Choosing the right contract furniture for a project often comes with practical considerations – from lead times and finishes to installation and aftercare. At Protocol Furniture, we work closely with interior designers, architects and project managers to make specifying furniture as smooth and straightforward as possible. Below you’ll find answers to the questions we’re asked most often about our contract furniture solutions, bespoke options and project support. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, our team will be happy to provide advice tailored to your project.
What is Contract Furniture?
Contract furniture refers to commercial-grade furniture designed for use in businesses like offices, hotels, restaurants, cafes, and public spaces. Built for high-traffic environments, it’s more durable and compliant with strict safety standards like Crib 5 fire regulations and Martindale abrasion testing. With custom finishes and robust construction, contract furniture is ideal for interior designers and commercial projects needing stylish, hard-wearing, and functional solutions.
What types of fabrics can I choose from for upholstery?
We work with all the leading upholstery suppliers in the UK and Europe, giving you access to a vast range of contract-grade fabrics, leathers, faux leathers, and specialist performance textiles. Whether you need vinyls for easy-clean environments, anti-microbial materials for healthcare settings, or luxury velvets and wools for premium hospitality, we help you choose the perfect option based on design, durability, and compliance.
Do you supply furniture to the public or individuals?
While the majority of our work is with trade clients including interior designers, architects, contractors and operators – we’re also happy to assist private individuals working on larger-scale or design-led projects. Our products are built for commercial environments, so our process is best suited to those looking for high-spec, customisable furniture and a more tailored service. If you’re unsure whether your project fits, feel free to get in touch – we’re always happy to advise.
What certifications and standards do your products meet?
Protocol Furniture holds recognised credentials to ensure quality and consistency: we are ISO 9001:2015 certified, meaning our quality management systems deliver safe, reliable, and long-lasting furniture. We’ve also achieved a Bronze EcoVadis rating, placing us in the top 35 percent of assessed companies in sustainability management, governance, and ethical sourcing.
Through these credentials, we demonstrate our ongoing commitment to operational excellence, transparent supply chain practices, and continuous improvement in environmental and social responsibility.
What are your lead times, delivery and minimum order terms?
Our furniture is made to order, with lead times typically ranging from 6-8 weeks, depending on the product and specification. Some items have minimum order quantities, which are clearly listed on each product page under the technical specification tab.
Delivery is handled by our in-house Protocol delivery and installation team, using our own fleet of vehicles to ensure care, consistency, and control from our warehouse to your site. We aim to make delivery straightforward, on time, and professionally managed – every time.
How can I obtain a quote or samples?
Our furniture is made to order, with lead times typically ranging from 6-8 weeks, depending on the product and specification. Some items have minimum order quantities, which are clearly listed on each product page under the technical specification tab.
Delivery is handled by our in-house Protocol delivery and installation team, using our own fleet of vehicles to ensure care, consistency, and control from our warehouse to your site. We aim to make delivery straightforward, on time, and professionally managed – every time.
How do you approach sustainability and responsible sourcing?
We take a mindful approach to materials and sourcing – working with trusted suppliers, offering FSC-certified timber, and encouraging the use of durable, low-impact finishes wherever possible. From design choices to delivery, we’re committed to reducing our footprint and making responsible decisions at every stage of a project.
We hold a Bronze EcoVadis certification, recognising our efforts across environmental impact, ethical practices, and responsible supply chains.
We’re also part of a wider group that places a strong focus on sustainability across all business areas. Read more and download our CSR Policy here.
What sectors do you work with?
We supply contract-grade furniture to a wide range of commercial sectors, with each product designed to meet the specific demands of its environment. We regularly work on projects across:
- Hotels – including bedroom seating, restaurant dining, lounge and lobby furniture
- Restaurants – from casual dining to fine dining, with extensive options for tables, chairs and banquette seating
- Leisure – golf clubs, members’ clubs, sports facilities and entertainment venues
- Workspace – including breakout areas, meeting rooms and communal spaces
- Healthcare – care homes, private clinics, and healthcare lounges, with wipe-clean fabrics and durable finishes
- Education – including university dining halls, study areas and student accommodation
Do you offer design support or project management?
While we don’t offer formal design services, our team is always on hand to provide practical guidance – whether it’s helping you match chairs and tables from the same collection, suggesting suitable fabrics and finishes, or advising on what works best for your environment and usage.
Each project is overseen by a dedicated Area Sales Manager, who will support you from initial enquiry through to delivery – ensuring product suitability, clear communication, and a smooth process from start to finish.
Do you have a showroom I can visit?
Yes – we welcome clients to visit our showroom in Hutton, Essex, just a short drive from Shenfield Station, with fast links from London.
The space showcases a curated selection of our most popular furniture models, along with a wide range of material and upholstery swatches. It’s a great opportunity to experience the quality and craftsmanship of our pieces in person. A dedicated member of our team will be on hand to guide you through the collection, discuss your project, and help with specifications or sample selections.
Visits are by appointment, so we can tailor the experience to your needs. Get in touch to book a visit.
