This option is for delivery to your kerbside, which will either be by post/courier or for bulkier items, by our delivery partner. Some items may be delivered on a pallet.
The good news is that we offer free standard delivery to all UK mainland addresses*
*Sadly, there are always exceptions. These are:
Armadillo – the delivery charge is as per below. This covers all import and custom charges, as the goods are sent from the USA.
a. 17.5% £0 to £500
b. 15% £500.01 to £1000
c. 12.5% £1000.01 and over
* The other exception is for sale items. We are unable to offer free delivery on sale items.
Option 2: White Glove Service
This option is for delivery to all UK Mainland addresses and is for delivery into your room of choice, as well as assembly/installation and disposal of packaging. Please contact us for a quote for such a service.
All deliveries are via standard routes, which include elevators or up 1 flight of stairs. If the property has non-standard access then this will incur additional delivery charges. Kindly inform us if your property has non-standard access.
International delivery
Delivery to UK Non-Mainland + outside the UK
For UK Non-Mainland customers and customers outside the UK please be aware you may incur an extra charge for delivery; please contact us before purchasing to receive a delivery quote, alternatively we will contact you to confirm the delivery charge after purchasing.
When furnishing your home, investing in high-end furniture will allow you to create your own unique space where you feel truly comfortable. The furniture landscape has changed immensely over the past few decades, and 2022 has certainly made everyone think about how they invest their money into something with longevity.
Why it is important to invest in high-end furniture
The furniture industry has now emerged from the era of flat pack furniture pieces and evolved. Recently, there has been a huge shift in how we shop for home furnishings as consumers have realised the power of investing in high-end furniture.
Buyers now value paying more for quality pieces to take pride of place in their home for years. High-end furniture is made to a higher quality, made in limited quantities, and, often, with more sustainable materials.
However, is high-end furniture worth the investment? Let’s explore why good quality furniture is expensive and the importance of luxury furniture.
Why is good quality furniture expensive?
Many factors come into play when creating and designing high-end furniture. Good quality furniture is usually expensive because every minute detail is perfected per piece. There are many variables to consider, from the very first sketch and outline to the types of materials used and how they’re sustainably sourced.
At RB12, we’re delighted to be able to guide you through each aspect involved in this process as we work closely with the world’s most renowned furniture design houses.
High-end furniture is expensive because it is often handmade
Costs of high-end furniture will vary depending on materials and the manufacturing process. Unless a furniture designer specifies that they’re using the latest technology – such as 3D printing and digital cutting – when creating a piece, it’s more often than not handmade and hand-finished.
Due to being made by hand, high-end furniture pieces are made in small batches and limited quantities. What’s more, each piece will tell a story.
Crafting furniture by hand takes expertise, skill, and a vast amount of time. When you factor in the cost of materials, craftsmanship, and the experience of the artisans building and upholstering by hand, the price rises rapidly.
For example, Armadillo specialises in the heritage of craftsmanship. Armadillo rugs are created, spun, woven, and dyed by hand in India to preserve the traditional rug-making techniques unique to the area. Fairtrade practices are observed and implemented to pay fair wages while ensuring no forced labour.
Design houses will often invest in the local communities where their furniture is made, and Armadillo is no exception.
Their Armadillo Foundation supports the local community around the artisan furniture makers, with money being put towards solar panels, education, medical facilities, and the necessities needed in daily life.
High-end furniture is made to be sustainable
After the COP26 and the elevated awareness about climate change, sustainability is at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
From where materials are sourced to whether they can be recycled, investing in high-end furniture will ensure transparency in the manufacturing process. Luxury furniture designers often invest in sustainably sourced materials certified by the appropriate organisations and governing bodies to ensure their origins.
High-end designers take care to incorporate sustainably sourced natural materials into their furniture. Wood, for example, can be sourced sustainably in small batches from controlled forests and can be recycled in the future.
Many furniture designers use solid wood from forest plantations certified by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), dedicated to sustainable forest management. Our trio of Italian designers from The Battistella Company has really innovated a sustainable approach to sourcing wood with an ‘upcycling’ stance. Cinquant by Cinquanta3, Nidi and Novamobili belong under the Battistella Company umbrella, and these luxury Italian furniture designers only use recycled wood. Each dining table, chair, and side table made by Cinquanta3, Nidi and Novamobili is created from sustainable, recycled wood without the felling of trees!
Leather is also a huge issue in the furniture industry. Real leather is easier to maintain and care for at home. Unfortunately, cheap, mass-produced leather goods are often coated in dangerous chemicals for manufacturers and artisans.
As well as sustainable materials, high-end furniture is usually created without harmful chemicals. Bolia takes great care to craft the highest quality furniture without harming the environment or the craftsman dedicated to creating each beautiful piece. All of the materials used, such as leather, are OEKO-tech certified and transparently sourced to trace their origins easily.
High-end furniture is limited edition and unique
High-end furniture is often made in small batches and of better quality, plus they’re also originals. Handmade and artisan products are each crafted to be unique. No piece is the same, so you know you’re buying limited edition furniture that no one else has.
Investing in luxury furniture pieces that you can enjoy for years to come is ultimately greener and better for the planet. Even contemporary innovations like modular furniture can be created sustainably. Modular creations by Cinquanta3 are not only made of sustainable materials like recycled wood but can also be customised to suit your space and storage needs.
What high-end furniture should I invest in?
When investing in high-end furniture, it’s vital to carefully choose the key pieces you need at home. Essentials at the heart of home life will be a perfect start, so let’s discover the main high-end furniture trends and staples you should consider.
Sofas
The sofa takes centre stage in the living room, from family movie nights to lazy Saturday mornings and a catch-up coffee with friends. This vital furnishing completes the living space and should be made to the highest quality standards to keep you comfortable for years to come. We highly recommend Bolia sofas as they use natural materials like New Zealand sheep wool that is sustainably sourced with animal welfare considerations. Notably, Bolia’s ‘Bergo’ fabric is also made from recycled plastic bottles manufactured without heavy metals.
Beds
A good night’s sleep is essential so you can feel at your best during the day. Beds, on average, should last between 7 to 10 years, so it’s important to choose a sustainable option that you can recycle after use. With beds by Novamobili and Cinquanta3, you won’t lose sleep over your carbon footprint. These Italian powerhouses use recycled wood that’s free from harsh chemicals.
Dining tables
Dining sets are a necessary investment for generations. It’s the headquarters of all family discussions, board game nights, and holiday dinners, so it needs to hold up well. Miniforms tables are modern and sustainable without losing that rustic charm. Each table is crafted sustainably using oak from reforested areas. While Expormim’s bold dining chairs will complement any table as they are made from eco-friendly rattan.
Work desks
With the rise of remote and home working during the covid-19 pandemic, the home office has become a necessity. A quality desk with careful storage consideration is ideal for setting up your working day when you’re out of the office. We highly recommend Miniforms furniture for desks with a minimalist approach to design with maximum sustainability using recycled materials.
Wardrobes and storage units
Wardrobe and storage units not only look sleek, but they also keep all your belongings organised and clutter-free. Cinquanta3 walk-in wardrobe designs are open to being customised to fit your space. Each piece is curated with recycled wood and made to the highest quality.
Novamobili is also another option for a green manufacturing process. Each piece of furniture is coated with a matte water-based lacquer, while the brand as a whole uses environmentally compatible materials.
Rugs
A rug will make a statement in your lounge or hallway. Not only are they decorative, but rugs and runners also help to break up an open plan living area and can keep the heat in your home. Each Gan design is as unique as the story behind its manufacturing process. Each Gan rug is sustainably handmade with natural materials like wool and jute for better insulation. What’s more, Gan is devoted to supporting the local communities of the artisans who make these stunning rugs.
High-end furniture at RB12
We’re extremely proud to bring you high-end furniture that’s sustainable. Our work with the best design houses, artisans, and furniture designers ensures that your home is made to reflect your style as well as your ethics.
Discover luxurious high-end furniture here and invest in sustainable furnishings available at RB12 online.
Winter is fast approaching so we wanted to share with you how best to turn your living space into a cosy, warm retreat. You can do this without sacrificing on style, by selecting modern house items and the right colour palette bringing true comfort to your space.
Interior Colour Trends
Earthy, spicy tones are comforting and add warmth and depth to a room. These shades remind us of the natural world and give off a feeling of calm and ease. In fact, Dulux has chosen ‘Brave Ground’ – a warm, natural neutral that is said to help reconnect us and encourage a sense of community and harmony into the home – as their Colour of the Year 2021. This is a fantastic segway for people to choose autumnal colours such as burnt oranges, saffron yellows plus the more conventional grey-greens and soft browns to bring their spaces down to earth. These hues are hugely adaptable and can work in both a contemporary home or something more traditional. They are a timeless backdrop to a multitude of furniture combinations.
Complementing natural shades
A great way of complementing the kind of colours we’re talking about is to set them against brass, metallic finishes. The new Maison François Brasserie in London is a great example of this. The stunning dark mahogany wood and walnut shades create a cosy private atmosphere and are beautifully contrasted against the brass light fixtures.
The new A/W20 collection from Aromas lighting has some great options for trying to recreate this look, including the elegant Erto pendant light designed by AC Studios. This contemporary lamp has a gorgeous texture to it and is available in three different finishes including metal, matt brass and matt black. The muted light bounces from the inside reflective surface giving a toasted glow to your living space.
For a sleeker choice, another great lighting option from this collection is the Delie wall lamp designed by JF Sevilla. This design incorporates a rounded marble element alongside the option of either matt black or the old gold finish.
Matching timeless tones
Modern sofas are perfect for framing your room and can be showcased against more neutral backdrops, sands and coppers look great mixed with bold sitting room furniture. This can also be used the other way round by choosing the brighter colours as the backdrop and selecting more neutral finishes for your sitting area, giving a similar effect.
When it comes to sofa choices Bolia has a wide variety of options that fit perfectly with this type of scheme. Our first selection is the Lomi sofa designed by Meike Harde. This lounge piece is of typical Scandinavian design (archetypal of Bolia) and has cushions positioned closely to provide exceptional comfort. Plus the set includes a matching pouffe to rest your tired feet on, on these wintery nights.
The Cosy modular sofa by Bolia is a great option for flexibility, as this design is available in several different layout combinations. We particularly like the voluminous cushions that are combined with the narrow frame in the pictured Sea Green finish, and the visible stitching on this design is a lovely touch which really emphasizes the craftsmanship that’s gone into the piece.
Italian sofa manufacturers Saba Italia have also taken inspiration from the burnt orange trend with this setup. The Avant-Après sofa is a rigid yet lightweight seat that looks divine in this setting. It has taken a backseat behind the bold, bright colours but still invites you to fall into its unique detachable arm/backrests offering full flexibility once again.
For something a bit different, consider the Bonaldo Tirella armchair. We love the contrasting combination of the earthy orange and the deep blue pictured here. The back and armrests look like you could almost melt into them, and the hanging cushion design is quite unique.
Underfoot warmth
Adding a rug can make a big difference to the temperature in your room, especially if it’s being put down on a wooden or tiled floor. It is also an easy way to add another layer of comfort and style. Picking the right size, colour and shape rug for your room can be a challenge, although there are options out there for every room.
Armadillo has recently expanded their colour offering in three of their bestselling rugs – Braid, Malawi and Sherpa. They have chosen a calming yet playful palette using natural tones including a blush, a naturalistic kelp and a bright maize yellow. These earthy designs are made from a range of different materials.
Malawi is made from ribbed wool pile which is framed by soft tassels that oozes barefoot comfort.
Sherpa is textured weave made from a lush wool blend.
For a circular option Braid is hand-plaited out of a luxurious wool blend that is coiled into a circular form.
Earthy Accessories
Recently featured on our Instagram ‘New Editions’ story highlight is the arrival of the new Lo de Manuela cushions. We took delivery of a beautiful selection of heavy velvet fabrics in colours that would look quite at home plumped up on any of the sofas selected above. We stock a variety of Lo de Manuela cushions including linen, cotton, velvet and patterned designs.
AYTM also have a wide selection of soft furnishings and accessories to make for a cosier home. The Arcus cushions come in unique shapes of luxurious velvet and are available in either deep black, Amber or Bordeaux red. Accessories are important in bringing everything together and can truly make a space. When creating a comforting, nature-inspired home, handmade ceramics by Rina Menardi could be just what you’re looking for. Coming in a range of organic shapes and colours, they are a fusion of art, craftsmanship and function. You can check out a selection of her amazing vases, plates and other works at our home furniture store in Shoreditch, or our online homeware store here.
No one wants to be a part of the overconsumption issue that has been affecting the planet in passing years, but sometimes second-hand furniture or upcycling just isn’t possible. If this is the case then considering well-made, high-quality furniture from the best ethical furniture brands is the way to go. Making a conscious decision to shop with sustainable brands at RB12 can and will make a difference to the planet and the people within it.
Why is this shift away from fast-furniture and cheap products so important?
We believe the 4 main reasons to ‘buy it now, have it forever’ are…
Quality reduces waste
At RB12 we only partner with the most sustainable brands we can find. Furniture producers such as Saba Italia, Bolia and Novamobili focus on quality, using materials and finishes that are made to last as well as being kind to the environment. Interior items produced by fast-furniture brands are not made to last – their goal is to get you to buy more, so why would the focus be on making quality long-lasting items? In choosing sustainable brands that provide quality, you can reduce your waste as well save on your overall spend over time.
Buck the trends
Fast-furniture brands are all about trends, but at RB12 we believe in classics but also that everyone has their own style – you do you! We are here to help guide you and pull your space together, but ultimately your home is your space and is meant to make you happy (and not the latest style guru). A huge number of our interior brands including Bonaldo, Fabula Living and Expormim focus on creating timeless pieces that fit into a wide variety of spaces. You should be able to curate your own space without wasting your money on trends, and choose furniture that reflects you and your family.
It’s better for the planet
The furniture industry leaves a large environmental impact. From landfill, water consumption and harmful chemicals used in production. By choosing high-end furniture brands you are helping to minimize the negative impact the industry can have, and in turn reducing your own environmental footprint. Brands selected by RB12 use nature’s finest materials, sustainably sourced. Whether it’s wood that is FSC certified, fabrics made of recycled materials, production free from dangerous chemicals or traceable leather which ensures animal welfare – just ask us and we can inform you about our suppliers.
It’s better for human beings
Fast-furniture keeps the price down, but at what cost? Prices are low because corners are cut, from product quality to production environment factors such as low pay and poor working conditions in developing countries. By switching to ethically made brands such as Armadillo (B Certified), Volver Studio and GAN you are ensuring that the furniture and home accessories you choose to spend your money on isn’t the product of unfair business practices.
At RB12 we can help you discover some of the most sustainable furniture brands. We only partner with luxury brands that fit in with our ethos of quality over quantity. We believe its important to invest in high-quality pieces rather than have to repeatedly buy new “trendy” furniture.
If you would like to find out more about RB12 and ethical, luxury furniture brands you can contact us here, pop by the showroom or give us a call on +44 (0) 2071 352 246 – we would love to hear from you.
Slow living has been everywhere recently. Its rise has been incredibly fast for a movement all about keeping it slow.
You’re probably asking yourself the same questions as we have at RB12 about this blossoming movement. Don’t worry. We’ll guide you through it all right here.
So, what is slow living, and how does it impact luxury furniture? Let’s find out.
How did the slow movement start?
Slow living originally began in 1986 when Caro Petrini protested against the opening of a McDonalds in the beautiful city of Rome. Soon a movement against fast food started to make people sit up and notice.
By 2004, the slow movement was created by Carl Honoré, who wrote the self-help and improvement book, In Praise Of Slowness: Challenging The Cult Of Speed. Soon the principles of the slow living movement began to be applied to lifestyle, sport, fashion, and more facets of our daily lives.
What is slow living?
Contrary to its namesake, slow living has nothing to do with moving at a slow speed.
Slow living encompasses a mindful approach to creating a lifestyle in line with your values. Self-reflection and self-awareness are key to slow living. These purposeful choices involve taking into consideration your wellbeing and the planet.
Consumers have been experiencing life in the fast lane since mass consumption became mainstream in the eighties. Convenience was prioritised above all, and with everything being so quickly produced, culturally, we became accustomed to hyperconsumption.
What is the slow living aesthetic?
In a nutshell, slow living means finding a balance and focusing on what matters most. Instead of achieving a goal quickly, sometimes it is necessary to go slower to do something better long term.
Slow living begins at home. Our homes are where we spend most of our time and should be where we feel safe to be ourselves, free from stress.
There are various ways to incorporate the slow living aesthetic into your decor. Think neutral tones and repetitive patterns that are not too harsh. Pops of colour can be incorporated into the slow living aesthetic but should not be overbearing. Think cottage core meets modern, clear spaces.
Arranging your furniture to create a harmonious atmosphere is a good place to start. Apply feng shui principles that ensure your home is free from clutter and arrange your furniture to create a smooth transition between spaces.
Is slow living sustainable and eco-friendly?
When slow living was primarily associated with food, it began with the acronym S.L.O.W: Sustainable, Local, Organic, and Whole.
These principles can also be applied to furniture. Eco-friendly, sustainable furniture represents all the ethos of the movement.
Caring for the environment and people is truly important in slow living. Sustainably sourced and high-quality materials made locally and in fair working conditions are at the heart of both the slow living movement and many of our favourite furniture brands at RB12, such as Armadillo, Gan, and more.
How can I incorporate slow living into my home?
Slow living means making conscious, purposeful decisions to benefit your well-being and then the environment. To truly slow down and create the ultimate slow living sanctuary at home, here are our top six tips:
Invest in higher quality luxury furniture.
High-end furniture is pricier but cheaper long term. It is usually handmade by artisans in local communities and craftsmen who have been refining their art for generations. You can often customise high-end furniture to suit your needs, and each piece is truly unique.
Consume less.
Less is more in the slow living movement. Investing in key staple pieces of furniture made to the highest quality standards allows you to enjoy it in your home for years.
Consider upcycling and repairing existing furniture.
If your furniture shows signs of wear and tear, it may be better to have it repaired. The main essentials like sofas and armchairs can be reupholstered depending on the material and damage. Good quality furniture can always have a quality second life. If the damage is a slight chip, don’t worry, it signifies that a piece is well-loved.
Buy sustainable furniture.
Sustainably made furniture is key to slow living. It’s often handmade but is also created using materials that can be recycled. Any natural fibres like leather or wool in sustainable furniture are ethically sourced, and their origins are clear to us as consumers.
Choose limited edition furniture.
Limited edition furniture gives you the luxury of being one of the lucky few to have got your hands on a special piece of furniture. Not only will your home appear more unique with limited-edition finds, the smaller batch numbers mean that less energy is required to create the furniture.
Shop local.
Slowing down our spending habits will reduce waste and our carbon footprint. Try to shop locally wherever possible or at least from an area that would not require your furniture to travel too far via delivery. If you can’t find what you’re looking for nearby, consider investing in furniture by a design house that gives back to its’ local community.
Slow buy and invest in sustainable luxury furniture at RB12
At RB12, we’re proud to work with the best design houses, craftsmen, and furniture designers to ensure your home can be your own sanctuary that embodies your values. Explore our luxurious high-end furniture collections and invest in sustainable home furnishings available at RB12 online.
