Customising hospitality furniture is a powerful way to align your interior design. It will deliver a first impression that lasts with your guests, highlighting the care and attention to every detail. Whether you’re outfitting a hotel, restaurant, conference centre, or breakout space, carefully selected tables and chairs can significantly impact the look, feel, and usability of your space. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to tailor commercial furniture to suit your specific needs.
Here’s a guide to help you get the most out of the customising options.
1. Choose your frame finish for tables and chairs
One of the first customisation decisions you’ll face is selecting the right frame finish for your chairs and tables. This detail plays a crucial role in defining the overall aesthetic of your venue. Are you aiming for a sleek, modern look? This can be achieved with powder-coated black metal. Or do you prefer the warmth and charm of a traditional wood stain?
The frame finish can serve as a unifying element, helping to tie the space together visually. When choosing, consider the other finishes in your venue, such as flooring, wall treatments, and lighting fixtures. Matching or complementing these elements will help create a cohesive and professional environment.
Tip: Matte finishes tend to give a contemporary edge, while chrome or natural wood finishes often lean more traditional.
2. Choose your chair fabric
Upholstery fabric is another key customisation advantage that influences both comfort and design. We work closely with leading fabric suppliers to offer a wide selection that’s durable, stylish, and suited to commercial use. Our curated fabric collections are categorised by price range – from Range 1 for budget-conscious projects to Range 12 for luxury premium interiors.
This tiered structure makes it easy to find an option that fits your budget while still aligning with your design goals. Additionally, many fabrics come with extra benefits such as stain resistance, fire retardancy, and antimicrobial properties, which are especially valuable in high-traffic or hospitality environments.
Tip: Consider both the aesthetics and the practicality of the fabric – darker tones hide stains well, while patterned designs add texture and visual interest.
3. Chairs with or without arms
The choice between armchairs and armless chairs depends on your venue’s purpose and layout. Armchairs tend to convey comfort and prestige, making them a great fit for lounges, hotel bedrooms, and executive meeting spaces. Armless chairs, on the other hand, are typically more space-efficient and easier to move and store, making them ideal for restaurants, conference rooms, and event halls.
Tip: Use a mix of both types to create visual variety and meet different functional needs across your venue.
4. Pick a chair base to match your space
The base of a chair might seem like a small detail, but it can dramatically change the look and functionality of the furniture. We offer six distinct base options on select ranges, each suited to different environments – from sleek metal bases for minimalist spaces to sturdy wooden legs for a classic look.
To dive deeper into choosing the right base, check out our dedicated blog post: “Which Chair Base is Right for Your Venue?”
Tip: For high-traffic areas, choose bases that are easy to clean and resistant to scuffing.
5. Commercial tabletop laminates that set the tone
The tabletop is a focal point in any room, and its finish can make a significant impact. Lighter-coloured tabletop laminates can brighten the space and make it feel more open, while darker tones offer a moodier, more sophisticated vibe. Wood grain laminates are especially popular for their timeless appeal and ability to create a warm, welcoming environment.
Tip: For banqueting tables, consider flock coating – check out the benefits here
6. Chair accessories for more functionality
Furniture customisation isn’t just about looks – it’s also about function. Chair accessories can greatly enhance their usability, especially in multi-use or flexible spaces. Popular add-ons include:
- Handles for easy manoeuvrability
- Linking systems to keep chairs aligned during events
- Writing tablets for note-taking in conference settings
These enhancements allow you to adapt a single range of chairs to a variety of needs without the expense or storage challenges of maintaining multiple furniture styles.
Tip: Think ahead about how your space will be used day-to-day and choose accessories that add value without clutter.
Need help visualising your ideal setup?
Investing in customisable commercial furniture allows you to create a venue that reflects the desired atmosphere, maximises comfort, and meets the practical demands of your space. With thoughtful choices in frame finishes, fabrics, accessories, and more, you can craft an interior that’s not only stylish but also highly functional.
Our team is always happy to provide samples, swatches, and expert advice tailored to your specific venue. Contact us on +44 (0)33 0333 9258 or email hello@burgessfurniture.com