Ten with Tom: Slow Sofa
We sat down with Greig Robinson, founder of Slow — a British, family-run sustainable furniture brand making handcrafted sofas from FSC-certified wood, organic wool, and natural latex. We explored the slow living movement, traditional upholstery craft, and why building furniture designed to last a lifetime matters more than ever...
We’ve always believed in the beauty of craft and the importance of sustainability, which is what led to the conversation between Tom and Grieg Robinson, the founder of Slow Sofa. The thoughtful, family-run business is dedicated to creating timeless, neutral sofas designed to last a lifetime.
From rethinking fast furniture to embracing the age-old techniques of traditional craftsmanship, Greig’s vision is reshaping how we design and live with the pieces in our homes. Join us as we explore his journey, inspirations and the enduring value of making things a little more slowly.
TR: Can you introduce Slow and share the story behind how it all began?
GR: Slow is a family business rooted in generations of experience in upholstery and furniture. The idea really came to life after I had a pretty awful experience buying a high street sofa when we first moved into our flat. It arrived quickly but didn’t last – poor quality, synthetic materials, and a sense that it was never built with longevity in mind. That experience sparked a simple belief: we could do better – for people and for the planet. So we set out to build a sofa that could last a lifetime, using natural materials and the traditional craft we knew so well.
TR: What does the term ‘slow living’ mean to you, and how does it influence the way you design and make sofas?
GR: To me, slow living is about being present and intentional. It’s about noticing the now, choosing quality over quantity, and doing things properly rather than quickly. That mindset shapes everything we do at Slow – from the way we build our team to the way our sofas are made. Our production takes longer. The materials we work with require more care and skill. But the result is something that’s more rewarding to make, and more meaningful to own.
TR: Sustainability is at the core of both Tom Raffield and Slow. How do you ensure your pieces tread lightly on the planet?
GR: We start with the materials. Every ingredient in a Slow sofa is chosen with purpose – FSC-certified wood, organic wool and cotton, natural latex. We avoid synthetics, foams, and harsh chemical treatments. The sofa is just the beginning though – we also offer reupholstery services to extend the life of each piece and keep it out of landfill. We think in terms of circularity: how easily can this be repaired, reupholstered, and loved again?
TR: What sets a Slow sofa apart from other sofas on the market?
GR: We’re not in the business of fast furniture. Every Slow piece is made to order, using natural, breathable, durable materials. But more than that, we think beyond the sale. Our sofas are designed to be reupholstered again and again, with frames that can last generations. We don’t want our sofas to end up in landfill – ever. That’s the bar we hold ourselves to.
TR: What does your creative process look like from initial idea to finished piece?
GR: It usually starts with a mood board and some sketching. I love working under a bit of time pressure, but I’m always absorbing things – from antiques to everyday items of furniture. Once a concept starts to take shape, we’ll model frame prototypes at quarter scale using our CNC machine, and gradually build up to full-size versions. We test, refine, and adapt until the proportions feel just right. Timelessness is a key principle for us – every new design has to earn its place in the range.
TR: Where do you look for inspiration and what keeps you curious and creatively energised?
GR: National Trust houses, antique fairs, and heritage crafts – I’m always drawn to things that demonstrate the endurance of quality. Seeing how well-made furniture stands the test of time is hugely inspiring. It’s also grounding: it reminds me that the best designs are often the simplest and most considered.
TR: What does a slower pace of life look like for you personally?
GR: Gardening is a big one. I’d love to take some horticulture or landscape design courses one day. I also find flow in working with my hands – particularly dry stone walling. My dad used to wall in the Dales, and he’s been passing the craft on to me. It’s wonderfully meditative and incredibly satisfying.
TR: What piece of furniture (besides your own!) do you cherish most at home and why?
GR: There’s a little occasional chair we found in the basement of a flat we rented over 20 years ago. It’s covered in sage green velvet, and one of the legs is a bit wobbly, but it’s followed us through every chapter of our lives. It works in every space – from a modern living room to a country kitchen. I love that about it.
TR: Finally, what’s next for Slow? Any exciting launches, projects, or dreams on the horizon?
GR: We’ve got some new pieces in the pipeline that I’m really excited about. We’re also looking at ways to improve the online experience, making it easier for people to understand what makes a Slow sofa different. Longer term, I’d love to explore how blockchain technology might help us tell the story of each piece over time – capturing its origins, its history, and creating a digital record that lives with the sofa. The goal is to build a lasting legacy, so that every future owner can understand how it was made, how to care for it, and how to keep it going for generations to come.
To learn more about Slow Sofa and view the full collection, head on over to the website, or give them a follow on Instagram @slowsofas to stay updated with all of the latest news and inspiration.
Posted: 13.03.26
Updated: 13.03.26