Subscribe to our Blog
Subscribe to stay in constant contact with us and receive the most interesting articles in the sector
In today’s world, events are all the rage. They are essential for creating an emotional connection with the audience, telling the story behind your brand, and humanising your company’s image. This way, you will retain existing customers and attract a new audience.
In an event, every detail matters, as any mistake can pose a problem for your brand’s image. That’s why furniture for events is considered a key element for the success of an event. It is a fundamental aspect that will help shape the brand image you want to convey to the guests, while also providing an exceptional and unforgettable user experience.
On one hand, you should consider the design of the furniture: image, style, colours, materials… On the other hand, you should find furniture that serves the desired function, and besides being “nice”, is also useful and comfortable. With a perfect blend of these characteristics, you will be able to create comfortable spaces that enhance the experience for the attendees, creating unique areas that will remain in the guests’ memories.
But would the correct choice of furniture design alone be enough to succeed at your event? What else do you need to know to achieve your objectives and ensure your brand communicates and makes a greater impact on people?
Other points to consider are: type of space, areas and layouts, materials and types of furniture, functionality and ergonomics, and user experience.
As I mentioned, there are many issues you need to consider when designing and organising an event. Space is the first point, one of the most important. When you are planning an event, finding the venue is going to be very important, and you must take into account the following points: its dimensions, whether it’s outdoors or indoors, the accessibility of the space, the number of attendees, and its location.
But first of all, you must know what budget you have, to then decide what kind of event you want to hold, the services you want to offer, what venue options you have, and their availability.
Once the venue is defined, you need to analyse the space you have available. Knowing this will help you choose the size of the furniture, the type of materials to use, the layout, what visual communication to place… etc.
Once the objectives have been set, the type of event to be held has been decided, where it will take place, and how many guests will attend, we will proceed to create the different areas or zones in the space.
It is very important to create a space where all the elements project harmony, both independently and as a whole, designing a space with an unbeatable image.
We must not forget the functional nature of the event elements. We need to achieve a space that is useful and comfortable for both the guests and the workers themselves. It is very important not to forget the feeling of comfort that the guest should experience at all times during the event.
Depending on the event, different areas or zones will be created, and each will be given a different level of importance. Creating different spaces at the same event will keep the client entertained, experience different things, engage in various activities, and ensure everything is more organised.
These are the most common zones you will find at various events:
Conference, talk or workshop area
This area is usually where the main activity of the event occurs; the presentation of a campaign, a specific product, a workshop related to the event, etc.
Here, it is important to know that if the guests will be there for a long time, chairs, sofas, or armchairs should be placed so that they feel comfortable while the event unfolds. You should also think about the people hosting the event to ensure they are comfortable and perform well, encountering as few errors as possible.
For example, if someone is giving a talk about a product launch at an event, make sure they can rest in a comfortable place, whether a chair or armchair, and perhaps have a table to place what they need to do their work and where to place the product to be promoted… etc. It is common to see a lectern, a small table, a chair, or exhibition elements here.
On the other hand, a meeting area may be necessary, and for that, you could set up a large table with chairs for all the guests.
Restaurant or catering area
This area is usually found at any type of event, but depending on what you want to offer, it will be given more or less importance.
For example, if you are hosting a meal, a breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the importance of this area will be greater, as this activity will be the main focus of the event. In this zone, many tables are usually set up so all the guests are seated comfortably when eating.
However, if you are just providing a break, a small appetiser, lunch, or cocktail, this action will not be as important in the event since it is a complementary activity, not a primary one. For such cases, high tables are usually effective, with fewer tables than the number of attendees, making this a slightly more informal activity. There are also typically larger tables where all the food is laid out for the guests to access.
Exhibition, stand, or networking area
Depending on the event, you might want to showcase an element or product, so you will need to create an area with shelves, shelves, display stands… etc.
In many events, especially promotional ones for brands and products, there must be a space where the product stands out and conveys its essence. At this point, an attractive event design and furniture design that aligns with the brand’s values are essential to achieving our goal.
Relying on good visual communication is also essential to convey the message you seek.
Living area or lounge zone
This space is dedicated to the guests’ relaxation; it is a peaceful place to have a conversation, take a break, and be comfortable.
In these areas, we can find comfortable sofas or armchairs, areas where the public can relax for a long time, auxiliary furniture for support, and a small catering area where attendees can have a snack while waiting or relaxing.
Show area
When a show, performance, or simply a more creative space is needed at an event, different furniture is usually required, more adapted to these types of events: such as stages, armchairs, dance floors, tents, awnings, more comfortable and laid-back seating like puffs or large sofas… etc.
Pedro del Hierro catwalk event.
Creating different areas will help with the organisation of the furniture for events, so all the spaces coexist in harmony.
Depending on the event, you will have to decide whether to use one type of furniture or another. Here are the types of furniture most commonly used at events:
Home Furniture
These are the typical pieces of furniture we might have in our homes, such as chairs, sofas, armchairs, tables, benches… etc., which have a more cosy and familiar character and create a sense of comfort for people. You should include some other elements of this type when holding an event, as well as complementary event decoration using vegetation, vases, candelabras, crockery… etc.
Art or Decorative Furniture
This is decorative furniture that adds an unmatched aesthetic touch with a unique design. They can be unique design pieces, artworks, or even lighting elements or signs. Here, the only limit is your imagination.
Furniture for Celebrations
As mentioned earlier, depending on the type of event, the needs are different, so there will be events where it is also necessary to have elements such as a stage, a tent, a platform… etc. Elements of animation or those guests can interact with, such as balloons, confetti… even games, are common at such events. Of course, you will also need furniture to support placing all the necessities and seating and catering areas. Alongside these basic distribution options, we can find much bolder and more innovative ones. The limits are set by your imagination, and always relying on good furniture design and appropriate event lighting and graphic communication, you will have a large part of your success guaranteed.
To choose good furniture for an event, you must consider its aesthetics and functionality, but you must also carefully evaluate the material the furniture is made from. Each material conveys different sensations and has different physical characteristics, suitable depending on the location where it will be installed. When creating the strategy for an event, think about its final objective and ask yourself, what do you want to convey to the guests? What do you want to achieve? How should you do it to accomplish this?
Well, you should also ask these questions when choosing the material, as this can help you create an environment that conveys what is sought more accurately.
On the other hand, functionality must always be present, which is why you should consider the benefits each material offers to know if it has, for example, the necessary resistance to fulfil its function at the event.
Therefore, I will talk about the most commonly used materials for manufacturing furniture used at events and tell you about their aesthetic and functional benefits:
Chipboard
This material is one of the most commonly used in the manufacturing of furniture for events. Furniture such as shelves, tables, wardrobes, false walls, etc.
This material is produced by pressing and gluing wood fibres, achieving a medium density (depending on the type of chipboard) that makes it very lightweight. Since it is not solid wood, its price is quite economical, and furniture made from this material is usually cheaper than others you will find on the market. Another benefit is that it is a perfect material for lacquering or veneering, which will help you personalise it to your liking and with ease.
The most notable downside of this product is that the quality of this material is lower, so if you are looking for furniture that gives a luxury impression and is very durable, this material is not the one for you.
MDF or Medium Density Fibreboard
This is another material widely used for event furniture. It is similar to chipboard but has a greater density and also a higher cost. However, unlike chipboard, with this material, we can achieve a more polished finish and better quality, with the possibility of being lacquered or veneered as well. So, if you are looking for something more durable but do not want to invest too much, this might be the most suitable material.
Solid Wood
These pieces of furniture are the least used in events, but they are sometimes chosen for their luxury finish and durability. Often, these pieces are reused in several events and later placed in strategic locations for the brand, so the investment is eventually offset.
They are made from solid wood, with a wide variety of options available within the world of woods and their finishes. You can also varnish them and apply treatments to achieve a more refined finish. You can choose less resistant but more economical woods like pine or fir. Alternatively, you can opt for more resistant and more expensive woods like oak or chestnut. Solid wood chairs, tables, shelves, sideboards, and wardrobes will give you an unmatched image of quality.
Metals
Materials such as aluminium, steel, iron, or galvanised sheet metal are frequently used in furniture manufacturing. Depending on which one is chosen, your furniture can be more or less resistant and durable. Logically, the price will increase along with the quality of the material.
It is common to see furniture where some metal is combined with some type of wood. The result of this combination can be stunning, creating quite resistant and durable furniture with unbeatable aesthetics. It is very common to find shelves, modular furniture, etc.
Acrylic
This material is increasingly being used in events, not only for furniture but also for decoration. It is common to use it in combination with other materials like wood. Its price is economical, it can be cut and shaped into quite spectacular forms, and it can offer different degrees of transparency that you can play with in your designs. Adding lighting can be a very surprising and striking plus.
Other Plastics
Within the world of plastics, we can find many types that are very economical and mouldable. Although it does not have notable resistance, it can often be an ally, depending on the plastic you choose. It is a very versatile material that can be used for many functions; you will find it in many forms: chairs, tables, decoration, etc. This product can give the impression of lower quality in the space, so if you are looking for a quality finish, it is not the best option.
Cardboard or Paper
These materials are widely used for events because, although their resistance is minimal, you can use them for the duration of the event without any problem. They are economical, extremely versatile, and customisable materials, and you can achieve great things with creativity. Tables, benches, stands, etc.
Knowing which materials are most suitable and the style you want for your event, trends will guide you to develop a more attractive and up-to-date design that communicates what you seek. There are endless styles, and new trends in materials and colours are launched daily. That is why you must be informed of the latest news so your event does not give the impression of being an outdated space.
The use of vintage furniture is a novelty that has spread to all events. Using unique furniture and exclusive pieces with creative design will capture your guests’ attention. This will create a special atmosphere with its own character, which will make the attendees remember it for a long time.
The trend of placing special furniture is also closely tied to art. Therefore, the furniture will stand out for its creative design and fill the space.
On the other hand, when using colours, it is important to know about colour psychology to convey what you want.
Something that has changed in this latest season is that the fear of using bold colours is fading. Hot pink, green, yellow, and blue are found in many events, campaigns, and decorations. Using trendy colours will help attract guests and give your event a fresh atmosphere.
The functionality of the furniture is essential for the comfort of the guest and also the event worker. This feature is very important, as it can cause serious errors at an event. We must use the appropriate furniture for each area and ensure it serves its purpose perfectly. It is important to put yourself in the shoes of the guest and event worker to understand what they will do at the event and their needs.
For example, think about whether the guest needs a rest during the event, and consider placing some comfortable sofas to meet that need. Or, if it is a dinner, choose tables of the right size so that the guest has enough space and comfortable chairs.
On the other hand, the event worker may be speaking at a conference for many hours and may need, for example, a place to sit comfortably or somewhere to place their belongings.
Your event will not be empty; the people attending will be observing every detail and will notice any slight mistake. That is why this fusion is so important.
If you choose a beautiful chair that is not comfortable and the guest has to sit in it for several hours, do you think their opinion at the end will be what you want?
You need to choose furniture that has the perfect balance between both characteristics. You must fit it perfectly, not only aesthetically with the surroundings to create a great impression on the attendees but also provide the necessary functionality so that the guests are truly satisfied and comfortable.
Many studies reveal that people tend to give more importance to bad situations than good ones, and we talk and comment on them more with others. That is why the influence of furniture matters greatly to event attendees.
Events are created with guests in mind, so you must take care of absolutely every detail of all the elements. Furniture helps create the image and sensation you seek, and therefore, they are a very important part of the “user experience”.
Can you imagine an event without chairs, shelves, or tables? No, right? It would be very illogical, and you would hardly be able to do anything at it. Therefore, they are a fundamental piece in the experience your guests will have.
Furniture is part of people’s lives, but sometimes we do not spend enough time choosing the right one for each situation. Therefore, take note of everything we have told you, and remember this post for your next event.
You may also be interested
Subscribe to stay in constant contact with us and receive the most interesting articles in the sector
8001026129
open
08:00 AM-18:00 PM Monday – Friday
08:00 AM-18:00 PM Monday – Friday
3-7 Temple Avenue
EC4Y 0DA London, England
