Industrial, tech and coral – Europa International’s Helen Lowe talks us through what’s hot in event furniture for 2019.
And just like that 2018 has been and gone. It was a pretty epic year to be fair but here at Europa we’re looking forward to an even bigger, better and more fabulous year ahead, full of events with furniture hire choices that are bang on trend. What trends? Well, seeing as you asked why not belt up for our whistle stop tour!
From the known and loved, to the game changers and everything in between, say ‘hello’ to the crème de la crème of 2019 because, let’s face it, 2018 was so last year…
So, where do we start? How about industrial style furniture with a splash of colour… and of course tech, tech and more tech. That’s what our clients are focussed on, at the very least.
The industrial theme has been popping up just about everywhere recently, with the mix of gunmetal grey and distressed wood proving a popular combo among event profs far and wide.
When we realised how well the simple look of this trend translated into event furniture we simply couldn’t resist jumping on the bandwagon and before we knew it had invested in a new range of Tolix inspired bar stools and chairs which are the perfect combination of style and practicality, if we do say so ourselves.
Next in our line-up is tech, arguably not a newcomer but one that’s definitely made its mark and is here to stay. Who knew that tech and furniture would be a match made in heaven? Not us! Tech is definitely something that has made us folk in the furniture hiring industry rethink the way we choose – and in some instances, design – furniture that we know our event profs will love.
Power Benches, as well as our very own Charging Work Stations, are definitely top of the wish-list for many event organisers. Perhaps unsurprisingly, considering how many people rely so heavily on technology these days.
We developed the Charging Work Stations to provide a sleek table top with a discreet button that, when pushed, releases the power sockets where your delegates can sit and charge their laptops, phones or tablets – a vital feature given that the average Brit now spends an entire day every single week online (can you believe it?)!
A pop of coral
If at this point your finding yourself thinking ‘wow, that Helen really knows what she’s talking about’ (thanks) but you’re already wondering how to add a little personality to what could, at first glance, feel a little stark… fear not! With spring already well on its way we’ve also got our finger on the pulse when it comes to the perfect trend to help liven the décor up a bit!
You’ve probably already heard, if not seen, that Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2019 is ‘Living Coral’. Not quite pink and not quite orange, coral is a wonderful combination of the two and the perfect pop of colour to add in to the mix (alongside your industrial seating and tech work benches, of course).
Think industrial-style bar stools with coral seat pads or, if you’re more into your neutrals, a couple of coral cushions wouldn’t go amiss alongside our white Swan chairs or Corbusier sofas. However you choose to add colour to your event, coral is definitely where the hype will be in 2019!
Ultimately, our top piece of advice is to think through, and stick to, what’s right for you and for your clients. But, if you’re hoping to avoid any ‘furniture faux pas’ by keeping on top of what’s hot and what’s not in 2019 – and if you find yourself in a furniture frenzy – why not let Europa come to the rescue. We’d be delighted to give your event an extra boost of TLC and a sprinkle of Europa magic!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Helen Lowe is the events and marketing manager at Europa International. For over 50 years, Europa has been supplying furniture and floor coverings for hire to the events industries. It specialises in chair, sofa, stool and table hire at affordable prices, and carries a stock of items for those who want ‘something a little different.’ A truly independent furniture and event hire company, it is family run, with family values. Other services include floor covering, registration desks, panel hire, electrics, graphics, conference seating and shell scheme hire. 08454 303015 / www.europainternational.com/oa or Tweet @Europa_Int
