Frequently asked questions
What is contract furniture?
In simple terms, contract furniture is any furniture that is used in a commercial environment.
Contract furniture is used by businesses and commercial spaces. That can range from offices and coworking spaces to restaurants, pubs, and cafes – from hotels to sporting arenas to airports, to… you get the picture. If it’s not for your home we are happy to help you outfit it with beautiful, well-designed, hard-wearing furniture.
Contract furniture is generally more durable so it can withstand heavy use, and it’s reasonably easy to maintain. It’s built to different specifications than your residential furniture with extra reinforcement such as screws and dowels at primary joints. Contract furniture is generally made to order which means you have a much broader range of finishes and design options when choosing the right furniture.
Contract furniture also has to comply with health and safety requirements. This includes things like the Martindale fabric abrasion test, to prove the durability of a fabric to a minimum number of rubs. Or, the British Standards for Flammability, also known as Crib 5 – a standard for materials and furniture. The standard does not require furniture to be fireproof, but if a flame does ignite it’s likely to die out more quickly and is less likely to spread.
Who are we at Contract Chair Co?
We’re passionate about good furniture and about providing exceptional care and service to our commercial and hospitality clients. Contract Chair Co, established in 2006, is a leading furniture supplier operating out of a large working showroom in Hammersmith, London.
Here at the Contract Chair Company, we supply European-made furniture to hospitality clients in the UK, EU, U.S.A, and the Middle East. With our extensive range of high-quality chairs, stools, sofas, tables, and more we cater to the unique needs of architects, interior designers, and industry professionals. Whether it's a stylish hotel lobby, a vibrant restaurant, or a contemporary office space, we offer a diverse collection that blends style, comfort, and durability, ensuring our clients find the perfect furniture for their projects. We’re committed to excellence – with our attention to detail, resources for designers, and efficient customer service, we continue to be a trusted partner for commercial clients looking for innovative and tailored furniture solutions.
Do you have a showroom?
Of course! We have a showroom in Hammersmith, London that is equipped to showcase a broad range of our products to fit your design projects. We have over 500 chair samples, thousands of wood, metal and fabric swatches, extensive options for tables tops and table bases, and bespoke samples, all to help guide you in your decisions for your next commercial design project.
We’re located at 135 Glenthorne Road, London, U.K., W6 0LJ, just a short walk from Ravenscourt Station. Driving in? Use our free on-site parking.
Visitors will need an appointment to view the showroom. Please email us at [email protected] or call 020 8735 6000 to book an appointment.
Do you sell to the general public?
We supply furniture for commercial projects, not domestic – even if we stock the item you want for your home, or even if you’re a designer working on a residential project, unfortunately, we will not be able to take you on as a client. This is due to a number of factors including minimum order volume, transport costs from our European manufacturers, and the fact that we cannot accept returned orders as everything we supply is made to order.
What sectors do you serve?
Contract furniture is the furniture used by businesses and for commercial purposes. At The Contract Chair Company, we supply furniture to the following sectors of the commercial and hospitality industry. If you have a commercial project that does not fit within these sectors, give us a shout and we will work with you to help bring your vision to life.
I have a complaint, who do I contact?
We're happy to help you sort out any issues you may have before, during, or after your order has been made. Simply contact us via the chat bubble on our homepage by phone at 020 8735 6000 or contact your sales representative if it's an order-related issue.
Do you rent furniture?
We do not currently rent furniture. Our showroom displays a cross-section of products we offer, but as our goods are made to order we don't keep enough inventory available on-site to support furniture rentals.
So, you might be saying to yourself “But you deal with contract furniture. How does ‘contract’ not mean that it’s for rent?” Contract furniture is furniture that’s used in a commercial setting. To learn more jump to the FAQ about “What is contract furniture?”
How much lead time do you need for an order?
Estimated lead times are specified separately for each product. As the orders are priced based on one consolidated delivery to you the product with the longest lead time dictates the overall lead time of the project. The lead time starts once the order has been confirmed. Click here to learn more about the order timeline.
If you’re working toward a specific delivery date you can filter your searches on the product category pages based on lead times so that you don’t miss your project deliverables.
Lead times may vary depending on the order size, complexity, or customizations. Supply chain interruptions can also affect how quickly an order can be completed, however, the lead times on our site are regularly updated to accurately reflect current lead times from our suppliers.
Are your lead times accurate?
Yes, all the lead times listed on our website are regularly updated.
If you have an emergency and need a product expedited so it’s delivered faster than shown on our website please fill out our contact form or email us at [email protected]
We will do our best to accommodate your request.
How long does it take to ship within the mainland UK?
For shipments within the mainland UK, shipping times are included in the lead times listed on product pages. Typically once your order is received at our warehouse, shipping within the mainland UK is approximately 1 business day.
How long does it take to ship within Europe?
For orders within Europe, your goods will be dispatched directly from our suppliers. It typically takes 1 week for your order to arrive at your shipping address. These timelines are estimates and are subject to change depending on factors such as inclement weather. Speak with your sales representative regarding precise shipping times for your order.
When you’re choosing products keep in mind that European shipping will add 1 week on top of the listed lead time on the product page.
What is the sales email address?
You can reach someone from our sales team at [email protected]
How do I get a furniture quote?
To get started on a furniture quote you can fill out our contact form, create a project with your favourite products and request a project quote, or email us at [email protected]
Are the website prices trade prices?
We only deal to trade so all the prices on our website are guideline trade prices. Please request a formal quote by filling out our contact form or emailing us at [email protected]
Do you have a minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Our minimum order quantities, or MOQs, exist on a product-by-product basis. If you visit the product’s listing page on our website you’ll be able to see its MOQ at the bottom where you select the quantity you want to purchase.
What is your return policy?
When it comes to order alterations or cancellations, once an Order Confirmation has been sent, you have 48 hours to cancel. Any costs incurred as a result of order alteration or cancellation will have to be paid for in full by the buyer.
Since all of our products are made to order, after that 48-hour window has elapsed, we are not able to cancel orders. For the same reason are also unable to accept any returned products.
I have a specific vision. Do you do bespoke furniture?
Yes! We love bespoke furniture and would love to work with you to make that vision a reality. We’ve also designed some of our own bespoke pieces that are available and ready to order on our website.
Learn more about our bespoke furniture process.
Is the furniture guaranteed?
Absolutely! We guarantee our products against all manufacturing faults for one year (12 months) from the delivery date. If there are any issues with the product upon delivery or if it fails as a result of manufacturer error we will work with the manufacturer to make it right.
There are certain conditions that will void the guarantee. Learn more here.
Who can request PRO access?
If you’re in the design industry and commercial clients are your jam then PRO access is made for you! That means interior designers, visualisers and design practices working with hospitality and commercial clients.
Why is my PRO account still under review?
Because we deal strictly with designers and commercial clients we need to vet all applications. This usually takes us one (1) business day, but if your account has not been approved by then email us at [email protected] to check on the status.
Do you have 3D models of your products?
Yes! We have a large inventory of 3D models and CAD files of the products we carry. In order to access the database you’ll need to register for a PRO account.
You’ll find the downloadable CAD files in specific product pages on the right side of the window.
How do I request specific 3D/CAD files that aren’t listed in your library?
If the product that caught your eye does not already have 3D/CAD files available, please email us at [email protected] and we will ask our team to prioritize producing the files for that product. It usually takes 2-3 working days for the files to be ready.
Are your products sustainable?
Our goal is to make it easy for our customers to make sustainable buying decisions. We collect sustainability information from our suppliers and make it easily digestible on our product pages. We’ve created a “Green Leaf” badge to help you easily identify sustainable products, but you also have the option to sort your product searches with filters for various sustainability standards so you can choose products that are in line with your sustainability priorities.
You can read more about the sustainability of our products here.
Do your products pass UK hospitality fire safety regulations?
All of our products are designed for contract use. Depending on the use some products require more, or less fire resistance. We ensure that our products are compliant with UK hospitality fire safety regulations, including Crib 5, when applicable. Please make sure to specify what your project is and what your fire safety needs are with your sales representative when requesting a quote. Learn more about UK Hospitality fire safety regulations here.
How can I order samples?
We are happy to supply material samples so you can make an informed decision about the products you’re investing in.
We have fabric samples available for all the fabric options listed on our website. If you want to request fabric samples please fill out our contact form or email us at [email protected].
It is the same process if you want to order frame finish samples and are always happy to supply you with them. We try to keep samples of all of the options listed on our site, but there may be occasions when frame finish samples may be unavailable.
We don’t send out samples of completed pieces of furniture as they are made to order, however, we do have a wide range of products that can be viewed in our showroom in Hammersmith, London. If you need to visualize your project in situ we recommend downloading CAD files of our products to mock up your space digitally.
Where do I find product dimensions?
Product dimensions are listed in the product specifications within each product. When you open a product the dimensions, and other details and customizations, will be visible on the right-hand side of the window.
Can I upholster chairs in fabrics other than the ones shown on the website?
Yes, the fabrics listed on our website are some of our most popular fabrics, but usually, we can supply contract fabrics beyond these ranges. Alternatively, if you have a fabric you want to use, you can supply the fabric to us in a process known as ‘Customer’s Own Material’ (COM). Please speak to your account manager if this is a direction you want to explore.
Can your products be finished in other finishes than the ones shown on your website?
The short answer is, sometimes. Depending on the frame material, some products can be finished in a custom RAL or stained to match an existing sample. To check whether it's possible to customise the product you’re interested in with a custom finish please fill out our contact form or email us at [email protected]
How do I care for my furniture?
A large part of caring for your furniture is avoiding damage. You can do this by regularly cleaning and inspecting the furniture for any signs of damage. The earlier you jump on the issue the easier it will be to rectify. Download our Furniture Care and Maintenance Guide for details on how to care for specific materials. We also have an entire section of our website dedicated to care and maintenance. You can search there for specific care recommendations for things like chrome, glass tabletops, leather, cane, and so much more.
What is a Martindale rub rating?
The Martindale test (also known as the rub test) is an internationally recognised measure for testing the durability of fabric for contract use. The higher the count is the more durable the fabric. Generally speaking,, a count of 10,000 or less is intended for decorative use, 30,000 or less is for domestic use, and anything above 30,000 is suitable for contract furniture (a.k.a. commercial use). Read more about the Martindale Count and fabric durability.
Do outdoor fabrics need to be treated with a flame retardant?
Outdoor fabrics can be fire treated, and in some situations, it's required - such as if that outdoor furniture is ever used, or stored indoors.
Keep in mind that rain will break down the FR backing over time making the protection void. The white backing colour will also start to come through to the surface. Because of this outdoor furniture with FR treated fabric needs to be kept covered and out of the elements. Learn more about fire retardants and outdoor fabrics.
Why can't I use D10 or other sanitisers to clean my table tops?
The number one reason wooden table tops get damaged in hospitality spaces is the improper use of harsh cleaning products, like the widely used D10 Sanitiser.
D10 and other similar sanitisers are not suitable for wooden restaurant tables. Their corrosive properties break down the protective lacquer surface and ruin the table top. Read more about D10 and its effects on your table tops.
What size tops should I have in my restaurant?
Hospitality tables come in many shapes and sizes. The right table size depends on your dining format and how many covers are required on each table. Read the full guide to table top sizes here.
What is a Project?
Project is a tool for you to collate and organise your furniture selections in one place with product details, quantities, and pricing.
You can create a dedicated Project on our website for each of your projects.
What are the key features of Projects?
- Organising: Collate and organise your products using intuitive grouping and drag-and-drop sorting.
- Alternative product management: Add alternatives (without inflating your current total price). PRO ⭐
- Product sourcing: Add suggestions if you can’t find the piece you want on our site. We’ll source it for you! PRO ⭐
- Budget Management: Keep an eye on the project total for the whole project as well as for each group.
- Delivery Pricing: Get project delivery costs and lead times.
- Request a formal quotation: Request a quote, including bespoke products or custom modifications.
- Exporting: Export your project in print-friendly formats or as a quotation PRO ⭐
- Sharing: Invite colleagues to view and/or contribute to your projects.
How do I create a new project?
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From the My Projects button.
- Click on the Projects 📁icon in the top right of the window, and select the "+ Create new project" button.
- You need to name your new Project and then you’re ready to start adding products to it.
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From the Add to Project button.
- Click the “Add to Project” button on product pages or category pages.
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- Click on the “+ Create new project” button.
- You need to name your new Project and then you’re ready to start adding products to it.
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From My Projects page
- Click on the Projects 📁icon in the top right of the window, and select the “View all Projects” button.
- Click on the “+” button labelled “Create new project”
- You need to name your new Project and then you’re ready to start adding products to it.
How do I add a group?
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From your Project page.
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At the top of your Project window, below the Project Name, you’ll find the ‘+ Add Group’ button to create a new group.
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You need to name your new group and then you’re ready to start adding products to it.
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From a product page or product listing page.
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You can create a group from the “Add to project” button on a product page, or product listing page.
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Select the project name
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On the following screen select “Add to group. If you already have a group created you can select the group or create a new one.
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You need to name your new group and then you’re ready to start adding products to it.
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How do I add a product?
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From your Project page.
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At the top of your Project window, below the Project Name, you’ll find the ‘+ Add Product’ button to select products to populate your Project.
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- When you click ‘+ Add Product’ a new page will open with a search bar and category selector.
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- When you’ve found the furniture you want, click the ‘Add to project’ button
- This will open a window with the product details where you can specify all of the characteristics and attributes.
- At the bottom of that window, you will see an “Add to project” button to finish.
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From a product page.
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- You can also add a product to a project from the “Add to project” button on a product page, or product listing page.
- Open the “Add to Project” menu.
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Find and click on the project name.
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On the following screen click “Add” next to the desired group.
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How do I remove a product?
On the right side of the Project page, you’ll see a trash bin icon 🗑️ that allows you to delete the listed product from your Project, this will instantly update the project total as well.
How can I organise the products?
There are various ways to organise your products inside Projects.
We recommend that you create multiple projects. This way you can keep each of your jobs separate, including the pricing, and delivery options, which means less hands-on work for you later.
Inside each of your Projects, you can create groups to keep each section of your job separate. This is particularly useful for large projects like hotels, where you must separate furniture selection for various spaces.
You can also sort products with a simple drag-and-drop action within the groups or even drag them from one group to another.
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Things become more complex when you have multiple product options for one furniture slot. You can take advantage of the “Add Alternative” feature in this case.
What is an alternative product?
You can add alternative products to your Projects so if you’re not 100% certain of a piece you can easily swap it out with its pre-selected alternative.
For each of your furniture slots, you can have one primary and multiple alternative products in your Project, but those additional pieces won’t inflate your Project's total cost. If you swap an item out for an alternate piece, the project total cost will instantly update to reflect the current selection. PRO Feature ⭐
How do I add an alternative product?
Find the item for which you want to add an alternative product. On the top right of the product component, you will see an “+ Alternative” button.
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This will open a new page with a search bar and category selector. Follow the usual steps of adding a product.
Once added, the alternative product will appear indented under the primary product and it will have a “Pick as Main” button.
Clicking the “Pick as Main” button will turn this product into the primary one, and the primary item will become an alternative. The Project cost will instantly recalculate to take into account the new primary product.
How can I suggest a product that’s not on your website?
If you have something specific in mind and can’t find it on our site we can source it for you. PRO Feature ⭐
- To add a suggested product click on the “+ Add Suggested Product” button under your Project name.
- A screen will pop up asking you to fill in all relevant product details such as name, reference, manufacturer, budget, lead times, and quantity, plus details such as images and specifications.
- Once you’ve input all of the relevant information (you don’t have to fill them all), click the “Add to project” button.
When you suggest a product in Projects it will update the project total with your suggested budget per item. To get an accurate price for a suggested product, please request a quotation.
Can I change product specifications after adding a product to my project?
Yes, you can modify your specifications from the main Project page. Just click “Edit” to expand the list of product attributes in an editable state, make your amendments and Save. This will instantly be reflected in product price and overall project cost.
Can I add references to products?
When specifying furniture for a large venue interior designers usually refer to particular slots of furniture using references. This helps identify where exactly a particular piece is destined to be positioned within the project.
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This is exactly where our Reference field is helpful. Adding your references here will help you stay organised, they will also appear on the exported project document and if you place an order we’ll use the references when delivering and installing the furniture at the final destination.
What if I have multiple choices for a particular slot?
Are you ever caught thinking “What piece will go perfectly here?” Sometimes the answer isn’t totally clear. With Projects, you can add alternatives and include a reference for a particular slot. There is a reference field next to the primary product name for you to input the reference information so you can easily keep track of where that piece belongs. PRO Feature ⭐
See FAQ: “What is an alternative product?” and “How do I add an alternative product?” to learn more about alternative products.
Are the prices accurate and up to date?
Yes, the prices reflected in your Projects are accurate. We provide real-time, dynamic pricing so know what your running total is so you can stay on budget.
Are the prices fixed?
No, prices can change from time to time for several reasons (most commonly because of exchange rates, and material and supplier price changes). Price lists are updated daily so you’re getting the most up-to-date information possible.
Once your furniture selection is complete you can request a quote to lock in your price. Quotes are valid for 30 days.
Do I get a volume discount?
Prices will change based on how many units you’ve chosen and usually you will find that unit price comes down with higher quantities.
The economies of scale are usually achieved through saving on transportation costs. Also, some factories have discount policies tied to order value and we pass those savings on to you! So where this applies the reduced cost will also be automatically reflected in the price you see.
How do I request a quote?
At the bottom right of your Project, next to the Project total price you can click “Request Quotation.”
This will open a new window where you can add or modify the delivery address and add additional comments before submitting it to our accounts team for review.