Hospitality Seating

About Hospitality Seating

Opening a bar or a restaurant can be daunting, but with the proper planning, things can go smoothly. From the floor plan to an adequate choice of hospitality furniture, making a suitable layout is a vital component of a successful concept. It is a matter of functionality as much as aesthetics, but there is more. Hospitality seating must comply with government regulations, fit the budget, and boast a reliable quality.  

Hospitality Furniture Types

The hospitality seating category comprises a variety of furniture, from stools, chairs and booths, to sofas, couches, and tables. The right selection will attract guests and affect the popularity of the place, making the most out of the money invested. 

Cafe & Restaurant Chairs

Buying residential furniture for professional use might seem like a budget-friendly idea, but only until they start showing signs of wear and tear. Commercial-grade cafe and restaurant chairs are more resilient and long-lasting than residential furniture. The reason is apparent - they are exposed to a much higher degree of use, different habits, weights and positions. In other words, commercial-grade furniture is made for endurance.

Cafe and restaurant chairs are available in a plethora of materials and styles, from plastic and metal to wood and a variety of upholstery choices. 

Cafe & Restaurant Tables

Cafe and restaurant tables and table tops are available in many shapes and sizes. The right choice depends on the purpose, available floor space, the number of people sitting and the desired number of units. For instance, drinking requires little room and a simple thin console table might suffice. Fine dining, on the other hand, requires spacious comfort, so it's crucial to secure the tabletop with plenty of room for cutlery, glasses, side plates and serving platters. 

Lounge & Tub Seating

Lounge and tub seating typically comprise medium-sized seats, comfortable enough for guests to spend a significant time dining or drinking. The basic model and the name "tub chair" come from the traditional design, referring to a classic barrel shape. Modern versions have evolved, and today are commonly referred to as 'club chairs'.

Regular tub chairs are covered with upholstery, showing no wood with the exception of legs. Luxurious versions feature polished wooden arms and backrests but are also more prone to scratch and chip.

Commercial Bar Stools

Bar stools are a way to maximise the number of seats in a small bar or restaurant. Standard models are available in four types, distinguished by height dimensions: short stools, counter stools, bar stools, and extra tall stools. Each standard height can be matched with a compatible table or countertop height. 

Most commercial bar stools are made of wood or metal, sometimes combined with a plastic seat. Wooden stools boast natural or traditional appeal, depending on the different stain finishes and matching décor. Metal with or without plastics works well in industrial and modern minimal settings, with the advantage of being durable, versatile, and often suitable for use both indoors and outdoors.

Bar Leaners

Bar leaners are an ideal match for bar stools, typically made of metal with a wooden tabletop. They are practical, space-savvy and attractive stunning features suitable for a variety of cafe/restaurant setups. Their specific profile allows for seating the maximum number of people with minimal interference.

Booth and Banquette Seating

Compact booths make an excellent option for bars, and an effective replacement for large tables and chairs in smaller restaurants. Renowned as a comfortable seating choice, they also provide a solution to maximise the possible number of tables. Simultaneously, it's possible to maintain a clean and functional traffic flow. 

Cafe booths are a popular solution due to their space-savvy nature, and a variety of customisable upholstery options, easily matched to the venue's décor.

Banquette seating units work in a similar way. They are typically built-in and placed against a wall to release some floor space. Banquettes allow for creative freedom and the formation of attractive private niches, ideal for upscale restaurants. The seats also offer cushioned comfort with an upholstered design.

Beam Seating

Beam seating is a flexible solution, ideal for fast food joints and canteens. It features a row of simple chairs, attached to a universal beam base. A typical row can comprise two, three or four sitting places, positioned tightly in a straight run. Alternatives include U or L configurations. 

Hospitality Seating Layout Design

The purpose of the venue, its category and style, as well as interior design are all equally important components of the hospitality seating plan. On average, restaurants need more space than a bar, from traffic areas to tabletop sizes, in order to accommodate more service, plates, and utensils. However, there are exceptions, depending on the desired level of service the venue has to provide. 

Family-style dining unmistakably needs a different furniture style and larger tables than a romantic place that targets mostly couples. Fast food restaurants can be equipped with bar stools and learners in order to accommodate a maximum number of guests at a time. At the same time, an upscale lounge bar with comfortable tub seating takes an entirely different advantage of its available floor space. 

Things to Consider When Buying Hospitality Seating

Available Space

Small bars and restaurants require strategic planning. Depending on the service level and style, carefully arranged seating can maximise the return of investment through occupancy and popularity of the place. It's essential not to overstuff the floor - sufficient room for comfortable foot traffic, no obstacles for service, as well as private space between guests are an absolute norm. 

Spacious venues, on the other hand, can do well with statement designs and impactful seating. In fact, it's recommended - since layouts based on many small units can make the atmosphere feel crowded and unpleasant. Depending on the number of units, they can also feel empty and cold.

Interior Design and Brand Identity 

A small bar or a diner can benefit from theming. Booths bring a retro feel ideal for a 50's look, while wooden bar stools fit well with an Irish pub style. Both options also save a significant amount of space and allow for a maximum number of units, while feeling perfectly suited and natural.  

Traditional restaurants and fine dining require sizable, comfortable chairs and massive tables with an elegant flair, while stylish, modern restaurant designs can pull even statement metal stools with an industrial feel.

Overall Atmosphere

Hospitality furniture significantly impacts the atmosphere and ambience, which reflects on the success of the place. A mismatched style and type of the service will not sit well with the visitors, while a proper theming can rocket the restaurant/bar's popularity. Whether it's a fancy slow food bar or an eat-and-go diner, a mix of furniture and decor should match to determine the desired mood as well as the frequency shifting. 

Available Budget

Hospitality seating, as well as other design choices, can be limited by the budget. However, it's rarely a good decision to opt for the most affordable versions on the market. While the initial investment might seem like a smart, savvy move, better quality correlates to enhanced longevity. Restaurant furniture that can last for years without replacements and/or refurbishing proves to be the most cost-effective option in the end.

When buying hospitality supplies, it’s general advice to prioritise the quality over the quantity and, if necessary, cut down the numbers in favour of properties. Visual appeal is a factor to consider, but, at the same time, it shouldn't imply any sacrifices on comfort. The best seating solution is reliable, convenient, and attractive. 

Hospitality Furniture Composition

The composition of the materials can indicate furniture's longevity, but also the safety of use. Commercial grade furniture lasts longer than a common one. It's built to withstand frequent daily use and thorough regular cleaning, too. Also, some materials are more difficult to clean than others, and that is a notable factor to consider - a fine upholstery is not the best choice for a pub or family diner, e.g. 

If you need assistance to find the right hospitality seating for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.