Business Details
16 Years
experience
Your Trusted Bespoke Furniture Designer in Folkestone
Established in 2010, Hannah Dowding Furniture specialises in creating contemporary bespoke furniture using traditional handcrafted techniques. Our founder, Hannah Dowding, graduated with first-class honours in Furniture and Product Design from Nottingham Trent University, channeling her passion for art and design into unique, timeless pieces. We work predominantly with oak, ash, and walnut, though we welcome commissions in other woods, ensuring each creation reflects the client's vision while maintaining our signature style of simplicity and elegance.Our process begins with hand-drawn sketches and CAD drawings, evolving into meticulously crafted pieces tailored to individual specifications. With a reputation built on word-of-mouth recommendations and a strong online presence, we deliver across the UK and internationally, offering both bespoke furniture and a curated handcrafted gift range. Every joint and detail is hand-cut, chiselled, and fitted, ensuring each item is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that celebrates the enduring craft of cabinetmaking.
Services
Bespoke Furniture Design
Handcrafted Gifts
Custom Oak Tables
Walnut Furniture Creation
Ash Wood Products
Commissioned Lighting
Test Tube Vase Design
Poppy Holder Craftsmanship
Dovetail Joint Work
Danish Oil Finishing
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We have over 14 years of experience in bespoke furniture design and craftsmanship
- Our team uses traditional handcrafted techniques combined with modern design principles
- Each piece is tailored to individual client specifications and preferences
- We work with high-quality materials including oak, ash, and walnut
- Our reputation is built on word-of-mouth recommendations and satisfied clients
What people say
Beautiful and unique
Excellent service
Highly recommend
Perfect fit for our home
Stunning craftsmanship
Services
Bespoke Furniture Design
We create made-to-order furniture tailored to your exact specifications. From initial sketches to final delivery, our process ensures each piece reflects your vision while maintaining our signature style. Our expertise in oak, ash, and walnut allows for versatile designs that combine contemporary aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship.
Handcrafted Gifts
Our gift range features unique, handcrafted items inspired by our furniture designs. Each product, from test tube vases to poppy holders, is individually made using the same meticulous techniques as our larger pieces, ensuring quality and distinctiveness in every item.
Commissioned Lighting
We design and craft bespoke lighting solutions that serve as both functional items and artistic statements. Our oak leaf stem lamps and corner lights feature hand-cut detailing, combining contemporary design with traditional woodworking techniques to create statement pieces for any space.
Dovetail Joint Work
Our signature dovetail joints showcase traditional cabinetmaking skills. Each joint is hand-cut and fitted without mechanical fasteners, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal. This technique creates strong, visually striking connections in tables, chests, and other furniture pieces.
Danish Oil Finishing
We apply Danish oil to enhance wood grain and provide long-lasting protection. This finish penetrates deeply into the wood, creating a durable, water-resistant surface while maintaining the natural appearance and tactile quality of the material.
People
Hannah Dowding
Founder & Lead Designer
Hannah Dowding is a BA Hons graduate with over a decade of experience in bespoke furniture design. She specialises in handcrafted oak, ash, and walnut pieces, blending contemporary aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship to create unique, timeless furniture for discerning clients.
Questions
What materials do you work with for bespoke furniture?
We primarily use oak, ash, and walnut for furniture, though we accept commissions in other woods. Our gift range also includes ceramic, metal, and yew wood pieces.
How long does the commissioning process take?
Our current waiting list is 4-6 weeks, though we can sometimes accommodate urgent requests. The process includes design consultation, sketching, and crafting to your specifications.
Do you deliver outside the UK?
Yes, we deliver internationally. All pieces are carefully packaged and shipped worldwide, with delivery arrangements made to suit your location.
Can I request custom modifications to existing designs?
Absolutely. We welcome customisations to our existing pieces, including size adjustments, material changes, and unique detailing to match your personal style and space requirements.
What is your return policy for bespoke items?
Bespoke commissions are non-returnable as they're made to order. However, we ensure your satisfaction through detailed design consultations and regular progress updates during creation.
Are your lighting products safe for home use?
All our lighting items are PAT tested with UK plugs. We recommend using LED bulbs for energy efficiency and safety, with clear instructions provided for proper installation and maintenance.
