Understanding the Basics.
When it comes to designing custom upholstered furniture, there are many details to consider. One important aspect is choosing the right materials, which often involves understanding industry jargon. You might have come across the acronyms “COM” and “COL” in your search for the perfect upholstery fabric or leather. So, what do these terms mean, and how do they affect your design choices? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Does COM Mean?
COM stands for “Customer’s Own Material.” This term is used in the furniture industry when a client wants to provide their own fabric for upholstering a piece of furniture.
Instead of choosing from a limited selection of materials offered by the furniture manufacturer, you can bring in your preferred fabric to create a unique, personalized look. Here’s how it works:
- Selection: You choose the fabric you want to use. This could be from a local fabric store, an online retailer, or any source you prefer.
- Specifications: The furniture manufacturer will tell you how much fabric you’ll need. We often recommend ordering a bit more than the exact amount to account for cutting and potential errors. It can be challenging to source additional material later on and match the same dye lot, which can be risky.
- Delivery: You arrange for the fabric to be shipped directly to the furniture manufacturer, or you can deliver it yourself.
Using COM allows you to match your upholstery perfectly with your interior design, offering endless options beyond what a furniture manufacturer might be able to source.
What About COL?
COL stands for “Customer’s Own Leather.” This term is similar to COM but specifically applies to leather upholstery.
If you want a particular type of leather that the furniture manufacturer doesn’t offer, you can provide your own. The process is quite similar:
- Choosing Leather: You select the leather you want to use, considering factors like color, texture, and quality.
- Requirements: The furniture manufacturer will inform you about the quantity needed, often with some extra for cutting and potential waste.
- Procurement: You handle ordering and shipping the leather to the manufacturer.
Using COL can give you access to unique leather options and ensure that the final piece aligns perfectly with your design vision.
Why Use COM or COL?
Opting for COM or COL provides several benefits:
- Customization: You have control over the material, ensuring it matches your design needs and personal preferences.
- Variety: You can choose from a broader range of fabrics and leathers than what is typically available through furniture manufacturers.
- Consistency: If you’re working on a project with specific design elements, using your own materials ensures consistency across different pieces or locations.
Things to Consider When Using COM or COL
While using COM or COL offers many advantages, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Pattern Matching: Fabrics with patterns need to be carefully matched up. Be sure to communicate any specific requirements for pattern alignment.
- Fabric Width: Most upholstery fabrics are 54 inches wide, but if yours is different, let the furniture manufacturer know as it can affect the yardage needed.
- Leather Size: Leather hides typically cover 45-55 square feet. If your leather is smaller or has unique features like embossing, it might impact the amount needed.
Our Approach at QA Group
At QA Group, we specialize in custom upholstered furniture, including built-in booths and banquette seating. We work extensively with customer-provided materials (COM/COL) to ensure every project meets your exact specifications. While we do offer a wide selection of materials, we understand the desire for personal touches and are happy to assist with sourcing and using your own fabrics or leathers.
Getting Started
If you’re ready to start your project with COM or COL, here are some recommended sources to explore:
- Fabrics: Knoll Textiles, Maharam, Sunbrella
- Leathers: Spinneybeck Leather, Carroll Leather, Moore & Giles Leather
Remember, whether you choose to source your materials or let us help, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. If you have any questions or need assistance with your custom upholstery project, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
By understanding what COM and COL mean and how they fit into the upholstery process, you can make more informed decisions and ensure your custom furniture turns out exactly as you envision.