Bespoke Furniture
Furniture Manufacture
Furniture Refurbishment
Space Planning & Design
Furniture Installation
Working with long-term client Leeds City Council, Flexiform was appointed to help refurbish Leeds Central Library and district libraries, including Horsforth, Caverley, Tingley and Halton. The goal was to update their facilities and provide new comfortable workspaces, supporting casual reading, IT use, solo studying and group study.
Within Leeds Central Library (pictured), we created contemporary learning, study and relaxation spaces within one of the city’s most recognisable historic buildings. The project required a careful balance between preserving the library’s heritage and delivering contract furniture that meets the needs of modern visitors. Throughout the design process, every furniture selection was considered in relation to the building’s original architectural features, ensuring the new interiors complemented the existing character rather than detracted from it. The colour palette was inspired by the library’s original tiled detailing, with finishes and upholstery chosen to reflect the rich tones and patterns already present throughout the building, creating a seamless connection between old and new.
Sustainable & Durable Furniture Selection
Durability and sustainability were key drivers throughout the refurbishment. As a busy public building welcoming thousands of visitors, the furniture needed to withstand daily use while remaining easy to maintain.
Hard-wearing vinyl upholstery was specified across much of the seating, providing a robust, wipe-clean solution ideal for public environments. Wherever possible, existing furniture was retained, with the library’s original bookcases incorporated into the refreshed layout to reduce waste and preserve the building’s heritage.
In addition, much of the contract furniture was manufactured at Flexiform’s Bradford factory and partner worktop factory in West Yorkshire, significantly reducing transport miles while supporting UK manufacturing and providing greater quality control throughout the production process.
Library Workspaces
The refurbishment introduced a diverse range of furniture to support the different ways visitors use the library. Bespoke IT desks and ergonomic task chairs provide dedicated computer workstations for research and digital learning, while a selection of tables, chairs and Miss stools create comfortable spaces for individual and collaborative study. Bar-height study tables with integrated power enable visitors to charge laptops and mobile devices while working, supporting longer study sessions and improving user convenience. Bespoke waste bins also ensured practical everyday functionality without compromising the overall aesthetic.
To encourage visitors to spend more time within the library, comfortable reading and breakout areas were created using wingback armchairs and Astra tub chairs, offering quieter spaces for reading and relaxation. Flexibility was another important consideration, with a range of flip-top tables, including both rectangular and semi-circular configurations, allowing spaces to be quickly reconfigured for meetings, workshops, community events and group activities. The completed refurbishment successfully brings together heritage, functionality and modern workplace design.
District Libraries
Alongside Leeds Central Library, Flexiform has delivered libraries across the Leeds district, including Horsforth, Calverley, Tingley and Halton. In addition to the services provided at Leeds Central Library, each project featured bespoke reception counters, custom bookcases and tailored furniture solutions. With a more contemporary design direction, these libraries incorporated neutral finishes that provide a modern aesthetic without compromising on durability.
The refurbished spaces were designed to support a variety of users and activities. Comfortable sofas, soft seating and low-level bookcases created welcoming children’s areas, while dedicated group workspaces, work tables and quiet study pods provided flexible environments for collaboration, learning and focused study.
We’re proud to have utilised our extensive range of services and product portfolio to transform these community library spaces. By creating welcoming, functional and future-ready environments, we look forward to continuing our partnership with Leeds City Council as they invest in public facilities across the district.
astra collaborative
miss meeting chair
additions 2 table
executive flip top
flexi-work chair
MORE CASE STUDIES
