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A guide to contract furniture

When designing and furnishing a commercial space, one term you’ll often encounter is contract furniture. But what exactly is contract furniture, and why is it so important in various industries?

Contract furniture refers to furniture designed and manufactured for commercial use. Unlike residential furniture, contract furniture is built to withstand heavy use and meet specific industry standards. This type of furniture is commonly found in settings such as offices, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and educational institutions. The main goal of contract furniture is to combine functionality, durability, and aesthetics to create a cohesive and practical environment.

Key benefits of contract furniture

  • Durability and quality

Contract furniture is crafted from high-quality materials designed to endure frequent use and last longer than typical residential furniture. Manufacturers prioritise durability, ensuring that the furniture can withstand wear and tear from constant use in a commercial setting. At NaughtOne, we stand by the quality of our products, offering a ten-year warranty to guarantee their longevity and reliability. This commitment to durability provides peace of mind, knowing that your investment is protected for years to come.

  • Compliance with industry standards

Contract furniture often needs to meet strict safety and quality standards. For example, furniture used in healthcare settings must comply with hygiene and safety regulations, while office furniture must adhere to ergonomic guidelines. This compliance ensures the safety and comfort of users.

  • Customisation options

Many contract furniture manufacturers offer customisation options to meet the specific needs and branding of a business. From choosing the right fabrics and finishes to designing furniture that fits unique spatial requirements, customisation helps create a cohesive and tailored environment.

  • Cost-effectiveness

Although contract furniture might have a higher upfront cost compared to residential furniture, its durability and longevity make it a cost-effective investment in the long run. Businesses save money on replacements and repairs, benefiting from the long-term value of their furniture.

 

Types of contract furniture

  • Office furniture

Office furniture includes desks, chairs, workstations, and storage solutions designed to enhance productivity and comfort. Ergonomic design is a key consideration, ensuring that employees have a comfortable and efficient workspace.

  • Hospitality furniture

Hospitality furniture encompasses items used in hotels, restaurants, and cafés. This includes seating, tables, beds, and case goods. The focus is on creating a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment for guests while ensuring durability and easy maintenance.

  • Healthcare furniture

Healthcare furniture is specifically designed for medical facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. This type of furniture must be easy to clean, durable, and meet strict safety standards. Examples include patient beds, waiting room chairs, and examination tables.

  • Educational furniture

Educational furniture includes desks, chairs, and storage units used in schools, colleges, and universities. The design focuses on creating an engaging and adaptable learning environment, with considerations for durability and functionality.

 

Upholstery, finishes, and customisation options

When it comes to fabric and finishes, you have the option to customise them to your liking. NaughtOne offers a comprehensive range of upholstery and finish options designed to provide flexibility and style while maintaining the high standards of durability and quality that our brand is known for.

Fabric groups

All NaughtOne upholstery prices are graded-in according to the fabric list provided. We can also quote for using most upholstery grade fabrics, so please contact us directly or speak to your dealer to get a quotation.

  • Bleach cleanable fabrics

For environments requiring stringent hygiene standards, we offer bleach-cleanable fabrics that maintain their appearance and integrity even after rigorous cleaning.

  • COM (Customer’s Own Material)

We are happy to work with you if you prefer to supply your own fabric (COM).

  • Fabric grades

Our fabrics are available in grades from Grade 1 to Grade 6, offering a range of options to suit different budgets and requirements.

Vinyls, PUs, and microfibres

We offer a variety of vinyl and microfibres, many of which are bleach cleanable, making them ideal for high-use areas that require frequent cleaning.

Leather

The stated leather prices are based on NaughtOne selected leathers (Crest/JMT) which can be supplied and sampled directly from us. If you require specific leathers, we can provide a bespoke quotation based on your needs. Available leather grades range from Grade 1 to Grade 5.

Standard finishes
  • RAL Colours

The RAL colour system is a range of reference colours used mainly for industrial finishes. We offer 16 RAL colours for metal powder coating as standard, providing you with the toolkit to create unique and beautiful spaces. Look out for the colour base upcharge on the individual product price list pages. NaughtOne can offer further RAL options on a POA (Price On Application) basis.

Standard table top finishes

NaughtOne offers a variety of tabletop finishes across our product ranges:

  • MFMDF (Melamine-Faced Medium-Density Fibreboard): MFMDF provides many of the advantages of MDF with a decorative and hard-wearing surface layer.
  • Oak or walnut veneer: We use crown-cut American white oak and American black walnut decorative veneers to give your table tops a natural and sophisticated finish.
  • Carrara marble: Carrara marble is our standard high-quality white marble, offering a luxurious and timeless look.
  • Forbo desktop lino: Forbo’s desktop furniture linoleum collection consists of 20 elegant colours that add a distinctive touch to our table tops. It has a water-based finish that prevents scratching and staining while ensuring the surface remains warm to the touch with a nice matte finish.

Morse table system top options

For the Morse Table System, we offer a wide variety of top options, including 20 Forbo colours, oak veneer, and black and white MFMDF, all with matching edges.

By offering a diverse range of upholstery and finish options, NaughtOne ensures that your contract furniture not only meets your practical needs but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your space. With our ten-year warranty, you can invest in our furniture with confidence, knowing it is built to last.

If there is anything we can help you with, contact us, otherwise browse our range here.

Part of the MillerKnoll collective.