50 Years of Experience

Plumbs did really start on a market stall in Blackburn selling a wide selection of decorative cushions and ‘settee sets’ – antimacassars and arm covers. These were created by Tom and Bernice Plumb and provided a quick and cheerful pick me up for tired and worn furniture of which there was plenty in the Lancashire Mill towns in the early 60’s.

In the 70’s Plumbs next move was into shops with the first one opening in Bolton in 1972. Plumbs were the first to bring Continental Bedding to the high street and via mail order nationwide. Furniture with removable covers was another first for Plumbs and very quickly Plumbs had 91 shops operating throughout the country selling Furniture, Furniture Covers, Continental Bedding and a whole raft of co-ordination in Curtains and accessories all of superb quality at value for money prices.

In the 80’s lots of more complex furniture styles came on the market making Made to Measure furniture covers a necessity for Plumbs. A Home Consultancy Division was set up whereby a local Consultant would call to show the range and give a free quotation and product advice. If the customer wished to order, measurements and photographs would be taken and the Consultant would return to fit the covers completely free of charge.

The 1990s

In the 1990’s room co-ordination came to the fore and Plumbs created a new make-up using 2 designs together. These were photographed in room sets with total room co-ordination and people loved the effect often re-creating the colour scheme completely in their own home.

The 21st century

Into the 21st centruy, and wood floors became the flooring must and everybody wanted this completely new style. Plumbs had to change and quickly turning much of its production into rigid cotton covers using a 100% Cotton fabric ‘Trailing Rose’ to create the natural and minimal look of the decade.

The superb quality of English Furniture Manufacturers such as Parker Knoll and Bridgcroft created furniture frames to last a lifetime but the upholstery did get worn and needed replacement.
New fabrics were needed to meet the specifications required for such a high standard of product.

Reupholstery

Not all furniture styles could be covered with loose covers. Furniture with button backs and decorative wood features etc. required the work of a highly skilled reupholsterer. Plumbs started to offer a superb Reupholstery Service throughout the country.

Plumbs have quickly become the biggest and most trusted reupholstere rproducers in the U.K. and pride themselves on the truly bespoke standards on this top of the range product. The new Reupholstery website – www.plumbsreupholstery.co.uk shows all the skills and techniques used to create a brand new appearance from a much loved but shabby piece of furniture.