Hello

Your subscription is almost coming to an end. Don’t miss out on the great content on Nation.Africa

Ready to continue your informative journey with us?

Hello

Your premium access has ended, but the best of Nation.Africa is still within reach. Renew now to unlock exclusive stories and in-depth features.

Reclaim your full access. Click below to renew.

Caption for the landscape image:

What to consider before deciding between tailor-made and ready-made furniture

Scroll down to read the article

Ready-made furniture is typically more affordable because it is mass-produced

When Sylvia Nakato moved into her first apartment in Kampala, she was eager to transform the empty rooms into a cosy, personal space. A visit to a popular furniture store in Nakawa left her overwhelmed by the sheer variety of ready-made options. 

“I wanted something unique,” she recalls, “but most pieces either did not fit my small living room or looked like they belonged in everyone else’s house.” Eventually, Nakato decided to hire a local carpenter in Kisaasi to create custom furniture that fit her vision.

Her a common dilemma faced by many homeowners and renters in Kampala; should you go for ready-made furniture, or invest in tailor-made pieces? The choice is not always straightforward and depends on several factors such as budget, space and personal style.

 Budget

Cost is often the first thing people consider when choosing furniture. Ready-made furniture is typically more affordable because it is mass-produced. Stores offer a range of options for various budgets, making it easier for customers to quickly furnish their homes.

“When I got my first job, I needed a bed, a sofa, a wardrobe and a dining set immediately,” says Peter Mugisha, a resident of Kyebando. “I did not have the time or money to wait for custom furniture, so I went to the store and picked what I could afford.”

However, tailor-made furniture can be seen as an investment. “Custom pieces are more expensive because they are crafted to suit specific needs,” explains Sarah Musoke, an owner of a furniture store in Ndeeba. “The quality and durability you get are unmatched. I always tell my clients that they are paying for something that will last years.”

Personalisation

For Nakato, one of the biggest lures of tailor-made furniture was personalisation. She wanted a dining table that fit her narrow dining area and a couch furnished in fabric that matched her curtains. “I could not find exactly what I wanted in stores,” she says. “With custom furniture, I had control over every detail.”

Tailor-made furniture allows homeowners to bring their vision to life. Whether it is incorporating African-inspired designs or using unique materials, local artisans can craft pieces that reflect individual tastes.

However, ready-made furniture offers convenience. “If you are not very particular about design or if you are furnishing a rental, ready-made options are practical,” says interior designer Linda Kasule. “You can always add personal touches with accessories like cushions and throws.”

Space optimisation

In Kampala’s growing apartment culture, space is often at a premium. Ready-made furniture comes in standard sizes, which may not always fit smaller or oddly-shaped rooms. This is a problem that Mugisha encountered when she bought a ready-made wardrobe. “It was too tall for my bedroom ceiling,” he recalls. “I ended up selling it at a loss.”

Custom furniture, on the other hand, is designed to fit specific spaces. Carpenters can create compact wardrobes, corner sofas, or multi-functional pieces like storage beds that maximise space. 

“I recently worked on a project in Naalya where the client wanted a bed with built-in storage drawers,” says Musoke. “It saved them space and eliminated the need for an extra cabinet.”

Time frame

The time it takes to acquire furniture can also influence your decision. Ready-made pieces are ideal for those who need immediate solutions. Stores in Kampala often have items in stock, ready for purchase and delivery.

Tailor-made furniture, however, requires patience. “Custom work takes time,” says Musoke. “From sourcing materials to crafting the pieces, it can take weeks or even months.” For Nakato, the wait was worth it. “It took two months to get everything, but seeing my vision come to life made it worthwhile,” she says.

Quality and durability

The materials and craftsmanship determine how long furniture lasts. Ready-made furniture often uses medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particleboard, which are less durable than hardwood. Imported furniture may look appealing but is not always built for longevity.

In contrast, tailor-made furniture offers better quality. Local carpenters frequently use hardwoods such as mahogany and eucalyptus, which are durable and can withstand heavy use. “I once bought a ready-made dining table,” says Jane Katusiime a shop owner in Luzira. “Within a year, the joints started creaking. After that, I decided to go custom, and I have never regretted it.”

Aesthetic appeal

Ready-made furniture is designed for mass appeal, which can sometimes make it feel generic. “It is hard to find something that truly stands out,” says Kasule. “Most stores stock similar designs because they stock what sells easily.”

Tailor-made furniture, however, offers a unique aesthetic. Homeowners can incorporate personal touches or even collaborate with artisans to create statement pieces. For instance, Nakato’s carpenter carved a traditional theme into her dining table, giving it a distinct African flair.

Sustainability

As sustainability becomes a global priority, more homeowners are thinking about the environmental impact of their choices. Ready-made furniture is often mass-produced with synthetic materials, which can be harmful to the environment.

Custom furniture allows for more sustainable options. “I encourage my clients to use locally sourced materials or reclaimed wood,” says Musoke. “It is better for the environment and supports local businesses.”

Maintenance and repairs

Furniture requires upkeep, and the ease of maintenance can vary. Ready-made furniture often lacks the flexibility for repairs. If a leg breaks or a joint loosens, finding replacement parts can be difficult, especially for imported items.

Tailor-made furniture, on the other hand, is easier to repair. “I have had clients come back after five years asking for repairs or upgrades,” says Musoke.