Delays are one of the most common challenges in the design industry. But why do you hear the phrase “long lead times” for that perfect sofa, light fixture, or custom cabinetry? And how do designers keep their clients’ expectations in check during the wait?
Here’s a breakdown of the reasons for long lead times in interior design and how we keep your project on track so you can enjoy a smooth, stress-free design experience.
To clarify, lead time refers to the time it takes from placing an order to when the product arrives. For design projects, this involved furniture, textiles, lighting, custom pieces, construction items, etc; which can all vary in production and shipping times. Here’s why:
Custom or “Bespoke” Pieces:
Quality design often includes custom furniture or finishes. They’re made to order, which means they take weeks (sometimes months) to be crafted, finished, and shipped. Manufacturers and artisans don’t stock custom items, otherwise, they wouldn't be custom, right?
From raw materials backorders to international shipping, supply chain issues can create unpredictable lead times. Missing fabric bolts or backordered hardware components can delay completion.
You can’t rush skilled craftsmanship.
Designers prioritize quality over deadlines. Custom upholstery, hand-finished cabinetry, or artisan lighting simply takes longer because of the craftsmanship involved. Although it may feel like it’s taking forever, quality pieces are worth the wait because they last for generations.
Many design pieces come from around the world. International shipping, customs clearance, and freight schedules can add to significant lead times. Not to mention shipping issues- we ordered beautiful accessories from an international company, and the freight container literally fell off the cargo ship in transport due to rough seas!
Clear communication is just as important as a beautiful design. Here’s how we help clients navigate long lead times:
Transparency: We don’t like surprises. Explaining long lead times before orders are placed help our clients plan.
Logistics: Building realistic timelines into our design process helps ensure orders are sequenced properly.
Weekly update:: We let our clients know if order statuses change and notify them in a weekly email..
Other options: We suggest in-stock pieces before we place a single order to prevent project delays.
Managing lead times comes down to trust, planning, and communication. While delays cannot be controlled, they are part of the process. Just like the quality products you wait for, a quality design team ensures the journey feels smooth and stress-free.
Beautiful spaces are carefully curated, thoughtfully designed, and professionally executed—no matter how long it takes. Want a beautifully curated home? Give us a call, and we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait!
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