How do you select appropriate furniture for high-traffic areas?

1 Consider the purpose and use

The first step is to understand the purpose and use of the space. Who will be using the furniture? How often and for how long? What activities will they be doing? What are their needs and preferences? For example, if you are designing a lobby for a hotel, you might want to provide a variety of seating options, such as sofas, chairs, benches, and stools, to accommodate different guests and situations. You might also want to include tables, lamps, outlets, and magazines to create a welcoming and convenient environment. On the other hand, if you are designing a cafeteria for a school, you might want to opt for simple, sturdy, and easy-to-clean tables and chairs that can fit a large number of students and staff.

2 Choose the right materials and fabrics

The next step is to choose the right materials and fabrics for the furniture. You want to look for durable, resilient, and stain-resistant materials that can withstand wear and tear, spills, stains, and scratches. You also want to consider the maintenance and cleaning requirements of the materials. For example, leather, vinyl, and synthetic fabrics are usually more durable and easy to clean than cotton, wool, or silk. However, they might also be more expensive, less breathable, or less eco-friendly. Wood, metal, and plastic are also common materials for high-traffic furniture, but they have different advantages and disadvantages in terms of strength, weight, style, and cost.

3 Match the style and color

The final step is to match the style and color of the furniture with the overall design of the space. You want to create a cohesive and harmonious look that reflects your client's brand and vision. You also want to consider the mood and atmosphere that you want to create. For example, if you are designing a conference room for a creative agency, you might want to use bright and bold colors, modern and sleek shapes, and quirky and fun accents to convey a sense of innovation and energy. On the other hand, if you are designing a waiting room for a dental clinic, you might want to use soft and neutral colors, classic and comfortable shapes, and soothing and relaxing elements to convey a sense of calmness and professionalism.

Selecting appropriate furniture for high-traffic areas is not an easy task, but it can be rewarding and satisfying if you follow these tips. Remember to consider the purpose and use, the materials and fabrics, and the style and color of the furniture to create a space that meets your client's needs and expectations.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?