Restaurant Tables and Chairs Buyer’s Guide
Restaurant tables and chairs are the defining features of a restaurant and choosing appropriate styles and materials can make a very significant change its ambiance and effectiveness. This Restaurant Furniture Buyers Guide should help you avoid some pitfalls and so choose better furniture. If you need further guidance, please do not hesitate to contact us at The Contract Chair Company on freephone 0800 8494 135.
Restaurant Tables and Chairs
How Many Should We Order?
To calculate how many covers will fit in a restaurant, The Metric Handbook suggests each diner requires an area between 1 and 2 square metres, and a width of 580mm. A crowded restaurant using small square tables might be at the bottom of this range, with 'fine-dining' restaurants with widely spaced tables at the top end. Using small tables - and even arranging them at 45° angles - can increase the number of covers.
Restaurant Tables and Chairs
How Much space is Needed for the Restaurant Furniture?
A restaurant chair in use extends around 450mm from a table and another 450mm between the backs of chairs should avoid customers being bumped by serving staff. Take care that the back legs of chairs do not extend beyond the back of the chair. In the picture, the Charlie's angled back legs do not actually create tripping hazards.
Restaurant Tables and Chairs
What Styles Are Available? And What Should We Select?
In the restaurant shown below, we recommended low-backed chairs, as higher backs would have emphasised the low ceilings. The arms of the chairs fit comfortably under the standard height (ie 750mm) table tops. Remember also that it is the back of the chairs that your customers see when they arrive. Note the small tables for two diners, which can be combined for bigger parties.
Restaurant Tables and Chairs
What Materials Are Available? And What Should We Choose?
Fully upholstered chairs will tend to muffle echoes, particularly important if your restaurant has wooden floors. Glides on the bottom of wooden legs should also be specified to cut down noise. Upholstered chairs can be reinforced, removing the need for stretchers between the legs.
