so your family can gather around it for generations.
Who we are
I’m Kathryn, and together with my husband Louis and our twin children, Shabby Bear Cottage is very much a family journey. What started as me making one dining table has grown into a little workshop full of life, sawdust, and stories.
Louis and I run the business side by side, with the twins always curious and learning along the way — whether it’s sanding wood, talking about design, or just reminding us why family time matters most.
In the workshop with us are Jack and James, two brilliant lads who are masters of their craft. They’ve become part of the family too, and together we make each piece by hand, the way furniture should be made — with care, patience, and pride.
Our Story
Shabby Bear Cottage began around a family dining table — or rather, one that didn’t last. After buying a table and chairs from a big chain store, they collapsed within just two months. One evening, a chair even gave way under a family member during dinner. That was the turning point. Instead of buying cheap, throwaway furniture again, I decided to make my own — solid, handcrafted, and built to last.
While setting up our first workshop, we found a little old teddy bear tucked away in a corner. Worn, tatty, and full of character, he became our mascot — a reminder that even the most weathered things have stories worth keeping. That’s how Shabby Bear Cottage got its name.
Our Values
At heart, we’re a small, family-run business. That means we can employ friends and family, spend more time with our children, and build something that can one day be passed down to them. Shabby Bear Cottage isn’t just about furniture — it’s about teaching our children the value of hard work, craftsmanship, and sustainability. As we like to say: we don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our grandchildren.
Our Promise
When you choose Shabby Bear Cottage, you’re not just buying a piece of furniture. You’re supporting a British family business, helping the planet by reducing waste, and bringing a timeless piece into your home — one that’s built to last for generations.
“We believe in simple living, family at the heart, and furniture built to last a lifetime — sustainably, beautifully, and responsibly.”
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Breakfast Bar Tables & Bar Tables
Breakfast Bar Tables & Bar Tables
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Handmade with care
Everything we make, is made by hand and built to last a lifetime
Ecofriendly materials
All of our wood is reclaimed, saving one tree at a time
Small Business
A small family run business with lots of heart