Tag: handcrafted furniture

Inside the Upholstery Frame: Why Craft Matters

At first glance, you may not realize the hours of effort that go into crafting a Nathan Anthony custom upholstery order. If we’re doing our job right, that’s exactly how it should be. The pitch perfect tension in the Alder wood frame and Pirelli webbing, the made-to-order mix of foam and comfort filling, the precise fabric matching at the seams, and straight-as-a-pin topstitching, are best appreciated when you and your client take a seat and sigh in comfort.

Hand webbing application
The art of framing the chassis

Behind every curve and silhouette is a team of artisans who’ve been practicing their craft for decades. They know how to make a seam land just right. They know how to sculpt a frame so it hugs the body, or pull fabric so precisely that the line vanishes into the form. These aren’t things you can learn quickly – they’re the result of time, discipline, and pride in the work.

The fine art of cushioning the chassis

Take the sweeping arc of our Relax sectional, the cascading arms of Freya, or the deep hand-pulled channeling on Michel. These details might seem simple at first, but they’re so much more. They elevate our pieces, and they’re why designers come to us when they want a statement instead of just a sofa.

The side silhouette of the Freya sofa

We pair that craftsmanship with intentional materials – solid alderwood frames, Pirelli webbing, premium memory foams – so that each piece is not only beautiful, but built to last. Many of our frames are designed to withstand multiple reupholsterings. In a world of fast everything, that matters to me. Creating something durable is a form of respect toward the craft, toward our planet, and toward the people who live with our furniture.

Securing the quilted pattern by hand

The art of frame construction and durability

Every day, I’m inspired by what our team creates. It reminds me that what we do isn’t just manufacturing, it’s about making something meaningful. That quiet confidence you feel when you see one of our pieces? That’s the invisible work. And to me, that’s the most luxurious part.

Our dedicated team of artisans, managers and brand ambassadors!

Great design starts with great collaboration. Our Custom Design Concierge™ is ready when you are.

Tina Nicole
Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer
Nathan Anthony Furniture, Los Angeles

P.S. Let’s stay connected! Find us on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and Pinterest, and check out our latest videos on YouTube. Or follow the hashtags #nathananthony, #nathananthonyfurniture and #upholsteryart. We’d love to engage with you!

The Joy of Collaborating

Customizing upholstery in partnership with our interior designer clientele is always an exciting journey for us. We absolutely love the process of collaborating with other creatives, and helping them to realize their vision for a client project. We also happen to be passionate about color, textiles and sartorial details, so we love it when we get to work with like-minded individuals. 

Sure; it may be simpler to only offer a selection of stocked items, but where’s the fun in that? As a trusted trade resource for couturier furnishings, it’s more gratifying for us to fill a niche within the design community and to play a role in the creation of projects both special and unique. 

Customizing furniture isn’t just about the final product; it’s about the entire process. The energy and vision our interior design clients bring to this work inspire us and fuel our creativity. With our designer-partners, we consider how each upholstered furnishing item interacts within its environment and the dimensions of the living space, along with how it will function. This collaborative effort involves our entire team. 

Dutch Model, Sanne Vloet (L), and our Creative Director, Tina Nicole (R) discussing the Freya sofa design before the first “sit test”

For instance, our Freya sofa/sectional is the result of a creative collaboration between Nathan Anthony, Dutch model Sanne Vloet, and Lauren Piscione of LP Creative. Inspired by our popular Hugo sectional, Sanne envisioned bringing the serene Japandi aesthetic—a fusion of Eastern minimalism and Western comfort—into her new LA home.

Dutch Model, Sanne Vloet arriving at the factory for a “sit test”

The resulting design, Freya, features elegantly cascading arms, soft rounded corners, and memory foam cushions for ultimate comfort. It includes large box accent pillows and double-down filling throughout its backs, arms, and pillows. This three-piece sectional offers generous, versatile seating with a wedge and center module that provide a range of lounging positions, including resting on the back rail for casual conversation. Named after the revered Norse goddess, Freya embodies both beauty and strength, making it a standout in any space.

The Freya sofa, final install in Sanne Vloet’s new LA home

At Nathan Anthony, we cherish these opportunities to create unique, functional, and beautiful pieces to be enjoyed for years to come.

Thank you for reading and please let our Custom Design Concierge™ team answer your burning custom upholstery questions and assist you with placing orders. 

Tina Nicole

Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer

Nathan Anthony Furniture, Los Angeles

P.S. Connect with us directly on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and Pinterest, and check out our latest videos on YouTube. Or follow the hashtags #nathananthony, #nathananthonyfurniture and #uphlstryart. We’d love to engage with you online!