Sitting Pretty
This local family business, with a UK-wide reputation, can transform your interiors with their unique blend of craftsmanship and service, writes Kate Ford. Photography: Roger Moore
You know the feeling. Your sofa is looking a little worn and tired but, my goodness, it’s comfortable and you can’t find anything else you’d rather sink down into after a long day.
Or maybe you’ve redecorated your room and the beloved three-piece, which you really splashed out on, no longer matches quite so well.
If either of these dilemmas is ringing a bell, you won’t need to look far for a solution. Every year, family business, Plumbs, has thousands of satisfied customers all over the country, but their heart, along with their skilled craftsmanship, lies in Preston.
Celebrating 60 years in business this year, this hugely successful company is still run by the third generation of its founding family. Recognised throughout the UK as the leaders in tailoring bespoke covers for furniture, they are also artisan reupholsters and interior design specialists.
Speaking from its newly refurbished showroom at Brookhouse Mill, business development manager, Emma Singleton, is feeling excited about the future. “We spent lockdown improving this area to create a space where people can come to get a real feel for what we do and how we can transform their favourite items of furniture,” she says.
Displayed in the showroom, which has a distinctly urban-chic feel, are several sofas and chairs which have been covered using Plumbs’ trademark products. Customers can see for themselves how the three different cover styles – Easifit, Designer and the premium Traditional – compare with each other. Plus, they can browse the hundreds of fabrics available from leading textile houses like Warwick, Bill Beaumont, Ross, Roma and Sanderson, and shop for cushions and ready-made curtains.
There are also examples of reupholstered furniture on display. “We recommend reupholstery for those truly treasured furniture items which really mean a lot to people,” explains Emma. “The item is completely stripped back to its base, in our huge factory, rebuilt and re-covered. It’s true craftsmanship at its very best.”
As well as improving the showroom, the team are working on the imminent launch of a range of Plumbs own-brand furniture. “These are investment pieces, built to last, and designed to fit our covers perfectly,” says Emma.
“Over the years, when rooms are updated, these pieces of furniture can be restyled to match with new covers. It’s a really sustainable option.”
And, because it makes everything at its factory, including curtains, Plumbs can offer the whole soft furnishings design service. “All our home consultants are interior design experts, so we can help you restyle not just your furniture, but your whole room.”
Now, that should have you sitting comfortably.
Plumbs
Brookhouse Mill, Old Lancaster Lane
Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston PR1 7PZ
01772 259995
showroom@plumbs.co.uk
plumbs.co.uk
