Restaurant Chairs Guide
The decor of your restaurant serves as a key visual indicator for customers, setting their expectations for their dining experience. A significant aspect of your decor is the furniture, with chairs playing a particularly pivotal role. Unlike tables that can be covered with cloth and dishes, chairs always occupy a prominent position and should reflect the essence of your cuisine. This guide is designed to assist you in selecting the appropriate chairs for your restaurant.
The Difference Between Residential and Commercial Chairs
Commercial furniture is designed to withstand heavy use and environmental changes, such as frequent movement and handling. It is crafted using high-quality materials that are durable, resulting in a longer lifespan. The objective of commercial furniture is to remain functional for approximately ten years, leading to designs that are more subtle and versatile to accommodate various trends. In contrast, residential furniture is made with less sturdy materials and often follows current fashion trends. While residential furniture is typically more affordable, it is not constructed for long-term use in commercial settings and may require replacement sooner. Commercial furniture, particularly chairs, endure significantly more stress over their lifetime, with the potential for ten times more usage compared to residential chairs.
Metal chairs are known for their impressive durability, strength, and wide range of sizes and designs. Constructed with 16 gauge, fully welded steel featuring continuous root welds at stress points, these chairs offer maximum resilience. They are also coated with a protective finish to enhance their longevity. Metal chairs provide the flexibility of choosing between different frame finishes and textures. Many variations offer the choice of a solid wood seat or a padded seat with high-quality commercial grade foam. Customers can further personalize their chairs by selecting from various wood finishes or upholstery options in vinyl or fabric.
Commercial grade wood chairs must adhere to specific safety standards, including the capability to support a designated weight limit and construction using mortise and tenon joints. Their durable finish is offered in various stain options. The seats are crafted from 1-inch-thick wood, with padded seats typically upholstered in commercial grade vinyl or fabric. High density foam is utilized to maintain the seat's shape and comfort even after prolonged use.
Types of Restaurant Chairs
There is no specific type of chair exclusively designed for restaurants; instead, various types of chairs are commonly used in the restaurant industry.
These include:
Also referred to as commercial armless chairs, these versatile seating options are primarily designed for indoor use, though they may also be suitable for outdoor settings in certain instances. Available in a range of designs from modern to traditional, these chairs are known for their space-saving features, as the absence of arms allows the seat to neatly tuck under a table when not in use.
Armchairs have a more distinguished appearance than their side chair counterparts. The primary benefit of restaurant chairs with armrests is the enhanced comfort they offer. This variety of chairs is designed to be more ergonomic, providing customers with a luxurious dining experience.
Ideal for bowling alleys and food courts, bolt-down chairs are securely fastened to the floor with a metal base to optimize space and enhance safety. Unlike freestanding chairs, bolt-down chairs remain stable and are available in a variety of styles ranging from modern to traditional.
Both the seat and back of these chairs are upholstered and padded, with the Parsons and club styles being the most sought after. Not only do these fully upholstered restaurant chairs offer comfort, but they also add a modern touch to your dining space.
Establishing an outdoor dining area can be advantageous for your business, clientele, and staff. Whether in the hospitality industry or food service, purchasing outdoor furniture that is both cost-effective and durable can present a challenge for designers seeking long-lasting solutions.
Outdoor chairs are available in a variety of materials including aluminum, steel, faux rattan, plastic teak, and resin, all of which are waterproof and UV resistant. These materials are also non-corrosive, rust-proof, and resistant to pest infestations. They are also lightweight and easy to maneuver. There is a wide range of styles to choose from to suit various decors and themes, such as modern, industrial, tropical, beach, and casual. Below are some of the most commonly seen patio chair styles.
These chairs, often found in French sidewalk cafes, feature an aluminum frame and faux rattan or resin wicker upholstery. The materials used not only provide UV protection but also ensure resistance to heavy rain. Durable and long-lasting, these chairs maintain their visual appeal over time and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth.
These chairs are a popular choice in restaurants with a coastal or maritime decor. Crafted from faux teak, a material commonly found on boat decks for its water-resistant, UV-resistant, and durable properties, they are designed with a lightweight aluminum frame for ease of movement and placement.
Often referred to as bistro style chairs, these chairs feature an industrial design style that is favored by numerous contemporary establishments. Crafted with a weatherproof metal frame, the seats typically include drainage holes, are lightweight, and are designed to stack easily for convenient storage.
These metal chairs are designed with a relaxed beach style suitable for outdoor use. They are equipped with small perforations on the back and seat to enhance air circulation and are finished with a zinc plating and powder coating for protection.
Popular Restaurant Chairs Styles
There are many restaurant chair styles to go with various motifs and themes. Below are some of the most popular styles.
Industrial design has become increasingly popular in recent years, making its mark in bistros, restaurants and cafés. These chairs typically feature a sleek and minimalist design that complements both modern and traditional decor styles. The ambiance of a dining establishment plays a crucial role in guests' overall experience, influencing the enjoyment of their coffee or meal. To create a stylish industrial hotspot, selecting suitable materials is key. Industrial-style chairs, often constructed with a metal frame and wood back and seat, are commonly used. Incorporating distressed wood for a touch of vintage charm and opting for dark gray or clear coat metal finishes can further enhance the industrial look.
Modern design encompasses a blend of beauty and functionality, prominently showcasing sharp angles and clean lines. This style provides a sense of spaciousness and lightness to any space it graces. Modern restaurant chairs typically embody sleek, metal construction with unique shapes, evoking a minimalist or playful vibe. Popular choices for dining chairs in this style often feature wood tones, gray, and black hues for a neutral palette. For a vibrant touch, accenting with bold colors such as bright blue, green, red, or neon shades can create a striking contrast. Pairing modern, colorful chairs with a neutral restaurant setting can leave a lasting impression and set your establishment apart from others.
Vintage-style restaurant furniture brings a rustic charm to any establishment, offering versatility that can be tailored to reflect various historical eras. A current trend includes blending vintage pieces with more modern selections. This style is no longer limited to antiques, but also encompasses country-inspired details and patterned textiles. Today, vintage-style restaurant furniture can feature a mix of rustic tables with modern seating, along with contemporary lighting fixtures juxtaposed with Amish country-style tables. By combining elements like glass art with vintage décor, customers can enjoy a dining experience that is both comfortable and elegant.
Traditional restaurant chairs offer a timeless and versatile style that complements a wide range of interior design themes. Popular examples include the classic ladder back and vertical slat chairs, which are highly favored within the restaurant industry for their enduring appeal. These chairs are typically crafted with a sturdy wood or metal frame, paired with a padded or wooden seat for comfort. Traditional chairs often feature rich wood tones like walnut, cherry, or mahogany, contributing to an overall sense of prestige in the venue. Their enduring popularity speaks to the lasting success of traditional style in the world of restaurant furnishings.