When you’re designing a space, where you source your materials matters just as much as what you choose. The right partners can shape not only the look of a project, but also how smoothly it runs behind the scenes—from pricing and timelines to communication and installation.
For design professionals, qualifying for an exclusive trade program can quietly transform both profitability and workflow. Retail accounts offer convenience and immediacy, but trade programs are built for repeat projects, custom specifications, and the realities of professional design work—especially when working with made-to-order floating shelves and other bespoke elements.
How Trade Programs Actually Work
A design trade program is a professional account offered by select manufacturers to interior designers, architects, developers, and builders. After a simple application and approval process, members gain access to trade-only pricing, support, and resources for current and future projects.
One of the clearest advantages is how trade programs support large projects. From coordinating multiple shelving specifications to planning deliveries across phased builds, trade accounts are designed to reduce friction at scale. For designers, this means stronger margins, fewer surprises, and a more predictable process from sourcing through installation.
Retail vs Trade: What’s the Difference?
Retail accounts have their place. They’re often ideal for one-off purchases, smaller projects, or situations where speed matters more than customization. There’s no approval process, no ongoing relationship required, and minimal commitment.
Trade programs, on the other hand, are built around long-term collaboration. They tend to offer:
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Better pricing on custom and made-to-order floating shelves
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Support tailored to professional workflows
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Guidance on sizing, finishes, and timelines
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Consistency across repeat orders and multi-unit projects
That said, not every designer needs a trade account with every brand. Some professionals value the freedom of retail sourcing for unique finds, or prefer brands without minimums or formal applications. The right choice depends on the scale of your work and how you prefer to operate.
The Client Experience, Elevated
Behind every sourcing decision is the client experience. Trade programs can quietly raise the standard by streamlining communication, ordering, and planning—particularly on larger or more complex builds.
Clear timelines, reliable availability, and fewer last-minute adjustments translate into calmer projects and more confident clients. When designers have access to finish samples, accurate lead times, and dedicated support, they’re better equipped to guide decisions and manage expectations. Retail accounts may still make sense for clients who prioritize speed or flexibility, but bespoke spaces built around custom details often benefit from a trade-first approach.
Supporting a Growing Design Business
As your studio grows, projects tend to become more layered—larger scopes, tighter schedules, and higher expectations. At that stage, consistency becomes just as important as creativity.
Many designers find themselves looking for:
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Predictable pricing they can build into proposals
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Streamlined ordering that saves time
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Reliable partners who understand professional standards
Trade programs make it easier to manage repeat orders, plan custom work, and maintain healthy margins. Over time, understanding how trade programs support large projects becomes essential to scaling a design business with confidence and ease.
Why Designers Choose Lyons Crafted
Floating shelves are one of those design elements that do a lot with very little. They open up a room, add dimension, and offer a refined way to display and store without visual weight.
Lyons Crafted’s Design Trade Program is built for professionals who regularly specify made-to-order floating shelves and want both flexibility and reliability. Trade partners receive preferred pricing, complimentary finish samples, and hands-on support throughout the planning process.
Our shelves are especially well suited for:
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Rental properties that need durable, long-lasting storage
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Model homes where first impressions matter
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Commercial spaces such as retail, wellness studios, and offices
Every shelf is made to order in the United States and shipped directly from our California workshop. Sizes, wood types, stains, and finishes are tailored to each project, allowing shelving to feel intentional rather than off-the-shelf.
At its core, the Lyons Crafted Trade Program exists to support thoughtful design—offering quality, consistency, and care that professionals can rely on, project after project.
