DESIGNING FOR DIFFERENT RESTAURANT ZONES: FURNITURE CONSIDERATIONS

Creating a functional and inviting restaurant requires careful attention to the various zones within the space. Each area, from the entryway to the dining room, serves a distinct purpose and requires tailored furniture solutions to ensure comfort, efficiency, and style. Here’s a guide to designing these zones with thoughtful furniture considerations to maximize appeal and functionality.

THE ENTRANCE & WAITING AREA

The entrance is the first impression of your restaurant and sets the tone for your guests’ dining experience. A well-designed waiting area balances style with practicality.

• Furniture Needs:
  • Comfortable lounge seating, such as commercial-quality upholstered benches or chairs, ensures guests feel welcome during busy times.
  • Compact side tables or shelves provide space for menus or beverages. Consider Relic One and Two Door Wait Stations to organize essentials and elevate the space’s aesthetic.
  • Durable materials like stain-resistant fabrics and metal frames maintain their appearance and withstand heavy traffic.
• Design Tips:
  • Incorporate branded elements such as custom upholstery or color schemes to reinforce your restaurant’s identity. This is especially important for multi-location restaurants to ensure consistency across sites.
  • Opt for space-efficient furniture in smaller entryways to balance comfort and traffic flow seamlessly.

THE DINING ROOM

As the heart of the restaurant, the dining area requires furniture that combines comfort, style, and functionality to accommodate high-traffic use.

• Furniture Needs:
  • Tables: Versatile tabletops in various sizes (e.g., two-tops, four-tops) cater to diverse party sizes.  Additionally, it’s easy to create longer tables when you use tables with at least one common dimension,  Our Midtown Textured Concrete Tabletops combine durability with sleek, modern design

• • Seating: Chairs and barstools should reflect the restaurant’s theme while providing long-lasting comfort. Collections like Meghan and Bristol seating offer customization options with over 100 vinyl upholstery choices or COM (Customer’s Own Material).
• Design Tips:
  • Add visual interest with mix-and-match designs, such as pairing wooden tables with upholstered chairs or experimenting with different upholstery colors for a dynamic look.
  • Choose lightweight, easy-to-clean furniture to simplify maintenance in busy dining areas.

THE BAR AREA

Bars are high-energy hubs that need durable furniture designed for interaction and comfort while enhancing the social ambiance of the space.

• Furniture Needs:
  • Barstools: Swivel barstools like the Bristol Swivel Barstool enable easy movement and social interaction. Upholstered seats with footrests provide added comfort.
  • Bar Tables: High-top tables with sturdy bases, such as Atlas or Urban Table Bases, maximize floor space. Adding wireless device chargers encourages guests to stay longer.
• Design Tips:
  • Align bar furniture with the restaurant’s theme. Industrial-style stools pair well with modern bistros, while wooden finishes complement rustic designs.

OUTDOOR ZONES

Outdoor seating areas are prime for creating unique dining experiences and seasonal business opportunities. Furniture in these spaces should be weather-resistant and visually appealing.

• Furniture Needs:
  • Seating: Collections like the Belmar Outdoor Lounge Furniture combine comfort with style. Choose frames in soft gray or black and select from over 60 Sunbrella® fabric options for a customizable look.
  • Tables: Durable options like Beachcomber Tables or Surf Inlay 4-Leg Tables with bolt-down features ensure stability and longevity in various weather conditions.
• Design Tips:
  • Add shade with portable umbrellas or sails for guest comfort.
  • Use stackable or foldable furniture for easy storage during the off-season.

PRIVATE DINING ROOMS

Private dining areas are perfect for special occasions and require furniture that exudes sophistication while maintaining functionality.

• Furniture Needs:
  • Tables: Larger tabletops from the Relic and Midtown collections offer rustic charm and accommodate groups with ease.
  • Seating: Upholstered chairs like those in the Meghan and Bristol collections provide a polished, comfortable look that enhances the upscale dining experience.
• Design Tips:
  • Use customizable furniture with various upholstery or wood finishes to create a tailored design that matches the exclusivity of the space.
  • Incorporate movable partition walls for flexibility in dividing or expanding the room.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Choosing the right furniture for each restaurant zone goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about enhancing functionality, improving customer comfort, and creating an ambiance that leaves a lasting impression. By investing in durable, versatile, and customizable pieces, restaurant owners can optimize their spaces for success.

For more insights into furniture design and to explore our extensive product range, please click here or call us at 215-289-5411.