Modular seats are the ideal seating solution for a huge range of settings. From reception rooms to breakout areas, modular seating offers both a practical and attractive place for people to sit. If you’re looking for some modular seating for your building, then explore Rosehill’s pick of the best modular seating solutions in this article…
What is modular seating?
Before we delve into our ‘top picks’ of the best UK-made modular seating solutions, let’s spend a brief moment defining exactly what we mean by the term ‘modular seating’.
Here at Rosehill, we define modular seating – which also goes under the name sectional seating – as being seating solutions that are made up of individual sections, which when connected, create a single cohesive seat. It’s for this reason that you’ll often see modular seating referred to as modular seating systems.
Think of it rather like Lego. With modular seating, you can connect various sections of seating together to create a completely custom form of seating. In your typical modular seating system there will be sections of various shapes to choose from. These will often include:
- Straight single seat sections.
- Straight two or three seat sections.
- Corner seats.
- 45 degree internal seat sections.
- 45 degree external seat sections.
If you select a modular seat system that has enough variety in terms of the sections, you’re able to create almost any layout you can think of. Take the below image as an example:
As you can see, by choosing a variety of straight one and two seat sections, 45 degree internal seat sections and 45 degree external seat sections it’s possible to provide a comfortable seating arrangement in even particularly small areas.
Although it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, modular seating is usually upholstered and available with a range of back options (from low to mid to high). Some modular seating systems are also available with integrated power and data modules – so it’s possible for users to charge phones or use laptops whilst they are seated.
Modular seating manufacturers
Modular seating has exploded in popularity in recent years. Not only is it highly versatile, allowing you to make maximum use of even limited amounts of space, but it’s fashionable as well.
As a result, a number of manufacturers have emerged that specialise in modular seating. One of the leading examples is Pledge.
Established in 1970 as a manufacturer of office chairs, Pledge has grown to become one of the leading names in UK contract furnishing.
And, as a company always looking to innovate (they were the first company to standardise the use of a locking gas seat height adjustment on swivel chairs), they’ve wholeheartedly embraced modular seating.
Today, Pledge manufacturers their ranges of modular seating systems from their factory in Leighton Buzzard.
Having said all that, if there’s one thing that truly makes Pledge stand out from its competitors is that fact that it’s what’s deemed a ‘true manufacturer’. By this we mean that Pledge really does manufacture all of its furniture from scratch in its factory. They’re not mere ‘assemblers’ as some manufacturers are. For this reason, when you buy an item of Pledge furniture, you can be assured of its provenance and build quality.
It’s for these reasons that our selection of the top three UK-made modular seating solutions are all Pledge models.
Our top three modular seating systems
So now we come to our top three picks. How did they make the cut? In short, we looked at a host of factors, from build quality and value for money, to the range of available features and finishes.
Point Modular Seating System
First up we have the Point Modular Seating System. This is an attractive ‘sofa-style’ seating system which is ideal for environments formal and informal alike.
The Point system includes one, two and three seat models as well as corner, concave and convex sections allowing you to create an impressive variety of seating layouts. The Point system also includes a table unit as well as the option to add arms to the ends of sections.
Aside from the impressive variety of sections, the Point Modular Seating System has a great range of finishes and options to choose from. For example, you can choose to have your Point sections fitted with either metal or wooden legs (with a variety of colours/finishes available for each). You can also choose to have your Point sections finished in a two-tone fabric (e.g. two different colours of fabric used to upholster the section).
In short – this is a modular seating system that can pretty much do it all.
Other key features of the Point Modular Seating System include:
- Eco-friendly – the Point system is manufactured using FSC® certified plywood, thus significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
- Fire safe – every item within the Point range is manufactured with combustion modified high resilience (CMHR) foam, meaning they are highly fire-resistant. The Point range also features Crib 5 fabric or vinyl as standard making it suitable for use in ‘medium’ hazard environments such as hospitals, hotels, public houses and public buildings in general.
- Floor friendly – if you are keen to protect the flooring in your property then you’ll be pleased to know that the Point range features black polypropylene glides, which prevent floor damage.
Open Modular Seating System
Taking a cue from its name, the Open Modular Seating System is a welcoming, comfortable seating system that features rounded sections that are available in three formats:
- Bench (no back).
- Low back.
- High back.
The Open Modular Seating System features an impressive choice of sections, spanning from straight single, two and three seater sections through to 60 degree and 90 degree internal and external sections. It’s also possible to add arms to the ends of the low back and high back sections, adding further flexibility.
What’s a particular bonus is that the three formats can be mixed together – so you can mix and match low and high back sections together, for example.
Thanks to the range of curved sections in the Open system, it’s possible to create a much more interesting variety of seating layouts than with more traditional rectilinear seating systems out there (which only really allow you to create variations of squares and rectangles).
In short – we’d argue that the Open Modular Seating System is one of the most versatile seating systems you can buy.
With all that in mind, the Open Modular Seating System is ideal for use in co-working spaces, breakout areas, common areas, libraries, reading rooms, chill out spaces and more; basically anywhere that needs a bit of ‘creative inspiration’.
The Open Modular Seating System has a number of other key features that further enhance its utility and attractiveness to potential buyers. These include:
- Eco-friendly – like other Pledge products, the Open range is manufactured from FSC® certified plywood, giving it green credentials.
- Fire safe – the Open Modular Seating System uses both combustion modified high resilience (CMHR) foam and a Crib 5 fabric or vinyl upholstery as standard. This makes the Open suitable for safe use in a broad range of environments.
- Range of finishes – the Open Modular Seating System is available in a range of finishes, with either wooden or metal legs (in different finishes) and two-tone upholstery.
With a 30 mm box steel frame and a guarantee of five years, you can also be assured that the Open Modular Seating System will provide a long, reliable service life.
Fifteen Modular Seating System
Last, but certainly not least, we come to Pledge’s Fifteen Modular Seating System.
This is arguably the most diverse and varied of Pledge’s modular seating systems with a truly impressive range of sections. In fact, there are so many different sections within the Fifteen range that we’d argue you could furnish most of a building with the Fifteen.
Key features of the Fifteen range:
- Manufactured from FSC® certified plywood.
- Uses combustion modified high resilience (CMHR) foam.
- Available with power and data modules to add further utility.
- Wide range of finishes and colours to choose from, including two-tone upholstery.
Below, we’ve detailed each of the core sections of the Fifteen range.
Fifteen Straight
The Fifteen Straight range is a series of straight one, two and three seat sections.
These are available in either mid-back or high-back versions and are available with or without arms or panels on the ends.
Think of these as being ‘core’ sections of a Fifteen Modular Seating System. It’s often better to start with long straight sections before working out from there, deciding on what other types of sections you require.
Fifteen Radial
If you’re thinking of creating a non-rectilinear seating layout, then you definitely need to have sections from the Fifteen Radial range on your shopping list.
The Fifteen Radial sections are available with either mid or high backs. Plus, you can purchase either convex or concave sections (at 45 degree angles), so you can create either inward or outward looking seating sections in your overall layout.
Fifteen Pods
Also within the Fifteen range is a series of attractive and useful pods.
The Fifteen Pods are a semi-enclosed style acoustic booth, which are great for providing a place for people to conduct more focused work or have a bit of thinking time.
The available options regarding the Fifteen Pod include
- Fifteen Single Seat Pod.
- Fifteen Two Seat Pod.
- Fifteen Three Seat Pod.
The Fifteen Pod range also includes three ‘unit’ style configurations where a set of pods face each other. They are linked by a small panel which adds further privacy. These units include:
- Fifteen Two Seat Pod Unit.
- Fifteen Four Seat Pod Unit.
- Fifteen Six Seat Pod Unit.
Used either independently, or in conjunction with another Fifteen modular seating system, the Fifteen Pods are a great addition to offices and other types of workspaces.
Fifteen Diner Booths
Should you want to create a permanent space for private meetings, focused work, or general quiet contemplation and reflection, then the Fifteen Diner Booths could be the perfect solution.
As their name suggests, the Fifteen Diner Booths take their design inspiration from the type of booth found in classic American diners. However, these booths are very much designed for use in 21st century office and work environments.
The Fifteen Diner Booth range includes both high and low back variants:
- Fifteen Diner Two Seat Low Back Booth.
- Fifteen Diner Four Seat Low Back Booth.
- Fifteen Diner Six Seat Low Back Booth.
- Fifteen Diner Two Seat High Back Booth.
- Fifteen Diner Four Seat High Back Booth.
- Fifteen Diner Six Seat High Back Booth.
Regardless of which particular option you choose, you’ll find that it perfectly complements any other Fifteen modular seats you have in your property.
Rosehill: the home of modular seating UK
So, there you have it – Rosehill’s top modular seating picks. We hope you’ve found this article both useful and interesting – and potentially helped you decide which options are best for your building.
However, if this hasn’t answered all your questions, the Rosehill team is on hand to help. You can speak to our friendly experts on 0161 485 1717 or at: sales@rosehill.co.uk. Even if it’s just advice you’re after, we’ll be happy to help!
Shop modular seating at Rosehill now
For more commercial and contract furniture buying guides, advice and information, read the Rosehill blog…
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