fabric going to last?” That’s a smart question since custom furniture is an investment meant to stand the test of time. But beyond durability, it’s essential to think about how you’ll feel living with the fabric twenty years from now. How will your space evolve? Will the fabric continue to complement your changing decor? Answering these questions helps you choose fabric that’s both beautiful and enduring.

Heather reminds clients to factor in practical details like pets, kids, and how often the piece will be used. A highly used family sofa or sectional may require a more resilient fabric, while a decorative accent chair might allow for something more delicate or textured. Understanding your daily use and lifestyle helps determine the perfect balance between comfort, style, and durability.

Ana points out that clients often hesitate with fabric choices, tending to play it safe. While larger items like sofas or sectionals may call for something more classic and versatile, she finds it easier to encourage more adventurous selections on smaller pieces like accent chairs or ottomans.

At U-Fab Interiors, we offer an expansive fabric selection to fit every taste and need. Our designers are always here to help you narrow down options and find the perfect match for your space and lifestyle. Plus, with our fabric sample library, you can take swatches home to see how they look and feel in your space before making a final decision.

Elevated and effortless. This collection from our Scout Guide shoot features a rich leather sofa paired with perfectly contrasting accent chairs for a look that feels both timeless and fresh.

Step Three: The Finishing Touches

Custom doesn’t end with frame and fabric. Diana loves showing clients the full range of what’s possible, explaining that “clients are often surprised to find that they can switch out the cushion configuration or select the finish on the wood.”

But customization goes even further. From tailored skirt styles to refined trim details, these little extras are what make a custom piece truly stand out. Whether you’re drawn to contrast welting, pleats, ruffles, or a clean, minimal edge, we can help you design something that feels polished and personal. Nailhead trim, tufting, and are just a few of the other options that can be layered in to make the design feel one-of-a-kind.

These are the kinds of details that turn a well-made piece into a true statement.

Bonus: The Full-Service U-Fab Experience

At U-Fab Interiors, our commitment to you goes beyond selecting the perfect frame and fabric. Unlike big box furniture retailers, we offer a full-service experience that supports you from the initial concept all the way through delivery and beyond. Our expert team is here to guide you at every step, making sure every detail aligns with your vision and lifestyle.

When your custom piece arrives, our in-house delivery team handles it with care and attention, ensuring it’s installed perfectly in your home. We don’t rely on third-party services because we take personal responsibility for your investment.

Plus, we offer custom pillows and window treatments designed to coordinate beautifully with your new furniture, so your entire space feels cohesive and thoughtfully finished. This level of personalized service and craftsmanship is what truly sets U-Fab Interiors apart.

Final Thoughts

Buying custom isn’t just about making something beautiful, it’s about making something personal, durable, and perfectly suited to your space and lifestyle. At U-Fab, we take the time to ask questions that help you uncover how your furniture needs to work just as much as how it needs to look.

Whether you're creating a family-friendly sectional, an heirloom-quality accent chair, or anything in between, our design consultants are here to guide you through every detail. With expert advice and endless customization options, we’ll help you design a piece that’s beautiful, durable, and uniquely yours.

Ready to get started? Stop by the showroom or book a consultation to begin crafting your custom piece today.