Restaurant Chairs Guide
Your restaurant's decor is a visual cue letting your customers know what to expect when dining in your establishment. A very large part of your decor is your furniture and especially the chairs. While tables can be covered by table cloths and plates, chairs are always the front and center of any location and should represent your cuisine as much as possible. This guide will help you in the process of choosing the right chairs for your restaurant.
The Difference Between Residential and Commercial Chairs
Commercial furniture is designed with heavy use in mind, capable of withstanding frequent movement and handling. The materials used are high-quality and durable, ensuring a longer lifespan. The goal is for commercial furniture to last a decade or more, which is why the designs are usually more neutral and less flashy, easily adapting to changing trends. On the other hand, residential furniture is made with less sturdy materials and tends to follow current design trends, making it more affordable but less long-lasting. Commercial chairs endure far more stress over their lifetime than residential chairs, often being used ten times more frequently or even more.
Metal chairs are the strongest and most durable seating option. They come in various shapes and sizes and are covered with a protective finish for extra durability. Built with 16 gauge, fully welded steel with continuous root welds at stress points for maximum strength and endurance, metal chairs come in a variety of frame finishes and textures. Most metal chairs also come with the option of a solid wood seat or a padded seat crafted with commercial grade foam. There are ways to customize the seat by choosing a wood finish or selecting from various vinyl or fabric upholstery options.
Commercial-grade wood chairs are typically required to meet safety standards, such as being able to support a certain amount of weight. They are constructed using mortise and tenon style construction. These chairs undergo a rigorous 7-stage staining process to achieve a resilient shine and are available in a selection of stains. The wood seats are made of 1-inch-thick wood, and the padded seats are typically upholstered in commercial-grade vinyl or fabric. High-density foam ensures the seat keeps its shape and remains comfortable even after years of repeated use.
Types of Restaurant Chairs
There’s technically no such thing as a “restaurant chair”, which is to say, no one has ever invented a specific type of chair designed exclusively for use in eateries. Rather, there are several different types of chairs that are used in the restaurant business.
These include:
This is the common term used for commercial chairs without arms, typically for indoor use, although some exceptions can be used outdoors. They come in many designs, from modern to traditional, and are also space-savers since the seats can fit under the table.
These are essentially side chairs with arms, giving them a more prestigious appearance. The primary advantage of restaurant chairs with armrests is the level of comfort they offer. Chairs of this type are more ergonomic, enabling customers to enjoy their meal in luxury.
Perfect for bowling alleys and food courts, bolt-down chairs are fixed chairs which are secured to the floor with a metal base. They help save floor space and are safer than freestanding chairs, which can easily tip over. Bolt-down chairs are available in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional.
The seat and back are upholstered and padded. Most popular are the Parsons chairs and the club style. In addition to the comfort they provide, these fully upholstered restaurant chairs add a contemporary look to your dining area.
Commercial Patio Chairs
Creating an outdoor dining space benefits your business, customers and employees. From restaurants to hotels, it can be a tough task to find the right outdoor furniture at the right price that has the durability and staying power designers are looking for.
Outdoor chairs can be made of various materials such as aluminum, steel, faux rattan, plastic teak, and resin. These materials are waterproof and UV resistant, making them non-corrosive, resistant to rust and pest infestations. Another advantage of these materials is their lightweight nature, making the chairs easy to move. There are various styles of outdoor chairs to fit different decor themes, such as modern, industrial, tropical, beach, and casual. Below are some of the most common patio chair styles.
These chairs can be seen at many French sidewalk cafes. They are made with an aluminum frame and faux rattan or resin wicker upholstery. Not only do these materials block out UV rays, but they can also withstand heavy rain. They are strong and durable, and will last for years without losing their looks. They can be easily cleaned with a damp rag.
Common in restaurants with a coastal or maritime theme, these chairs are made with faux teak, a material also used on boat decks due to its waterproof, UV resistant, and highly durable qualities. They come with a lightweight aluminum frame.
Also called bistro style chairs, these chairs have an industrial look that is popular with many modern venues. Made with a weatherproof metal frame, the seats usually have drainage holes, are lightweight and also stack for easy storage.
These metal chairs have a casual beach style that is made for outdoor use. They typically have small holes in the back and seat for air flow and come with a zinc plated, powder coat finish.
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 been gaining popularity in recent years. These chairs often have a minimalist, utilitarian look that complements both modern and traditional decors. The trend is not limited to homes, as restaurants and cafes worldwide are embracing industrial design. The ambiance of a restaurant or cafe plays a crucial role in how guests perceive their experience, whether it's enjoying a cup of coffee or a meal. To transform your space into a trendy industrial hot spot, it's essential to use the right materials to create the desired look and feel. Industrial-style chairs are typically constructed with a metal frame, paired with a wood back or seat. Distressed wood is often incorporated to achieve a vintage look, while dark gray or clear coat metal frame finishes enhance the industrial feel.
The modern style is a flowing combination of aesthetics and functionality, characterized by sharp angles and clean lines. It creates an airy and light ambiance in any room. Modern style restaurant chairs typically feature streamlined designs, often made of metal with unique shapes. This style can be sleek and simple or bold and whimsical. For dining chairs in restaurants, wood tones paired with gray and black materials are popular for neutral chairs. If you want to add a pop of color, bright accents like blue, green, red, and neon can be striking. Combining a neutral restaurant decor with vibrant, modern chairs will make your venue stand out and memorable.
Vintage-style restaurant furniture adds a rustic charm to any establishment, evoking the ambiance of past decades. It has become popular to mix vintage pieces with modern and contemporary ones. This trend includes combining rustic tables with modern chairs or hanging contemporary lights above Amish country tables. By blending contemporary glass art with vintage decor, customers can enjoy dining in a comfortable and sophisticated atmosphere.
Traditional-style restaurant chairs have a classic look that can blend in with many types of interior designs. The popular ladder back and vertical slat chairs are examples of traditional-style commercial seating and favored by many restaurants. These chairs offer a timeless quality that never goes out of fashion and often elevate the venue's ambiance to a more prestigious level. Typically, they feature a sturdy wood or metal frame with a padded or wooden seat. Traditional style tends to favor rich wood tones like walnut, cherry, or mahogany. These chairs have proved their endurance as a style that continues to thrive.