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About us

Here at Plumbs, we have a saying: Pride, Passion, Promise

As a fourth generation family business, we take a great deal of pride in where we come from. This drives the high standards we hold today in every aspect of the business, from production, to customer service and aftercare.

A made to measure service, designed to suit you

Made To Measure 1
Made To Measure 2
Made To Measure 3
Made To Measure 4

Our story and future developments all stem from passion. Not only for our product and customers, but for the industry as a whole when we value good quality furniture and aim to restore it.

Finally, a promise to uphold the standards and values you would expect from a British family business, today and always.

Our history

Markets, 1953

In 1953, Tom and Bernice Plumb started selling home accessories on their market-stalls across Lancashire. Their friendly nature, alongside good customer service and attention to detail, formed the foundations of the company that officially opened in 1960.

Mail order, 1960

When their son, Geoff, became involved in the business, he decided to place a small advert in the Daily Mirror. Running on the 3rd February 1968, this was the start of Plumbs' mail order success.

Company growth, 1970

As the company grew, its product line increased too. Selling everything from sofa covers to bedding, the company took off and expanded rapidly. With 92 shops across the country, Plumbs became a household name in British retail.

Home consultancy service, 1980

As the 80s came around, so did a range of complex furniture shapes and styles. This meant the standard measurements of mail order covers were no longer right for everyone, and so we introduced our home consultancy service, offering expert advice, right to your door.

Reupholstery service launches, 2003

As the new millennium began, the demand for unique furniture began to grow. Whether it was redesigning antiques, or cherishing favourite chairs, it quickly became clear that sofa covers would no longer suffice for all. With a wealth of craft experience in the business, Plumbs expanded to include reupholstery in our services.

Sarah becomes MD, 2009

Despite its development, family still remained at Plumbs' heart. In 2009, Geoff's daughter, Sarah, became Managing Director. Having worked in the company since the age of 18, she brought a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm with her, driving the company forward.

Apprenticeship scheme, 2010

Traditional skills are essential to Plumbs, and we consider it our responsibility to invest in the future of craft. Launched in 2010, our award winning apprenticeship scheme aims to do exactly that, helping to develop the skills of the next generation, and see them progress in the company.

Beautiful Bedrooms, 2016

In 2016 our product range expanded once again, and Plumbs introduced a luxury line of bedding. These made to measure options provided a new option for customers hoping to indulge in their bedrooms.

Visualiser app, 2018

When our app launched, it changed the process of buying with Plumbs. Not only could your home consultant show you the fabrics in their swatchbooks, but now you could see what your furniture style would look like when recovered!

Celebrating 60 years, 2020

2020 celebrates 60 years since Plumbs officially opened! Now a fourth generation family business, family values remain at the heart of what we do.

    Free home consultancy service

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      Over 800 fabric options to inspire you

      Over 800 fabric options to inspire you

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      UK-wide service
      UK-wide service
      Family business
      Family business
      Made-to-measure
      Made-to-measure
      Free in-home consultation
      Free in-home consultation
      Over 800 fabrics
      Over 800 fabrics
      Quality guarantee
      Quality guarantee

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      We'll go through our fabric collections and offer advice on colour and designs. There's no pressure to buy anything.