How far ahead should I order custom furniture for a new home?

Place custom orders 12 to 16 weeks before you need them, and confirm the lead time in writing at the time of order. For a closing date, that usually means ordering before you have the keys.

Can I change a custom order after placing it?

Only in the first few days, before the fabric is cut and the frame is scheduled. Ask for the change deadline when you order and put your final dimensions in writing.

Are floor models a good buy?

Often yes, if the discount reflects the wear. Check the cushions and arms for compression, confirm the warranty transfers, and negotiate delivery rather than a further discount.

Fusion Compare™

Custom Order vs In-Stock Furniture

Reviewed & curated by Maria BanouHome Life AdvisorFurniture guidance

Custom gets exactly the size, fabric and configuration you need but takes months; in-stock arrives now and asks you to compromise on one or two things.

Take the Home Fit Assessment All comparisons

The two options

Custom Order

Built to order in your chosen frame, size, fill, fabric and configuration.

Strengths

• Exact dimensions for a difficult room
• Choose fill, arm style, leg finish and fabric independently
• Usually better construction tiers are only available made-to-order
• No compromise on the piece you will look at for a decade

Tradeoffs

• 8–16 weeks is normal, and delays happen
• Rarely returnable — the fabric was cut for you
• Deposit is typically non-refundable

Best for

Awkward room dimensions · Long-term primary pieces · Homeowners with a clear plan · Whole-room projects

In-Stock

Floor or warehouse inventory available for delivery in days.

Strengths

• You sit on the exact piece before buying
• Delivery in days, not months
• Easier returns and exchanges
• Often discounted to clear inventory

Tradeoffs

• Limited sizes and fabrics
• Popular configurations sell out mid-project
• You may end up sizing the room to the sofa

Best for

Closing in weeks · Guest rooms and secondary spaces · Rentals and seasonal homes · Anyone who needs to sit on it first

Head to head

Attribute	Custom Order	In-Stock
Typical lead time	8–16 weeks	3–14 days
Size flexibility	Made to your dimensions	Fixed
Fabric choice	Hundreds of options	What is on the floor
Return policy	Usually final sale	Usually returnable or exchangeable
Price for equal quality	Higher	Lower, especially on clearance
Risk	Delays and a photo-only preview	Compromise on fit or color

Honest tradeoffs

• A move-in date and a 14-week lead time is the most common furniture regret we see. Order primary pieces before closing, not after.
• Custom is worth most where the room is difficult — a narrow condo living room, a long lanai, an odd dining alcove.
• Splitting the difference works: in-stock for guest and secondary rooms, custom for the one piece you will use daily.

The verdict

Let the calendar decide. If your move-in or event is more than four months out, custom gives you a room that actually fits. If it is sooner, buy in-stock for the pieces you need immediately and custom-order only the anchor piece you can wait for.