Today, customers are looking for a more cohesive experience; where everything from the menu and glassware, to the lighting and wall decoration work well together. Hence, it’s more important than ever to invest in the best seating and furniture to ensure a restaurant’s success.

Of course, whilst luxury, style and comfort are at the top of everyone’s wish list, the type of seating and furniture chosen will ultimately depend on the space available, interior styling and budget, of course. Fortunately, there’s a wide variety of pieces available today. From casual seating around informal coffee tables, to more formal dining arrangements, and custom-crafted banquettes, there’s a solution for every space. So, let’s consider what’s on offer:

High tables and bar stools

These are a popular choice for more informal restaurants and especially where space is at a premium. Combining great design with functionality, they bring a casual feel to any bar or dining area and, when combined with traditional low-level options, they serve to break up the eye-line of furniture.

Formal seating

For dining areas that require a more formal seating arrangement, there are numerous chair designs to consider. Available with or without arms, dining chairs can either coordinate with the table design or can be used to create an individual statement. Alternatively, intimate two-seater sofas help draw diners into luxury and relaxation whilst preserving the formality of the occasion. A wide variety of materials and finishes also enable chairs to harmonise with the decor and, by adding upholstery detailing, customised designs can be created to reflect house branding.

Banquettes and booths

These offer the perfect solution for awkward spaces or for those establishments that are keen to maximise space. Skillfully designed to fit almost any area and to meet specific ergonomic requirements, they offer endless design opportunities. Booths tend to be more private and intimate – especially the high-backed designs – and can often provide greater comfort than chairs, thanks to their soft, padded seats and backs. As well as less traffic around a booth, there is also more room to spread out – an attraction for lunchtime working professionals.

Bespoke furniture

‘Built to fit’ within the wall layouts or joinery items that may already exist, bespoke seating introduces an element of indulgence and exclusivity. Standard seating collections may be customised to create a bespoke effect and to reflect the style and decor of the interior. Upholstery touches, such as vertical and horizontal fluting, buttons, and specialist stitch and panelling facets, can transform seating from the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Once the preserve of larger and more established restaurants, bespoke hand-crafted seating is now popular across smaller eateries. Once discounted on the basis of cost, restaurants now appreciate the benefits of individuality and panache. Indeed, those that have invested in bespoke seating to maximise covers always enjoy a great return on their investment.

Tables

Whether glass-topped or wooden, or indeed both, the choice of dining tables can be paramount. Of course, size and shape is equally important, and a mix of circular and rectangular pieces further aids design flexibility and practicality. Coffee tables, side tables and bistro tables are also key furniture items for front of house and, when teamed with coordinating upholstery, they can be instrumental in creating the right first impression.

Materials and fabrics

Natural wood is a popular choice for restaurants; bringing both texture and colour to seating and furniture. No longer confined to the frame of the furniture, it helps create a softer and more intimate environment. With beech, oak and walnut leading the way, wood blends seamlessly with both contemporary and traditional styles. Hand-crafted touches – such as comb joints and bevelled edge detailing – give an exquisite finish and provide a timeless appeal for years to come.

The choice of seating fabric is also important. It must offer design appeal and comfort, as well as being able to withstand everyday use and meet the rigours of housekeeping. Ideally, fabrics should be stain-resistant and be easy to keep clean. Whilst leather can be expensive, it’s a highly durable option that combines comfort with ease of maintenance. Also, it’s now common to see more vibrant and blatant patterns for restaurant fabrics, with designers often selecting a series of colours, rather than a monochrome approach.

So, whether it’s an upscale French restaurant or a casual diner that’s being newly-designed or refurbished, there’s a much better chance of succeeding if the guests are seated comfortably. There are many reasons why customers make repeat visits to a restaurant; chief among them being food, service and value for money. One thing that will drive them away, however, is bad seating. Every table, chair, booth and bar stool needs to be comfortable, durable and fit with the brand. By investing in the best, customers will never want to leave, and the seating and furniture investment can be enjoyed for years to come.