COM Furniture Programs: Using Your Own Fabric with Custom Manufacturers
COM—Customer's Own Material—programs allow designers to specify furniture in fabrics not offered by the manufacturer. For projects requiring specific textiles, COM opens possibilities beyond standard fabric libraries.
When COM Makes Sense
Exact color matching: When a project requires precise coordination with existing elements, COM lets you source the perfect fabric rather than settling for "close enough."
Specialty performance fabrics: Healthcare, hospitality, and high-traffic residential projects often require specific performance certifications that standard libraries may not include.
Designer exclusives: Some fabric houses offer exclusive patterns to select designers. COM lets you use these on custom upholstery.
Client-sourced materials: Occasionally clients have fabric—antique textiles, family pieces, or previous purchases—they want incorporated.
COM Requirements
Successful COM requires understanding yardage calculations, fabric suitability, and timing:
Yardage: Always order 15-20% overage for matching, errors, and future repairs. We provide cutting requirements once you specify the piece and fabric repeat.
Suitability: Not every fabric works for upholstery. Weight, weave, stretch, and durability matter. We'll advise if your selection raises concerns.
Timing: COM fabric must arrive before production begins. Delays in fabric arrival delay your delivery date.
Hendricks COM Process
- Specify your piece and inform us you're providing COM
- We calculate yardage requirements with specifics on repeats and railroading
- You ship fabric to our Hickory workshop
- We inspect upon arrival and confirm suitability
- Production proceeds normally
No upcharges for basic COM—we understand it's essential for designer work.