Sourcing Guide
Contract vs. Residential Furniture: Understanding Factory Specializations
David Chen
Contributing Writer
November 22, 2024
7 min read
Defining Contract Furniture
Contract furniture refers to products designed for commercial applications: hotels, offices, restaurants, and institutional settings. The requirements differ significantly from residential furniture.
Key Differences
- Durability Standards: Contract furniture must withstand heavy use. BIFMA testing (weight capacity, stability) is often required.
- Fire Safety: Commercial spaces require fabrics and foams meeting CAL-117 or BS 5852 standards.
- Lead Times: Contract projects often have fixed installation deadlines, requiring factories with predictable production schedules.
How to Identify a Contract-Capable Factory
Look for these indicators:
- In-house testing laboratory for load and durability tests.
- Experience with hospitality brands (Marriott, Hilton, IHG).
- Project management team that can handle phased shipments.
- CAD capabilities for custom specifications.
Residential Furniture Specialists
Residential-focused factories typically excel in aesthetic flexibility, trend responsiveness, and smaller MOQs. They may lack the testing infrastructure required for contract projects but offer faster prototyping.
About David Chen
David Chen is a sourcing specialist with over 10 years of experience in China's furniture manufacturing industry. Based in Guangzhou, they help international buyers navigate the complexities of factory selection and quality control.
