Commercial Furniture FAQs
Straight answers about contract furniture, fire safety, lead times and how our packages work.
Specifying furniture for a commercial space raises questions that rarely come up at home. Below are the ones we are asked most often by hotel operators, office managers, practice owners and designers. Use the list to jump to a question. If yours is not here, send it to us and we will answer within one working day.
Your questions, answered
- What is contract furniture?
- What does Crib 5 mean?
- Is your furniture suitable for commercial use?
- Can I change the products in a furniture package?
- How long does commercial furniture take to arrive?
- Do you deliver and install across the UK?
- Do you offer wipe-clean seating for dental and medical waiting rooms?
- Can you help with space planning and 3D visualisation?
- Which furniture brands do you work with?
- Are your prices inclusive of VAT and delivery?
- Can you refurbish furniture we already own?
- How do I get a quote?
What is contract furniture?
Contract furniture is furniture made for commercial use: hotels, offices, restaurants, clinics and other public spaces. It uses stronger frames, harder-wearing fabrics and finishes, and upholstery tested to the fire safety standards for non-domestic seating. It is built to be used by many people every day and to last far longer than typical home furniture.
What does Crib 5 mean?
Crib 5 is a fire test in BS 5852 that uses a small wooden crib as the ignition source. Under BS 7176, upholstered seating for medium hazard settings, which typically include hotels, restaurants, bars and public buildings, must pass the cigarette, match and Crib 5 tests. Your fire risk assessment sets the level your space needs, and we specify upholstery to match it.
Is your furniture suitable for commercial use?
Yes. We specify from each brand's contract range and check every product for commercial suitability before it goes into a package or proposal.
Can I change the products in a furniture package?
Yes. Our packages are a starting point. We can change products, fabrics, finishes and quantities to suit your floor plan, brand and budget, and update the price to match.
How long does commercial furniture take to arrive?
Lead times depend on the brand, product and finish. Many items arrive within 4 to 8 weeks, while made-to-order upholstery can take 10 to 14 weeks. We confirm lead times in your specification and plan deliveries around your opening or move-in date.
Do you deliver and install across the UK?
Yes. We manage delivery and installation across the UK, including out-of-hours installation for offices, hotels and clinics that need to keep running.
Do you offer wipe-clean seating for dental and medical waiting rooms?
Yes. We specify wipe-clean vinyls and performance fabrics that can be disinfected between patients, with seating designed for easy cleaning and accessibility. See our dental and medical reception furniture page.
Can you help with space planning and 3D visualisation?
Yes. Our design service covers space planning, 3D render ideas, full specification, procurement and installation.
Which furniture brands do you work with?
We work with brands including HAY, Vitra, Muuto, Fritz Hansen, Cassina, B&B Italia, &Tradition, Audo Copenhagen, Carl Hansen & Søn, Arper, USM, Kartell and Naughtone, and can source many more through our supply partner Rainbow Design. See our brands.
Are your prices inclusive of VAT and delivery?
Package prices are shown excluding VAT and delivery. Your quote sets out VAT, delivery and installation clearly so there are no surprises.
Can you refurbish furniture we already own?
Yes. Through our refurbish and repurpose service we can arrange repairs and reupholstery so classic pieces fit your new scheme.
How do I get a quote?
Use the quote form on any page or email studio@palettespaces.co.uk with your floor plan, capacity, timeline and budget. We reply within one working day.