Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Bespoke Seating Solutions for Every Space
Established in 1945, Race Furniture has spent eight decades shaping the way people experience spaces through innovative seating solutions. Our legacy began with the visionary Ernest Race, whose modernist designs revolutionized post-war furniture. Today, we continue this tradition of excellence by crafting bespoke seating that merges timeless elegance with contemporary functionality. Collaborating with leading architects and institutions, we deliver tailored solutions for theatres, corporate auditoriums, educational facilities, and public spaces. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our use of FSC-certified materials and 80%+ recycled steel content. With projects spanning historic venues like the Royal Opera House to modern universities, we combine technical precision with artistic flair.Our team of experts works closely with clients to integrate advanced features like power outlets and cable management while maintaining aesthetic integrity. Every project reflects our core values of collaboration, integrity, and respect for form and function. From initial concept to final installation, we ensure our seating becomes an integral part of each space's story. Our products undergo rigorous fire safety testing and meet BS 5852 standards, guaranteeing both quality and safety. With a global reputation for excellence, we remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of seating design while honoring our rich heritage.
Services
Theatre Seating
Corporate Auditorium Seating
Education Seating
Public Waiting Seating
Retractable Seating
Details
- Year established: 1945
Highlights and features
- We have 80 years of experience in bespoke seating design and manufacturing
- Our team collaborates with leading architects like Burwell Architects
- We use FSC-certified materials and 80%+ recycled steel content
- Our seating integrates advanced technology like power outlets and data ports
- We've completed projects at prestigious venues including the Royal Opera House
Associations and certifications
- FSC
Services
Theatre Seating
Our theatre seating combines heritage preservation with modern comfort. Designed for historic playhouses and contemporary performance venues, these solutions maintain architectural integrity while enhancing audience experience. Each installation balances durability with aesthetic appeal, ensuring optimal viewing angles and ergonomic support for extended performances.
Corporate Auditorium Seating
Smart auditorium solutions for corporate environments prioritise focus and presentation effectiveness. Our designs incorporate acoustic optimisation, flexible configurations, and premium materials that align with brand identity. These systems support various meeting formats while maintaining professional aesthetics and long-term comfort.
Education Seating
Modular education seating systems adapt to evolving teaching methodologies. Featuring durable construction and integrated technology, these solutions support active learning environments. Our Connect series, specified by institutions like Loughborough University, enables seamless transition between lecture and collaborative formats without physical reconfiguration.
Public Waiting Seating
Public waiting areas benefit from our Alight and Dash series seating solutions. These designs prioritise space efficiency and maintenance accessibility while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Engineered for high-traffic environments, they incorporate durable materials and configurations that promote comfort during extended waiting periods.
Retractable Seating
Our Encore and Principal retractable systems offer versatile space solutions. Featuring precision engineering for smooth operation, these installations transform multi-use venues between configurations. The designs maintain sightline integrity while providing rapid conversion between fixed and open space requirements.
Questions
What makes Race Furniture's seating solutions unique?
Our seating combines 80 years of British design heritage with modern innovation, featuring customisable dimensions, integrated technology, and sustainable materials.
Can you accommodate specific spatial requirements?
All seating solutions are fully bespoke, with custom dimensions, back angles, and configurations tailored to your venue's specific architectural constraints.
What sustainability measures do you implement?
We use FSC-certified timber, 80%+ recycled steel, and ensure all components are disassemblable for repair, reuse, or recycling at end-of-life.
Do you provide fire safety compliance documentation?
All fabrics meet BS 5852:2006 Clause 12 standards, with fire testing documentation available upon request for all seating specifications.
What sectors do you specialise in?
We focus on theatre and performance spaces, corporate auditoriums, educational institutions, and public waiting areas with tailored solutions for each sector.
How do you ensure seating durability?
Our products use combustion-modified high resilience foams and undergo rigorous testing to ensure longevity in high-usage environments.
