No matter which branch of the commercial industry you are in, buying furniture is a crucial aspect of setting up your company’s image. Whether you’re in food, hospitality, or conferences, it is important to know the design trends that are attracting consumers as they evolve each year.
2018 has seen a shift away from the escapism of 2017, and a return to comfort as opposed to the harsh lines of the industrial aesthetic. With the uncertainty of Brexit affecting the public consciousness, there is great appeal in furniture that reflects a national heritage, and as such traditional pub décor and Art Deco-inspired furniture is on the rise again.
2018 commercial buying guide
We’ve put together a guide of what to look for when buying commercial furniture in 2018. From sofas to tables, Trent Furniture stocks an extensive range of designs to suit your business while also creating the environment your customers are searching for.
Establishing your company identity
When buying commercial furniture, your main focus should be finding products that express your brand to your customers. Whether you’re going for the traditional cosy-pub look or you are searching for something a bit more modern, knowing which furniture you want for your company image is crucial.
As a leading supplier of commercial furniture, Trent Furniture offers a wide range of styles, materials and products to appeal to your individual design needs while maintaining practicality.
Sustainability in the furniture industry
The surge in public concern for the environment and sustainable materials has not been ignored by the commercial furniture industry. Being able to publicise that you use sustainable sources allows you to differentiate from industry competitors. Not only will it appeal to your customers, but research shows that there is a link between workforce engagement and credible corporate social responsibility (CSR), so the benefits of going green are doubled here.
Trent Furniture is proud to use wood that only comes from sustainable and properly-managed sources. In addition, most of our waste products, including wood, cardboard, plastic and metal are recycled – or if in a suitable condition, given to our local shelter charity.
Sustainability doesn’t just mean looking out for the environment. When looking at buying furniture for your restaurant or bar, look for long-lasting furniture that can stand the test of time – and patrons. Choosing a durable table style such as the Rectangular Refectory Table will ensure that the furniture you buy will last, even in a busy environment.
Less is more with decor and design
With the growing influence of Scandinavian design, lagom is the new big trend of 2018. The Swedish word describes not only an approach to design but to life, looking for the perfect balance between having too much and too little. Lagom focuses on the practicality of a room and how it flows to work together, rather than conflicting itself. Is your restaurant adequately lit for the ambience you want to create? Can you move through your café comfortably without having to squeeze between chairs and tables?
More than just a trend, lagom inspires a less complicated approach to life and an admiration of the natural beauty of materials, which it means it works well with the public interest in sustainability and could well be here to stay. Trent’s Italia Bistro Chairs provide a classic design for any café or restaurant and are made from sustainable resources.
Moving your business furniture along with the times
Having a multi-functional space removes the restrictions of purpose-building and can increase a sense of community by providing a central environment for multiple social groups. Often used at weddings or corporate events, stackable furniture allows for a space to be cleared effectively without the requirement of a large storage space.
At Trent, we offer a wide range of event venue furniture that allows your commercial space to be used for multiple purposes, from stacking chairs to folding tables. We also offer poseur tables, which can be a great way to increase your customer intake. By providing tables at standing height that don’t necessarily require seating, you will save vast amounts of floor space and promote increased traffic, perfect for fast-paced environments such as coffee bars and networking events.
A blast from the h2past - Art Deco and retro furniture
2018 has seen a revival in Art Deco and retro styles, and at Trent, we supply furniture to support both of these growing trends, including our range of American Diner chairs and tables.
Art Deco focuses on rich and bold colours, with metallic touches, neon signs and the use of gradients also making a comeback.
Company creature comforts
With the push towards comfort rather than the industrial aesthetic, commercial furniture has adapted, too. Pub sofas and booth-style tables are on the increase, providing a convivial environment for relaxing and escaping from the daily grind.
The shabby chic look is a great way to promote a rustic, welcoming atmosphere. Its popularity has been boosted by its ability to be paired with retro and contemporary styles, which allows it to serve as excellent base furniture that can be accessorised differently as trends evolve, making it great value for money.
The Instagram furniture factor
Social media is a huge part of the modern lifestyle and is no longer confined to the 18-24 range of customers, meaning there are more options to gain a social media presence. Elements such as patterned fabrics and bright colours will catch the eye and will be more likely to be posted online, which will promote increased traffic to your café, bar or restaurant.
So what’s next with your commercial furniture?
So there you have it: Trent Furniture’s tips for buying commercial furniture in 2018, from appealing to consumer consciousness as well as considering the practicality of multi-functional furniture. Trent Furniture is a leading supplier of high-quality contract and commercial furniture. With a long and established company history, we pride ourselves on supplying quality solutions to pubs, bars, hotels and restaurants all over the UK.
To learn more about Trent Furniture and what we do, please feel free to contact a member of our team on 0116 2982 711 or email us at sales@pubfurnitureuk.co.uk