Blog

Metal Edging for Table Tops

Metal edging is a popular choice for table tops, but do you know what it entails and what sort of table tops it is suitable for? In this article, we will explore the different advantages and disadvantages for using metal as edging on table tops.

11/05/22 17:02

Monthly Product Update - April 22' - Sofas

This April, we are showcasing our favourite multi-seat furniture, a staple for every social gatherings - sofas! From modular sofas to sofa beds, we invite you to take a first look at our top picks. 

29/04/22 12:00

Outdoor Table Top Options

Choosing table tops for outdoor use can be a difficult task. Some materials are better in terms of aesthetics and others are more durable. In this article we will explore the ways in which these materials differ and also delve into options for each, so you might find the best one that will suit your needs.

04/04/22 15:26

Monthly Product Update - Mar 22' - Barstools

As COVID regulations ease up across the UK, we are delighted that restaurants and bars can now operate in full swing! To celebrate, we are putting a spotlight on barstools this March...

31/03/22 14:25

Creating the Ruby Hotel - Interview with Matthew Balon

We are delighted to have interviewed Matthew Balon, the Head of Design at Ruby Hotels, who tells us about his design methods, where he finds inspiration, and the up-and-coming trends for hotel interior design.

08/03/22 11:28

Monthly Product Update - Feb 22' - Outdoor Dream

This February we are showcasing some of our favourite outdoor collections, perfect for the warmer months. From sofas to lounge chairs to barstools, this furniture is hard-wearing and weather-resistant...

01/03/22 16:44

Edge Profiles for Solid Wood Table Tops

Have you selected a solid wood table top? Are you now wondering how to best approach personalising your table top edges? We've put together a comprehensive guide to help you pick out the best edge for your table top.

15/02/22 16:06

Monthly Product Update - Jan 22' - Natural Classics

This January we are celebrating the natural classics. From tables to armchairs to bar stools, our favourites this month should surely be on any interior designer's radar...

31/01/22 16:41

Veneered Wood Table Tops

Have you ever wondered why veneers are used instead of solid timber? Is solid wood always the best choice for your table top? In this article, we delve into everything you need to know about veneer table tops.

13/01/22 12:54

VAT Free Trade

Are you confused about whether VAT will be charged on your furniture purchase? If so, you’re not alone. In this article, we will explain when you will be able to trade with us VAT-free and when not. There are 4 typical scenarios...

14/12/21 13:03

Designing for Aloft: Interview with Mike Duncalf

We are delighted to have interviewed, Mike Duncalf, Director at Studio Duncalf, who speaks to us about his design style, personal philosophies, and our project collaboration for Aloft London Excel hotel (part of Marriott International) in 2019 and, again, for the Docksider restaurant within the same hotel in 2021

09/12/21 15:39

Monthly Product Update - Nov '21

Monthly Product Update '21 features a hand-picked selection of the latest contract furniture models. Short read for interior designers interested in keeping on top of the market.

30/11/21 15:37

Wooden Table Top Thicknesses

Wooden table tops are generally supplied in thicknesses that relate to standard thicknesses of timber planks or sheet materials. They usually come in the following thicknesses...

24/11/21 12:46

Wooden Table Tops - Types of Wood

Wooden table tops are robust, last for ages, look better with a bit of wear and can be made to match pretty much any interior design scheme. We detail the pros and cons of different types of wooden table tops including beech, ash, oak & teak as well as the benefits of veneers and engineered wood.

11/11/21 11:10

New Website Features - Oct '21

Making furniture specifying easier through innovation is part of our DNA at The Contract Chair Company. This month, we've launched another set of updates that will further improve the experience...

25/10/21 16:09

Interview with an Expert - Antimicrobial Fabrics with Ben Lewis

Recent health concerns surrounding the worldwide pandemic have generated a renewed interest in ways we can stay safe, clean and able to protect against infectious diseases- particularly within public venues and the hospitality industry....

20/10/21 10:44

10 Quick-Fire Questions with....Jordan Littler from 3Stories Design

Designing a space as successful as Goods Way, Kings Cross is by no means an easy feat. We are therefore thrilled to have Jordan Littler, Creative Director from 3Stories Design talk us through his expertise, inspiration and valuable insight for Goods Way and beyond...

20/08/21 15:53

Sofa Styles for the Hospitality Industry

A look at some of the top sofa trends within the hospitality industry. A break down of each type, and how to select the right style of sofa for any purpose.

23/06/21 10:03

Foam In Seats – Making Sitting Comfortable

The comfort of an upholstered seat comes from a mixture of: • The composition of the foam under the upholstery • The depth of the foam. • The structure under the foam.

17/09/20 17:12

Biophilic Design Explained

Biophilic design is increasingly improving our general well-being. It is perhaps unsurprising that Biophilic design is attracting growing attention.

05/08/20 10:43

Quick-ship Hospitality Furniture

The Contract Chair Co can provide many chairs, tables and stools, for quick delivery – most can be with you within a fortnight, some even more quickly.

24/06/20 14:20

How should restaurant table tops be cleaned in the COVID-19 era?

Sanitizer v soapy water? We have the answer for managers of hospitality establishments. With the expected phased opening of hospitality establishments over the summer, managers are turning their attention to measures to stop the spread of the virus, in the air and on surfaces, not least on table tops.

08/06/20 09:51

Protective Screens for Hospitality Venues

As the lockdown is eased, the UK government has announced that hospitality venues may soon be allowed to open as long as they maintain social distancing. This article gives an overview of our products which can help in adhere to new standards.

14/05/20 11:23

COVID-19 Update (April)

Our statement on COVID-19 situation update: ✓ Factories are opening ✓ Deliveries are uninterrupted ✓ We are working remotely

19/03/20 18:33

10 Hospitality Furniture Picks From imm cologne 2020

We present our 10 best finds from imm cologne 2020; brand new chairs and tables specifically sourced with the hospitality market in mind.

20/02/20 16:25

Types Of Brass Table Top

The process of making a table top from a sheet of mill-finished brass will leave the raw top looking patchy and unfinished, so brass table tops need finishing after they have been fabricated.

03/02/20 08:30

Furniture Highlights: Woven Furniture

We showcase our picks of the newest woven chairs and tables added to our website recently, with a sneak peek at some yet to come.

17/01/20 10:44

Furniture Trends 2020: Solid Central Bases on Chairs & Tables

For our first trend blog of the new decade we look at a trend that encompasses both chairs and tables: central bases.

06/01/20 15:00

Our Top Hospitality Furniture Products of 2019

Our sales and account managers pick their favourite hospitality furniture products of the year, from new chairs and sustainable furniture to mixed materials & cane details. 

18/12/19 16:09

Furniture Trends 2019: Bold Shapes On Chairs & Tables

We highlight our favourite bold shapes incorporated into the very construction of the furniture including crisp-like chair backs, rotund bases & cut-out tables. 

11/12/19 13:00

Furniture Trends 2019: Curved Sofas

In these uncertain times, everyone could use a hug from a curved sofa. This is our selection of the roundest, most comfortable offerings on the contract market.

06/12/19 11:00

International Delivery Options

Deliveries within the EU are fairly run-of-the-mill; those further afield usually take longer & are more complicated, so tend to be more expensive.

05/12/19 09:58

Furniture Trends 2019: Decorative Metal Chairs & Tables

Evocative of decorative metalwork found in French parks, gardens and bandstands and the leafy style of the Art Nouveau period, this trend is popular in fine dining outdoor terraces and the garden areas of stately cafes.

26/11/19 13:24

Acoustic Furniture: 5 Tips To Dampen Sound In A Restaurant

Ever sat opposite someone and not been able to hear what they are saying? These five tips will maximise the acoustic properties of furniture for a restaurant space.

21/11/19 11:30

Faux Leather Upholstery For Contract Furniture

A good faux leather looks extremely similar to the real thing & usually offers a number of advantages over leather, not least often being significantly cheaper.

11/11/19 11:30

Laminate Table Top Options For Restaurants, Cafes & Hotels

Laminate table tops are topped by a thin laminate layer - a man-made material developed specifically to be hard-wearing, making them ideal for hospitality venue table tops.

04/11/19 15:04

Furniture Highlights: Contract Sofas

We focus on our great selection of contract sofas including contract corner sofas, high back contract sofas and outdoor contract sofas.

29/10/19 12:35

Furniture Trends 2019: Swing Chairs

As the British Summers (allegedly) improve, hospitality venues are seeing greater returns from investing in their outdoor spaces & swing seats are adding an extra touch of fun.

25/10/19 11:25

Furniture Trends 2019: Patterned Tables

Frequently we're finding tables with patterned wooden and stone shapes and marble-like swirls being specified as interiors get bolder and brighter. Here's our selection of patterned table top options.

10/10/19 13:20

Award-Winning Restaurant and Bar Designs 2019

The results of the 2019 Restaurant and Bar Design Awards are in and we'd like to say a huge congratulations to all 17 of our nominated projects that we had the absolute pleasure of working on.

04/10/19 11:36

Class 0 & Class 1 (2, 3 & 4) Fire Rating For Contract Furniture

Class 0 & Class 1 are fire ratings that we are occasionally asked for. This article explains the terms and how they apply to contract furniture.

26/09/19 16:40

Furniture Highlights: Contract Benches

From industrial metal benches, great for co-working offices to traditional picnic tables, this is our pick of contract benches including options for both indoor and outdoor spaces. 

17/09/19 12:00

8 Great Patterned Upholstery Fabrics For Contract Use

As the retro resurgence continues, patterned fabrics are becoming bolder and brighter are you brave enough to specify any of these 8 great patterns?

13/09/19 10:35

Leather Upholstery: 8 Useful Pointers For Contract Furniture

There are very good reasons why leather is an enduringly popular choice for contract furniture; it is robust and (usually) gets even more attractive with age. Here are some useful pointers about leather‘s qualities.

04/09/19 17:08

Furniture Trends 2019: Curved-back Wooden Chairs

Curved-back wooden chairs are flowing everywhere at the moment; here they combine with a handcrafted feel to create furniture with a more organic form.

20/08/19 13:32

Marble Table Tops - Everything You Need To Know

Marble table tops are extremely popular in restaurants, bars & hotels. This is everything you need to know about marble tops from acid etching to edge profiles.

30/07/19 13:50

Do Your Barstool Footrests Need Protecting?

Barstools are central to many hospitality venues. But almost all of them have one particular feature that is different to almost all chairs – they have footrests that bear the brunt of wear and tear from customers’ shoes.

23/07/19 11:45

Glides For Chairs & Why They Matter

Hard plastic or nylon glides are generally the best choice for chairs in hospitality environments but felt glides may sometimes be more appropriate. Find when to use which & watch our video on how to change chair glides.

19/07/19 10:38

Furniture Highlights: Barstool Bonanza

Our collection of the best new barstools available now. Explore indoor, outdoor, bentwood and even outdoor bentwood barstools for restaurant and hotels.

08/07/19 12:37

Connecting Table Bases To Table Tops

Tables used in the hospitality industry, most of which have pedestal bases, usually consist of two parts – the top and the base. These are often sourced from different suppliers, so it is vital to ensure that they are connected together properly.

04/07/19 15:47

Adjustable Feet On Inox Table Bases

If you know your floor surface is going to be uneven, adjustable feet are a great way to avoid a wobbly table. A simple tweak of the feet can instantly stablise your entire table. However, adding adjustable feet to some table bases may mean the screws will be visible from the top of the base plate.

28/06/19 15:10

Adding Detail With Waney Edge Table Tops

A natural-looking table edge profile is called a waney edge. Also known as a live edge, a waney edge is the outside cut of a log, with the bark removed.

20/06/19 12:15

Why Does Leather Upholstery Have Marks & Scars?

95% of leather comes from the hide of a cow; the rest is from buffaloes, but all is animal skin. As a result the grain will have fat wrinkles, insect bite marks and healed scars & scratches that have been acquired through the animal's lifetime.

13/06/19 12:38

Why Curved Shells May Need Fabric Testing For COM/COL

Curves are notoriously difficult to upholster, the inner back of some designs of curved chairs can be particularly tricky. This is because it's not as easy to stretch the fabric across the foam on a really curved inner back.

11/06/19 13:57

Table Choices: Prime Oak v Character Oak

Oak is one of the most popular choices because it has a naturally attractive grain without needing to be stained, is high quality and reasonably affordable. Oak comes in two types where table tops are concerned: European Oak & Character Oak. Here are the differences between the two.

06/06/19 16:19

Designing For Fine Dining: Interview With Faber Design

Faber Design has recently completed two fantastic fine dining venues: The Oyster Club in Birmingham and The Bracebridge in Sutton Coldfield. In this short interview with Faber we explore the secrets behind successful fine dining design.

28/05/19 14:56

Getting Barstool Heights Right

Most designers are concerned with the overall seat height of a barstool, but the dimensions to and from the foot rail play a crucial role in the comfort of a barstool. We've found the following dimensions ideal for contract use.

16/05/19 16:38

Children's Contract Furniture

As eating out becomes a more regular occurrence for many families, beyond the occasional celebratory meal, the demand for contract furniture for children is increasing. Some establishments are boosting their family appeal by selecting a number of child height tables and chairs to give a kid-friendly focus.

30/04/19 15:34

11 Alternatives To Marble Table Tops

Marble has downsides that mean it's not the ideal material for hospitality use. This is our list of marble alternatives to consider when specifying for your projects.

18/04/19 11:40

Furniture Trends: Orange & Terracotta Tones

Orange is great for hospitality venues as it's an energetic colour with anti-depressive properties which can create a positive atmosphere. In the '70s orange was typically paired with brown but is now found with pinks & reds in a full spectrum. We discuss our favourite orange furniture.

03/04/19 12:13

Furniture Trends: Round Backs On Upholstered Chairs

Round backs, particularly in super-comfortable, oversized and fully upholstered chairs are featuring prominently in new ranges. We look at our favourite products as well as the problem with curvy upholstered furniture and embark on the quest for the most comfortable chair.

18/03/19 14:23

Furniture Trends: Conical Table Bases

Conical table bases are here to elevate the humble table base and make a bold statement of the solid structure that holds the top aloft. Unmissable chunky designs, available in eye-catching finishes, these bases ensure every inch of space is fully utilised to create the desired aesthetic.

05/03/19 11:42

Tips for Specifying Fringe and Tassels on Furniture

Fringe needs to be carefully considered when specifying contract furniture; customers' clothing, zips or buttons can get stuck in the material and can result in the fringe being ripped or torn. We provide some tips, tricks & a list of our recommended suppliers.

25/02/19 14:28

Tips for Specifying Poufs

Poufs are versatile seating options with great acoustic properties and they offer a great splash of texture or colour at a low price point. Here are our tips for specifying poufs for restaurants, hotels and bars.

04/02/19 14:29

Our Brexit Reassurance To You

With the prospect of no-deal seemingly getting more likely, we are focusing on the logistics of moving furniture from our many factories in Europe to our customers mainly in the UK, as well as sending fabrics to our factories. We offer the following reassurance on import duties.

28/01/19 11:50

3 Reasons Fabric Can Wear Thin Despite A High Martindale Count

We ask designers to use the Martindale rub count to help select fabrics that are suitable for contract use. However there are three conditions that can lead to fabric wearing out before its time, even if it has a high abrasion score. Learn more and view our recommended hard-wearing contract fabrics.

21/01/19 11:43

Furniture Highlights: January 2019

New year, new chairs. This month's highlights include stylish Scandi-style furniture, great value stickback chairs, recycled table top materials and contemporary powder-coated outdoor chairs.

07/01/19 11:50

Experiential Nightlife: Flight Club, Puttshack & Bounce

You're planning a night out with a group of friends. You want to do something fun, interesting, different & memorable. Enter Bounce, Flight Club & Puttshack. Each concept combines state of the art gaming technology with inspired interior design to create an unparalleled night out. Peek inside.

12/12/18 11:52

Furniture Trends: Scandi Style & The Wellness Shift

Our pick of Scandi Style furniture that represents a move from clean minimalism to a softer and more colourful style. This trend goes hand in hand with the wellness shift taking place in the hospitality industry. Think natural materials, and spaces that promote healthy living and mental wellbeing.

03/12/18 12:26

Furniture Trends: Lines

If lines feature in your interior design scheme you may want the furniture to continue this theme. Here is our selection of furniture with prominent lines from woven chairs to metal frames, fluted upholstery and ribbed & corduroy fabrics.

19/11/18 12:00

Furniture Trends: Leather Upholstery on Frames

Leather upholstery on frames, or more specifically, leather that is hung or wrapped around a frame in a sling-like fashion is trending in chair design. This is often seen on frames which show the crafted joints to emphasise craftsmanship, giving a handmade and artisanal feel alongside a Scandinavian aesthetic.

12/11/18 10:35

Furniture Highlights: November 2018

More new furniture than ever before is being added to the website on a daily basis and long may it continue. We now have over 3100 online products and counting. Here is a snapshot of the furniture that has been added in the past month including new samples that have been added to our showroom range.

29/10/18 11:06

Award-Winning Restaurant and Bar Designs 2018

The results of the 2018 Restaurant and Bar Design Awards are in and we'd like to say a huge congratulations to all 18 of our nominated projects that we had the absolute pleasure of working on.

08/10/18 11:50

Treating Fabric To Crib 5 For Hospitality Use

Fabric must be able to pass three fire tests to be suitable for hospitality use. It's often necessary to treat fabrics to Crib 5 standard so they will pass these tests. We explain the factory process behind flameproofing, & the science behind the testing including why some fabrics are unsuitable.

01/10/18 11:30

Furniture Highlights: October 2018

The first arrival of new chairs for Autumn including a new table top material called Topalit with a sneak peek at new table bases on the way. Additions to classic ranges also include metal frames on the Paris & Louvre chairs, Mojo chairs now in plywood and several barstools joining the ranks.

24/09/18 11:10

10 of Our Most Instagrammable Projects

Creating Instagrammable moments is now part of architectural briefs as more restaurants vie for free publicity, social kudos & the genuine footfall created by growing quest for the perfect selfie. We highlight 10 of our most Instagrammable projects of late, from crazy golf to avocados-only with a healthy hit of floral decor & neon signage.

17/09/18 12:12

Woven Furniture - Types & Techniques

Woven furniture comes in different styles & materials. Telling them apart can often be confusing, but it's essential to know the difference, particularly if you're looking for furniture that's suitable for outdoors. Our list details the different types with an infographic showing furniture examples.

10/09/18 11:50

Avoid Using Flip Top Table Bases With Heavy Tops

Manufacturer guidance on table bases will always show the max top size they are suitable for but it's also important to consider the weight of the top. Certain tops including marble should never be paired with a flip top base, while iroko, solid core & others are only suitable with certain bases.

20/08/18 11:20

Table Tennis Tables for Offices & Student Accommodation

Why buy a contract table over a standard ping pong table? Essentially, a contract table will give you a wider choice of size and style and added flexibility of use. We explore the pros, cons and possibilities for table tennis tables in offices and student accommodation.

13/08/18 12:27

6 Dazzling Hospitality Interiors With Geometric Patterns

The popularity of geometric patterns is tied to a resurgence of retro & the mid-century modern aesthetic but they are a fantastic way to add visual intrigue with minimal amount of application. This is particularly good if you're trying to create an Instagram-able venue on a tight budget.

26/03/18 12:00

Glass Tables Care and Maintenance Tips

Glass tables are simple to clean and maintain and are very strong. But if a glass surface is hit on its edge it can easily shatter. Here are our tips for getting the longest life from your glass tables.

19/03/18 11:54

Furniture Trends: Decadent Comfort

Over the past year there's been a definite trend towards decadent comfort. Fully upholstered chairs, deep seating and extra comfort, particularly using luxuriant materials. Often with accentuated stitching, fluted and button-back upholstery, piping or studding details and metal caps on chair legs.

05/03/18 11:53

Ideas For Your Office Breakout Area

The key question when planning a breakout area in your space is: What do you want to achieve from your breakout area? Here are some breakout design ideas including soft areas, one-to-one booths, hot desking areas, quiet areas, social areas with furniture such as sofa dens, modular furniture & poufs.

26/02/18 11:59

Things To Consider Before Buying Bespoke Furniture

We supply many types of bespoke furniture but take care, bespoke furniture will tend to take longer than range products, read this blog before committing. We give some guidelines for bespoke metalwork, upholstery, dining chairs, table tops and combinations of materials from different suppliers.

05/02/18 11:28

How Bespoke Furniture Is Made

Watch the video to see our supplier manufacture a bespoke low stool and see the finished product at home in the Everyman Cinema in Stratford-upon-Avon. The stool was constructed from a mild steel cage-style base, blackened to a natural finish & fitted with a domed seat pad upholstered in leather.

29/01/18 11:37

Furniture Highlights: January 2018

Our pick of the best chairs we've added to our website in the past month including a contemporary selection of waiting room furniture and lobby lounge chairs.

11/01/18 16:12

Furniture Styles Infographic

A handy infographic explaining furniture styles with images and descriptions. Discover the difference between Industrial, Bentwood, Vintage, Scandinavian, Reclaimed, Ethnic furniture, Organic Forms and Classic Designs with pictorial examples of each.

08/01/18 10:47

Furniture Highlights: New Tricks Edition

Furniture highlights featuring chairs now available with different upholstery options including button-back, piping & studding and some interesting new finishes. The playful Iola chair is a staff favourite, while we predict Lana & Alissa collections are going to be popular buys for restaurant interiors.

30/11/17 09:17

Contract Upholstery, Sofas & Soft Seating: 25 Points to Consider

Here are 25 points to consider that will affect the speed of delivery, lifespan, and overall design and feel of contract upholstery, sofas and soft seating. Tips include dimensions, fabric qualities and quantities, leather and hide ordering cushion conumdrums and the varying scope of seat softness.

27/11/17 11:06

5 Award-winning Restaurant and Bar Designs

The results of the 2017 Restaurant and Bar Design Awards are in. We'd like to say congrats to these five winning restaurant and bar designs that we had the pleasure of working on: The Kitty Hawk, The Lost & Found Knutsford, Clerkenwell Grind, Chiswick Fire Station & Nandos Kitchen Putney.

12/10/17 10:40

Furniture Highlights: October 2017

Top picks of furniture that's caught our eye in the past month, including a focus on some beautiful side chairs, new versatile ranges & unique metal finishes. Featuring the 2259 side chair, the Candy lounge chair, the Coco side chair, the Lisboa woven chair, the Aston range and the Wing side chair.

03/10/17 11:00

Furniture Highlights: Coffee Table Edition

Top picks of the furniture that's caught our eye in the past month, including a focus on coffee tables, some elegant beech chairs and a parade of elephants. From Code, Rio, Peyote, Laser, Billy & Sting tables to Sun, Moon, Lund, & Time chairs, there's plenty of new furniture inspiration for all.

05/09/17 09:35

Chair Robustness & Furniture Testing

Durability is an important feature of hospitality furniture. You can protect chairs from damage as well as undertake furniture testing for robustness. Do you know your FIRA from your Martindale rub count? And which glides will you need for a specific type of flooring. All is revealed inside.

04/09/17 11:30

The European Furniture Industry - What's Made Where & Why?

Find out why the European furniture industry supplies most of the hospitality furniture to designers, restaurants and hotels in the UK and discover why you shouldn't buy contract furniture from Asia and the Middle-East. A map of Europe also shows where the major furniture manufacturers are based.

07/08/17 12:01

Furniture Highlights: August 2017

The best new furniture from the past month with great value alternatives to popular design choices and some student accommodation faves. Virginia, Bloom, Uni-Ka & Flux chairs feature with Skid, the lounge chair & pouf that's cool as ice, & Lana, the Scandi style range with a dipped back.

01/08/17 11:39

Table Top Edge Profiles

Most solid wood & stone table tops can be finished with your choice of edge profile. Our diagram shows many of the most popular table top edge profiles. We also give details of waney edges & metal edge options including copper, brass & steel and styles of application such as trim, band & overlay.

01/08/17 10:42

Outdoor Furniture Care

A bit of extra care will allow your outdoor furniture to look for longer. Plastic furniture, woven furniture, metal furniture, teak furniture and outdoor cushions all have different care requirements. Make sure you know which you need as some products can be damaging to certain materials.

01/08/17 10:36