What is FF&E?
The FF&E is meaning that, Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment.
FF&E is the well used contractual term that most of the industry works with to categorize the movable, non-fixed furnishing products that are specified for an interiors project.
So, in summary, an FF&E budget covers all the items that go into an interiors project that are not part of the structure of the building.
If architecture is the bones of a project, then FF&E is the flesh that makes up the body. FF&E refers to the products that Interior Designers specify to furnish and equip the interiors including sofas, chairs, tables, beds, headboards, decorative lights, curtains, spa furniture & equipment, office desks, accessories, etc along with items such as specialist joinery, bedroom case goods, public area shop fit and not forgetting lighting, appliances, audio-visual & IT kit.
What is OS&E?
Another popular acronym in the interior design world, and particularly around hotels is OS&E, which stands for Operating Supplies and Equipment. What is the difference between OS&E and FF&E? Think of it this way, if FF&E includes the loose products that a guest or member of staff interacts with, then OS&E are the pieces that they need to operate within the space. Typically OS&E are products that do not need to be installed.
So, for a hotel project, OS&E includes items such as towels, bed linen, crockery and glassware, irons and hairdryers etc. it also includes products and items that staff uses, such as uniforms, office equipment and cleaning equipment.