Business Details
37 Years
experience
Handcrafted Furniture in Chipping Norton
Established in 1989, our company has built an unparalleled reputation for crafting high-quality wooden furniture that seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality. Our founder, Chris Baylis, brings decades of expertise from both the antiques trade and music industry, infusing creativity and precision into every piece. We specialise in handcrafted English oak, ash, and burr oak furniture, combining the aesthetic appeal of period designs with contemporary comfort. Our showroom in Chipping Norton showcases a unique collection of chairs, tables, dressers, and bespoke pieces, all created with meticulous attention to detail. With a commitment to sustainability and integrity, we offer customers a relaxed, immersive experience where they can explore our work and receive expert guidance.Our team's deep understanding of proportion, design, and materials ensures every creation meets exacting standards. We pride ourselves on maintaining direct relationships with clients, having transitioned from wholesale to retail to better serve individual needs. Our premises, housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century Coaching Inn, reflect our dedication to preserving heritage while embracing innovation. From sourcing antique inspiration to crafting new designs, we uphold a philosophy of excellence that has attracted discerning customers for over three decades.
Services
Chairs
Tables
Dressers
Mirrors
Sofas
Accessories
Antique furniture
Showroom
Custom designs
Restoration services
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of expertise in antique and custom furniture craftsmanship
- Our designs combine period aesthetics with modern ergonomic improvements
- We use sustainably sourced English hardwoods and traditional techniques
- Our team offers personalized service in a unique heritage-listed showroom
- We maintain direct control over quality from design to final finish
Services
Handcrafted chairs
We create bespoke chairs combining antique Windsor and ladder-back designs with modern comfort improvements. Each piece uses sustainably sourced hardwoods and traditional joinery techniques. Our chairs feature enhanced proportions for contemporary living while maintaining historical authenticity.
Solid wood tables
Our tables are crafted from English oak, ash, and burr oak with options for bespoke sizes and finishes. Designs incorporate both period-inspired details and practical modern adaptations. Every table showcases natural wood grain patterns through careful material selection.
Antique furniture
We offer curated antique furniture alongside new creations, focusing on English country styles. Our expertise in period pieces informs modern designs while maintaining historical accuracy. Each antique item undergoes careful restoration to preserve its character.
Showroom experience
Our showroom in a restored 1704 Coaching Inn provides an immersive experience with exposed stone walls and lime plaster finishes. Visitors can explore full room settings and receive personalized design advice. The space combines heritage architecture with contemporary furniture displays.
Custom commissions
We create made-to-order pieces tailored to specific requirements, from material selection to dimensional adjustments. Our process maintains traditional craftsmanship while accommodating modern needs. Clients receive detailed consultations to ensure perfect fit with their space and style.
People
Chris Baylis
Principal
Founder with 30+ years in furniture craftsmanship and antiques trade. Combines musical creativity with design expertise. Graduated in German, Swedish, and economics from Surrey University in 1976.
Questions
Where is your showroom located?
Our showroom is 1 mile northeast of Chipping Norton town centre on the A3400 Stratford Road, in a beautifully restored 1704 Coaching Inn with ample parking.
What materials do you work with?
We primarily use English oak, burr oak, ash, elm, and walnut. Our selection includes sustainably sourced hardwoods with special attention to natural grain patterns and quality.
Do you offer custom furniture options?
Yes, we create bespoke pieces tailored to specific requirements. Our custom commissions allow for material selection, dimensional adjustments, and design consultations.
What styles influence your designs?
Our work blends antique English country furniture aesthetics with modern functionality. We draw inspiration from Windsor chairs, Arts and Crafts movement, and early Chinese furniture design.
