Frequently Asked Questions — Artemis London

1) What wood do you use and why?

I work with kiln-dried Scandinavian softwood (Swedish Redwood) in wide staves for stability and a warm, characterful grain. I hand-select boards, join them, sand them and finish with hardwax oil for a smooth, durable surface that still feels like real wood. Because timber is natural, you’ll see gentle variation in colour, grain and knots—this “perfectly imperfect” look is part of my aesthetic. If you have a target tone, I’ll guide you to the closest finish. A great way to see the wood finishes is via the main shop page, each product has written in the description which wood tone finish was used for the main photos. You can select your wood finish via a form which will come up when you add your design to the cart.
See examples: Gallery / Finishes

2) Can you make Desks to custom sizes or L-shapes?

Yes—all pieces are made to measure. Each design has a range of sizes you can choose from. If you’d like a more bespoke size, either choose the size up from it or get in touch on how to best order. You can share your wall span, seating plan or room sketch and I’ll advise thickness, leg placement and overhangs. I often build L-shapes and alcove pieces, allowing for cables, radiators and skirting. Lead time depends on complexity, though small tweaks rarely add much.
Start a custom request: Contact • Design your own bespoke piece

3) Which leg styles are available?

Core options: Steel or Solid Wood. All steel legs are powder-coated in black as standard; other colours are possible. Your wooden legs will have the oil matched to the choice on your order. I’ll match leg span to your table width for knee clearance and stability, and fit felt pads to protect floors. Ask for advice on the best leg style of your seating arrangements.
Browse examples: Tables • Desks

4) Can I see wood finishes before ordering?

Absolutely. I can post a small finished sample pack or point you to recent projects with the same tone in natural light. There are two means to get samples, you can select a free wood sample pack when you place your order or you can order a wood sample pack from the main shop page. Popular shades include Etna, Rose, Neos, Lily and Oscuro. Samples are a guide—wood varies—but they’re the best way to choose confidently.
Request samples / view finishes: Wood Samples

5) Do you take trade or commercial orders?

Yes. I build for cafés, studios and offices—from single feature tables to small batch rollouts. I can keep finishes consistent across multiples, and make bespoke items not listed on the website shop. If you have drawings or mood boards, send them over and I’ll translate them into robust, easy-to-maintain furniture.
Learn more / enquire: Commercial & Trade • Contact

6) How does delivery work and how long will it take?

I deliver across the UK mainland. Most items ship flat-packed for straightforward assembly with fixings included; larger builds, such as media units, will arrive assembled. I design my furniture to require minimal set-up, while made up from many pieces of wood the finished products are solid unitary builds which are joined together to last — and arrive set up and ready to use. If you have tight stairs or limited access, tell me and I’ll plan around it. Lead times move with workshop load; I’ll confirm your window at checkout and again before dispatch. If you need a specific date, ask—I’ll try to align.
Details & current lead times: Delivery

7) Can I collect, or use my own courier?

Yes, by appointment from North London. I’ll pack pieces for safe travel and brief your courier (two-person lift for heavier tops). If you’re transporting yourself, bring blankets/straps. Once collected, liability passes to you/your courier, so I recommend an insured service with furniture experience.
Arrange a collection: Contact

8) What’s your returns and cancellations policy?

Before delivery, you can cancel standard orders at no charge. After delivery, you have 14 days to request a return in original condition (return shipping is your responsibility). Bespoke or made-to-measure pieces are built to your specification and aren’t resellable, so different terms apply—but if something isn’t right, I’ll work with you to sort it.
Read full policy: Returns • Terms & Conditions

9) How do I care for the finish?

Daily care is simple: wipe with a wrung cloth and mild soap if needed. Avoid bleach, silicone sprays and harsh abrasives. Use coasters for very hot or wet items and wipe spills promptly. Hardwax oil is refreshable—if a surface looks tired after prolonged heavy use, a light de-nib and maintenance coat brings it back. I can supply the exact oil and simple steps.
Care guide & recommended products: Furniture Care Guide

10) What’s included for assembly, and how heavy is it?

You’ll receive the top, legs, fixings and a clear step-by-step guide. Set-up is always easy/self-explanatory by design. A powered driver helps but isn’t essential. Larger tops are a two-person lift — the courier company will deliver in, where possible, into the room of your choice. I pre-drill leg positions for a no-stress build.
See a typical set-up: Furniture Set-up & Safety

11) Natural wood variation — what should I expect?

Real wood has personality: grain swirls, small knots, micro colour shifts and tiny hairline checks are normal. I reject structural defects, sand everything to a gorgeous smooth touch finish and sstabilise boards; the timber is kiln-dried (necessary for indoor furniture). Expect a living surface that softens with age and can be refreshed when needed.
My ethos & tolerances: Terms & Conditions • Gallery

12) Which payments do you accept?

Major cards (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx), Apple Pay are available at checkout. If you need an invoice for a business purchase, just let me know and provide the email for this to be sent to.
Payment options explained: Payments • Contact for invoicing

13) Do you offer instalments (Klarna/Afterpay)?

On eligible orders, instalments are available at checkout (subject to provider approval). Availability may vary by basket value and provider rules. Instalments don’t slow your production slot, but failed payments can—please keep details current.

14) Can I get an invoice or proof of purchase?

Yes. Order confirmations are emailed automatically — this email will come from theo@artemislondon.com (this sometimes gets routed to your junk mail so check there). If you need an invoice with business details, reply with your billing info and I’ll issue it. For trade quantities I can also provide statements for your accounts.
Request an invoice: Contact

15) Can I visit the workshop or see pieces in person?

I’m a working studio, so visits are by appointment for safety and workflow. If you’d like to see finishes or leg options in person, I’ll set aside time and pull relevant samples. Prefer remote? I can do a quick video walk-through to show current builds.
Book a visit or video call: Contact