Ah, hospitality furniture. It’s the stuff that dreams are made of. But it can also be nightmare-inducing. Choosing the right pieces for your hotel, restaurant, or café can be a daunting task. And that’s why, as one of Sydney’s most trusted purveyors of commercial furniture, we’re here to guide you through the treacherous waters of hospitality furniture selection. Think of this article as your emergency flotation device. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive in.
Tip #1: Consider Your Space
It’s so important to consider the space you’re working with before making any purchases. Is your space large and open or small and cozy? Will your furniture be indoors or exposed to outdoor elements? Will it need to be moved around frequently or will it stay put for the long haul? These are all important factors to consider when choosing hospitality furniture.
For example, if you’re working with a small space, you might want to opt for minimalistic furniture with clean lines to make the room appear larger. On the other hand, if you have an expansive space, you can go for bigger, bulkier pieces that will anchor the room. If your furniture will sit outside, make sure it’s weather-resistant and easy to clean. And if you’re going for a more rustic vibe, consider using natural materials like wood and stone.
Tip #2: Think About Your Customers
Who frequents your business? What kind of atmosphere are you trying to create? Are you catering to families or a more upscale clientele? Your furniture should reflect the needs and desires of your customers. If you’re catering to families, you might want to choose furniture that is sturdy and easy to clean. If you’re going for a more upscale vibe, go for pieces that are sleek and sophisticated or are covered in luxurious upholstery like leather or velvet.
And don’t forget about comfort! Your guests will be spending a lot of time sitting in your chairs and lounging on your sofas, so make sure they’re comfortable. This is especially important if you’re running a hotel or a restaurant, where customers might be sitting for extended periods of time.
Tip #3: Keep It Simple
When it comes to hospitality furniture, less is often more. Avoid squeezing too much into your space or you’ll end up with a cluttered and claustrophobic atmosphere. Stick to a few key pieces that are both functional and stylish. And remember, you can always add more later if necessary
It’s also important to make sure the furniture you choose compliments your brand, so be sure to keep your color scheme and design cohesive. A mishmash of styles and colors can be overwhelming and uninviting (unless you’re jumping on the maximalism trend that seems to be all the rage. If that’s the case then, by all means, go for it). Stick to a few key colors and styles that complement one another and your brand.
Tip #4: Quality Matters
Let’s face it, hospitality furniture must endure an enormous amount of wear and tear. Customers sit on it, spill on it, and even climb on it (yes, really). That’s why it’s important to invest in high-quality furniture that will stand up to the test of time (and customers).
If you’re a regular reader of our blog (thank you!) you know our mantra—don’t skimp on quality just to save a few bucks. Cheap furniture will fall apart quickly, and you’ll end up spending more money to replace it in the long run. And believe us when we tell you, watching customers deal with wobbly chairs or broken tables in the middle of a busy restaurant isn’t just embarrassing (though it most certainly is)…it’s also a potential liability.
Tip #5: Have Fun with It
Choosing hospitality furniture doesn’t have to be a chore. Have fun with it! Get creative and think outside the box. Use unexpected materials or surprising fabric choices. Mix and match styles for a fun, eclectic look. We love seeing the rich natural tones of wood mixed up with industrial metals for a juxtapositional look that works so well together. And the same goes for texture—a minimalistic metal or wood chair can be balanced out with cushions covered in a highly textured fabric.
And don’t be afraid to take risks (provided those risks complement your brand). After all, at the end of the day, it’s just furniture.
Don’t let choosing your next pieces of hospitality furniture become a task you dread. Stop by the Have a Seat showroom and let us show you just how beautiful commercial furniture can be. Our team of pros is ready to help you create a welcoming and comfortable space for your customers.