We’ve put together this FAQ to help you get to know our furniture, materials, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re picking the perfect piece, learning about natural stone, or looking for care tips, you’ll find answers to the questions we hear most often. And if you don’t see what you need, we’re always glad to help.

Who is John Leighton?
John Leighton is an Australian furniture brand creating handcrafted furniture from premium natural materials. Guided by the philosophy of Designed to Endure, every piece combines timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship and the principles of functional art to create furniture that brings lasting beauty, purpose and meaning into the home.

What makes John Leighton different?
The collection is built around sculptural form, honest materials and practical living. Rather than treating furniture as decoration alone, John Leighton designs pieces that shape how a room feels and how people gather, live and connect within it.

What does “Designed to Endure” mean?
Designed to Endure is the philosophy behind every John Leighton piece. It reflects our belief that furniture should be created with lasting purpose, timeless design and uncompromising craftsmanship, becoming more than something you own—it becomes a meaningful part of your home, designed to be lived with, appreciated and enjoyed for generations.

What is functional art?
Functional art is an object that serves an everyday purpose while also being appreciated for its form, material and craftsmanship. A John Leighton table, TV unit or etagere is made to be used, but it is also designed to contribute to the architecture and emotional character of a home.

Why is the furniture handmade?
Handmaking allows greater attention to proportion, joinery, finishing and the individuality of each material. It gives every piece a human quality and a level of character that mass production often removes.

Why do natural materials matter?
Natural stone, timber and glass respond to light, touch and time in ways manufactured imitations cannot fully reproduce. Their variation brings warmth, depth and authenticity into the home.

Where are your materials sourced from?
Sustainability and mindful craftsmanship guide every material choice we make. Our timber is sourced from responsibly managed forests, our stone from ethical quarries, and all additional materials from trusted suppliers who share our commitment to quality, transparency, and environmental responsibility.
Where possible, we incorporate sustainably harvested, reclaimed, or recycled timber and stone to reduce environmental impact while preserving the natural integrity and character of each material. Glass, metals, and fabrics are carefully selected for their durability, low-impact production, and long-term performance. Every piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans using considered processes that prioritise longevity, reduce waste, and honour the natural beauty of the materials themselves.

What materials are used in the furniture?
Each piece begins with high-quality, thoughtfully chosen materials celebrated for their strength, longevity, and timeless appeal. Our collections feature solid timber, including sustainably sourced Australian hardwoods, alongside dense natural stone such as marble, limestone, and travertine. Select designs also incorporate refined metal detailing, architectural glass elements, and premium upholstery fabrics chosen for their durability, texture, and tactile comfort.
All finishes are eco-conscious and selected to protect the material while allowing its natural character to shine through. Together, these elements create furniture designed to endure, age beautifully, and retain its integrity over time, reflecting a commitment to craftsmanship, functionality, and lasting quality.

Is every piece unique?
Yes. Natural grain, veining, texture, tonal variation and markings differ from piece to piece. These differences are part of the material rather than something to hide.

Where are the pieces designed and made?
The collections are designed in Australia. Manufacturing and material sourcing can vary by product, so the relevant product page should be used for the most accurate origin information.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PIECE

How do I choose the right furniture for my space?
Start with function, scale and atmosphere. Consider how the room is used, how people move through it, the dimensions available and whether you want the piece to sit quietly within the room or act as a stronger sculptural feature.

How do I know whether a piece will fit?
Check both the room and the delivery path. Measure doors, hallways, stair turns, lifts and access points, then compare them with the confirmed product dimensions before ordering.

Should all furniture in a room match?
No. A considered interior often combines related rather than identical materials. Repeating a tone, finish or proportion can create unity, while contrast can add depth and individuality.

How do I mix timber, stone and glass?
Give each material a clear role. Timber adds warmth, stone adds weight and permanence, and glass adds lightness. Repeating one tone or finish elsewhere in the room helps the combination feel intentional.

Can John Leighton help me choose a size or finish?
Yes. Share the room dimensions, intended use, preferred materials and any access limits. The team can help compare suitable options without pushing you toward a purchase.

DINING TABLES

How many people do John Leighton dining tables seat?
The dining tables are designed as substantial gathering pieces and generally seat approximately 10 to 14 people, depending on the exact design, table size, chair width and preferred spacing. Always check the product page for the confirmed capacity.

How much room do I need around a dining table?
Allow enough space for chairs to pull out and for people to move comfortably behind them. The ideal clearance depends on the room layout, so it is worth reviewing the full room dimensions rather than the table size alone.

Why are the dining tables designed at a larger scale?
The larger scale creates a strong architectural anchor and supports the way families and friends gather. These tables are intended to hold everyday meals, celebrations and long conversations, becoming part of the life of the home.

Can dining table dimensions or materials be customised?
Yes. John Leighton accepts custom dining table orders, including alternative dimensions and material selections. Each request is reviewed to protect the structure, proportion and integrity of the design, while confirming material availability, price and production timing before the order proceeds.

Will a natural timber dining table change over time?
Yes. Timber may deepen in colour and respond subtly to light, humidity and use. This is part of living with a natural material and contributes to the piece developing its own character.

Yes. Timber may deepen in colour and respond subtly to light, humidity and use. This is part of living with a natural material and contributes to the piece developing its own character.

COFFEE TABLES

What coffee table shapes are available?
The collection includes organic forms as well as a round coffee table. Each shape creates a different relationship with the room: rounded and organic forms soften movement, while more defined forms can create a stronger visual anchor.

The collection includes organic forms as well as a round coffee table. Each shape creates a different relationship with the room: rounded and organic forms soften movement, while more defined forms can create a stronger visual anchor.

How do I choose the right coffee table size?
Consider the sofa length, seating layout, circulation and how the table will be used. It should be easy to reach without crowding the room or interrupting movement.

Why choose a round coffee table?
A round coffee table can soften a room, improve circulation and work especially well where seating wraps around the centre. Its continuous shape creates a calm, balanced focal point.

Why choose an organic coffee table?
Organic forms introduce movement and individuality without relying on decoration. Their softened edges can make a space feel more relaxed while still giving the table a sculptural presence.

Can natural stone coffee tables be used indoors and outdoors?
Yes. John Leighton natural stone coffee tables are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Consider the level of exposure, local climate and placement, and follow the care guidance for the exact stone and finish.

SIDE TABLES

How do I choose a side table?
Consider the height of the sofa, chair or bed beside it, the surface area required and the amount of circulation space. A side table should be useful without feeling oversized.

Do side tables need to match the coffee table?
No. They can share a material, tone or design language without being identical. A subtle contrast often makes a room feel more collected and personal.

Can side tables be used as individual sculptural pieces?
Yes. Their smaller scale makes them ideal for introducing a strong material or form without dominating the room. They can function as practical surfaces while adding the presence of functional art.

Can stone side tables be used outdoors?
Only where the product page confirms outdoor suitability. Exposure to rain, sun, salt air and temperature changes must be considered for the exact stone and finish.

TV UNITS

How do I choose the right TV unit width?
The John Leighton TV unit is designed to comfortably support a 65-inch television, with additional surface space for ornaments, art objects or personal pieces. It can also sit beneath a wall-mounted television, allowing the top surface to remain styled and functional.

Is the television designed to sit on top of the TV unit?
Yes. The TV unit is designed for a 65-inch television to sit directly on top, with room remaining for ornaments or decorative objects. It also works beneath a wall-mounted television, where the surface can be used for styling and display.

What are the openings in the TV unit for?
The openings are for cable management, allowing power and connection cables to pass neatly through the unit. They are not included because the

ÉTAGÈRE

What is an étagère?
An étagère is an open shelving piece designed for display and light storage. It allows books, art objects and meaningful pieces to remain visible while contributing vertical structure to a room.

How is an étagère different from a bookcase?
An étagère is generally more open and visually lighter than a traditional enclosed bookcase. It is designed as much for composition and display as for storage.

An étagère is generally more open and visually lighter than a traditional enclosed bookcase. It is designed as much for composition and display as for storage.

How should I style an etagere?
Use a considered mix of books, art, ceramics and open space. Avoid filling every shelf; negative space allows each object and the furniture itself to be appreciated.

TWO-TONE AND MIXED-MATERIAL FURNITURE

What is two-tone furniture?
Two-tone furniture combines two contrasting colours, materials or finishes within one design. At John Leighton, the contrast is used to clarify form and create a distinctive architectural identity rather than simply decorate the surface.

Why combine different materials in one piece?
Each material contributes something different. Timber brings warmth, stone brings permanence and glass brings visual lightness. Their relationship can create depth, balance and a stronger sense of functional art.
Each material contributes something different. Timber brings warmth, stone brings permanence and glass brings visual lightness. Their relationship can create depth, balance and a stronger sense of functional art.

Will two-tone furniture date quickly?
Not when the contrast is grounded in proportion and honest materials rather than a passing trend. A restrained two-tone design can remain relevant because the relationship between the parts is structural and considered.

Not when the contrast is grounded in proportion and honest materials rather than a passing trend. A restrained two-tone design can remain relevant because the relationship between the parts is structural and considered.

What does two-tone furniture bring to a home?
It introduces contrast, rhythm and individuality. The piece can become a focal point while still connecting with surrounding materials and architecture.

NATURAL STONE

What is natural stone furniture?
Natural stone furniture is made from stone formed through geological processes rather than manufactured to imitate stone. Each slab carries its own colour, veining, texture, markings and natural density, giving the finished piece a sense of weight, permanence and individuality within the home.

Natural stone furniture is made from stone formed through geological processes rather than manufactured to imitate stone. Each slab carries its own colour, veining, texture, markings and natural density, giving the finished piece a sense of weight, permanence and individuality within the home.

Will my stone piece look exactly like the website image?
No two slabs are identical. Website images show the overall design, stone type and finish, but the exact veining, tone and markings will vary naturally.

Are holes, veins and markings defects?
Natural holes, veins, fossils, tonal shifts and inclusions are often inherent characteristics of stone. They are part of the material’s identity and are not automatically defects.

Can natural stone stain or mark?
Yes. Natural stone can absorb liquids and may etch, stain or develop patina depending on the stone and finish. Spills should be addressed promptly using the approved care guidance.

Does natural stone need sealing?
Some stones and finishes may be sealed, while others have different care requirements. Follow the product-specific guidance and do not apply an unapproved treatment.

What does natural stone bring to a home?
Stone adds permanence, texture and a sense of calm weight. Its individuality makes the furniture feel connected to nature and gives the room character that cannot be repeated exactly.

TRAVERTINE

What is travertine?
Travertine is a natural stone formed by mineral-rich water over long periods of time. Its tonal variation, layered texture and naturally occurring holes give it a distinctive, tactile character.

Why does travertine have visible holes?
The holes are created naturally during the stone’s formation. They are part of authentic travertine and contribute to the individuality of each piece rather than indicating poor quality.

What does travertine bring to a home?
Travertine introduces warmth, softness and quiet permanence. Its texture can make a space feel grounded and relaxed while still carrying a strong architectural presence.

Can travertine be used outdoors?
Yes. John Leighton travertine furniture can be used outdoors. Its suitability is supported by the selected stone, finish and construction, although exposure, climate and regular care should still be considered to preserve the material over time.

LIMESTONE

What is limestone?
Limestone is a natural stone formed from mineral and organic deposits over time. It is valued for its soft tonal movement, quiet texture and understated appearance.

How is limestone different from travertine?
Both are natural stones, but travertine is typically more visibly porous and layered, while limestone often appears more uniform and softly textured. The exact character depends on the individual stone and finish.

What does limestone bring to a home?
Limestone creates a calm, grounded feeling. Its muted tones work easily with timber, glass and natural fabrics, allowing the furniture to feel substantial without becoming visually heavy.

Can limestone be used outdoors?
Yes. John Leighton limestone furniture can be used outdoors. The stone and finish are selected for the intended application, while climate, exposure, staining risk and ongoing care should still be considered.

MARBLE

What is marble?
Marble is a natural stone formed under heat and pressure, creating distinctive veining and movement. Every slab has its own pattern and colour variation.

Why is marble valued in furniture?
Marble combines visual depth with a strong architectural presence. Its veining can make a functional surface feel like a unique work of art.

Can marble be used outdoors?
Yes. Marble can be used outdoors when the specific product is designed for outdoor use. Its natural variation and veining bring character to exterior spaces, while the selected finish and appropriate care help the stone perform beautifully over time.

Does marble stain or etch?
It can. Acids, oils and strongly coloured liquids may mark or etch the surface, so spills should be addressed quickly and only approved care products should be used.

What does marble bring to a home?
Marble brings drama, refinement and individuality. It can act as a focal point while still feeling timeless because its pattern comes from the material itself rather than applied decoration.

NATURAL TIMBER

Which timber species do you use?
John Leighton uses selected natural timber species chosen for their strength, grain, colour and suitability for each design. Species may change with the collection or supplier availability, and the product page will identify the timber currently offered for each piece.

Is the furniture made from solid timber?
Yes. John Leighton timber furniture is made from solid natural timber, not veneer. The grain, tone and markings remain visible because they are part of the material itself, giving every piece its own character and depth.

Why does timber grain and colour vary?
Every tree grows differently, so grain direction, figure, tone and natural markings will vary. These differences give each finished piece its own identity.

Will timber change colour over time?
Yes. Natural timber may deepen, lighten or become richer with exposure to light and use. This gradual change is part of the material ageing naturally.

What does timber bring to a home?
Timber brings warmth, tactility and a sense of connection. Its grain softens architectural spaces and helps furniture feel personal rather than manufactured.

GLASS

Why use glass in furniture?
Glass introduces visual lightness and allows surrounding architecture and materials to remain visible. It can balance the weight of timber or stone while keeping the design open and calm.

What type of glass is used?
John Leighton uses thick structural glass selected to support the scale and integrity of each design. The glass contributes strength while creating visual lightness, allowing the surrounding materials, architecture and craftsmanship to remain visible.

Can glass scratch or break?
Yes. No glass should be treated as unbreakable or scratch-proof. Use the furniture only as intended and follow the approved cleaning and care instructions.

What does glass bring to a home?
Glass reflects light and creates openness. It can make a substantial piece feel lighter while allowing the craftsmanship and materials around it to remain visible.

TECHNICAL FINISHES AND TERMS

What is a sandblasted finish?
A sandblasted finish is created by directing a fine abrasive at the stone surface. It produces a soft, textured, low-reflection finish that makes the natural character of the stone easier to see and feel.

What is a bush-hammered finish?
A bush-hammered finish is created with a specialised tool that leaves a more pronounced, evenly textured surface. It gives stone a robust tactile quality and is often chosen where a stronger texture is desired.

What is a textured stone surface?
A textured surface retains or creates visible and tactile variation rather than a smooth polish. Texture changes how the stone reflects light and can make the material feel more natural and grounded.

What is a honed finish?
A honed finish is smooth with a matte or low-sheen appearance. It reveals colour and pattern without the stronger reflection of polished stone.

What is a matte finish?
A matte finish has little to no visible shine, allowing the natural colour, grain or texture of the material to take priority. Its quiet, non-reflective appearance creates a calm and understated surface that

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR LIVING

Can indoor furniture be placed outdoors?
No, unless the product is specifically approved for outdoor use. Moisture, sunlight, temperature changes and salt air can affect both materials and construction.

What is the difference between covered and fully exposed outdoor use?
Covered outdoor furniture is protected from most direct weather, while fully exposed furniture may receive rain, strong sun and temperature changes. The product must be suitable for the actual level of exposure.

What should I consider in a coastal environment?
Salt air, humidity and strong sun can increase maintenance requirements and affect finishes. Share the location and exposure level with the team before ordering.

How can furniture connect indoor and outdoor spaces?
Repeating natural materials, tones and forms can create continuity between the interior and landscape. Furniture designed for both settings helps the home feel more open and connected.

ORDERING, PRODUCTION AND CUSTOMISATION

Are John Leighton pieces made to order?
Yes. John Leighton pieces are made to order rather than taken from mass-produced stock. This allows each piece to be created specifically for the customer, with careful attention given to the material, finish, proportions and quality of the completed furniture.

How long does production take?
Production generally takes approximately 6–8 months. Each piece is made to order, and the timeframe allows for material selection, fabrication, finishing and quality review. Delivery time is separate and will depend on the final destination and delivery arrangements.

Why does handmade furniture take longer?
Natural materials require selection, preparation, fabrication, finishing and quality review. The process takes time because the aim is a well-resolved piece made for long-term use, not speed.

Can I customise a product?
Yes. John Leighton accepts custom orders, including requests for alternative dimensions, materials and finishes. Each request is reviewed for structural feasibility, design integrity, material availability, pricing and production timing before it is confirmed.

Can I change or cancel an order after it is placed?
Contact the team immediately. Changes or cancellation may not be possible once materials have been ordered or production has begun, and the current terms will apply.

DELIVERY AND ACCESS

Where do you deliver?
Delivery availability depends on the product and destination. Provide the suburb, postcode, city and country so the team can confirm service and pricing.

Do you deliver internationally?
Yes. John Leighton delivers internationally. Freight, customs, duties, taxes and local handling requirements vary by destination and will be confirmed before the order proceeds.

Does delivery include placement or installation?
Do not assume freight includes entry, placement, assembly, installation or packaging removal. The exact service must be confirmed for the product and destination.

What if access to my home is difficult?
Provide door, hallway, lift, stair and turning measurements before delivery. Large furniture may require a detailed access review or specialist delivery plan.

What happens if my furniture arrives damaged?
Photograph the packaging and product, keep all materials, and contact the team promptly with the order number and a clear description. Do not arrange a repair or disposal before assessment.

CARE, WARRANTY AND RETURNS

Where can I find care instructions?
Detailed care instructions are provided in the John Leighton Care Guide available on the website. Follow the guidance for the exact material and finish of your piece.

What cleaning products should I avoid?
Avoid unapproved acids, abrasives, solvents, bleach, strong alkaline cleaners and DIY treatments. The correct product depends on the material and finish.

What warranty do John Leighton products include?
All John Leighton furniture includes a 24-month manufacturer's warranty. For full details regarding coverage, exclusions and how to make a claim, please refer to our Warranty Policy.

What is not usually considered a defect?
Natural variation, expected ageing, patina and minor changes consistent with the material may not be defects. Each concern still needs to be assessed against the product specification and warranty.

What should I do if a piece feels unsafe?
Stop using it immediately and keep people away from the area. Contact the team with photographs, order details and a description so the matter can be assessed promptly.

TRADE, COMMERCIAL AND SUPPORT

Do you work with interior designers and architects?
Yes. John Leighton works with interior designers, architects and design professionals on residential and commercial projects. Please provide the practice name, project location, required products, quantities and timing so the team can review the project and respond appropriately.

Do you offer trade pricing?
Yes. Trade pricing and project arrangements are available for eligible interior designers, architects and industry professionals. Terms are reviewed individually based on the business, project scope, quantities and requirements.

Can John Leighton supply hospitality or commercial projects?
Yes. John Leighton can supply hospitality and commercial projects. Share the project brief, location, required products, quantities, performance or compliance needs and timing so the team can assess the application and prepare the appropriate response.

How can I speak with the John Leighton team?
Email john@johnleighton.com.au or use the website contact form. Include the product name, delivery destination and your question so the team can assist efficiently.