What are the top considerations when selecting library furniture?
When the time comes to purchase new library furniture, there are numerous options. If you have never purchased library furniture before, it can seem like an overwhelming task. There are several things to consider before you make a decision. Library needs, looks or aesthetics, size, durability/ strength, cleanability, and comfort are all considerations you will want to take into account prior to making a final decision.
La Mirada Public Library chairs by Eustis Chair
Library Needs: What is the vision for your project?
The first thing to consider before you choose new library furniture is what the needs are for your particular library. If the library space itself is brand new, you will need to purchase every piece of library furniture. If you are renovating, your project may require custom library chairs to match already existing library tables. For library renovations, you will want to take a look at the most popular areas in your library and ask yourself why they are more popular than other shared areas. You may want to emulate portions of the most popular library areas into your new renovation project. For example, if you have comfortable hardwood chairs in the most popular area, you will want to consider purchasing matching ones for the new renovation.
Boston Public Library Abbey Room chairs by Eustis Chair
Your Libraries Overall Aesthetic: How does your new furniture fit?
It is important for your new furniture to match the aesthetics of the library space. A traditional library may call for wood schoolhouse chairs and large tables, whereas a modern library may call for a combination of contemporary library chairs with clean lines and sofas. Working with a custom library furniture manufacturer will guarantee your new furniture matches your vision.
Stackable Library Chairs by Eustis Chair
Library Size: How much furniture do you need?
The size of your space will dictate the amount of furniture you will need to purchase. For a large, busy library, you may need more library tables and matching chairs. If you have a multi-purpose space, you will want to purchase stacking library chairs that come with a transporter, so you can easily re-arrange the space as needed.
Durability & Strength of Library Furniture
Hardwood library chairs and tables are the strongest and most durable option when it comes to library furniture. Hardwood library chairs built with superior joinery can easily last 20 years or more in a busy library. When library chairs fail, it is most often due to joint failure. Therefore, it is important to purchase wooden library chairs with the best joinery on the market. It saves your library money, in the long run, to purchase quality hardwood chairs once and have them for 20 years or more. You should purchase the library chairs with the best warranty. We recommend only considering chairs that come with a 10+ year warranty.
How easily can you clean your library furniture?
It is important to purchase library furniture that can be easily cleaned and disinfected. We recommend hardwood furniture, as it is easy to clean and easy to disinfect.
How comfortable is your library furniture?
Library furniture should be comfortable. You will want to work with a chair company that is able to match the correct size of library chairs to your library tables. Wooden library chairs are the most ergonomic choice. In fact, hardwood chairs are great for back issues and back pain. Some library patrons will be sitting in your library chairs for hours as they read or study. You want them to have a comfortable, enjoyable experience so they keep coming back time and time again.