When you are planning to open a new restaurant, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting furniture for your property. Restaurant furniture is something that will affect almost everything about the daily operation at your restaurant—from the size and number of groups you can seat to how long your guests linger at the bar, helping determine whether your place becomes a popular meet-up spot and how high your reviews are.
Restaurant chairs and tables will also have an effect on the practicalities and logistics of running a restaurant—such as how long it takes your staff to sweep and mop floors at the end of the day and how often the furniture needs polishing.
If chosen wisely, restaurant chairs and tables can last for 10 years or longer (check out the Margaritaville Las Vegas case study to learn how their Bulldog Chairs have lasted through 19 years of use). Since furniture can last so long, it has a much longer lasting impact on restaurant design than the color of the walls or decorations.
Let’s take a look at what furniture you may need for your restaurant. Remember, all restaurants are unique. You may need more or less furniture, depending on your property, style, and dining area layout
Restaurant Dining Room Furniture
Invest in small, two-top tables for couples and single parties, four-top tables for small groups, and large tables for big parties. At some properties, multiple smaller tables are pushed together to create long group tables. Choose comfortable chairs and stylish barstools to complement the tables. Rolling carts can be handy for serving and clearing tables efficiently.
- Two-top tables — approximately 30″ x 30″ (76.2 cm by 76.2 cm), these are the smallest dining tables that seat 2 guests
- 4 top tables — approximately 42″ x 42″ (106.6 cm by 106.6 cm), these are 4-seater tables
- 6 top tables — approximately 36″ x 72″ (91.4 cm by 182.8 cm), these are 6-seater tables
- Larger tables (such as ABS Folding Tables) for banquet-style events
- Dining Room Chairs
- Barstools
- Rolling carts
- Decorations
- Buffet tables
- Wine racks, shelves, and other storage
Often, restaurant dining tables and table bases are sold separately. This allows you to customize your dining area furniture to your style, flooring, and budget.
Styles of Restaurant Tabletops
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tabletop | 100% Wood | Engineered Wood | Laminate & Rubber Edge | Premium Laminate & Forged Steel Edge | Premium Laminate & Wood Inlay Edge |
Price | $$$ | $$ | $ | $$ | $$$$ |
Dining Chairs & Barstools
When selecting chairs for your restaurant or bar, consider the style and overall feeling you want to create for your guests. Keep in mind the demographics of your guests, the level of formality in your establishment, and the average length of a guest’s visit. If your restaurant will serve multi-course meals where guests will be seated for an hour or so, opt for dining chairs that provide ample comfort and support. Ergonomically designed chairs with cushioned seats and backrests can make a significant difference in ensuring guests are at ease throughout their meal.
On the other hand, if your restaurant is more of a fast-casual place where customers won’t linger beyond 30 minutes, then hard wooden chairs that can be easily washed might be a good idea. Bear in mind that casual doesn’t always mean less comfortable, however. For instance, if you have a sports bar where patrons gather to watch games with friends, it will pay off if you get chairs and barstools with padded seats and curved backrests. Comfortable barstools can encourage customers to stay longer, order more drinks, and enjoy their time in your establishment. Additionally, consider the durability and ease of maintenance when choosing chairs, especially in high-traffic areas where spills and stains are common.
Ultimately, the choice of chairs and barstools should align with the overall ambiance and theme of your restaurant or bar while prioritizing the comfort and satisfaction of your guests. By carefully considering these factors, you can create a welcoming and comfortable dining environment that enhances the overall dining experience for your patrons.
Top Chairs & Barstools for Restaurants from Holsag by MityLite
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $$ | $ | $ | $ | $$ |
Product Offerings | Chair, Barstool | Side Chair, Barstool | Chair, Barstool | Side Chair, Barstool | Armchair, Side Chair, Barstool |
Lobby/Waiting Area Furniture
Your guests will decide whether to stay or leave upon entering the waiting area. You can create a welcoming atmosphere with chairs, benches, and a host stand. Place a little table for menus to provide a convenient spot for guests to gather.
- Waiting room chairs
- Benches
- Host stand
- Barstools
- Cocktail table
Manager’s Office Furniture
Important work takes place in the manager’s office—meetings with investors, job interviews, accounting, and balancing the till at the end of the night. To ensure a productive work environment, opt for functional yet comfortable furniture.
Furniture for a manager’s office might include:
- Guest chairs
- Desk chairs
- Safe
- Filing cabinets
- Table or desk
Top Furniture Picks for Manager’s Offices
Outdoor Dining, Waiting, and Garden Areas
Outdoor seating areas are sometimes overlooked sources of revenue. To encourage the desirability of your outside dining areas, give your guests shade, beautiful views, and some plants to enjoy. Think of the ways that you can create outdoor “rooms” with tables separated by planter boxes, trees, bushes, firepits, umbrellas, or other features that create a feeling of semi-privacy for your guests.
Waiting areas often spill into the outdoors. Adding benches near the front door will encourage guests to enjoy outdoor areas while waiting for their tables.
Outdoor furniture for restaurants can include:
- Benches
- Tables
- Umbrellas
- Chairs
- Bar tables
- Barstools
- Firepits & water features
- Outdoor couches & lounge chairs
The Final Take
New restaurant design trends vary from year to year, but choosing good furniture isn’t as hard as you might think. There are three things that are always important when buying restaurant furniture: cost, guest comfort, and practicality. As long as you stay within budget, provide comfortable seating, and purchase furniture that isn’t difficult to maintain, your restaurant won’t be held back by bad furniture choices.
