Creating a welcoming, comfortable, and unique environment for hotel visitors is essential. The key to that is selecting the right hotel furniture. Of course, it has to look good. However, several other critical factors must be considered when procuring hotel furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E). They will empower you to choose furnishings for your lodging that will enhance the guest experience, improve your hotel’s functionality, and save you money over the long term.
Continue reading to discover everything you must consider when evaluating and purchasing hotel furniture.
Define Your Hotel’s Brand and Style
Defining your hospitality property’s brand and style is crucial before you purchase furniture. Consider the ambiance and experience you want to deliver to visitors so you can select furniture that supports your concept. Defining your brand and style will help you choose appropriate furniture and ensure consistency throughout the hotel property.
Make Durability and Quality a Top Priority
Hotel furnishings experience extraordinary wear and tear. Investing in durable, high-quality furniture must be a top priority. Quality pieces last longer, require less maintenance, and need to be replaced less frequently. Seek out materials and finishes that are sturdy, stain- and scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. Purchasing commercial-grade furnishings is always a wise decision.
Consider Comfort and Functionality
Choose furnishings that guests will find ergonomic and comfortable. That includes plush lobby sofas, ergonomic desk chairs, appropriate height desks, and supportive guest room mattresses. Also, evaluate the functionality of the furniture. For instance, check that wardrobes, dressers, nightstands, and desks will accommodate guests’ needs during their stay.
Define Spaces and Plan Layouts
Completely define the size and layout of rooms and public spaces before purchasing furniture. Shopping without a finalized space plan usually results in pieces that are too big, small, or awkward.
Optimize space utilization by choosing appropriately sized furnishings that allow guests to move and function effortlessly. Always consider modular furnishings that can be reconfigured and repurposed for use in different rooms and situations.
Meet and Exceed Safety and Other Standards
Guest safety and accessibility are of the utmost importance in every lodging property. When purchasing FF&E, check that it meets safety standards and regulations, especially regarding fire safety. Seek out properly certified furnishings, including fire-resistant upholstery and flame-retardant materials. This protects hotel guests and ensures compliance with safety codes and regulations.
While at it, ensure the FF&E you select is accessible for all guests, including those in wheelchairs. If you feel unsure about meeting safety and accessibility regulations, the experts at The Stroud Group are available to help. We’ve worked on all types of hospitality development projects globally and have a solid understanding of safety and accessibility requirements.
Check Supplier Reputation and Customer Support
When choosing a hotel furniture supplier, consider their reputation. Do your due diligence and only do business with reputable suppliers known for quality products and superior customer service. Check customer ratings and reviews. Request customer testimonials from people at similar hospitality properties. Always ask about after-sales support, warranties, and maintenance services. You want to ensure a hassle-free experience for as long as the furnishings are in use.
Many hospitality companies lack extensive experience selecting hotel furniture providers. Rest assured, you can depend on The Stroud Group’s pros and our extensive database of vetted hotel furniture suppliers.
Final Thoughts: Selecting the Right Furniture for Your Hotel
Clearly, when buying hotel furniture, it’s critical to consider more than aesthetics. Make informed decisions based on the considerations in this guide. It will help you create inviting, functional, safe, accessible, delightful, and durable spaces that deliver great guest experiences and set your hotel apart from the competition.
The friendly experts at The Stroud Group are always available to help you find the perfect furniture for your lodging property. Contact us today to get started.