The Original Bed Co. (OBC) is quietly making waves in India, bringing a level of luxury, craftsmanship, and customization that was once reserved for the most exclusive international markets. This UK-based brand, with over 29 years of heritage, is redefining what it means to invest in a bed. Offering a range of stunning, tailor-made frames, OBC ensures that each piece is not just a bed, but a statement of personal style and exceptional quality.
OBC – A Legacy of Craftsmanship
At the heart of OBC’s success lies its unparalleled expertise in bespoke bedding design. Drawing on a rich legacy of craftsmanship, the brand is renowned for its ability to create beds that cater to the unique tastes and preferences of its discerning clientele. From the timeless allure of iron and brass to the modern elegance of wood and luxurious upholstery, OBC’s collection showcases a vast array of styles, sizes, and finishes, ensuring there’s something for every taste -from classic to contemporary.
What sets OBC apart from other bedding brands is not just its design or range, but its unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability. By focusing on high-end, sustainable materials and working with skilled artisans, OBC ensures that every bed is built to last. Their direct-to-consumer model also means you get exceptional value without the hefty price tag usually associated with bespoke luxury. The brand’s attention to detail guarantees that each bed is a masterpiece—made with both durability and environmental impact in mind.
Customization at Your Fingertips
One of the most compelling aspects of OBC is its emphasis on customization. Whether you’re dreaming of a classic iron frame, a rustic wooden design, or a plush upholstered statement piece, OBC allows customers to personalize every detail, from frame style to fabric finish. This bespoke approach ensures that no two beds are ever alike, making every purchase an experience in creating your perfect sleep space. Dhruv Nagpal, Founder of The Original Bed Co., speaks exclusively to TheGlitz about the brand’s philosophy and what drives their success in a competitive market.
Dhruv Nagpal, Unplugged!
OBC has been a respected name in the UK for nearly three decades. What inspired the decision to expand into the Indian market, and how has the brand been received so far?
The decision to expand into the Indian market was both natural and deeply personal. India has a rich tradition of craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for bespoke furniture. Yet, much of this demand has been historically catered to by the unorganized sector. We saw a gap where we could bring our globally benchmarked craftsmanship, coupled with the ability to customize, to meet the needs of the modern Indian consumer who values both quality and individuality.
For us, it wasn’t just about entering a new market but about contributing to a culture that aligns so well with our ethos. Indian homes are often a reflection of personal stories and legacies, and our mission is to provide a canvas for those stories through personalized beds. This market also holds immense potential due to its evolving aspirations—people are increasingly seeking functional yet aesthetically refined pieces for their homes.
The response so far has been heartening. Customers here appreciate our attention to detail and the fact that we don’t just sell a product—we help them design something that resonates with their personality. The ability to choose materials, finishes, and sizes to fit unique spaces has particularly resonated with Indian buyers. Moreover, our focus on durability and sustainability has struck a chord in a market that is becoming more conscious of quality over quantity.
That said, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Navigating logistics, managing timelines, and ensuring that our customization process remains seamless for Indian customers required us to fine-tune our operations. However, these challenges have also helped us innovate and strengthen our offerings. Seeing our beds become part of Indian homes has been incredibly rewarding, and we’re excited about continuing to build deeper connections here.
Customization seems to be at the core of OBCs offerings. Could you share some of the most popular bespoke requests you’ve received from Indian customers, and what makes these personalized beds so special?
Customization has always been central to what we do at The Original Bed Co., and expanding into India has given us even more inspiration to innovate. Indian customers have a deep appreciation for personalization, rooted in a long tradition of bespoke craftsmanship, which makes their requests particularly fascinating.
One of the most popular bespoke requests we’ve received is for beds that incorporate intricate hand-painted details or unique finishes that blend seamlessly with traditional Indian aesthetics. For instance, we had a customer who wanted their brass bed to feature an antique gold finish that echoed the regal tones of a Rajasthani haveli. The result was not just a piece of furniture but a statement of cultural pride.
Another common request revolves around specific size customizations. Indian homes often have unique spatial constraints or architectural features, and we’ve crafted beds tailored to fit alcoves, low-ceilinged rooms, or spaces where conventional sizes wouldn’t work. Customers also love mixing materials—for example, blending iron frames with upholstered headboards in rich fabrics like velvet or silk to create a modern-traditional hybrid look.
What makes these personalized beds truly special is the emotional connection they create. A customized bed isn’t just furniture; it’s a deeply personal piece that reflects an individual’s style, heritage, and vision for their home. It often becomes the centerpiece of a bedroom and a talking point for years to come. Being able to help our customers bring these ideas to life is incredibly rewarding, and it speaks to our philosophy of making every bed as unique as the person who sleeps on it.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in home décor. How does OBC ensure that its luxury beds are crafted with eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices?
Sustainability is not just a trend—it’s a responsibility, especially in today’s world where consumers are more mindful of their choices. At The Original Bed Co., sustainability has always been an integral part of our philosophy, even as we focus on crafting luxury beds that meet the highest standards of quality and customization.
We approach sustainability from multiple angles. Firstly, the materials we use are carefully sourced to ensure longevity and minimal environmental impact. For instance, our wooden beds are crafted from responsibly harvested hardwoods like oak, mahogany, and pine. These are not only durable but also come from suppliers who follow strict reforestation and ethical harvesting practices. Similarly, our iron and brass beds are made from recycled and recyclable materials. Brass, for example, is a naturally sustainable choice—it can be repurposed repeatedly without losing its quality, aligning with our vision of creating products that endure.
Our manufacturing process is another key area where we emphasize eco-friendly practices. All our beds are hand-crafted in-house, allowing us to minimize waste and energy consumption. By eliminating reliance on third-party manufacturers, we maintain full control over production and ensure that every step is as sustainable as possible. Additionally, our direct-to-consumer model reduces the carbon footprint associated with intermediaries and excess logistics, ensuring a more efficient and environmentally conscious supply chain.
We also recognize the growing need to create products that age gracefully. A well-crafted bed that lasts for decades naturally reduces the frequency of replacement, which contributes to waste reduction. That’s why durability is a cornerstone of our design ethos. We want our customers to invest in a piece that not only reflects their personal style but also stands the test of time.
Lastly, we are constantly innovating to make our practices even more sustainable. For example, we’re exploring eco-friendly upholstery fabrics and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) finishes to reduce environmental impact further. Sustainability isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s a journey, and we’re committed to evolving with it while continuing to offer the luxury, quality, and customization that The Original Bed Co. is known for.
By marrying craftsmanship with conscientiousness, we aim to redefine luxury in a way that respects both the planet and our customers’ aspirations for a better, more sustainable future.
Given the diverse preferences of Indian consumers, how does The Original Bed Co. balance traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design trends in its product range?
India’s rich heritage in craftsmanship and its rapidly evolving design sensibilities make it a unique and dynamic market. At The Original Bed Co., we view this diversity not as a challenge but as an opportunity to innovate while respecting tradition.
Our approach is to create a harmonious balance by integrating traditional craftsmanship, which forms the backbone of our brand, with contemporary design elements that resonate with modern aesthetics. For instance, our iron and brass beds draw heavily from timeless designs but are offered in finishes like matte black and antique bronze to cater to minimalist and vintage-inspired interiors. Similarly, our wooden beds showcase the natural beauty of oak and mahogany, but we also provide painted finishes and upholstered options for a more modern appeal.
Customization is the key to bridging these preferences. Indian consumers have a deep appreciation for personalized, high-quality furniture, and we ensure that every customer can adapt our designs to fit their unique style. Whether it’s a customer looking for a bed with intricate details reminiscent of heirloom furniture or one who desires sleek, understated elegance, we offer the flexibility to tailor materials, finishes, and even sizes.
Our philosophy is simple: combine the reliability of traditional techniques with the adaptability of contemporary trends, allowing our customers to create spaces that feel both deeply personal and effortlessly stylish. By listening to our customers and continuously refining our designs, we aim to celebrate India’s cultural diversity while catering to its forward-looking sensibilities.
The Original Bed Co. offers a remarkable 4-6 week turnaround time for custom orders, which is impressive in today’s fast-paced world. How does the company manage such a quick production timeline while maintaining its reputation for quality and luxury?
Meeting a 4-6 week turnaround time for custom orders is both a challenge and an opportunity to showcase what The Original Bed Co. (OBC) stands for—excellence in craftsmanship without compromise. Achieving this balance requires a finely tuned system that integrates traditional techniques with modern efficiencies.
First, our in-house manufacturing plays a crucial role. By overseeing every step of the process, from material selection to the final polish, we ensure that no detail is overlooked. This not only maintains the quality we’re known for but also eliminates delays caused by relying on third-party suppliers.
Second, we’ve invested in streamlining our operations. Over the years, we’ve refined our production workflows and adopted technology to make processes like material cutting, assembly, and finishing more efficient while preserving the artisanal touch that defines our brand. This allows us to meet deadlines without sacrificing the personalized attention each piece deserves.
Logistics is another area where we’ve developed expertise. Shipping large furniture items, especially custom ones, requires careful planning. By using a direct-to-consumer model, we cut out middlemen, saving time and maintaining control over the supply chain. Additionally, our experience in international markets has taught us to package and transport our products with precision, ensuring they arrive in pristine condition.
Finally, it comes down to our team’s dedication. Everyone at OBC understands that each bed represents more than just a piece of furniture—it’s a part of someone’s dream home. This sense of purpose drives us to deliver exceptional quality within the promised time frame.
In a market where customization often means long waits, we’re proud to offer a luxury experience with minimal delay. It’s this combination of efficiency, quality, and care that defines OBC and resonates with our customers.
