Handmade in Wiltshire since 1988

Black Barn Sofas is a small family business specialising in the construction of high quality traditionally upholstered furniture, handmade in rural Wiltshire.

Our Story

Roy Coles has run his Wiltshire-based upholstery business since 1988, gaining a reputation for high quality traditional upholstery over nearly four decades of craft. Whilst dealing in all aspects of the trade, Roy specialises in bespoke sofas and armchairs inspired by the great Howard & Sons tradition of English upholstery.

Roy learned his skills through an apprenticeship in cabinet making and furniture restoration, gaining sixteen years of experience with a local family business of house furnishers and fitters. Examples of Roy's work may be found in some of the finest houses in the country.

The company is now a true family business, with Roy's son Oliver and other family members carrying on the traditions of the craft. With the business ever expanding, Roy has assembled a small team of skilled craftspeople whilst still overseeing and participating in ongoing commissions.

How We Build

Every piece of furniture we create is handmade to order in our Wiltshire workshop, with around 120 hours going into each sofa. We work closely with each client to understand their needs and achieve the perfect item.

Our frames are built from solid beech with mortise and tenon joints — never inferior dowels or screws. Each piece is traditionally upholstered with hand-tied coil springs, natural hair fillings, and the finest down-and-feather cushions. The result is furniture built to last a lifetime.

Sustainability

All materials used in our standard range are from sustainable sources. Our timber comes from Tyler Hardwoods, a local family business certified by the FSC and PEFC schemes and holding a "Grown in Britain" licence. We use only natural and sustainable fillings — cotton, wool, hair and down — and aim to produce items that are as natural and chemical-free as possible.

Key Construction Details

• Solid beech frames with mortise and tenon joints
• Tacked webbing base
• Hand-tied coil springs
• Natural hair, cotton and wool fillings
• High down-and-feather seat and back cushions
• Available in client's own material (COM)

Find Us

Roy Coles Upholstery Ltd
The Black Barn
Manningford Abbots
Pewsey
Wiltshire SN9 6HZ

Tel: 01672 564326
Email: hello@blackbarnsofas.com