Public seating is an investment so it’s important that you do your research before settling on a specific design. At Woodbender, we pride ourselves on being chair specialists and with almost 32 years of experience behind us, we can confidently say we know what makes for an ideal high-traffic environment chair. The following four qualities are essential in public seating and can be found in all Woodbender designs.
DURABILITY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
Public venues are busy places and a large number of people will be using these chairs. It’s important that they’re of the finest quality in order to perform well and look good over time. Investing in chairs that are durable will save you money in the long run because you won’t need to replace or repair them as often. Well-made, robust public seating is resistant to the wear and tear that comes from usage in high-traffic environments. When furniture is made with passion, care, and attention to detail, the craftsmanship in the manufacturing process is evident in the longevity of the design.
LOW MAINTENANCE
No matter how durable and robust a chair is, heavy usage in a busy environment will require maintenance from time to time in order to keep it looking like new. One of the first parts of a chair to show signs of wear and tear is the upholstered seat, so look for a chair with a removable seat. This allows for easy cleaning of crumbs and stains and makes reupholstering a breeze. It’s also ideal for changing up the look of a space – a simple change in upholstery can transform the feel of a room.
AESTHETICALLY PLEASING
Have you ever found yourself looking for a seat in a public space only to be greeted by unsightly looking chairs? If so, it’s highly likely that were reluctant to take a seat. Now compare that to a time you entered a venue fitted with beautifully designed chairs. It’s human nature to gravitate towards beautiful objects. Aesthetically pleasing chairs encourage people to take a seat and enjoy the space as intended. When selecting chairs for a public space take other decor and design elements into account so that the chairs tie in with the overall look and feel. Is the space modern and minimalist? Is it more traditional or rustic? Perhaps it has an industrial feel to it? Establish the theme and select chairs to complement it.
COMFORT AND INNOVATION
Public seating that is durable and stylish is important, but equally so is the need for it to be comfortable. There’s no point in people taking a seat in a beautiful chair only to find it incredibly uncomfortable. Whether it be in a restaurant, a conference hall, or a wedding venue, a comfortable chair plays a huge role in how a person experiences that space. The goal is to encourage people to feel relaxed and sit for longer. You want them to leave with pleasant memories of the time they spent sitting in the chair – not a sore back! A well-engineered chair is crafted with comfort and ergonomics in mind. Attention is paid to the angles and shapes used in places like the backrest, arms, seat, and legs. The design of the chair should take into consideration the intended location (fine dining restaurant, hotel lobby, meeting hall, etc) and cater to its specific needs. For example, easy to get out of, light in weight to move around, small footprint, sloped arms for relaxing etc.