The Best of British Furniture
It’s an important week to celebrate all things British. With National Tea Day, St George’s Day and the Queen’s birthday falling within days of each other, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the best of British craftsmanship. People often have the wrong impression of British furniture, thinking that it’s old fashioned and traditional with dark mahogany wood, antique fabrics, classic carvings and brass embellishments In recent years however, designs have taken on contemporary styling and technological functions.
Perfect for kicking back with a steaming brew, the Chesterfield sofa is an iconic part of British history. Classical and noble, it is recognisable by its high seat and scroll arms. The design also features a low rolled back and tufted deep-buttoned leather or fabric upholstery. Originally favouring stately homes and established gentlemen’s clubs, the Chesterfield is deep-rooted in Britain’s heritage.
A classic and traditional design, Warwick combines perfect proportions with sumptuous heritage buttoning. Upholstered in a choice of fabric or leather, the statement sofa is handcrafted from quality materials. Paying tribute to the design’s rich history, proven traditional techniques are used
If it’s a more contemporary choice you are after, Huxton embodies the heritage characteristics but with a reinterpreted twist. The soft velvet fabric comes in a range of vibrant colours. With modern splashes of colour and up-to-date material, a classical piece is adapted to enhance a more contemporary living room.
Cousins champion the best of British craftsmanship. Prestigious heritage brands are showcased in each store and online.
At the forefront of British furniture making, G Plan has been one of the UK’s biggest upholstery manufacturers since 1953. Every G Plan sofa and armchair is handcrafted in the UK at their Wiltshire factory. Setting the tone, Firth from G Plan offers clean, contemporary styling and a comfortable place to kick back and read a newspaper. The traditional crafting techniques trace back to 1898. Ebenezer Gomme started handcrafting furniture in his workshop. In 1953, his grandson Donald launched the G Plan brand.
A national treasure, Malvern is one of G Plan’s best selling designs. Its luxurious leather or fabric and sumptuous comfort will create a haven in any living room or dining room. The high quality, sustainable materials tie into G Plan’s heritage.
Also a prestigious, leading brand, Parker Knoll was established more than 150 years ago. Renowned for superior British chair and sofa designs, every piece is handmade. This takes place in their rural Nottinghamshire factory. Its luxurious style and exquisite attention to detail, Parker Knoll is all about the quality.
A popular design from Parker Knoll’s Classics collection, Burghley features elegant lines. Upholstered in luxurious chenille, the attractive piped detail enhances style. In true British fashion, the pattern nods to quintessential tradition and pays tribute to the brand’s classic heritage.
The Statesman swivel chair is a modern redevelopment of the iconic original from 1969. In tribute to its predecessor, the luxurious Italian leather with buttoned detailing gives the chair a vintage vibe. The ergonomic design allows for supportive, cocooning comfort.
The vintage look is still very much a popular interior design trend. For those who want to add that quintessentially British feel to their homes, Harris Tweed is one option. Famed for its unique quality and heritage, Harris Tweed is a beautiful, intricate fabric. As a piece of luxury, it is woven from pure virgin wools that are primarily taken from flocks reared on the Scottish mainland. Woden is a fashionable sofa with natural leather and quality Harris Tweed upholstery. This is the perfect way to enhance your living room or dining room with a gesture to our heritage.
In a further tribute to British legacy, Saxby takes on the Chesterfield design. It perfectly combines prestigious woollen tweed fabric with characterful natural leather accenting. Saxby is a beautiful living room sofa that would compliment a grand, traditional or country themed home.
A well-known luxury bed brand, Harrison Spinks have been providing people with a good night’s sleep since 1840. Still a family-run business, every bed starts its journey on a 300-acre farm in North Yorkshire. The farmers rear prize sheep for their wool and grow the fibres that go into the bespoke, pocket-sprung mattress fillings. It takes a whole year to grow the ingredients for one mattress. Harrison is a true testimony to British craftsmanship. For a timeless bedroom look, choose the Henley or Morris headboard.
With more than 100 years of bed making experience, the secret to a peaceful night definitely lies with Hypnos. A British family-run mattress and bed manufacturer, Hypnos focuses on sustainable designs. These include luxury pocket springs. A Royal Warrant from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II reinforces Hypnos' excellent reputation. For ultimate comfort, Emberton is a pillow top pocket sprung mattress. Enjoy the deep, double layers of natural Talalay latex for responsiveness and breathability.
At the heart of English furniture making, Ercol was founded in 1920. To this day, the family owned business instil their beliefs that furniture should be both honest and beautiful. In 2020 to celebrate the 100th anniversary, Ercol brand stamped the centenary logo on a selection of Originals that were reissued. This included the Windsor cabinet that has been produced since the 1950s. Handcrafted from solid ash, the design classic range features traditional dovetail joints.
Ercol are experts in both the dining room and the bedroom when it comes to stylish furniture. A timeless choice, Teramo offers an elegant selection of furniture. Enjoy a proper roast dinner or a classic cream tea at the graceful dining table. Crafted from sustainable timber, the ranges are inspired by the distinctive Shakers design.
Supporting local businesses is a huge part of celebrating British culture. It forms a significant part of the UK economy. Local businesses play a key role in building a stronger community. Cousins is a family-run Midlands retailer and so understands the importance of shopping local. Providing exceptional customer service is something we do best. Our staff members are truly committed and enthusiastic. We engage with customers first-hand, and we are in tune with our local communities across the Midlands.
On a more local level, Cousins Bespoke is a made-to-measure service. If you have a specific idea in mind, you can design your own seating at the exclusive Bespoke Sofa Studio. We offer customers a high quality personal service. Every sofa, chair or corner group is exquisitely handcrafted in a local workshop in Cradley Heath, West Midlands. This is done one-by-one using time honoured skills.
Further supporting the community, many of our iconic carpet brands are hand-woven locally in Kidderminster from British wool. Whether you’re re-carpeting an entire home or a single room, enjoy soft pure wools, berbers loops and hard wearing twists. You can also indulge in luxurious deep pile saxonies.
At Cousins, we champion local businesses, British heritage and traditional designs. Using their expertise, our friendly sales staff will talk you through the brands, styles and choices available to you. There has never been a better time to be part of the legacy of iconic British furniture brands.