The Ultimate Guide to Choosing restaurant chair

Designing and launching a restaurant requires time, patience, and strategy. Restaurants don’t succeed by chance. Owners put a lot of thought and effort into designing their space and planning their menus. One of the most important investments you’ll make is in your restaurant's furniture. The right furniture will make guests feel comfortable and create the impression you want to create. 

But how do you find the right furniture? Let’s take a closer look at the types of furniture you may need and how to find the right options for your restaurant.

Furniture for a Restaurant: The Basics

When designing your restaurant, it’s important to understand your furniture options. There are many things to consider, from seating to tables and even the back office.

Seating 

When it comes to restaurant furniture, seating is arguably the most important thing to consider. If you want guests to enjoy their stay, your seating must be comfortable and stylish. 

While you can find dozens of seating options on the market, most will fit into one of three categories: booth-style seating, chairs, and bar stools.

Booths 

If you want guests to be comfortable during their stay, booths are the ideal choice. They come in a range of sizes and styles:

• Single: These booths can comfortably fit two people sitting side by side. 
• Double: Just as the name suggests, double booths are equivalent to two single booths. 
• Wall benches: These types of booths are custom-made to fit your wall. They’re typically paired with tables and chairs on the other side.
• L-shape: Ideal for corner spaces, L-shaped booths are custom-made to fit your space.
• Circle: Both 1/2 and 3/4 circle booths are available, and they can accommodate larger groups. These booths add comfort and privacy.

You can also find booth-style waiting benches as well as booths that are bar-height. Bar height booths are especially popular at sports bars and restaurants.

Whether you run a fast-casual establishment or a fine-dining restaurant, you can find booths that will fit your budget and style.

Chairs

Chairs are the most common type of furniture for restaurant seating, and for good reason – they're incredibly versatile. 

If a large party shows up unexpectedly, you can push multiple tables and chairs together to accommodate everyone. The same can’t be said for booth seating.

Chairs allow for a more flexible layout in your restaurant, and they also allow guests to have their own personal space while eating. 

Restaurant chairs come in a wide range of styles and sizes. 

• Classic wood chairs can give a casual restaurant a more upscale look and complement virtually any theme. 
• It’s not unusual to find armchairs used as high-end restaurant chairs. 
• Folding or plastic chairs may be used in fast-food restaurants or establishments with limited space.

From mid-century modern to contemporary and traditional, you can find restaurant seating in virtually every style. 

Bar Stools

Bar stools have a higher-than-average seat height, making them ideal for bars and high-top seating. Like regular restaurant chairs, these seats come in a variety of styles and options.

Some stools are backless, while others have backrests. Some have cushioned seats, while others have a classic wood or metal design.

Heights vary, too.

• Short stool: 22”- 23”
• Counter stool: 24” - 28”
• Standard: 29” - 36”
• Extra-tall: 37” - 40”

Bar stools can be found in virtually every style and price range, making them an ideal option for restaurants.

Tables

A restaurant’s tables are just as important as its seating. The wrong-sized tables can sour a guest’s experience. The goal is to ensure that everyone has enough space to sit and eat comfortably. 

Restaurant tables come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, including:

• Booth: If you have booth seating, then you’ll need a table designed for this type of seating. These tables are typically rectangular in shape and are pedestal style to make it easy to enter and exit the booth.
• 2-4 person tables: The most common restaurant table size. These tables come in rectangular, square, or circular shapes and can be made from a wide range of materials, including metal, wood, laminate, and more.
• High-top or bar-height tables: These tables are designed for use with bar stools. They may be round or square and are typically designed for 2-3 people. Some restaurants have longer high-top tables that can accommodate bigger parties.

Restaurants often have a mix of tables to meet customer needs. The type of food you serve will likely dictate the size and shape of your tables.

Other Restaurant Furniture

• Outdoor Patio Furniture: If you offer outdoor dining, you’ll find a variety of options, including tables, chairs, bar stools, benches, and more. 
• Wait station cabinets, stands, and podiums: Host stations are one of the first pieces of furniture that customers see when they enter your restaurant. You can find podiums, stands, and wait station cabinets in a range of sizes and styles to match your restaurant.
• Office chairs and desks: The back office will also need desks and chairs to ensure managers and other personnel can do their jobs more efficiently.

These are the most basic types of restaurant kitchen furniture, but you may also have unique needs that require specialized furniture. Understanding which factors to consider when choosing your furniture will help you determine what types of furniture you’ll need.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Restaurant’s Furniture

When patrons walk into your restaurant, you want them to feel welcome. You want your space to make them feel a certain way. The furniture and décor you choose will help you accomplish this goal.

It’s important to be thoughtful and strategic about the furniture you place in your restaurant. Here are some important things to consider.

Sitting Space Rules

If you want guests to be comfortable, you need to give them an appropriate amount of seating space. 

Following the standard sitting space rules will help you create a layout that works well for customers and staff alike. 

• As a general rule of thumb, there should be 24” of space between guests to allow them to get in and out of the table comfortably. 
• Standard chairs should have a seat height of 18” for proper use with the standard restaurant table height of 30.” 
• High-top tables and bars should be paired with bar stools.

The distance between tables in a restaurant and chairs will also depend on the type of restaurant you run. For example, fast-casual restaurants aim for 24” for every person at the table. However, fine dining restaurants aim for 30” for every person. 

If you serve full-course meals, expect to have fewer people per table compared to a café or a fast-casual restaurant.

Your Restaurant’s Theme

The furniture you choose should match the theme of your restaurant. If you run a fine dining establishment, make sure that you’re purchasing high-end restaurant furniture that matches the vision for your restaurant.

Everything from the cuisine you serve to the type of restaurant you run will affect the theme of your décor and the furniture you choose.

Quality and Durability

Restaurant dining tables and chairs are an investment, and you want yours to provide a good return. For this reason, it’s important not to skimp on quality when purchasing tables, chairs, and other furniture for your establishment.

The best restaurant tables and chairs may have a higher upfront cost, but you’ll save money in the long run because you won’t be repairing or replacing items as often.

Final Thoughts

The best restaurant furniture will make your establishment feel welcoming and comfortable. But it’s important to ensure your furniture is high-quality, meets customer needs, and matches the theme of your restaurant. Whether you’re in need of fine dining restaurant chairs or tables for a bar, you’re sure to find options that fit your style and budget.

Choosing the right chairs for your restaurant is more than just a design choice. It leaves a significant impact on your customers’ comfort and overall dining experience. You also must think about durability and cost. In this article, we’ll dive into key factors you should consider while choosing restaurant chairs. From material and style to ergonomics and space layout, we’ve got you covered. Make an informed decision to keep your guests comfortable and coming back for more.

Why You Should Choose the Right Type of Restaurant Chairs 

Choosing the right restaurant chairs is crucial for several key reasons.

• First, comfort is paramount. If customers feel cozy, they’ll likely stay longer and maybe even order more. This way your revenue increases.
• Second, aesthetics matter. The chair design should align with the overall vibe you want for your restaurant. It can make or break the atmosphere. It influences first impressions and customer reviews.
• Third, durability is key. Well-made chairs mean you won’t have to spend on frequent replacements.
• Lastly, space utilization is essential. The right chairs can maximize seating without making the space feel cramped.

So, your choice influences customer experience, reviews, and ultimately, your profit.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Restaurant Chairs 

Here are the most important factors that you should consider while choosing restaurant dining chairs:

•  Design

The design aspect is critical in setting the mood and tone of your restaurant. A well-chosen design catches the eye. It also aligns with the brand image you aim to portray. You can choose a rustic, contemporary, or minimalist style. Just ensure that the chair design complements the overall atmosphere and decor of your dining space.

• Must be Comfortable

An uncomfortable chair can lead to shorter customer visits and ultimately affect your revenue. Thus, comfort is non-negotiable. Your chairs should offer excellent back support and adequate cushioning. Spend a bit of time sitting in a few chair samples yourself. Perhaps even run a small customer trial for real-world feedback. This way, you will be able to make the best decision easily.

• Durable and Sturdy

Choose chairs that will hold up under the pressures of daily restaurant operations. Look for high-quality, sturdy options that won’t wobble or break easily. Check customer reviews or seek recommendations from other restaurant owners. Durable chairs might be more expensive upfront but will save you from frequent replacements.

• Must Be Able to Conserve Space

In restaurants, every square foot matters. Choose chairs that can help you conserve space while maximizing seating capacity. Choose stackable or foldable chairs. These chairs can make cleaning easier. They also allow for flexible layout adjustments. This is especially useful for restaurants that host events or need to adapt to varying crowd sizes.

• Material 

Choosing the right material for restaurant chairs is vital for several reasons. First, durability is a major concern. High-quality materials like metal or hardwood last longer. This material reduces the frequency of replacements and saves you money. Second, comfort is essential. Materials like cushioned fabric offer a cozy seating experience. It encourages customers to stay longer and order more. Third, ease of cleaning matters. Materials like vinyl are easy to wipe down. It makes maintenance a breeze. Lastly, the material sets the tone for your restaurant’s style. Whether it’s rustic wood or modern metal, the material helps define your restaurant’s vibe. They influence customer perceptions.

• Size

When it comes to size, you need to think about both the chairs and the space they will occupy. Too large, and you limit the number of chairs you can fit. Too small, and you risk sacrificing comfort. Precise measurements of your dining area and tables can help guide your choices. Ensure you leave enough room for customers and staff to move about comfortably.

• Must Not Be Expensive

While quality is essential, you don’t have to splurge to find it. Do some market research to get an idea of fair pricing for the type of chairs you need. Buying in bulk or during sales can help offset costs. Balance your budget with your needs. Keep in mind that a decent investment now can save future expenses.

• Must Be Easy to Clean

Ease of cleaning can’t be stressed enough. Restaurants need to maintain high hygiene standards. So, opt for chairs that can be quickly wiped down and disinfected. This is even more vital during peak hours when fast table turnovers are required. The quicker you can clean a chair, the faster you can seat a new customer. This directly impacts your revenue.

Final thoughts,

When you choose restaurant chairs, do not just look for appearance. Find a balance among various factors that will affect your daily operation. Design, comfort, durability, and cost—all these elements require careful thought. Make your choices wisely to enhance customer satisfaction and your restaurant’s overall success.