Nestled deep in the Pewsey Vale in Wiltshire, surrounded by glorious rolling English countryside, sits a black painted barn set back off a quiet country lane.  Blink and you’d miss it driving by, but within these four walls is a hive of British furniture manufacturing.

Black Barn Sofas

The distinctive black barn was converted 27 years ago from what was once an original barn, which stored a local tulip farm’s harvest. Both the business and building have since expanded to fill two further adjoining barn buildings.

Roy, in his late 60’s, has been making furniture for a long time with his family, and despite hearing from other retailers and reps that the furniture manufacturing sector is struggling, said that has not been their experience. As a bespoke high-end quality manufacturer and haberdashery supplies business, they have not experienced the same level of downturn as so many others. Roy believes this is due to their company ethos of quality first, and no quibbles customer service ethics.

I asked Roy what his business was known for. “We don’t quibble; if there’s an issue, we will fix it immediately. But there is rarely ever an issue. I have always said a good piece of furniture should last for 100 years, and we make our furniture to last”.

Inside Black Barn Sofas

Seeing the processes and craftsmanship that go into a single piece, I could see that quality truly is at the heart of what they do. Roy informed me that a lot of their competitors use only feathers, but at Black Barn Sofas/Roy Coles Upholstery, they add extra down to help create a luxurious feel to their furniture, and will only use high-quality, durable fabrics. 

With repeat customers returning year after year, and through word of mouth and recommendation, I was told that they are at full capacity with commissions until the end of 2025. We cannot forget that there is a challenging economic climate for many, but this success story is encouraging and demonstrates that quality matters.

 

 

Main photo:  Ollie Coles (left) and Roy Coles