Our Products

At Utology we design and make beautiful homewares and furniture, with a focus on storage and display. Hooks, holders, shelves and stands. Our design style is clean lines, paired back aesthetic and understated elegance. The products we make are for everyday living and optimised for small spaces. From our workshop in Liverpool we make everything by hand, using high quality, sustainably sourced hardwoods.

What does the name mean?

Our brand name, Utology, combines utility with the suffix ology, meaning the study of useful things.

Our Story

Utology was founded by Dan Hoolahan. A product designer, turned woodworker. “I graduated during the recession and was struck by how tough the job market was. Alongside job applications I began making some of my own designs in my parents garage and selling online and at local events. As soon as I was able I bought a small one bedroom flat. It was here that my interest in functionality and small space living really developed and influenced my designs and ethos into what it is today. A lot of the furniture, shelving and decor was made myself to a tight budget and due to the size and layout of the space, everything had to be meticulously considered and earn its place through its usefulness. Where these restrictions are most evident are in some of our shelving designs - the Entryway Shelf and the Chamfer Shelf - where the depth is no greater than necessary so as to not intrude into the space. Flexibility was also a key consideration. With needs evolving and at times changing by the day, i.e. one day I’d be doing laundry, the next, entertaining visitors, there was a need for lightweight, unfitted furniture which could be moved around or out of the way as needed."

  • Well Sourced Materials

    We only source FSC/PEFC timber for our product range. Bespoke live edge timber may be storm damaged or dead standing.

  • Minimised Waste

    We make to order, meaning we only make what we need. By having a range of small items such as our card stands and wall hooks, we are able to keep our offcuts to a minimum. The offcuts to do produce are used as kindling and sawdust is given away for composting.

  • Made to Last

    We design and make our items with longevity in mind. Being made from solid wood means they can be repaired and refinished so with a bit of love they can last a lifetime!
oak, brass and felt magazine racks in production
hand sanding a wooden coat hook
wood rack the workshop with oak, yew, elm and walnut

What our customers are saying

  • "I requested a custom art shelf from Dan at Utology, and am absolutely delighted with it. It is more than perfect! - a true masterpiece of design, which I can’t stop admiring. Dan checked with me at every stage of production to ensure it matched the original concept, and the white wash finish blends in perfectly with the rest of my furniture too. I haven’t painted in quite a long time but now with my new set up I feel inspired to create again!"

    Rachel

  • "Dan and his team were excellent. Both in terms of consultation and craftmanship. It's rare to find someone who shares the same level of attention to detail as we have here! We are all 100% happy with the work and with our new bespoke benches. Couldn't have asked for a more competent joiner. Thanks guys!"

    Fourth Wall

  • "Very impressed with the bespoke work Dan did for me (medal racks)! It was better than I imagined it! i highly recommend Utology Designs for any quality projects !! great communication, planning consultation, great price and quick completion! definitely 10/10 service!!! thank you!"

    Monika