Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're looking to transform an existing piece of furniture or choose one of our designs, we've answered some of the questions we're asked most often.

About Billie Maison

What is Billie Maison?

Billie Maison creates beautifully designed furniture with a secret.

We combine traditional furniture and craftsmanship with discreet, modern technology to create pieces with concealed compartments designed to keep the things that matter to you safe and close at hand.

What makes Billie Maison different from a safe?

A traditional safe is designed to look like a safe and is often hidden away in a cupboard, bedroom or basement. Billie Maison takes a different approach.

Our concealed compartments are integrated directly into furniture, allowing your valuables to remain hidden in plain sight. The idea is simple: rather than making security something you have to think about, we make it part of the furniture you already want in your home.

The Hidden Compartment

How does the hidden compartment work?

Each piece contains a discreetly integrated concealed compartment. Depending on the design, it can be opened using a secure NFC card or another agreed access method.

The mechanism is designed to be completely invisible during normal use, with no obvious lock, keypad or handle revealing that a compartment exists.

What can I keep inside?

That's entirely up to you.

Our bespoke compartments can be designed around what you want to keep close, whether that's watches, jewellery, important documents, sentimental items, heirlooms or other personal possessions.

During the design process, we'll discuss what you intend to store so we can make sure the compartment is appropriately designed.

What happens if the battery runs out?

The system is designed to fail safely.

When the battery is becoming depleted, the furniture will give an audible warning. If the battery reaches the point where it can no longer operate the locking mechanism, the compartment will no longer remain locked.

If the compartment was locked when the battery completely runs out, it will open rather than remain inaccessible.

This means you should never be permanently locked out of your belongings because of a flat battery.

How long does the battery last?

Battery life depends on the specific mechanism, but in general we see it lasts between 12 and 18 months before it requires a re charge. Battery is 40.000 mAh pack. Your piece will be designed with battery monitoring so that you receive a warning before the battery becomes depleted.

We recommend replacing the battery when you receive the low-battery warning rather than waiting for it to run out completely.

What happens if I accidentally leave my NFC card inside and close the compartment?

This is important: don't do it.

If your only access card is inside the compartment and you close it, you will not be able to unlock it from the outside.

In that situation, the compartment may need to be professionally forced open, potentially causing damage to the furniture or mechanism. We therefore strongly recommend keeping your access card separate from the items stored inside the compartment.

Can I have more than one access card?

Yes. Multiple authorised NFC cards can be provided, making it possible for you and other trusted people to have access.

We recommend keeping a spare access card somewhere secure and separate from the furniture itself.

Can someone copy my NFC card?

The system is designed so that access is controlled electronically rather than through a conventional physical key.

As with any security technology, no system should be described as completely impossible to bypass. Our approach is to make the compartment highly discreet and difficult to identify in the first place, while adding a secure electronic access mechanism.

Bespoke Furniture

Can I customise a Billie Maison piece?

Yes. Bespoke design is at the heart of Billie Maison.

We can work with you to adapt an existing Billie Maison design or create something completely bespoke around your space, style and requirements.

This can include dimensions, materials, finishes, hardware and — most importantly — the design and location of the concealed compartment.

Do you work with antique or fragile pieces?

Often, yes — with care.

Tell us about the age, condition and construction of the piece when you enquire. We'll assess whether it can safely accommodate a concealed mechanism and advise you honestly before any commitment is made.

Not every antique or fragile piece will be suitable, and we will never recommend modifications that could unnecessarily compromise an important piece.

Do I need to send you my furniture, or can you work on it in my home?

It depends on the piece and the mechanism required.

Smaller items can usually be collected, worked on at our workshop and returned to you. For larger, particularly delicate or difficult-to-transport pieces, we can discuss working on-site during your consultation.

We'll agree the approach with you before any work begins.

What if my piece isn't suitable?

We'll tell you honestly.

Not every piece of furniture can safely accommodate a concealed mechanism. If your original idea isn't practical, we'll explain why and, where possible, suggest an alternative approach.

Can you design a completely new piece of furniture for me?

Yes.

If you have an idea for a piece that doesn't currently exist, we can work with you to develop a bespoke design from the ground up.

This allows us to design the furniture and concealed compartment together, rather than trying to retrofit a mechanism into an existing piece.

How long does a bespoke commission take?

Most bespoke commissions take approximately 6–10 weeks from consultation to delivery, depending on the complexity of the piece.

We'll provide you with a clear estimated timeline before work begins and keep you updated throughout the process.

Is a deposit required?

Yes.

A 20% deposit secures your commission slot and covers the initial design work and materials. The remaining balance is due on completion, before delivery.

Can I choose exactly what the compartment holds?

Yes — that's the whole point of bespoke.

We can design the compartment around what you need to keep close, whether that's watches, jewellery, documents, heirlooms or something more personal.

Ordering & Delivery

How do I order a bespoke piece?

Start by getting in touch with us.

We'll discuss your idea, the furniture you'd like to modify or create, what you want to keep inside, and any practical requirements. From there, we'll advise on what is possible and provide the next steps and a quotation.

How long does delivery take?

For bespoke pieces, delivery is generally arranged once your furniture is complete. Most bespoke commissions take around 6–10 weeks from consultation to delivery, although more complex projects can take longer.

We'll give you an estimated timeframe before work begins.

Is delivery free?

Delivery within England is free.

We also deliver across the wider UK, Europe and the USA. Additional delivery charges may apply outside England depending on the destination, size and weight of the piece.

We'll confirm any applicable delivery costs with you before your order is finalised.

Do you deliver outside the UK?

Yes.

We ship to Europe and the USA. International delivery costs are calculated based on the individual piece and destination.

International orders may also be subject to customs duties, import taxes or other local charges, which are the responsibility of the customer.

What if the furniture is too large to get through my front door?

We'll discuss access requirements with you before delivery.

For larger pieces, we may ask for measurements or photographs of doorways, staircases, lifts and other access points to make sure delivery can be completed safely.

If you're unsure, just ask us — we'd much rather assess access in advance than discover a problem on delivery day.

I don't want collection or delivery to my home address. Is that possible?

Yes.

If you'd prefer not to use your home address, we can arrange collection or delivery to a suitable third-party location, subject to the location and delivery requirements.

You can also arrange to collect or drop off certain pieces directly from our workshop in North West London, where appropriate.

We'll discuss the options with you during the consultation.

Returns, Changes & Damage

Can I return my furniture if I change my mind?

Because many Billie Maison pieces are made to order or customised specifically for you, bespoke and personalised pieces generally cannot be returned simply because you change your mind once production has begun.

If you need to cancel or change your order, contact us as soon as possible. We'll always do our best to accommodate changes where production has not yet started.

Your statutory consumer rights are not affected.

What if my furniture arrives damaged?

Every piece is carefully inspected before leaving our workshop.

If your furniture arrives damaged or materially differs from what you ordered, please contact us as soon as possible and provide photographs of the furniture and packaging.

We'll assess the issue and work with you to arrange an appropriate solution, which may include repair or replacement where appropriate.

Security & Care

Is Billie Maison furniture completely theft-proof?

No piece of furniture should be described as completely theft-proof.

Our approach is different: make the compartment difficult to discover in the first place.

The concealed nature of the compartment is an important part of the design. We combine this discretion with a secure electronic locking mechanism to create a practical additional layer of protection for your valuables.

For extremely high-value items, we recommend considering Billie Maison as part of a wider home security strategy rather than as a replacement for a certified high-security safe.

What happens if the mechanism stops working?

The system is designed with reliability and safe access in mind.

If you experience an issue with the mechanism, please contact us before attempting to force the compartment open yourself. We'll help diagnose the issue and advise on the safest way to regain access while minimising the risk of damage to your furniture.

Can I use the furniture normally?

Absolutely.

The concealed compartment is designed to be integrated into the furniture rather than interfere with its normal use. From the outside, your Billie Maison piece should simply look and function like a beautiful piece of furniture.

How should I look after my Billie Maison piece?

Care requirements depend on the materials and finish of your individual piece.

We'll provide appropriate care instructions with your furniture. As a general rule, avoid excessive moisture, harsh cleaning products and placing very hot or wet items directly onto finished surfaces.

For antique or particularly delicate pieces, we'll provide specific guidance based on the materials and finish.

Still have a question?

Every Billie Maison project is a little different.

If you have a question about a particular piece, an existing item of furniture, a concealed compartment or a completely new idea, get in touch with us. We'd be happy to talk through what's possible.