A few months ago marked the launch of a new furniture brand in the UK. We caught up with Kit Cook, Managing Director at CloseCo., to find out more.
Officially launching during March 2026, CloseCo. enters the UK market with a debut collection of sofas, armchairs and home accessories – all designed as well-crafted essentials for everyday living.
Created to naturally fit into real life, CloseCo. prioritises durability and ease over throwaway trends or decoration. Each piece in the collection is designed to serve a clear purpose, which is to be used daily, to age well and to integrate effortlessly into everchanging homes.
Following the launch, Kit shared what the initial reaction has been like so far. “The reaction has been really encouraging. From both the trade and consumers, there has been a strong response to the idea of furniture that combines comfort with character – pieces that feel considered, distinctive and full of personality rather than overly polished or trend-driven.
“There’s an appetite for furniture that feels tactile and relaxed but still contemporary, and we’ve had really positive feedback on the materiality, proportions and overall character of the collection.
“What’s been particularly exciting is seeing people connect with the brand as a lifestyle concept rather than just a furniture range. We want people to feel like they are getting more than just furniture from us. Whether B2C or B2B, CloseCo. products are intended to feel elevated, hard wearing and purposeful.”
Launching with purpose, CloseCo. is part of the Bernard Thomas Brands group, a family-run platform focused on developing design-led brands across furniture and interiors. “Being part of the group allows us to build the business with long-term thinking – focusing on product quality, thoughtful design and meaningful partnerships rather than short-term trends,” Kit continued.
“The wider team brings experience across furniture design, manufacturing, retail and brand development, combining product expertise with a strong understanding of how modern interior brands are built. The brand is built around the idea of “Cosy Utility”, combining comfort, practicality and distinctive design to create furniture that feels relaxed, characterful and easy to live with.”
On why now was the perfect time to launch the brand, Kit added: “We felt there was a clear opportunity in the market for a brand that sits between heritage furniture and more design-led contemporary interiors. I often describe CloseCo. as somewhere between Loaf and Soho Home – relaxed and characterful without the fluffy nonsense or the cold formality.
“Many people want spaces that feel relaxed, layered and personal, but a lot of furniture on the market still falls into either very traditional or very minimal categories. CloseCo. was created to sit comfortably in the middle – warm, functional pieces with a bit of edge.
“We’re also seeing a growing appreciation for natural materials, longevity and thoughtful design, which aligns closely with how we approach product development.”
The UK remains central to CloseCo.’s vision where it plans to build the brand and momentum, with a focus on developing a strong e-commerce, retail and brand presence that allows people to properly experience the furniture. Alongside its direct retail plans, Kit said the business has already been working with hospitality and workspace partners.
“One example is our partnership with The Malin, the US-based members’ co-working club, where a number of CloseCo. pieces are now used in seven of their locations with more coming. Collaborations like this are an exciting way for people to experience the furniture in real environments.
“Over the next year, our focus is on expanding the collection and continuing to build the world around the brand. Alongside new upholstery designs, we’re beginning development on a broader range of furniture including side tables, coffee tables, dining tables, sideboards, dining chairs, bar stools and beds. The intention is to build a more complete interior offering that reflects the CloseCo. approach to comfortable, characterful spaces.
“We’re also introducing complementary homeware pieces including more rugs, textiles, ceramics and fragrances, helping to create a broader ecosystem of products that work together within the CloseCo. lifestyle.
“At the same time, we’re investing in brand experiences and storytelling – helping people understand not just what we make, but the environments the brand is designed to create.”
From solid-timber frames to hard-wearing upholstery, every detail is shaped around daily use. The company also offers a 10-year frame guarantee, alongside free delivery and returns. As CloseCo. begins its brand building journey, it has lofty ambitions to be the go-to brand that people connect with.
“For us, the ambition is to build a brand that people genuinely want to live with not just because of how it looks and feels but also how it holds up over time,” Kit said. “Furniture is such a central part of everyday life, and we believe there’s room for a company that approaches it with more warmth, creativity and personality. CloseCo. is about creating pieces that feel at home anywhere – comfortable, practical and quietly distinctive.”
