Lagos is fast becoming a creative hotspot for skilled artisans, designers, and entrepreneurs, especially in the furniture and interior design industry. With a rising demand for locally made, custom-designed furniture, there’s never been a better time to learn the trade. Whether you’re looking to start a business, upgrade your skills, or just follow your passion, several schools in Lagos offer practical training, mentorship, and business support for aspiring furniture makers.
This article provides a detailed look into some of the top furniture-making and design schools in Lagos and their fees, along with what makes each one unique.
| School | Duration | Fees | Format | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joanswood Creation Ltd | Varies | Contact for fees | In-person | Woodworking + Business Skills |
| Jaebee Furniture School | Self-paced | $120 (or installments) | Online | Furniture Business & Production |
| Simplinteriors School | 1 month / 3 months | ₦250k–₦270k | Online / Physical | Interior Design + Entrepreneurship |
| Chippendale Furniture School | 4–30 weeks | Contact for fees | UK-based | International Certification + Woodwork |
1. Joanswood Creation Limited – Woodwork & Business Training
Website: joanswoodcreationltd.com/training
Joanswood Creation Limited is a Lagos-based woodworking and furniture brand offering two primary training tracks:
- Woodwork Training
- Furniture Manufacturing Business Training
The woodwork training focuses on hands-on craftsmanship—teaching students how to build functional, high-quality furniture. Meanwhile, the business training module equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills to run and scale their own furniture business.
Curriculum Highlights:
- Basic and advanced woodworking techniques
- Furniture design and production
- Business startup strategies
- Marketing and client management
Format & Duration: The course duration is not publicly listed, but interested participants can download the application form directly from their website to learn more.
Fees: Not publicly listed online. Fee information is shared after submitting an inquiry or application.
Ideal for: Aspiring woodworkers and business-minded individuals who want to learn both craft and entrepreneurship.
2. Jaebee Furniture School – Learn from Nigeria’s First Online Furniture School
Website: jaebeefurniture.com/furniture-school
Jaebee Furniture School was founded by Joy Igbodike and is Nigeria’s first online furniture school. The program combines craftsmanship, furniture production, and business development in a unique online platform.
Course Offerings:
- Furniture Business Mastery
- Furniture Production Essentials
- Upholstery and Design Fundamentals
The course is designed to be self-paced and accessible online, making it ideal for working professionals and those outside Lagos who want to join remotely. The program includes modules on sourcing materials, branding, pricing, client acquisition, and scaling your business.
Format: Entirely online, with practical projects and assignments.
Fees:
- Furniture Business Mastery Course:
- One-time payment: $120
- 2-installment option: $65 x 2
- 3-installment option: $45 x 3
Ideal for: Beginners and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to learn how to launch and grow a profitable furniture business online.
3. Simplinteriors School of Interior Design & Entrepreneurship
Website: simplinteriors.com/school
Simplinteriors School, based in Surulere, Lagos, is a well-recognized training center focusing on interior design and business. While not solely a furniture-making school, its curriculum includes elements of furniture and space planning, which makes it a great option for those wanting to design and style spaces with custom furniture.
Programs Offered:
- 4-Week Online Certificate Program
- Fee: ₦250,000
- Focus: Fundamentals of color theory, space planning, and design
- 3-Month Professional Certificate (Physical Classes)
- Fee: ₦270,000 (includes registration)
- Focus: Design development, materials, floor plans, client presentations, and project management
Class Schedule:
- Physical Classes: Tuesdays and Fridays, 9 AM – 2 PM
- Online Program: Self-paced with virtual mentorship and resources
Ideal for: Students interested in both furniture and interior design, especially those planning to become full-service decorators or design consultants.
4. Chippendale International School of Furniture (via GoStudyIn)
Website: gostudyin.com
Chippendale International School of Furniture is a world-renowned institution based in the UK, offering immersive training in fine furniture making. Though not based in Lagos, Nigerian students can apply through GoStudyIn Nigeria, which assists with applications and visa processes.
Program Overview:
- 30-week immersive woodworking course
- Includes over 1,400 hours of practical bench work
- Covers over 80 woodworking techniques
- Business modules on branding, marketing, and workshop setup
The program is accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority and welcomes a small cohort of students each year, ensuring personalized mentorship and access to state-of-the-art tools.
Course Options:
- 30-Week Professional Course
- 10-Week Intermediate Course
- 4-Week Introductory Course
- Weekend Workshops
Fees: Fees are not published online and must be requested via Chippendale or GoStudyIn. Students will also need to budget for UK student visa applications and living costs abroad.
Ideal for: Serious students seeking a globally recognized qualification in furniture making and access to international job or entrepreneurial opportunities.
Comparative Summary
| School | Duration | Fees | Format | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joanswood Creation Ltd | Varies | Contact for fees | In-person | Woodworking + Business Skills |
| Jaebee Furniture School | Self-paced | $120 (or installments) | Online | Furniture Business & Production |
| Simplinteriors School | 1 month / 3 months | ₦250k–₦270k | Online / Physical | Interior Design + Entrepreneurship |
| Chippendale Furniture School | 4–30 weeks | Contact for fees | UK-based | International Certification + Woodwork |
How to Choose the Right School for You
1. Consider Your Career Goals
Want to start a furniture business? Jaebee and Joanswood offer excellent business-focused content.
Want to blend interior design and furniture layout? Simplinteriors is a smart choice.
Seeking international certification and exposure? Chippendale is the clear winner.
2. Decide on a Learning Format
Prefer flexible online learning? Go with Jaebee or the online program from Simplinteriors.
Want immersive hands-on experience? Joanswood and Chippendale offer physical, skill-building environments.
3. Set a Budget
If you’re starting on a budget, Simplinteriors and Jaebee offer value-packed courses under ₦300,000.
For a premium global education, consider applying for scholarships or planning your finances to attend Chippendale.
FAQs
1. What skills do I need to become a successful furniture maker?
To become a proficient furniture maker, you’ll need a blend of technical skills and creative thinking. Mastery of measuring, cutting, joining, and finishing wood is essential. But beyond that, an understanding of ergonomics, design principles, and material behavior plays a vital role. If you’re new to the craft, learning the core woodworking techniques can give you a solid foundation and build your confidence in handling wood with precision.
2. Which tools should a beginner have for furniture making?
Starting with the right tools can make a huge difference in your learning curve. Every beginner should own essentials like a tape measure, handsaw, chisels, clamps, drill, and a smoothing plane. As you grow, you’ll want to explore power tools and specialty equipment for more complex projects. To get started with the right setup, see our detailed woodworking tools list that breaks down the most important items and their purposes.
3. Is furniture making profitable in Nigeria?
Yes, furniture making is not only profitable in Nigeria—it’s thriving. The demand for custom-made furniture for homes, offices, and hospitality businesses is growing rapidly. Entrepreneurs who combine quality craftsmanship with effective marketing often build strong, sustainable businesses. Platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp have made it easier to showcase designs and reach local buyers directly. For hands-on learning near Abuja, you can check out our guide on woodworking classes near Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja.
4. What’s the difference between carpentry and furniture making?
While both involve working with wood, carpentry is generally focused on construction-related tasks like building structures, roofs, and fittings. Furniture making, on the other hand, is more detail-oriented, involving the design and crafting of pieces like chairs, tables, cabinets, and beds. To learn more about the key differences and how tools vary between the two, check out our article on 10 carpentry tools and their uses.
5. How can I improve the accuracy of my woodworking projects?
Accuracy is the soul of woodworking. Always start with detailed plans, mark your cuts carefully, and use sharp, calibrated tools. Employing jigs and measuring guides can significantly boost your precision. Another pro tip is using the right adhesives and tapes to hold pieces temporarily while working. For example, we recommend checking out the best double-sided tape for woodworking to help with precise placement and jig setup.
6. Do I need formal education to start woodworking?
While a degree is not necessary, structured learning helps a lot. Whether it’s through online courses, apprenticeships, or local workshops, guided training speeds up your development and helps you avoid costly mistakes. If you’re looking for trusted programs and resources to kickstart your journey, Teds Woodworking offers one of the most comprehensive collections of plans and tutorials available for learners at all levels.
7. What’s the best wood for beginners to practice with?
For beginners, softwoods like pine, cedar, or fir are ideal because they’re easier to cut, shape, and sand. They’re also more affordable, making them perfect for practice. As your skills improve, you can transition to hardwoods like oak, maple, or walnut, which offer more durability and visual appeal but are tougher to work with.
8. How do I price my custom furniture?
Pricing custom furniture involves considering material costs, time invested, design complexity, and your market. Start by calculating direct material expenses and labor hours, then add a margin for overhead and profit. Benchmarking your prices against local competitors can also guide your pricing strategy. Over time, as your brand grows, you can command premium pricing for your craftsmanship.
9. Can I start a woodworking business from home?
Absolutely. Many successful woodworkers started in garages or backyard workshops. All you need is a well-organized space with proper ventilation, safety gear, and noise control. Start with small projects and market your work online. Social media platforms, word of mouth, and even local craft fairs can be excellent for growing your customer base. Just make sure you comply with local zoning and business registration rules.
10. How long does it take to learn furniture making?
The learning curve depends on your dedication and the path you choose. With consistent practice, you can grasp the basics in 3 to 6 months. Mastery, however, may take years of hands-on experience, experimentation, and learning from mistakes. Combining daily practice with structured resources like Teds Woodworking and hands-on workshops can drastically reduce your learning time and accelerate your growth as a furniture maker.
Conclusion
Learning furniture making in Lagos is more accessible and rewarding than ever. Whether you’re taking your first steps in carpentry, pivoting into interior design, or dreaming of launching a custom furniture brand, there’s a training program for every goal and budget.
Joanswood Creation Ltd is great for building core woodworking skills locally.
Jaebee Furniture School is ideal if you prefer online flexibility and business coaching.
Simplinteriors is a top pick for those who want to dive into design and entrepreneurship.
Chippendale International School is perfect if you’re aiming for a world-class education and global recognition.
Each of these schools brings something different to the table. Your choice will depend on what kind of furniture journey you want to take—local, international, technical, or entrepreneurial.