When you are looking for high-end, custom-upholstered furniture, Taylor King is often at the top of the list for homeowners and interior designers alike. Known for its commitment to quality and American-made craftsmanship, this brand focuses on creating pieces that are as durable as they are beautiful. If you are searching for furniture that can be tailored to your specific tastes while providing long-lasting comfort, understanding what makes Taylor King unique is essential.
This guide will walk you through the various aspects of Taylor King furniture, from its construction methods to the extensive customization options available. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to select the right pieces for your home and what to expect during the ordering process.
The Legacy of Taylor King Craftsmanship
Taylor King was founded with a focus on bench-made upholstery, a method where a single artisan or a small team works on a piece from start to finish. Based in North Carolina, a region famous for its furniture-making heritage, the company maintains a high standard of quality that mass-produced brands often cannot match.
The brand is particularly well-regarded for its “King’s Comfort” philosophy. This approach ensures that every sofa, chair, and sectional is designed with ergonomics and luxury in mind. Because each piece is made to order, the attention to detail is evident in everything from the alignment of fabric patterns to the precision of the stitching.
Customization Options: Making It Your Own
One of the primary reasons people seek out Taylor King is the ability to customize almost every aspect of their furniture. Unlike standard retail options where you are limited to a few fabric choices, this brand offers a vast library of materials and design variations.
Selecting the Right Fabric and Leather
With thousands of fabric options ranging from linens and silks to high-performance synthetics, the choices can be overwhelming. When selecting a fabric, consider the primary use of the room. For high-traffic areas like family rooms, performance fabrics are recommended because they resist stains and are easier to clean.
If you prefer the look of leather, the brand offers a wide selection of top-grain leathers. These materials age beautifully and provide a sophisticated look for libraries or formal living rooms. You can also provide your own material (COM) if you have a specific fabric from another source that you want to use.
Frame Styles and Silhouettes
Taylor King offers several distinct programs that allow you to build a piece from the ground up. The “Tailor Made” program, for example, lets you choose specific elements for your sofa or sectional, including:
- Arm Styles: Choose from track arms, rolled arms, or English arms to match your decor style.
- Base Options: Decide between upholstered bases, tapered legs, or skirted bottoms.
- Back Styles: Options often include loose cushions, tight backs, or tufted designs.
- Depth and Length: You can often specify the dimensions to ensure the piece fits perfectly in your space.
The Importance of High-Quality Construction
The beauty of custom furniture is more than skin deep. The longevity of a sofa or chair depends entirely on what is happening inside the frame. Taylor King utilizes traditional techniques that ensure their furniture remains supportive for decades.
8-Way Hand-Tied Springs
This is the gold standard for upholstered furniture construction. In this process, coils are secured to the frame and then tied together by hand in eight different directions. This creates a web of support that prevents sagging and ensures that weight is distributed evenly across the seat.
Kiln-Dried Hardwood Frames
The foundation of every piece is a frame made from kiln-dried hardwood. The kiln-drying process removes moisture from the wood, which prevents it from warping, cracking, or bowing over time. The joints are typically double-doweled and glued, providing a rigid structure that can withstand the rigors of daily use.
Cushion Core Options
Comfort is subjective, which is why multiple cushion types are available. You can choose from firmer foam cores wrapped in polyester or more luxurious options like “Lux-Down,” which combines a foam core with a thick wrap of down and feathers for a softer, “sink-in” feel.
Navigating the Product Categories
While sofas are the most popular items, the brand offers a comprehensive range of upholstered goods for various rooms in the home. Understanding these categories helps you create a cohesive look throughout your living space.
Sofas and Sectionals
Sectionals are a specialty, offering modular pieces that can be configured to fit any room layout. Whether you need a small L-shaped sofa for an apartment or a massive U-shaped configuration for a home theater, the customization options allow for precise planning.
Accent Chairs and Ottomans
An accent chair is a great way to introduce a bold pattern or a pop of color into a room. Taylor King produces everything from traditional wingback chairs to modern swivel chairs. Matching or contrasting ottomans can be added to provide extra seating or a place to rest your feet.
Beds and Headboards
The bedroom can also benefit from custom upholstery. Fully upholstered beds and headboards provide a soft, inviting atmosphere. These are available in various heights and styles, allowing you to create a focal point in the master suite.
How to Order Taylor King Furniture
Because these pieces are highly customized, you generally cannot buy them directly from a standard big-box website. Instead, you will work through authorized dealers or interior designers.
- Visit a Showroom: It is always helpful to sit in various models to determine which cushion type and seat depth feel best to you.
- Work with a Designer: Many retailers offer design services to help you coordinate fabrics and ensure the scale of the furniture matches your room.
- Request Fabric Swatches: Always look at fabric samples in your home’s lighting, as colors can change significantly between a showroom and your living room.
- Place the Order: Once your specifications are finalized, the order is sent to the workshop. Lead times vary depending on the complexity of the piece and current demand.
Caring for Your Investment
To ensure your custom furniture lasts for years, proper maintenance is required. High-quality upholstery needs more than just occasional vacuuming.
- Rotate Cushions: Regularly flip and rotate seat and back cushions to ensure even wear and to maintain the shape of the cores.
- Vacuum Regularly: Use an upholstery attachment to remove dust and grit, which can act like sandpaper on fabric fibers.
- Address Spills Immediately: Blot (do not rub) spills with a clean, dry cloth. Check the cleaning code on your specific fabric before using any water or solvents.
- Professional Cleaning: Have your furniture professionally cleaned every 12 to 24 months, depending on usage.
Investing in Taylor King furniture means choosing a piece that is built specifically for your lifestyle and aesthetic. By focusing on high-quality materials and traditional construction methods, you are ensuring that your home remains comfortable and stylish for a long time. If you are ready to upgrade your living space, start by exploring the different frame styles and fabric options available through a local specialist. For more tips on home styling and furniture maintenance, feel free to explore our other guides on interior design and home care.