Frequently asked questions
What is hospitality furniture?
Hospitality furniture is furniture used in public dining and entertainment-type venues, most typically restaurants, hotels, pubs and cafes. Hospitality furniture is generally hard-wearing and reasonably easy to maintain.
Hospitality furniture is supplied by companies such as The Contract Chair Co and is generally made to order. As a result, it is available in a wider choice of designs and finishes than is available on the retail market. The downsides of being made to order included sometimes substantial minimum order quantities, lead times being 4 to 6 weeks and returning products being difficult.
Hospitality furniture is subject to particular fire regulations that do not necessarily apply to furniture used in your home; our furniture comes with CMHR foam (ie foam that does not easily ignite or burn) and is usually specified with fabric that meets Crib 5 flammability test (a fairly stringent industry standard).
In the world of interior design, hospitality furniture is not just about aesthetics - it's about creating unforgettable experiences for guests.The choices you make with hospitality furniture can leave a lasting impression so take your time, consider the importance, and select the right pieces that will make your space truly special.
What do you mean when you say hospitality furniture?
Hospitality furniture is any furniture that will be used in a hospitality environment like hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, etc, and it encompasses a wide range of items, including but not limited to:
- Hospitality seating: Hospitality dining chairs, lounge chairs, armchairs, sofas, and barstools.
- Hospitality tables: Dining tables, coffee tables, side tables, or select separate hospitality table tops and table bases.
- Hospitality storage: Wardrobes, dressers, and cabinets, or hostess stands.
What is the primary purpose of hospitality furniture?
Broadly speaking, hospitality furniture serves the dual purpose of enhancing the aesthetics of a space while providing comfort and functionality to guests. Of course, hospitality is a term that applies to many types of businesses so there are nuances to consider depending on the application of the hospitality furniture.
What’s the importance of hospitality furniture?
Understanding the significance of hospitality furniture in interior design is critical. The furniture you choose will have a direct impact on the guest's experience, which at the end of the day is what hospitality is all about.
You will want to choose hospitality furniture that is both comfortable and functional. Imagine staying at a hotel with lumpy beds or dining in a restaurant with wobbly tables. High-quality hospitality furniture ensures your guests enjoy their time in your establishment.
It’s also important to remember that the furniture you choose reflects the identity and concept of your establishment. It's important to align your furniture choices with your brand's identity. If they are mismatched it will feel awkward to guests, and that detracts from the customer experience.
How does furniture selection affect a brand's image?
The choice of furniture can significantly impact a brand's image, as it reflects the establishment's identity and sets the mood for guests. As an interior designer, you, of course, want to create a cohesive space where all of the visual elements, from paint to wallpaper to hospitality furniture and lighting are all working together.
How to specify hospitality furniture components?
To ensure you get the perfect furniture for your establishment, here's how you can specify hospitality furniture components effectively:
- Measurements and Space Planning: A well-designed space should flow well and keep in mind how people will move through the space. Make sure you measure your space and plan carefully so that you don’t have too much or too little hospitality furniture or furniture that’s too large or small for the space. It plays a significant role, both functionally, and visually.
- Material Selection: Choose materials that are both stylish and durable. Contract Chair Co. has thousands of samples for finishes, upholstery, frames and more. And if we don’t have what you’re looking for, we can source it. Materials like solid wood, stainless steel, and leather upholstery are excellent choices for their durability and visual appeal.
- Customisation: Consider customisation so you can add your own unique touch to your furniture. Custom upholstery and unique finishes can make your pieces stand out from the crowd.
What to consider when choosing the right hospitality furniture?
Interior design is an art form all in itself. It’s the art of combining all of the interior visual and tactile elements to craft a space that is pleasant to experience. Selecting the appropriate hospitality furniture is a significant part of this artistic process. Here are some factors to consider when making your choices:
- Durability: Hospitality furniture is subject to heavy use so it has to be durable. Consider how much wear and tear your furniture will have depending on the materials you choose. Things like hardwood, metal, and quality upholstery are excellent options that will extend the lifespan of your furniture, both saving you money and being more sustainable.
- Style and aesthetics: Your establishment has a theme, concept, or at the very least a general visual style to adhere to and you should ensure that the furniture you choose, as well as the customisations you choose, are in line with that. Whether you prefer modern, minimalist, or traditional designs, your hospitality furniture choices should harmonize with the overall ambience.
- Budget: Money talks! Obviously, your budget plays a significant role in furniture selection. Ensure your choices fit within your financial constraints while maintaining quality and style. Contract Chair Co. provide volume discounts on select products so you can get better value depending on how many pieces you need for your project.
Can hospitality furniture be customised?
Yes, hospitality furniture can be customised to meet the unique needs and style of an establishment. You can customise many hospitality furniture components on our website. Or, you can work with our sales team to further customise your furniture, or even create bespoke pieces for your hospitality project.