Project Overview
When Polls Banquette approached Innchair Solutions, they were in the process of reimagining a key seating zone within their venue—an area centred around a large architectural pillar. The client wanted a statement feature that would not only elevate the aesthetic appeal of the space but also improve seating capacity, flow, and customer comfort. From this requirement emerged a beautifully executed 360-degree upholstered bench, crafted precisely around the pillar, offering a seamless, practical and visually striking solution.
This case study explores our in-depth analysis of the site, an understanding of the client’s objectives, the customised design and manufacturing process, and the value delivered to the final space. It reflects the craftsmanship, attention to detail and problem-solving approach that Innchair Solutions brings to hospitality furniture across the UK.
1. Analysis
Understanding the Space and Its Limitations
The existing layout at Polls Banquette had a central structural pillar that acted as an obstruction rather than a functional element. It disrupted customer movement, broke the flow of seating arrangements, and limited the usable floor area. While the surrounding space had potential, it lacked cohesion and aesthetic unity.
Our first step was a thorough site survey. During this stage, we examined:
• Spatial Flow
We analysed customer footfall patterns, the natural pathways across the dining area, and how guests tended to move between tables, service stations, and exits. The pillar sat in a premium part of the room but offered no practical value.
• Lighting and Ambience
The venue featured a mix of overhead lighting and ambient tones. We assessed how a large circular seating piece might interact with the existing light distribution, ensuring it wouldn’t cast awkward shadows or feel visually heavy.
• Structural Measurements
Accurate measurements of the pillar circumference, surrounding clearance, and overall layout were essential. Our team scanned and documented every millimetre to ensure the custom seating would fit perfectly—flush to the pillar with no gaps or misalignment.
• Customer Demographics
Polls Banquette serves a mix of families, couples, and small groups. The seating therefore needed to be comfortable, accessible, and flexible for various group sizes without compromising the venue’s premium feel.
2. Client Requirements
After the site analysis, we sat down with the client to understand the desired outcomes. Polls Banquette wanted the central area to become a signature visual highlight and a functional seating asset. The main requirements included:
1. A Circular, Fully Upholstered 360° Bench
The client envisioned a wrap-around solution that would turn the pillar into a focal design feature instead of an obstruction. They wanted customers to enjoy comfortable seating facing outward in all directions, creating a sense of openness.
2. Enhanced Seating Capacity
The design had to maximise the number of people that could be accommodated without cluttering the space or restricting foot traffic.
3. Luxury, Durable Upholstery
The venue preferred premium materials with a soft aesthetic—something that suited an upscale hospitality environment while holding up to daily commercial use. High-quality foam, durable fabrics, and reinforced frames were a must.
4. Clean, Contemporary Aesthetic
Polls Banquette wanted the seating to match their modern interior style. The design needed:
- Smooth curvature
- Neat stitching
- Elegant colour tones
- Minimalist detailing
5. Easy Maintenance
Since circular banquettes can be high-usage seating, the materials had to allow easy cleaning and withstand constant customer turnover.
6. A Custom Structural Build
The seating piece had to be engineered around the pillar with complete accuracy—no visible gaps, no uneven curves, and long-term structural integrity.
3. What We Did
With the client requirements clearly defined, Innchair Solutions initiated a comprehensive production strategy, combining design expertise with precision craftsmanship.
A. Concept & Design Development
Our designers began by creating digital CAD models of the pillar and proposed seating. This allowed the client to visualise the final look, including height, curvature, and the interaction with the surrounding furniture.
Key design decisions included:
- A soft-curve backrest for ergonomic comfort
- Optimised seat depth to allow relaxed yet upright seating
- Foam layering designed to maintain shape even with heavy usage
- A continuous base structure to ensure stability and elegance
We also helped the client explore fabric swatches, guiding them toward upholstery that aligned with their colour palette, ambience, and durability needs.
B. Crafting the 360° Upholstered Banquette
The manufacturing process was both meticulous and technically demanding.
1. Frame Construction
The frame was crafted using reinforced hardwood timber combined with commercial-grade supports. The circular shape required advanced bending and joining techniques to ensure that all segments aligned perfectly without visible seams.
2. Precision Shaping
Every piece of foam was sculpted to match the curvature, maintaining consistent thickness and comfort across the entire circumference. The seating had to feel uniform, with no dips or inconsistencies.
3. Upholstery Work
This was the most detail-oriented stage. Our expert upholsterers stitched, stretched, and wrapped the selected fabric with absolute precision. Achieving perfect symmetry in a circular build requires years of hands-on skill—each seam had to be clean and flawless.
4. On-Site Assembly & Fitting
The final step involved transporting the modular seating sections to the Polls Banquette site and assembling them directly around the pillar.
Key installation tasks included:
- Aligning each segment so the outer curve was seamless
- Securing the bench firmly into place
- Ensuring no gaps between the seating and pillar
- Conducting a full stability and comfort test
The results exceeded expectations—structurally sound, beautifully finished, and perfectly fitted.
C. Delivering a Signature Feature
Once installed, the 360-degree banquette instantly transformed the space:
• A Functional Focal Point
The central pillar now served as the heart of the room, drawing guests’ attention and improving the visual balance of the entire layout.
• Increased Seating Capacity
The venue was able to accommodate more guests during peak hours without adding clutter or compromising comfort.
• Enhanced Customer Experience
Visitors now enjoy:
- A comfortable backrest
- Soft, supportive seating
- A sociable, open seating arrangement
The banquette supports both casual dining and longer, relaxed visits.
• Improved Staff Workflow
The circular layout promotes natural customer flow and gives staff easy access from all sides, reducing congestion during busy times.
4. Conclusion
The Polls Banquette project showcases Innchair Solutions’ ability to transform architectural constraints into standout design features. What was once a central obstacle became the venue’s most eye-catching and functional seating element through innovative thinking, bespoke craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of hospitality needs.
From the initial analysis to design development, precision manufacturing, and flawless installation, every stage was completed with a commitment to quality and detail. The result is a structurally sound, visually elegant, and extremely comfortable 360-degree upholstered banquette that enhances the guest experience and elevates the venue’s overall identity.
For hospitality spaces across the UK—restaurants, cafés, hotels, lounges, and bars—Innchair Solutions continues to lead with custom furniture solutions that merge practicality, durability, and timeless design.
