Restaurant furniture plays a major role in every restaurant decor. Before you place an order for your restaurant chairs, restaurant booths and restaurant tables, consider these factors.
Bar furniture typically includes: Metal or wood bar stools and bar height tables. Consider adding dining height tables and chairs if food is served in the bar.
Casual family restaurants should consider durable wood chairs, laminate table tops and compact booths with the table units.
Cafeterias, sandwich shops and delis should consider contour cluster units that include either 2 or 4 seats with a table, or two single or double booths with a table. The units come in a variety of colors and provide easy maintenance; spills can be quickly wiped.
Fine dining furniture should include tables covered tablecloths and upholstered metal chairs or wood chairs. Elegantly upholstered booths may also be considered for the perimeter of a restaurant.
Restaurant Design
Restaurant table layout is extremely important when designing your restaurant.
Small restaurants should select tables 2-4 person tables that are 24", 30", or 36" square or diameter. For larger parties, tables can be combined to sit 6, 8 or 10 people.
Casual family and fine dining restaurants should have tables that are at least 30" x 48" and yield at least 300 square inches per person.
Large restaurants can create banquet or family tables areas by using dining tables that are at least 60" diameter, and seat 6-8 people or 72" diameter that seat 8-10 people, rather than combine several small tables to form a large area.
As a general rule, restaurant tables should have at least 20" to 30" of space in between the next closest table for adequate spacing. The more space the better it will be for customers, and servers.
Themes
If your restaurant serves a specialty food, you should consider a decor theme that complements your menu. Wall colors should compliment the furniture. Textured materials such as wood, bamboo, tile, marble, or slate can add to the ambiance. Wood furniture will provide a rustic, country style setting for a steakhouse or BBQ restaurant.
Lighting also plays a part in enhancing the mood of your restaurant.
For a sports bar, blue tinted lighting helps add energy to the atmosphere. Do not use bright florescent lighting if you are looking for your customers to linger.
For a casual family restaurant, warm, yet bright lighting will provide a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.
For a fine dining establishment, dim lighting will evoke a more private and intimate atmosphere; add candles for romance.
When you are ready to purchase the furniture for your restaurant, look for a reputable dealer of commercial hospitality or restaurant furniture. Whenever possible purchase as much restaurant furniture from one retailer to enable you to negotiate quantity discounts on restaurant chairs, restaurant tables, and the booth seating.