Contract Lounge Furniture Buying Mistakes and How to Fix Them

August 23, 2021

As a leader in the contract seating industry, we hear from lots of people who become responsible for buying the furniture for their facility despite having no real experience with furniture buying. We often ask these buyers if they feel like they drew the “short straw” and we overwhelmingly find that is the expression they find most relatable.

So, what have we learned from helping our “short straw” customers through their buying processes?

Here are a few novice mistakes and the best ways to fix them or avoid them altogether:

Underestimating usage of seating areas. It is easy to pass through a furnished common area or waiting area and assume that what you see at that moment is typical usage. It can be really easy to assume that you need fewer seating spaces based on limited observation of the area. Seating areas take on different lives at different times of the day. If you are dealing with a group living environment, consider peeking in at higher-use times, like after meals or group therapy, to see how seating areas are used during higher traffic times.
Picking the “wrong” color combinations. Chances are if you are not an experienced buyer you are also not an experienced decorator. Picking complimentary fabrics to liven up a seating area can be a tricky feat for a beginner. Many Contract Furniture Providers offer fabric collections that “marry” a variety of patterns and solids that use consistent underlying tones and hues to ensure a harmonious look. Depending on the space’s overall décor, you may lean towards picking one fabric for all seating pieces to ensure that everything “goes together.”
Picking out pieces that exceed your budget. Web shopping gives you access to endless varieties of furniture at a click of your mouse. But, due to volume pricing and upholstery grading, most Contract Furniture Providers do not show pricing on their websites. It can be easy to get caught up in the process of virtually picking furniture and ending up with a vision that far exceeds your funds. Save yourself some time and frustration and reach out to your Contract Furniture Provider before you start dreaming. Being up front about your needs and your budget will help you get the right look, the right function and the right price.
Going to a retail furniture provider. While touching and feeling your furniture purchase at your local furniture store seems to make sense, the reality is that contract furniture is an entirely different animal. While the styling of retail and contract furniture can often be identical, contract construction standards are more stringent for contract (commercial) use. So, if you are buying furniture that is going to be used more than what an average family at home would use then you need contract furniture. Beyond construction, contract furniture has warranties that cover heavy use; fabrics are made to more durable standards and furniture is made with special features and benefits that speak directly to your users whether they are clients, patients, students or guests.

Don’t fret if you are stuck with the job of buying furniture for your facility. Contract Furniture Providers will listen to your needs and guide you to the right choices for your facility. If a contract provider expects you to point and click chances are it is not the right provider for you. Ask for advice. After all, if you make a wrong choice you (and your boss) will likely be stuck looking at it for years to come.

Topics: Commercial Lounge Furniture, Contract Furniture, Fabric/Upholstered Furniture for Contract