Business Details
45 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Bespoke Furniture Solutions
Established in 1981, Lapthorn Furniture has dedicated over four decades to crafting bespoke furniture that harmonizes practicality with aesthetic elegance. Our founder, Andrew Lapthorn FSDC, honed his expertise through formal training at Rycotewood College and distinction in the Society of Designer Craftsmen, laying the foundation for a business rooted in technical mastery and creative problem-solving. Situated within the historic grounds of Chatham Dockyard, our workshop merges traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, serving clients seeking tailored solutions for residential, commercial, and outdoor spaces.Every commission reflects our commitment to quality, from hand-cut dovetail joints to precision-engineered drawer mechanisms, ensuring functionality and longevity. Our process prioritizes collaboration, prototyping, and material integrity to deliver furniture that enhances daily life while respecting individual client needs.
Services
Bespoke Tables
Handmade Seating
Cabinets
Chest of Drawers
Shelving
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in bespoke furniture design.
- Our team combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques.
- Each piece is tailored to meet practical and aesthetic needs.
- We use high-quality European and North American hardwoods.
- Our process includes prototyping to ensure comfort and functionality.
Associations and certifications
- Society of Designer Craftsmen
Services
Bespoke Tables
We design and craft tables tailored to specific functional and aesthetic requirements. From dining and boardroom tables to console and altar tables, each piece combines traditional joinery with modern materials like glass and stone. Our process ensures durability and elegance, catering to residential, commercial, and ecclesiastical settings.
Handmade Seating
Our seating solutions balance comfort, durability, and design precision. Whether crafting a single statement chair or a set of dining chairs, we prioritize ergonomic prototyping and material selection, including upholstery options like leather, fabric, or traditional cane. Each piece reflects meticulous attention to structural integrity and user experience.
Cabinets
We create wall-mounted and freestanding cabinets for storage and display, including dressers, sideboards, and reception desks. Designed to integrate seamlessly into spaces, our cabinets emphasize material quality, proportion, and functionality, ensuring practicality without compromising visual harmony in residential or commercial environments.
Chest of Drawers
Our chests of drawers combine traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering. Featuring hand-cut dovetails or precision metal runners, they offer smooth operation and durability. Available in configurations tailored to storage needs, from clothing to collectibles, each unit balances aesthetic appeal with practical, high-capacity functionality.
Shelving
We design adjustable shelving systems that blend utility with visual interest. Incorporating LED lighting and flexible configurations, our units cater to books, displays, or decorative items. Wall-mounted or freestanding options ensure adaptability to spaces while maintaining structural integrity and stylistic coherence.
People
Andrew Lapthorn
Furniture Designer Maker
Andrew Lapthorn, FSDC, has specialized in bespoke furniture since 1981. Trained at Rycotewood College and recognized by the Society of Designer Craftsmen, he combines traditional techniques with modern innovation. His work focuses on practical, enduring solutions for diverse spaces.
Questions
What types of furniture do you specialize in?
We create bespoke tables, seating, cabinets, chests of drawers, and shelving tailored to residential, commercial, and ecclesiastical needs.
Can you incorporate modern materials into traditional designs?
Yes, we blend traditional craftsmanship with modern elements like glass, stone, and precision-engineered hardware for enhanced functionality.
How do you ensure comfort in seating?
We prototype seating to perfect ergonomics, using materials like hand-cut dovetails or soft-close runners for durability and ease of use.
Do you serve clients outside Kent?
We primarily serve Kent and London M25 areas but collaborate on projects nationwide through detailed consultation and delivery.
What is your design process?
We begin with client consultation, followed by prototyping and material selection to ensure each piece meets practical and aesthetic goals.
