What is FF&E?

First off, what exactly is FF&E?

FF&E is an acronym that stands for Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment. Every project is different, but in general this breaks down to the following:

• Furniture or moveable objects used to support the functional activities of a space. This includes items such as chairs, tables, desks, and decor. 

• Fixtures are items attached / affixed to the space in a semi-permanent manner. They can be removed and relocated without impacting the structure. Examples include lighting and shelving.

• Equipment are electronics, machines, and devices used for operating spaces. For instance in a healthcare facility this could include items such as X-Ray machines, sterilization cabinets, or hospital beds. In a hotel equipment would include things such as industrial laundry machines, dryers, and usually industrial kitchen equipment.

FF&E does not include things such as millwork or plumbing! These items are permanently affixed to spaces and belong to the architectural or MEP categories respectively rather than FF&E.

Why is FF&E important to a project?

Without FF&E, spaces would simply be empty and not useful for people to occupy or use. Imagine an office space without desks or hotel without beds. FF&E gets used on a daily basis, so it depreciates over time. However, unlike a column or a window, FF&E items are much easier to replace when they have met the end of their useful life.

A large part of an interior designer’s job is selecting and procuring furniture. Interior designers bring a space to life through careful selection of the FF&E that will occupy the space. During the design stages, designers use mood boards, samples, and showroom visits to assemble cohesive FF&E options for their clients to choose from. 

What should I consider when selecting FF&E?

When selecting FF&E for a space, consider these three characteristics. 

Aesthetics

How spaces look impact how people feel and behave in them. This is especially critical in hospitality and retail spaces where FF&E enhances a space, influences the guest or customer's mood and matches the company’s brand standards.

Functionality

To keep your client's and their space's inhabitants happy, FF&E must also be functional. These items help the occupants utilize the space (such as computers and printers in an office); provide comfort to the inhabitants (for example chairs, desks, and beds); or store our their possessions (for instance shelving or storage).

Not all objects in the same category are equally as functional. A rough, wood chair offers a different level of comfort and functionality than a soft, padded lounger.

Quality

Cheaper, poorly made FF&E won’t last nearly as long as high-quality, sustainable pieces. While pieces may be less expensive upfront, you may find yourself needing to replace lesser quality items more frequently. Businesses pay close attention to FF&E expenses because they contribute to their bottom line. When the budget and purchasing timeline allow, it's best to opt for high-quality products from reputable brands.

Spend more time selecting FF&E and less time organizing information.

If you’re an interior designer and want to enhance your FF&E workflow, check out our tips and tricks for using Layer.