Our History
The story of Libra Interiors begins with my parents, Joe and Christine McLaughlin. In 1969, they set off from their home in London to embark on the hippy trail to India, a journey that would last over three years.
In their trusty camper van – nicknamed Green Gilbert – Joe and Christine travelled across Afghanistan and Persia (now Iran), making their way over the Khyber Pass and into India.
As soon as they arrived in the country, they were intrigued by the traditional craftsmanship, exquisite antiques and unusual pieces of art they came across. Recognising the unique talents of the local makers who created these pieces, they began collecting their favourite finds and shipping them back to the UK.
Libra founders Joe and Christine McLaughlin
After reluctantly parting with Green Gilbert to return home and settle down, Joe and Christine toured London’s high-end interiors and design stores. Their travel finds were quickly snapped up, and in 1972, Libra Interiors was established as a brand.
Libra Today
The team at Libra Interiors and managing director Paul McLaughlin, hard at work in our warehouse
Since then, Libra has grown to become a leading brand in luxurious home interiors, with our products found in over 1200 independent and national retailers, as well as in our own concessions within Fenwick department stores.
As a modern, forward-thinking business, we are committed to bringing you the latest interior design trends, as well as classic and timeless products to help you develop your own style.
Our design team curate products into Libra Themes, to help you select the look you want from our diverse product range. Whether your look is contemporary, classic or you want to layer up a mixture of styles, we feel confident that you will find the perfect combination of furniture, lighting and accessories at Libra. With regular product launches, our collection is continuously refreshed.
Our Mission
Libra’s mission has always remained the same: to bring style, beauty and unique design to home. That’s why we work with designers, makers and studios from around the world to deliver a broad and exciting product selection.
We aim to provide our own distinctive and unique take on the latest trends, all grounded in our uniquely craft-based supply chain. The result is that every Libra product has a luxurious look and quality feel that cannot be found elsewhere. Delivering the latest trends, timeless pieces and exceptional quality, whatever your interior design style
Our Makers
Many of our pieces are handcrafted with traditional techniques and natural materials, resulting in high-quality, one-of-a-kind products you can be proud of.
Using heritage skills, Libra makers produce beautiful furniture and accessories that meet the highest quality standards. Our products are made using the latest technologies and finest raw materials to ensure they last and grow better with age.
The Libra Look
Our buyers travel the globe to find unusual and authentic products and collections from the world’s best makers. We also design many of our own unique pieces, all of which embody the distinctive Libra look.
We don’t subscribe to one single aesthetic. Libra’s look is defined by multi-layered designs, across a variety of styles.
When you shop with us, we want you to feel bold, confident and inspired, selecting from themes that best suit your own style.
Our expert team are here with support and advice to help you bring exceptional style into your home and achieve the look you want.
Our classic Libra style
Our Approach
With nearly half a century of history behind us, we have always been focused on treating our customers, suppliers and employees with respect, care and fairness. We believe this results in a motivated workforce, loyal suppliers and happy customers.
We operate with these principles across all of our operations and only work with suppliers that can evidence the same values and principles in their own companies. We actively seek out suppliers who are members of ethical trade organisations such as Sedex, which is a worldwide mark of ethical manufacturing, ensuring good conditions and fair pay for employees.
This means our customers can be confident that their purchases are coming from sources that do good in the world.
Paul McLaughlin
Managing Director, The Libra Company and Libra Interiors