What Challenges does the Hospitality Industry Face in 2026?
2026 isn't just another average year for the hospitality industry - it marks a definitive turning point. After years of navigating economic uncertainty, labour shortages, and skyrocketing operating costs, the path forward for hotels, restaurants, bars, and event venues is clear: evolve or be left behind.
Guests are demanding more than just a room or a meal; they want a unique, personalised, and seamless experience. Meanwhile, operators are under pressure to achieve efficiency, flexibility, and true sustainability. This shift isn't a challenge to be endured, but an opportunity to build a more resilient and authentic brand.
The question is, how can hospitality businesses meet these demands without breaking the bank? The answer lies in making smarter, more durable investments - starting with the furniture that defines their space. This is why Eclipse Furniture should be your strategic partner, with the experience to overcome the challenges that lie ahead.
The Challenge: How to Combat Rising Operational Costs
Hospitality businesses are facing increasing costs for labour, energy, food, and supplies. According to UK Hospitality, 95% of hospitality businesses have experienced increased wage costs, with a similar story for other operational costs. This puts a huge amount of pressure on profit margins and drives a need to not just cut costs but invest in smarter long-term solutions.
Shown here: Tavo Wooden Stacking Side Chairs
The solution:
Investment in high-quality commercial furniture is a great first step. Cheap contract or even domestic furniture may seem appealing at the point of purchase, but it isn’t built to last and will become costly to constantly repair or replace. At Eclipse Furniture, all our products are tested and certified for contract use. We are confident that our furniture will withstand daily wear and tear in a commercial environment, ensuring a longer lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacements, ultimately saving money and stress, promoting sustainability and supporting a circular economy.
You can find out more about the importance of testing contract furniture on our blog.
The Challenge: How to Satisfy Evolving Guest Expectations
Guests are looking for venues that offer something unique. With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to put a strain on people’s expendable income, a demand for destinations that offer a memorable experience will grow in 2026. In fact, an article by Groove Technology Solutions, states that 70% of travellers look for experiences that reflect their individual preferences and patterns. Brands need to be strong, and spaces need to be ‘Instagram Ready’, giving customers a reason to get out and spend their hard-earned money.
The solution:
Eclipse Furniture understands that a photo-worthy venue leads to positive reviews and organic social media marketing. That’s why, alongside our fantastic range of stock products, we now offer a range of customisable commercial furniture in response to a growing demand within the hospitality sector for bespoke design that reflects brand identity and elevates guest experience.
The new ‘I’m Customisable!’ collection features customisable elements across our most in-demand products, including upholstery styles, fabric choices, frame colours, and table edge profiles. From industrial-style seating to plush armchairs and fixed seating, the range suits both boutique aesthetics and high-traffic environments. The perfect way to personalise your space and strengthen your brand. After all, it’s what sets you apart in a crowded market.
The Challenge: How to be Sustainable & Environmentally Responsible
Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’, it’s a core value for both guests and employees who understand how crucial it is to look after our planet. Unsurprisingly, 83.1% of people now expect hospitality brands to engage on at least some aspects of sustainability. Sustainability needs to be built into day-to-day practices, dealing with companies who are environmentally responsible. Businesses failing to show genuine commitment to eco-friendliness may lose out on both customer bookings and an engaged workforce.
Shown here: Rezzo Recycled Side Chairs and EKO Table and Planters
The solution:
Eclipse Furniture recognises the urgent need for environmental responsibility, which is why we actively pursue sustainability in all aspects of our business operations. Even our head office and warehouse have been designed with sustainability in mind - with energy-efficient lighting, water-saving systems, and self-regulating air conditioning.
We have a growing range of sustainable and eco-friendly furniture, including our EKO range of table tops and planters made from 100% recycled components. Our Solidgrain table tops are built from premium solid timber sourced from sustainably managed forests, and our Selma and Westbury upholstered chairs feature luxurious bouclé that’s made from 100% recycled materials - in fact, 1m of fabric contains 29 PET bottles which would otherwise end up in landfill.
We control and optimise our delivery process for maximum efficiency. Our own transport fleet, which features fuel-efficient Euro 6 HGVs and MaxOptra logistics software, ensures the most economical delivery routes. This, combined with our capability to make adjustments on site, drastically reduces associated transportation expenses and time.
The Challenge: How to be Flexible & Offer Hybrid Spaces
Hospitality venues are increasingly required to be multi-functional, making the most out of their spaces during quieter times by being versatile and attracting different types of customers. Cafes, hotel lobbies, restaurants, and even pubs may need to function as co-working hubs or meeting spaces by day and transition into vibrant social venues in the evening. Static, single-purpose designs are a thing of the past. Operators need venues that can be quickly reconfigured to maximise revenue.
The solution:
The ability to quickly convert a space is made easier by investing in versatile or modular furniture that can easily be moved or reconfigured. Our event furniture brand Flexfurn merges form and function, offerings stylish space-saving solutions with stackable and foldable chairs and tables, and multifunctional, modular furniture with interchangeable elements.
If you simply want your furniture to be lightweight and practical, then we’ve got that covered. Chairs like Maya or Monna look great indoors or outside, are low-maintenance, stackable, and only weigh around 3kg each - meaning they’re easy to move or store. And versatility can be found in opting for a number of smaller tables rather than several large ones, as they’re far easier to reconfigure or push together for larger parties. Our range of FLAT Table Bases uses clever hydraulic technology that allows you, with one push to the corner of each table, to align multiples and create an even, functional surface.
The Challenge: How to Attract and Keep a Dedicated Workforce
The hospitality industry continues to face staff shortages, high turnover, and gaps in crucial skill sets. Guest experience is key, and staff members are at the forefront of a business, so need to feel respected and valued. Work environments need to be positive, comfortable, and attractive, with well-designed staff areas and the use of automation to reduce the burden of repetitive tasks. Investing in people is crucial for attracting and retaining talent.
The solution:
Furniture for back-of-house, staff break rooms, and offices is as important as that for customers. A well-designed, comfortable staff area will contribute to a positive work culture. Unlike domestic furniture, our contract-grade seating has been designed with ergonomics and durability in mind. Our side chairs, armchairs, and soft seating offer all-day comfort while being able to cope with constant use and cleaning. And our tables are practical and low maintenance. It’s also worth providing weather-resistant furniture for outside areas – a break in the sunshine and a breath of fresh air makes all the difference during a long shift. After all, happy staff = happy guests.
Get in Touch...
With over 40 years of experience in working with the hospitality industry, we can offer expert advice on the right choice of furniture for your venue and the best long-term investments that will work for you and your and your business. If you’re interested a free consultation, finding out more about our design-led, durable commercial furniture, or to visit our showroom, please don’t hesitate to call one of our team on 01452 336 520 or email sales@eclipsefurniture.co.uk.
FAQs
1. What are the biggest furniture investment mistakes hotels and restaurants are making in 2026?
The main mistake that hospitality businesses are making is prioritising low upfront costs over durability and long-term TCO (total cost of ownership). Investing in high-quality contract-grade furniture results in fewer replacements and lower maintenance costs.
2. How does contract-grade furniture improve profitability and operational efficiency?
Benefits of commercial furniture with regards to profitability and efficiency include:
- Increased customer comfort and satisfaction
- Reduced maintenance and replacement costs
- Increased space flexibility and multi-functionality
- Faster turnover time
3. Is sustainable commercial furniture a necessary investment or just a marketing trend for 2026?
Sustainability and environmental responsibility have become a necessity. Guests are looking for hospitality businesses with positive environmental ethics. As important, is the durability that commercial furniture offers; the ultimate form of sustainability by reducing waste.
