Behind the Scenes at EGGER London: How We Source Premium Materials

At Smiths, we believe that exceptional fitted furniture starts long before the first panel is cut. It begins with the materials — the boards, the finishes, the textures that you'll see and touch every single day. That's why our team recently spent a day at EGGER's London showroom, getting hands-on with the latest innovations in decorative surfaces, board technology, and finish options. As we put it on Instagram: fitted furniture nerds at work.

Why We Visit Our Suppliers in Person

It would be easy to simply order materials from a catalogue. Many fitted furniture companies do exactly that — they pick a finish from a swatch book and hope it looks right when it arrives. We take a different approach. By visiting suppliers like EGGER in person, our designers can see how finishes look under different lighting conditions, feel the texture of each surface, and understand how new materials will work in real homes. A matt finish that looks stunning under showroom spotlights might appear completely different in the soft natural light of a north-facing bedroom, and those are the details that matter.

What Is EGGER and Why Do We Use Their Materials?

EGGER is one of Europe's leading manufacturers of wood-based materials, decorative laminates, and surface finishes. Founded in Austria in 1961, they now operate across the globe and are widely regarded as setting the standard for quality in the fitted furniture and kitchen industry. Their boards are used by premium furniture makers throughout the UK and Europe, and for good reason — the consistency, durability, and range of finishes they offer is unmatched.

• Over 300 decor options ranging from natural woodgrains to solid colours, concrete effects, and stone textures
• Industry-leading surface technologies including PerfectSense matt and gloss lacquered boards
• Moisture-resistant and fire-retardant board options for kitchens and bathrooms
• Matching edging, worktops, and compact laminate for a seamless finish across every element
• Sustainable production using certified timber from responsibly managed forests

What We Explored: New Finishes, Textures, and Surface Tech

During our visit to the EGGER London showroom, we spent time examining their latest collections and innovations. We looked at new woodgrain finishes that replicate the look and feel of natural timber with remarkable accuracy — you genuinely have to touch them to realise they're not solid wood. We also explored their expanded range of matt and super-matt surfaces, which have become increasingly popular with our clients who want that contemporary, fingerprint-resistant look for wardrobes and bedroom furniture.

Board thickness and core technology were also on the agenda. Yes, we really do get excited about board thickness and surface tech. The structural integrity of the board determines how well your fitted wardrobe will perform over its lifetime — how the shelves hold up under weight, how the doors hang, and how the overall piece feels when you use it every day. We test and compare different board specifications to ensure we're always using the best option for each application.

How This Benefits Your Fitted Furniture

When you commission fitted furniture from Smiths, the materials we use have been personally selected by our team — not picked from a generic catalogue. Every finish we offer has been seen, touched, and evaluated in person. We understand how each surface performs in real-world conditions, how it ages, how it cleans, and how it looks alongside other materials in a room scheme. This hands-on knowledge means we can confidently recommend the right finish for your specific project.

• Matt finishes for a modern, contemporary look that resists fingerprints and smudges
• Natural woodgrain textures for warmth and character in traditional or Shaker-style designs
• High-gloss lacquered surfaces for a sleek, reflective finish in walk-in wardrobes and dressing rooms
• Concrete and stone-effect boards for industrial-inspired media walls and home offices
• Moisture-resistant boards specifically selected for bathroom vanity units and utility rooms

The Smiths Difference: Craftsmanship Starts with Materials

Visiting EGGER is just one example of how we go further than most fitted furniture companies. We also work closely with handle suppliers like Hendel & Hendel, hardware specialists, and LED lighting manufacturers to ensure every component of your fitted furniture meets our standards. From the board that forms the carcass to the handle you pull every morning, nothing is left to chance.

We're always refining what we bring to your fitted furniture projects. Visiting suppliers in person means we can offer finishes and materials that many competitors simply don't have access to — because they've never taken the time to go and see them.

See Our Materials in Person

Want to see and feel the quality of materials we use? Book a free home design visit and our designer will bring a full range of samples to your home — including the latest finishes from EGGER. You can compare colours, textures, and surfaces in your own space, under your own lighting, so you know exactly what your fitted furniture will look and feel like. Call us on 0800 292 2200 or visit our contact page to arrange your visit.