AVELOR / Furniture & Interiors

A furniture specification guide for interior designers

A useful furniture specification turns a design intention into a clear item that can be quoted, checked and approved. For interior designers planning classical residential interiors, begin with the room function, the selected piece and the information still needed from the supplier. This guide supports enquiries through AVELOR Trade & Projects.

Give each piece its own reference

Create a room-by-room schedule with one line for each distinct item. Use a reference such as LR-01 for a living-room sofa, then attach the collection URL, quantity and intended location. Keep the same reference on plans, finish schedules and quotation revisions. This makes it easier to identify what has changed without relying on similar-looking photographs.

Record dimensions that answer the design question

For seating, request overall width, depth and height alongside seat and arm dimensions where relevant. For dining pieces, confirm table dimensions, chair dimensions and the proposed arrangement. Check circulation, door movement and delivery access separately. Use the sofa measuring checklist and dining-room planning guide as starting points, then verify against actual specifications.

Describe finishes and upholstery precisely

Link each selected finish to a reference, photograph or approved sample. Record upholstery composition, colour, pattern direction and the relevant cleaning instructions. Separate the frame finish from the fabric choice. A description such as “cream and gold” can help communicate a mood, but it is not enough to define an approved finish.

If you want to use a fabric from another source, ask whether customer-supplied material can be accepted for the selected piece. The Association for Contract Textiles explains COM, or customer’s own material. Acceptance, suitability, quantity and handling must be confirmed; this guide does not imply AVELOR offers COM for every collection.

Match the evidence to the intended use

A formal home reception room and a busy public space can need different performance information. Ask for the documentation that applies to the exact construction and fabric being specified. ACT’s voluntary performance guidelines cover several textile characteristics and distinguish applications; they are a reference for the questions to ask, not evidence that an AVELOR piece has passed a particular test.

For commercial projects, have the responsible project professional confirm the applicable requirements and acceptable evidence. Use the hospitality and retail procurement checklist to record these requirements before a piece is approved.

Use a simple specification record

Identity: room, item reference, collection link and quantity.
Geometry: overall dimensions, relevant working dimensions and plan location.
Appearance: finish and upholstery references with an approval status.
Use: private home or named commercial setting and expected conditions.
Evidence: drawings, material details, care instructions and any required test documents.
Delivery: destination, access limitations, assembly and installation scope.
Approval: document revision, approver and unresolved questions.

Keep commercial approvals separate from design approvals

A client approving the appearance of a piece does not confirm its delivery date or price. Maintain separate confirmation for the specification, quotation and delivery arrangement. When requesting changes through customisation enquiries, ask which parts are feasible and whether they change cost, timing or documentation.

For a useful industry comparison, Caracole describes the specification resources available in its trade programme. Use this as a checklist of resources to request, not an assumption that every supplier provides the same files or services.

Common questions

Can I specify directly from a collection image?

Use the image to shortlist. Final approval should refer to the agreed dimensions, materials, finish references and included pieces.

Can I ask for drawings or samples?

Include them in the brief and ask which resources are available for the selected pieces. Availability is confirmed individually.

Begin with Nida, Riva or Sultan, then send your project specification.

Continue planning

By AVELOR · Published 24 October 2026. General planning guidance; the agreed specification and quotation determine the pieces, options and services included in your order.