In the world of commercial and business spaces, the interior ambiance, comfort, and function of a space play pivotal roles in shaping guest and employee experiences. Whether it’s a modern office, bustling café, or a lobby in a multi-family apartment building, the furniture chosen for these spaces can significantly impact their appeal and functionality.

When it comes to selecting furniture, the quality level of the furniture is a critical distinction to consider. For simplicity, we like to categorize quality into three buckets: Retail vs. Hospitality vs. Contract furniture. Let’s delve into the nuances of each type of furniture to help you make informed decisions for your organization.

Retail Furniture: Lower Cost for Lower Quality

Retail furniture is designed for residential settings, but sometimes finds its way into commercial and hospitality spaces due to its affordability and short lead times. Typically made and shipped from overseas, these products are designed for ease, comfort, and affordability. However, it is important to note that retail furniture is designed primarily for home use and is not made to withstand high-traffic environments unless its function is primarily accessory-based (such as lamps, décor, small side tables, etc.).

Retail-quality dining chair from direct to consumer brand Joss and Main.

Main Issues with Retail Furniture in Commercial Spaces

Limited Options: Typically, retail products are only available in one or a few finish/fabric options shown online.
Small Warranty Windows: Some retailers only have a 30-day return window (or less) and no warranty (Examples: West Elm and Pottery Barn), and some retailers have warranties that last only up to a year (Example: Blu Dot).
Retail Availability: Subject to stock on hand, can be discontinued without notice.
Durability and Longevity: Retail furniture is not designed to withstand the high-traffic use of a commercial setting.

Hospitality Furniture: Middle Ground between Retail and Commercial

On the other hand, hospitality furniture falls into the realm of products that are often found in businesses. This furniture is usually made overseas and stocked in the U.S. Typically, these pieces are engineered to better withstand the rigors of high-traffic environments while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic. Designed with durability, functionality, and compliance in mind, furniture from this category may be a good option for organizations on a smaller budget who do not want to upgrade to contract prices or for ancillary spaces such as lesser-used collaboration areas or lobby areas. These pieces are usually lower in cost than contract grade furniture, and some hospitality pieces compete with retail furniture prices.

Hospitality-grade dining chair by furniture company Grand Rapids Chair Co.

Downsides of Hospitality Furniture for Commercial Spaces

Availability: Usually stocked in large quantities and available in 2-3 weeks. Products ship quickly, but if stock is depleted, there can be longer lead-times for stock fulfillment.
Quality: Designed primarily for hospitality use, these products are constructed better than retail furniture, but may not be ANSI/BIFMA rated as commercial furniture. This varies by manufacturer.
Warranties: Vary by manufacturer/vendor, but most have more inclusive and longer warranties than retail and some even have similar warranties to contract furniture (5-year fabric & foam, 10+ years for structure).

Contract Furniture: Higher Cost for Higher Quality

Contract furniture refers to furnishings specifically designed and manufactured for commercial use in various industries such as hospitality, healthcare, education, and corporate environments, made completely or partially in the U.S. Unlike retail furniture intended for residential settings, contract furniture prioritizes durability, functionality, and compliance with industry standards/regulations, and provides large warranty windows for furniture retention. Each furniture piece is made-to-order, allowing for optimal customization to fit any aesthetic and functionality needs. Because of this, it is often the most expensive option up-front. While retail furniture and some hospitality furniture may have a lower initial investment, contract-grade furnishings often offer better long-term value due to their durability and performance over time.

Commerical-grade dining chair from Cappellini.

The Many Benefits of Using Contract Furniture in Commercial Spaces

Durability: Contract furniture is engineered to withstand high-traffic environments, ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance requirements. The manufacturing process entails using quality materials such as metal, hardwood, high-pressure laminates, and industrial-grade fabrics to enhance the furniture’s resilience.
Functionality: Designed with ergonomics and space optimization in mind, contract furniture maximizes comfort and usability while accommodating diverse needs. Whether it’s modular seating systems for flexible layouts or stackable chairs for easy storage, these furnishings enhance efficiency and adaptability within commercial spaces.
Compliance: Each furniture piece undergoes stringent ANSI/BIFMA certification testing for quality and durability. Contract furniture manufacturers adhere to industry-specific regulations, certifications, and quality control measures to ensure compliance with safety, fire, and accessibility standards, providing peace of mind to customers.
Customization Options: Contract furniture offers flexibility to align with the branding, design preferences, and functional needs of commercial spaces. From fabric options and color schemes to ergonomic features and branding elements, businesses can tailor furniture solutions to reflect their unique identity and match a particular aesthetic.
Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial investment in contract furniture may be higher than retail alternatives, its durability and performance deliver long-term cost savings. Reduced maintenance, replacement, and downtime expenses translate into a higher return on investment over the furniture’s lifespan, making it a wise investment for organizations.

In essence, contract furniture embodies a blend of durability, functionality, compliance, and customization, making it an indispensable choice for businesses seeking to create inviting, efficient, and compliant environments that enhance the overall guest and employee experience.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

While retail, hospitality, and contract furniture offer distinct disadvantages and advantages, choosing the right option depends on your organization’s functionality requirements, budget, and space optimization objectives. Here are some factors to consider:

Workspace Usage Intensity: Assess the level of foot traffic and the intended use of the furniture. For high-traffic spaces requiring sturdy and resilient furnishings, contract furniture will be worth the upfront investment due to its durability and warranties offered by manufacturers.

Design Aesthetic: Consider your brand identity and the ambiance you wish to create. Hospitality furniture may be suitable for boutique establishments or multi-family projects aiming for a cozy and eclectic vibe, while contract furniture offers a sleek, professional look with efficient durability and function.

Budget Constraints: Evaluate your budgetary constraints and weigh the upfront costs against long-term durability and maintenance expenses.

The Breakdown

In commercial spaces, furniture serves as more than just a functional addition; it is an integral component that shapes the guest and employee experience and reflects the brand’s identity. By understanding the distinctions between retail, hospitality, and contract furniture (and considering your organization’s and employee’s needs) you can make informed decisions that will enhance the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and longevity of your business. It’s important to consider the robust reliability of hospitality or contract-grade furnishings, while prioritizing quality, functionality, and design to create memorable and efficient experiences within your business.