No office, library, college, church hall, waiting room or other type of public building is complete without a smattering of comfortable sofas to provide guests and staff with a place to sit and relax. But, buying an office sofa is far different to buying a sofa for your home. If you’re looking to buy a sofa for your public building, then read this comprehensive guide from Rosehill first…
What is an office sofa?
Forgive us for answering what may seem like a question with an obvious answer, but as you’ll see, office sofas are far different to the types of sofas you’ll find in your home.
Office sofas are classed as ‘contract furniture’. This is furniture which is expressly designed for use in high-traffic, busy public environments and commercial spaces.
As such, contract furniture – such as office sofas – feature designs, manufacturing techniques and materials that are far tougher and longer lasting than those you’ll find on domestic furniture.
Office sofas are also designed and manufactured to meet a range of rigorous safety and fire standards that domestic sofas are not. In many instances, it would be against the law to use a domestic sofa in a public building.
So, as you can see, when it comes to buying a sofa for your office or other public building, it’s vital that you purchase one which is of contract furniture standard.
What types of office sofas are there?
Like their domestic counterparts, office sofas are available in a huge variety of types, styles, shapes, and colours.
In fact, because they are designed for a range of commercial and public environments, office sofas are available in a wider range of options than domestic sofas.
Office sofa shapes and sizes
Because no two offices or public buildings are the same, office sofas are available in a broad range of sizes and shapes.
Explore our range of office sofas here at Rosehill, and you’ll find everything from compact one, two or three-seater sofas, through to large, highly-flexible office sofas such as the Fence range which is available in ‘L’ and ‘U’ configurations.
In other words, if you’ve got a space in your office or public building – be it big or small, a standard or non-standard shape – there’s almost certainly an office sofa to fit.
Modular and sectional office sofas
We want to pause a moment to make a quick distinction. As you’ve just read, it’s possible to buy office sofas in the two and three seater configurations that you’d expect. They resemble your standard home sofa, but are of contract furniture quality.
However, it’s also possible to buy sofas that can be configured in L or U shapes. These sofas are sometimes referred to as modular or sectional sofas. This is because they are available in distinct sections – meaning it’s easy to create exactly the seating layout you want in a space.
Modular or sectional sofas are the perfect option if you need seating for unusually-shaped rooms or spaces. The best example of a modular/sectional sofa is the Fence, however here at Rosehill we do offer a broad range of modular furniture. We can even offer custom sizes on some ranges, if you need the seating to exactly fit into a specific space.
Product range – explore our range of modular seating options here.
Office sofa colours and fabrics
When people hear the words ‘office sofa’ their imagination probably conjures up images of drab, dark, corporate-looking sofas that are bereft of life and character.
The reality couldn’t be further from this!
Office sofas – much like their domestic siblings – are available in a dazzling array of colours, fabrics, and finishes.
Sure, it’s entirely possible to buy an inoffensive, subtle sofa for corporate environments and c-suite offices, but it’s also possible to buy office sofas in loud, bright, and bold colours for breakout areas, common rooms, or receptions.
In terms of fabrics, office sofas are available in a range of attractive, yet tough and hard-wearing fabrics. Here at Rosehill, our office sofas are available in three main types of fabric:
- Standard fabrics.
- Treated fabrics.
- Premium fabrics.
These fabrics are of contract furniture standard, are very hard wearing, and are compliant with furniture fire safety standards.
You can find out more about our contract furniture fabrics for office sofas here.
Office sofa power and data modules
One aspect where office sofas are truly different from domestic sofas is that many models are available with power and/or data modules.
If you’re new to the world of office sofas, then you may be wondering what this means.
Well, a power module, as you can probably guess, is essentially an integrated power socket that is part of the sofa. Think of it as being a plug socket that is part of the sofa.
Buying an office sofa with an integrated power module has the benefit of allowing the users of the sofa to plug in their phone, laptop, or tablet. This allows them to work for longer from the comfort of the sofa.
Likewise, data modules are basically ports that are integrated into the sofa which allow a user to create a hardwired connection to the internet. Data modules vary, but many are available with several ports e.g. USB A+C. It’s even possible to specify data modules with specific ports such as Ethernet.
On many commercial sofas, these power and data modules are bundled together into a single unit, which, as you can see in the illustration above, is often discreetly positioned.
As such, office sofas with power/data modules are ideal for agile co-working spaces and breakout areas.
Office sofa customisation
Aside from being able to choose from a wide range of colours, fabric types, styles, and tech features, office sofas are also highly customisable.
For example, it’s possible to buy sofas without arms, with arms, with non-upholstered arms, with high backs, regular backs, no backs at all – the choice is nearly endless!
The point is that nearly all office sofas of contract quality are manufactured to order. So, if you have a particular design, colour or requirement in mind, speak to us, and we will be happy to help!
FYI – our friendly, expert sales team is happy to provide you with the customisation options of our office sofas. You can reach them on 0161 485 1717 or at: sales@rosehill.co.uk.
How much do office sofas cost?
As you would expect, one of the most common questions we receive about office sofas is regarding their cost.
As you would probably also expect, it’s difficult, even impossible, to provide an exact monetary figure.
This is because office sofas are highly customisable, and as such, the price will vary based on a huge number of factors.
However, in an attempt to provide an answer, we’d say that you get what you pay for.
Depending on the setting in which you’ll be placing your sofa, you won’t necessarily want to just buy the cheapest sofa you can find.
For example, if you’re going to be placing a sofa in what’s classed as a ‘medium hazard’ setting such as a hotel bedroom, a university, or pub, then your chosen sofa will need to be compliant with BS 7176: 2007, and have been tested against BS EN 1021:1 2006 (smouldering cigarette), BS EN 1021:2 2006 (match flame), and BS 5852:2006 Sect 4 IS5 (Crib 5).
In such a situation, using a cheap sofa from a high-street retailer would be illegal. So, in order to be compliant, you’ll have to pay a bit more for a contract-standard sofa which uses fire-safety compliant fabrics.
An additional point to consider about contract sofas is that they generally come with far more substantial guarantees than their domestic equivalents. For example, the majority of the office sofas available from Rosehill have 5 year guarantees (please check your chosen sofa for the exact level of guarantee offered).
In other words, what you pay for an office sofa will in large part be determined by the setting in which the sofa will be placed.
Office sofa fire safety standards
As you’ll have just read, it’s important to ensure that you select a sofa which has the appropriate level of fire safety compliance for your building.
One of the most common questions we receive about office sofas and fire safety is regarding the Crib 5 test. You’ll find our answer about this below.
Does an office sofa have to be Crib 5 tested?
This is a question which we regularly receive from buyers.
The answer is – it depends on the setting in which the sofa will be used.
If your sofa is going to be used in what the current fire regulations class as a medium hazard, it will need to be Crib 5 tested.
Should you be using a sofa in a high-hazard environment, then you’ll need one which has been Crib 7 tested.
Examples of medium hazard environments are as follows:
- Casinos.
- Hospitals.
- Hostels.
- Hotel bedrooms.
- Places of entertainment.
- Public buildings.
- Universities.
- Public houses and bars.
- Restaurants.
- Services messes.
Examples of high hazard environments are as follows:
- Offshore installations e.g. oil platforms.
- Sleeping accommodation in certain hospital wards and hotels.
Here at Rosehill, many of our office sofas are Crib 5 rated as standard. If you want to check if a particular sofa is Crib 5 rated, then click on the product description. The fact that a sofa is Crib 5 rated will normally be highlighted as per the illustration below:
It’s important to note that even if you find a sofa that’s not Crib 5 rated as standard, it can be easily upgraded to be Crib 5 rated. We simply change the specifications of the sofa to use fabrics and materials which have been tested to the Crib 5 standard.
So, if you’ve spotted a sofa that you really like – but it’s not rated to Crib 5 – we can upgrade it for you!
Guide – read our complete guide to fire safety standards and contract furniture to find out more about this topic.
Furniture to accompany office sofas
When you’re selecting new sofas for your office or other public building, it can make sense to select other pieces of accompanying furniture too. This is because, in the world of contract furniture, you’ll often receive a discount when you’re buying multiple items at once.
So, what types of furniture can you buy to accompany your new office sofas?
Here at Rosehill, we have plenty of ideal accompaniments, including lounge and tub chairs, benches and beams which can provide a flexible alternative to sofas, and of course coffee tables which make the perfect accompaniment to sofas.
The best sofas for offices and public buildings UK
Hopefully you’ve found this guide to office sofas helpful, and you’ve now got a clearer idea as to what kind of sofa will be best for your office or other public building.
Below, we’ve set out some of our best-selling contract sofas, covering a range of styles, designs, and functionalities.
Fence Lounge Seating
At the top of our list is the Fence lounge seating range. It’s at the top of the list because this range is not only exceptionally well-made and designed, but encompasses many variations of sofa type.
The range includes single-seater sofas, two and three-seater sofas, through to large L shaped and U shaped sofas. As such, the Fence range includes sofas that’ll fit near enough any possible space in your public building.
Another benefit of the Fence range is that it is Crib 5 rated as standard, making it suitable for use in a wide range of contexts and settings.
What’s more, the Fence range can be specified with different frame finishes, including Natural Beech and Walnut Stain.
You can also choose the Fence range in a sleek two-tone finish, where you have one colour on the seat, and a different colour on the back.
To top it all off, the Fence range can also include data and power modules if required.
This really is the office sofa range that can do it all!
Detroit Sofas
Are you looking for cool, retro-styled sofas for your public building? Then the Detroit range of sofas has got you covered.
Featuring splayed armrests and cone-shaped legs, the Detroit range of sofas ooze class and elegance, whilst also being eminently comfortable (thanks to their sprung seats and backs).
Available in armchair, two-seater and three-seater configurations, the Detroit range of sofas have an option for everyone.
The Detroit range of sofas are available in a range of colours. In fact, you can have your Detroit sofa in either a single colour, or with a contrasting seat colour (at no extra charge). It’s also possible to add scatter cushions for extra comfort and style.
The legs of the Detroit are available as either solid oak wood, or brushed steel.
On the more practical side of things, the Detroit range uses Crib 5 tested fabrics or vinyls as standard, making these sofas ideal for a large range of settings.
Strut Armchair & Sofa
If you’re searching for a sofa and seat set for your office or public building that has the perfect Scandi look and feel, then you’ve just found it.
Whether you go for the armchair or the sofa (or both), the Strut has a fashionable, yet timeless aesthetic which is also highly comfortable, thanks to its deep foam seat and back.
The solid oak frame is available in either a natural or black finish, whilst the seat and back are available in a wide range of fire retardant fabrics and vinyls. What’s more, these fabrics are Crib 5 tested, making the Strut ideal for use in a broad range of environments.
The Strut is also available with matching coffee tables to create the perfect waiting space or chill out area.
Miles Armchairs & Sofas
Choose an office sofa with a difference. Choose the Miles.
The Miles range of sofas and armchairs is truly distinctive. That’s thanks to its retro styling and high back, which not only provides the Miles with a unique silhouette, but provides the user with the ultimate in comfort.
Both low and wing back options are available, so you can choose the models which will perfectly complement the environment in which they’ll be placed.
The Miles armchairs and sofas can be purchased in a wide range of fabrics and colours (including two-tone options with a contrasting seat colour). These fabrics are Crib 5 tested as standard.
The solid wooden legs on both the Miles armchair and sofa are available in teak, oak or black finishes.
Adding further practicality, the Miles armchair and sofas are available with integrated power units (on request), meaning users can charge their laptops whilst they’re sat on the seat.
Oban Sofas
Subtle. Understated. Smart. These three words perfectly sum up the Oban range of office sofas.
Ideal for executive offices, corporate suites, conference rooms and more, the Oban range includes an armchair, as well as two and three-seater sofas.
The modular nature of the Oban range means it’s also ideal for places like breakout areas, libraries, museums, and galleries. Plus, because the Oban is available with a raised back, this makes it perfect for healthcare environments where seating needs a ‘hygiene gap’ for ease of cleaning.
In terms of finish, the Oban is available in a huge range of colours and fabric finishes – with the Oban featuring Crib 5 tested fabrics as standard. The Oban’s frame can be finished in either Black Nickel, or Chrome.
For added practicality and versatility, the Oban range of sofas are available with base mounted power and charging modules – making them perfect places to sit and work for extended periods of time.
Cara Modular Sofas
A truly flexible, attractive, and practical seating option is the Cara. This is a range of modular sofas which can not only be used as stand-alone sofas, but together to create larger seating configurations (see image above for example).
For many building managers, one of the most appealing features of the Cara range is the in-built arm power modules which allow people to quickly and easily charge their laptops and other devices.
Although the Cara range is modular, it’s as comfortable as your standard sofa with a sprung base, tapered seat cushion, and supportive back.
The Cara range of office sofas is available with a choice of frames; a traditional 4-leg frame, or a sled frame. These frames are available in four finishes (Black, Graphite, Silver, and White).
Plus, the Cara range uses Crib 5 rated fabrics as standard – making the Cara suitable for use in an enormous number of different public buildings.
The best place to buy office sofas UK
So, there you have it! The definitive guide to buying sofas for offices and other public buildings in the UK.
We hope you’ve found it useful.
If you’ve decided that it’s time to buy some new sofas for your office or public building, then buy them from Rosehill.
Why?
Because as one of the UK’s leading providers of contract furniture, we know how to help you select the very best sofas for your needs.
We’ve been supporting companies for over 35 years with their contract furniture requirements, and we’d love to help you too!
We offer bulk buying discounts on many of our sofas for offices and are happy to walk you through the process of selecting and ordering new sofas.
Our expert, friendly sales team is on hand to help. You can reach them on 0161 485 1717 or at: sales@rosehill.co.uk.
Shop office sofas at Rosehill now
For more commercial and contract furniture buying guides, information and advice, read the Rosehill blog…
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