If a refurbishment has been at the top of your club’s to-do list for a while, you’re not the only club owner who has delayed crossing it off the list. It’s far from rare for owners and committees to go decades without updating their club’s interior. And there’s a reason behind it.
In the past, clubs were almost favoured for their ‘cover up the cracks’ décor. Little investment was placed into appearance simply because there was no need. Styles came and went but owners stayed true to their original state because customers were happy with it. With happy customers and money saved on refurbishment costs, why would they change anything?
As the saying goes, all good things come to an end and club owners are slowly waking up to the realisation that having a bar on site isn’t enough to get customers in. If you’ve gone a long time without an interior update, it can be difficult to know where to start with a refresh. So what’s been happening in the world of club décor recently?
Comfort is key
Some clubhouses offer membership packages whilst others, because of their remoteness in relation to a town or city, may have to work harder to get people in. Regardless of which applies to you, comfort is key. Members will expect quality and if you are in a remote location, customers will need a reason to visit and stay.
To create an environment which attracts customers and encourages them to extend their stay, operators must shift away from industrial style décor and move towards a more personal one. Comfortable furniture and cosy corners for relaxing and socialising will continue to be welcomed by customers.
Above all else, aim to make the club a place you can picture people spending a chunk of their time in.
Embrace tradition
Traditional stylings have continued to be popular in 2018. They have made a fresh comeback and have been combined with luxury and comfort. Upholstered wooden chairs and dark leather furniture is perfect for creating a welcoming and traditional atmosphere.
From here, a focal point can bring character to the area. Perhaps you have an original exposed brick wall or a longstanding bar? These can be great assets and your refresh should work to emphasise and draw attention to them. A club painting depicting players and teams gone by or a specific piece of furniture, perhaps a standout sofa, can also work as a focal point for the room.
Furniture to match your team’s colours
A currently popular theme used by clubs is to match the colour of their seating with the team’s colours. Doing so provides a unique touch. When refurbishing Annan Athletic FC’s clubhouse, to match with the team’s famous colours, the club decided to have the Harrow chairs upholstered in black and gold flat weave.
If you can’t find the right colour to match your team, furniture providers who also upholster seating are often able to find an appropriate match if you describe what you’re looking for.
A club’s refurbishment doesn’t have to be anything drastic. Simply updating the furniture, adding a lick of paint and redecorating can be enough to persuade your customers to stay for a pint after a game and for the community to consider your space for functions.
Club furniture UK
If you are looking for furniture to fill your sports club or club house, Trent Furniture can help. We have an extensive range of club furniture to fit with every style and budget.