Frequently Asked Questions

We primarily work with the trade and our pricing lists offer “Designer Net” pricing. We extend this discount to qualified interior designers, architects, and commercial property managers.

Our furniture and lighting pieces are made-to-order. We occasionally stock raw materials for select collections, but typically do not stock finished pieces.

Standard lead times vary by collection and range from 12-14 weeks. Lead times also depend on a piece's specified dimensions, finishes, and the overall size of the order being placed.

If our standard lead time doesn't work for your schedule, please contact us to discuss your time frame. We are happy to accommodate requests when we can. This typically requires a rush fee based on the materials needed and the time frame being specified.

Occasionally we undertake custom work and design projects that are unrelated to our furniture and lighting collections. If you're interested in partnering with us for a custom project, please contact us with the intended scope of work and known details.

Material finish options are one of the most exciting parts of the design process. We offer our trade members wood, metal, leather, and suede samples, free of charge. Kindly send us a list of samples you require (info@mfdnyc.com) and we will promptly send them via ground transit. 

We ask that finish selections be limited to a maximum of six samples. Due to the natural variations of organic materials such as stone, we do not provide such finish samples.

We understand that sometimes designers have a specific need or creative vision that may not be found within our standard finish options. In these instances, we welcome you to provide us with a reference sample for your desired concept. We will produce a counter-match sample for a $250.00 fee (per finish). A product with custom finishes being specified may also require additional fees or extended lead time for implementation. Custom finish fees are handled on a case-by-case basis. 

Customers may also specify their own leather, suede or stone. A memo sample must be sent to Matthew Fairbank Design, prior to quotation, to determine if the proposed material is suitable for the intended application. Please ship all materials to the address below with a sidemark reference for the project:

Matthew Fairbank Design
617 Van Sinderen Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11207

Fine furniture and lighting can provide years of enjoyment if you give it the care it deserves. 

Make sure to always use felt pads under articles that could cause discoloration or scratching of a lacquered or patinated surface. It is important to keep the home in which your furniture is placed properly humidified. Lack of humidity, usually in winter months or in dry climates, can cause certain veneers to crack and joints to work apart. Wood prefers a reasonable level of temperature and humidity (around 72 degrees with 40 percent humidity). Wood should not sit near heating or air conditioning registers. These remove necessary moisture from your furniture and dry it out.

Wood, leather, and other materials are natural products. Sun bleaching will occur when furniture is exposed to sunlight. This can cause darker finishes to lighten and sometimes cause lighter finishes to darken. Some light bleaching will occur under both incandescent and fluorescent lighting.

Do not use any harsh abrasives, polishes or chemicals. Our brass finishes are lacquered to prevent tarnishing; therefore, using a brass cleaner is not necessary. To maintain the finish, use a clean, soft cloth to wipe lamp shades and other metal accents.

Our wooden furniture has a protective varnished layer that most likely will not require any care other than dusting. Periodically rub a soft cloth over your furniture surfaces to remove dust. You can also use a pre-treated cloth to attract dust without scratching the finish. Lemon oil may be used to restore furniture's luster.

If you'd like to know more before purchasing an item, please let us know and we'll be happy to share our best practices with you.