The Story So Far

Warren Court to Chamber Furniture

When I first sat down to write this piece, I instinctively began using the third person. After all, that’s often seen as the more professional approach. But as the words started to take shape, something felt off. It was too detached, frustratingly impersonal for a story that has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. So, I shifted perspective and chose to write from my own point of view – because, quite simply, it felt more authentic. More honest, and honesty sits at the heart of this story.

By India Nicholson

PR Coordinator

At Chamber Furniture, we often talk about the importance of humility. It’s a value my father instilled in me, and something I carry through life with me. But I also believe that humility shouldn’t diminish pride in what has been built through unwavering dedication and hard work. When I step back and view things from a broader perspective, the story becomes clearer. This business didn’t just grow, it evolved. Not from convenience or comfort, but from challenge, commitment and hours of dedication.

From as early as I can remember, I grew up watching my father, Scott Nicholson, along with my uncle and their long-standing team, transform a shared passion for craftsmanship into what has become one of Britain’s leading bespoke furniture brands.

Chamber Furniture originated from humble roots, shaped by my father and uncle’s early experiences, as they would craft wardrobes in their mother’s garage to make ends meet. It wasn’t glamorous work, but it taught them early on that furniture-making was a true craft -something that couldn’t be rushed or compromised.

After renting space in a local furniture factory at weekends and dedicating hours to practice, they soon found themselves on the path to starting their own business.

Founded in 1994, Chamber Furniture started at Warren Court - a leap of faith that somehow felt inevitable, given the countless hours they had spent honing their skills.

In the days before Google search, alphabetical height was paramount. Companies needed a name that appeared early enough in the alphabet to capture attention. Without straying from the nature of the product, “Furniture” could not be placed at the name’s forefront, as it risked being overlooked by readers who might not turn far enough into the listings. After careful thought, they chose Chamber Furniture. “Chamber”, deriving from chambre – the French word for bedroom – and “C”, providing strong early placement, while still proudly reflecting their commitment to bespoke craftsmanship. Even in those early decisions, their focus was clear: thoughtful, considered, and always true to their values.

Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Chamber Furniture built a strong reputation, working with private clients, architects, and interior designers who valued the care and precision they brought to every project. By 2004, the business had outgrown its first home, prompting the move to a purpose-built, design-focused space on London Road, where we still are today.

The new building was thoughtfully proportioned to realistic dimensions, designed to support the creative process from first sketch to final installation. The lower level became the factory, while the upper floor was transformed into a showroom, integrated with office space for the design team. Though the showroom has evolved over time, its core purpose remains unchanged: to offer clients one space where they can explore a full range of design ideas. In an increasingly digital world where so much is purchased online, our showroom provides the tangible and tactile connection to our furniture and the craftsmanship behind it, essential to the process of understanding our clients.

At a time when mass production was transforming the furniture landscape, my father and uncle stayed true to a different course, one rooted in environmental responsibility. Long before sustainability became a buzzword, they sourced all the timber cladding for their new factory responsibly, choosing Green Oak from local suppliers in Hever. They also introduced a system to recycle waste materials to heat the building – a practice that continues today.

By keeping production entirely in-house, Chamber Furniture offered something increasingly rare: absolute flexibility. Clients weren’t choosing from a catalogue with standardised sizing, instead, they were devising bespoke creations, scaled to suit the individual character of their homes and lifestyles.

In 2010, new tools were introduced, CNC machinery and advanced design software, expanding creative possibilities without ever replacing traditional craftsmanship.

Technology only enhanced what was already in place: precision, skill, and a profound respect for the material. Over the years, both our capabilities and our team have grown together. Today, Chamber Furniture operates two spray booths, with three full-time sprayers and French polishers, and a dedicated team of over forty employees, each playing a vital role in upholding the standards set from the very beginning. With experience and passion, our craftsmen have expanded our expertise across the whole home, introducing wine rooms, bars, and more to our portfolio.

We are especially grateful to the early supporters who recognised our potential – it was through their encouragement that the seed was sown. Many have since become close friends, continuing to champion our work and introduce us to new opportunities.

As we celebrate 31 years of Chamber Furniture, we stand as a proud family business – deeply rooted in our heritage, yet always looking ahead. As the design world evolves, so too does Chamber Furniture, but our founding values remain unchanged.

OVER 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Since 1994

Celebrating 30 years of craftsmanship since 1994 – from press acclaim to our rebrand, new showroom, and workshop. A proud legacy of bespoke furniture, innovation, and timeless design.