When furnishing your pub or club, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right material for your furniture. And as one of Sydney’s most trusted purveyors of hospitality furniture, we understand that the material you choose doesn’t just influence aesthetics—it directly impacts the durability, comfort, and overall experience your customers will have in your space.
Whether you’re running a sleek, modern club or a cosy neighbourhood pub where guests gather for a quiet drink, the right furniture materials will not only look good but also stand the test of time. To help you make the best choice for your business, we’ve created a comprehensive guide with our top five pub and club furniture materials, and we’re sharing our thoughts on how they can enhance your venue’s appeal.
- Wood: The Classic Choice
Wood is one of the most popular materials for pub and club furniture due to its versatility, warmth, and durability. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic pub vibe or a sophisticated lounge atmosphere, wood fits seamlessly into a variety of design aesthetics.
Benefits:
- Durability: Hardwoods like oak, teak, and walnut are exceptionally durable and can withstand the heavy use that pub and club furniture typically endures.
- Aesthetic Flexibility: Wood can be stained or painted in different finishes, from dark mahogany for a traditional look to lighter shades like pine for a more modern appeal.
- Easy to Maintain: When properly treated and sealed, wood is relatively easy to maintain with regular cleaning and polishing, and it can be refinished to extend its life.
How to Incorporate Wood: Wooden bar stools, tables, and chairs can create a warm, inviting atmosphere in your pub or club. Opt for darker stains for a classic pub feel or choose light oak for a more contemporary design.
- Metal: Modern, Sleek, and Strong
Metal is another popular choice for pub and club furniture, especially in venues aiming for a modern or industrial aesthetic. Metal furniture is known for its strength and sleek look, making it ideal for high-traffic environments.
Benefits:
- Durability: Metal is incredibly sturdy and resistant to wear and tear, making it perfect for furniture that will see heavy use.
- Low Maintenance: Metal is easy to clean and requires little maintenance. A quick wipe-down is often enough to keep it looking sharp.
- Sleek Aesthetic: Metal offers a sleek, industrial look that works well in modern and minimalist venues, adding a touch of sophistication.
How to Incorporate Metal: Consider metal bar stools, tables with metal legs, or even metal accents on chairs for a chic, industrial vibe. Metal-framed furniture with wooden or upholstered seats can strike the perfect balance between comfort and durability.
- Upholstered Fabric: For Comfort and Style
When comfort is a priority, upholstered furniture can provide the plush, inviting seating that encourages customers to linger. Upholstered seating can be customised in various fabrics to suit your brand’s style, offering a luxurious feel to your space.
Benefits:
- Comfort: Upholstered chairs and booths provide superior comfort, encouraging customers to stay longer and enjoy their time at your venue.
- Customisability: With a wide range of fabrics available, including velvet, leather, and performance textiles, upholstered furniture can be tailored to match your venue’s theme.
- Versatility: Upholstered furniture can range from classic tufted booths to sleek, modern lounge chairs, giving you plenty of options for your design.
How to Incorporate Upholstered Fabric: Think cozy booths along the walls of your pub, velvet lounge chairs in your club’s VIP section, or padded bar stools for extra comfort. Choose high-quality, stain-resistant fabrics to ensure your upholstered pieces hold up against spills and frequent use.
- Leather (or Faux Leather): Durable and Sophisticated
Leather is synonymous with luxury, and it’s a fantastic choice for clubs and pubs looking to create a more upscale aesthetic. Faux leather offers a similar look at a more affordable price point and can be easier to maintain.
Benefits:
- Durability: Genuine leather is durable, long-lasting, and resistant to spills, making it ideal for high-traffic environments. Faux leather also offers good durability and is often easier to clean.
- Elegant Appearance: Leather adds a touch of sophistication to any venue, whether you’re going for a cosy, upscale pub feel or a trendy club vibe.
- Easy Maintenance: Leather and faux leather are both easy to wipe clean, making them practical for busy venues where spills are common.
How to Incorporate Leather: Opt for leather booths, stools, or lounge chairs to give your space a luxurious feel. Rich, dark leather in deep browns or blacks works well in a pub setting, while lighter or more colorful faux leather options can be used to create a modern, trendy club atmosphere.
- Laminate: Affordable and Easy to Maintain
If you’re looking for an affordable and durable option, laminate might be the material for you. Laminate is created by layering synthetic materials to mimic the appearance of wood, stone, or other finishes. It’s highly resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, making it ideal for pub and club furniture.
Benefits:
- Cost-Effective: Laminate offers the look of more expensive materials like wood or stone at a fraction of the cost.
- Durability: Laminate is highly resistant to scratches, making it perfect for high-traffic areas like pubs and clubs.
- Variety: With so many designs available, laminate can mimic the appearance of wood, stone, or even metal, allowing for endless design and styling options.
How to Incorporate Laminate: Laminate-topped tables and bar surfaces are ideal for venues that need to prioritize affordability without sacrificing style. Choose laminate with a wood look for a rustic pub vibe or sleek or stone-look laminate for a contemporary club feel.
Choosing the right materials for your pub or club furniture can make a world of difference in both the customer experience and the longevity of your investment. At Have a Seat, we offer a wide range of high-quality, durable, and stylish furniture options to suit any venue.
Visit our showroom in Smithfield to explore our full range of furniture options and materials. Our expert team is happy to guide you through the selection process and show you how the right furniture can elevate your space.