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Whether you’ve noticed rattan furniture as you scroll through your Instagram feed or in your neighbour’s back garden, there’s no mistaking this style of furniture is having a moment in 2021. However, rattan has a long history of popularity all over the world as a material for creating both indoor and outdoor furniture.

Where does rattan come from?

Rattan is a vinelike palm which grows in forests. There are roughly 600 species of it in existence. It wraps around different plants and trees and grows up them to get as much sunlight as possible. Rattan typically comes from tropical areas of Africa, Australia, and Asia. Because it grows so fast, it’s a reliable source of income for local communities.

Harvesting rattan

Rattan is harvested by farmers all year round. It’s an almost indestructible substance which can’t be split or broken, so it’s cut into large strips and collected for processing before selling. If the strips are thin enough, they can be left in the sun and smoked, otherwise they can be boiled in oil to ensure they are fully dried. When cut into small strips, rattan can be woven to make furniture and baskets. Some species of rattan can also be used as dyes or eaten, although we wouldn’t recommend chewing on your new chairs!

Using rattan to make furniture

Rattan furniture was introduced to Europe at the beginning of the 19th century and has remained popular ever since.  A previous notable spike in the popularity of rattan furniture came in the 1930s and 1940s when it was in fashion for a wide range of furniture including tables, chairs, beds and desks. 2021 has once again seen an increase in popularity of natural materials for furniture and rattan fits perfectly into this trend. Nowadays, it’s used largely for garden, summerhouse and conservatory furniture.

Can rattan withstand the British weather?

Although natural rattan is not weatherproof, a lot of synthetic rattan furniture is. The quality of the materials, the frame and the weave will be a huge factor in whether your furniture can cope with the unpredictable UK weather. Trent Furniture’s range of synthetic rattan furniture is both UV and water resistant, so you can use it both indoors and out. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure your new tables and chairs stay in perfect condition:

• Clean with warm water and a splash of washing up liquid every few weeks and dry with a cloth.
• Cover your furniture or stow away in winter or other harsh conditions.
• Let it breathe - when the sun is out, remove your covers to prevent mould from building up.

Pictured: our water-resistant black rattan chair

Why we love rattan

Rattan furniture is lightweight, affordable and stylish. It can be treated with many stains and paints, meaning it’s available in all sorts of colours so you can easily find something to suit your needs, whether you are looking to furnish your conservatory or your garden. With our range of synthetic rattan and wicker furniture, we’re certain you’ll be thrilled with your purchase.

If you any questions about our rattan furniture just click below to contact us or call 0116 2989 335 and our team will be happy to help.

Getting dressed up for cocktails in a noisy bar furnished with the latest décor makes for an exciting night out, however, the more low-key experience of catching up with friends over a few drinks at the pub will never wane in popularity.

Over the last few decades, thanks to public demand, the British pub has seen a seismic shift from being a smoky, male-dominated setting to a more family-friendly and often food-focussed environment.

These days a visit to the pub can mean anything from a swift solitary pint to a gourmet meal with a large group of friends. However, what remains a constant is the welcoming environment of our favourite pubs and taking care to choose the right pub furniture plays a key part in creating that.

Classic pubs

When selecting furniture for any building, context is everything. As many pubs are housed in old or even ancient buildings that have served their communities over centuries, traditional furniture is very often the best bet for creating a warm, welcoming environment for the modern punter while respecting the history of the setting. Not only that, traditional bar stools and matching tables fit into the nooks and crannies that can be tricky to furnish in old buildings, while tall bar chairs and stools also maximise space while catering to the age-old pastime of drinking at the bar.

However, this style of decor certainly doesn’t mean putting up with rickety old furniture that is past its best. Much of today’s pub furniture takes its inspiration from the past. Trent Furniture’s wide range of traditional pub furniture, including the Captains Chair and Admirals Chair builds on the design classics of the past to provide the standards of comfort, durability and style needed for today’s traditional pub.

Contemporary pubs

These days, many pubs, particularly those with a family-friendly feel, opt for a more modern look. Trent Furniture supply a great range of contemporary pub furniture ideal for creating a cosy pub atmosphere with a modern twist. Easy to clean faux leather furniture such as the Abbruzzo Faux Leather Chair and Manhattan Two Seater Sofa (below) is comfortable, durable and goes well with contemporary tables made from metal and lighter-toned wood.

Versatile metal pub furniture

In the post lockdown world, pub owners are making the most of every inch of available space, including outdoors. This is where hard-wearing and stylish metal furniture comes into its own for both traditional and modern pubs. Trent Furniture’s versatile range of water-resistant metal furniture including the Vista Table and Monaco Aluminium Stacking Chair is the perfect solution for beer gardens and when not needed outside, these stylish options look just as good in an indoor setting. 

Find out more today

No matter what style of pub furniture you are looking for, we have the perfect solution for you in a choice of finishes and upholstery. And by taking advantage of our furniture sale, you can save even more on your new purchases. To find out more please call us on 0116 7436 816 or click below for our contact form.

As government restrictions continue to be lifted and the weather continues to heat up, this summer is expected to be a big one for the hospitality industry. Reservations for restaurants and pub gardens are becoming increasingly elusive, with no signs of demand slowing down as people get back into the habit of socialising with their friends and family.

But is your venue ready for such a busy summer? If you’re thinking about sprucing up your dining spaces, take a look at some of the top furniture trends below that will get people talking about your decor just as much as your food.

Outdoor Furniture Trends

Gone are the days of shabby chic and mismatched furniture, replaced instead by clean lines and shapes that provide a sleek and modern finish. While this trend has been gaining popularity in interior design for a while now, demand for these styles in gardens and outdoor dining spaces has been increasing recently too.

When it comes to tables, squares and rectangles provide these sought-after straight lines and edges without costing an arm and a leg. Our square Plaza restaurant table is ideal for outdoor use, made from rust-resistant aluminium with a hard-woven rattan outer layer that is water and UV resistant. What’s more, these tables are stackable, making it easy to store and rearrange furniture depending on day-to-day requirements.

Similarly, chairs with straight backs and angular arms offer a modern and stylish look. Or, for an even more minimal approach, armless chairs such as our Plaza chair complete the look perfectly. These contract-grade chairs are durable and hard-wearing, needing minimal maintenance and keeping their colour even when left outside.

Colour Trends

With the recent restrictions on indoor socialising, combined with a rise in popularity of bi-fold doors within interior design, the lines between the indoor and outdoor look are blurring as businesses look to create a versatile design suitable for all requirements. With this in mind, outdoor furniture that would look at home indoors is on trend this summer.

Neutrals such as whites and different shades of grey are a must this summer, providing a simple and sophisticated background that lets your food and drink take centre stage. Our white marble Vienna table makes the perfect Insta-worthy background for those cocktail snaps and is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.

By creating a neutral and timeless base design with your furniture, you can incorporate pops of colour with soft furnishings like cushions and blankets as well as bright prints and plants. These cheaper items of décor can then be switched in and out depending on the season and the current design trends, meaning you can stay up to date with the latest styles without breaking the bank.

Trent Furniture are the experts in restaurant and pub furniture. With more than 60 years of experience supplying the hospitality industry, we can help you find the perfect furniture for your business, from tables to sofas. And, with a wide range of contract grade furniture available, you can rest assured that your customers are safe and your furniture is worth the investment for years to come. For more information about our products and capabilities, get in touch today.

Have you ever walked into a party in a village hall and been underwhelmed by dim yellow lighting, droopy banners and those plastic chairs you used back in school? Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday party, an annual work party or a charity event, the decorations you use for your banquet hall can make or break of it. And the good news is it really doesn’t take a lot to transform an uninspiring room into a masterpiece.

Step 1 - Choosing a theme

Deciding on a theme and colour scheme should be the first thing you do. It will give you a general idea to follow and make the rest of your decisions much simpler. Whether you go for a simple colour scheme or a more elaborate vintage-inspired look throughout the decorations and tablescaping, the way you decorate the hall should bring the theme to life in as vivid a way as possible.

Step 2- The venue

Selecting an appropriately sized venue for the number of guests expected to attend is vital. A hall which is too small will make the event feel crowded and stuffy, but equally, you don’t want a venue which is too big as it will feel empty and make communication more difficult. You also need to consider the purpose of the event. For a formal event, a larger space will be more suitable but if hosting an event with family and friends, a smaller space would be cosier and more personal.

Step 3 - Tables

Your choice of table should be based on what you want from the event. There are three main types of banqueting table to consider:

Round tables

Round tables are always a good idea; they not only seat more people than rectangular tables, they are also more inclusive and encourage group conversations. You should then select table covers to fit your colour scheme or theme. Depending on the size of the venue, you may prefer to opt for fitted tablecloths, which will create a more streamlined look.

Poseur tables

Poseur tables are a great option to consider, especially when it comes to business or networking events.  These smaller high tables can also be used without seating and provide a spot to place food and drinks whilst chatting. Whilst they don’t provide the surface for a sit-down meal, poseur tables encourage mingling and interaction throughout the room.

Rectangular tables

If you’re serving up a buffet during your event then rectangular tables are a must. They can also be used as a seating option, however they don’t allow for the same level of interaction as round or poseur tables. If you require a head table for your event, for example a wedding party table, rectangular tables are a popular and functional choice.

Whatever option is best for you, Trent Furniture’s selection of banqueting tables will make your selection simple.

Step 4 - Centrepieces

Although it may be tempting to opt for elaborate table centrepieces, it’s important to consider how they will blend in. Although large centrepieces may be attractive, they may end up impeding conversations through guests being unable to see each other and taking up space needed for food and drinks.

Step 5 - Place settings

Ensure all of your place settings are the same; random glasses and plates dotted around will make the event feel messy and unorganised. You should select napkins to complement the table coverings to help tie everything together.

Step 6 - Seating

The seating for your event is one of the most important things to consider. It not only needs to fit your theme, but needs to be comfortable as this is where your guests will spend most of their time. How you space the chairs is also crucial. The last thing you want is your guests feeling uncomfortably cramped. Make sure that everyone has plenty of room to get up and move around without bumping into each other!

Trent Furniture’s cost-effective range of banquet furniture will make it easy to find the perfect seating for your event without breaking the budget. If you have any questions about furniture for your banquet hall, get in touch via the contact button below and our team will be happy to help.

From family lunches in the restaurant to evening drinks at the bar and live entertainment, a holiday park clubhouse will often need to cater for a range of activities and dining styles. We’ve put together our top tips and recommendations for furnishing your clubhouse and restaurant.

Defined zones

It’s important to create zones within such a multi-use space to ensure customers have the best experience and are given a clear idea of where to go. This will also create a natural flow of foot traffic, making it easier for staff to serve customers and provide a good experience.

Booth seating

Booths are a fantastic way to make the most of the space along walls whilst creating dedicated zones for groups. They are a great option for restaurant areas and create a fun diner style experience for families. Faux leather booths can also be wiped down quickly and easily – ideal when you are catering for families with little ones!

Our American Diner Bench pictured above can add some fun retro flair to restaurants and clubhouses.

Bar stools and tall tables

You can use bar specific furniture like high stools and poseur tables to separate your bar area from a dining or entertainment space. This will ensure patrons are not queuing close to seated customers or disrupting the flow of guests and servers during busy periods.

The Verona Bar Stool is ideal for traditional and modern bar areas alike.

Plush chairs

If you’ve created an area in your clubhouse for guests to sit back and relax with a hot drink then plush, comfortable chairs are a must. Tub chairs are ideal, especially when paired with a coffee table.

The Portobello Autumn Tub Chair (above) is our top pick, with its strong hardwood frame offering durability and a tartan fabric providing a cosy clubhouse vibe.

Outdoor options

If your clubhouse or restaurant has outdoor space, make the most of it with outdoor furniture. When it comes to selecting these pieces, you will need to ensure they are weather resistant and easy to store during colder periods when they are not in use. Aluminium and rattan style materials are great options as they can face up to the elements whilst still looking inviting.

The Monaco Natural Wicker Stacking Chair is an ever-popular choice.

Easy to move furniture

Having furniture that is easy to move and store is essential when furnishing a multi-use space such as a holiday park clubhouse. We recommend choosing contract quality furniture which can handle being moved and used daily.

Stacking chairs

Stacking chairs are a great option to have on hand for using as extra seating for performances and just for when larger groups require extra chairs.

Our Ascot Stacking Chair is an ideal option and it comes in a range of colours and finishes for both the frame and upholstery.

Folding tables

From kids’ club craft activities to games nights and brunches, having tables on hand which can be moved around and stored is a must. Opting for banquet style tables means you can seat larger groups – simply pair with an appropriate tablecloth and you’re all set.

Our Banqueting Folding Table is sturdy and durable, but also incredibly easy to fold up and store.
 

Looking to refurbish your holiday park restaurant and clubhouse? View our full range of holiday park furniture or get in touch with our team via the contact button below and will be very happy to help.