Different Types of Restaurant Furniture

When furnishing a restaurant, a variety of furniture types can be used to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The challenge often lies in selecting the right furniture that complements the style of the restaurant and meets the practical needs of the space. Here is an overview of the most common types of restaurant furniture you might encounter:

1. Custom Furniture

• Description: Custom furniture is tailored to your specific requirements, often featuring unique or appealing design elements.
• Examples: Unusually shaped couches, artistically crafted tables, or stools made from uncommon materials.
• Advantages: Custom furniture allows you to align the design with the overall concept and theme of your restaurant.
• Considerations: However, overly complex or large designs may make customers feel uncomfortable or out of place, which could negatively impact their dining experience.

2. Outdoor Furniture

• Description: Outdoor furniture is designed for terraces or patios and is more weather-resistant than traditional indoor furniture.
• Features: Lightweight and comfortable, making it easy to move in and out daily, yet durable enough to withstand the elements.
• Considerations: In some settings, it might be better to opt for regular tables and take precautions to protect them, especially in high-end restaurants with scenic views. Tethering chairs to the ground is an option, but it might not suit all restaurants.

3. Chairs for the Service

• Description: These chairs are the primary seating options where guests will enjoy their meals.
• Features: Typically, they come with a backrest for comfort and are tall enough to match the table’s height.
• Style: The chairs usually coordinate with the tables they accompany. For example, glass surfaces paired with plastic chairs are uncommon and generally not recommended.
• Comfort: These chairs are spacious enough to provide comfort for most diners.

4. Tables for the Service

• Description: Service tables are where your guests’ meals will be served.
• Variety: Tables come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, depending on the restaurant type.
• Common Shapes:

Square: Often used to create extended tables for larger groups.

Round: Ideal for smaller, more intimate settings.

Rectangular: Common in a variety of dining establishments.

5. Rectangular Tables for Buffet

• Description: Rectangular buffet tables are wider and longer, designed to hold multiple food trays.
• Features: These tables must be sturdy, often requiring more than four legs to evenly distribute the weight of the trays.
• Additional Compartments: Some buffet tables include compartments for coolers, hot trays, ice trays, and more.

6. High Benches for Bars

• Description: High benches or stools are commonly used in bars for seating at the counter.
• Design: Circular benches are the most popular, but alternatives like rotating benches, fixed benches, and those with three or four legs are available.
• Comfort: Benches with a small backrest provide better lumbar support, which is especially important in a bar setting where customers may stay for extended periods.
• Ergonomics: If your bar area also serves as a waiting area, benches with ergonomic designs can make waiting more comfortable.

7. Individual and Multiple Armchairs

• Description: Armchairs offer the most comfort for guests and can be used for individual seating or multiple clients at once.
• Usage: These are ideal for waiting rooms, providing a comfortable space for guests to relax while waiting for a table.
• Enhancements: Adding amenities like coffee tables, charger outlets, and other features can make the waiting experience more enjoyable and help guests forget they are waiting.

Conclusion

Selecting the right types of furniture for your restaurant is essential for creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. By carefully considering the function and design of each piece, you can enhance your restaurant’s ambiance and ensure a positive dining experience for your customers.