Furniture

When you need a lot of furniture for high-traffic venues, whether that’s plenty of seats or simply for high turnover, you’ll want to look for options with solid durability in terms of what they’re made from, along with good build quality from the outset. We recommend opting for commercial-grade pieces that are specifically designed to withstand continuous use, rather than softer furnishings or delicate pieces.

Look for robust joinery, solid welding if you’re looking at anything with stainless steel, and reinforced frames. If you’re looking for softer furnishings, you might want to consider cushions on your cafe chairs that can be washed or replaced to avoid needing to reupholster chairs if they get worn down. Or, get restaurant furniture with replaceable components like seat pads for example, so you only need to refresh those rather than getting a whole new set.

Table size is important for a few reasons. They need to be big enough to fit a group or couple around them without feeling too spacious, but also big enough to give your customers space for their meals. Start by considering your service style, including crockery and table settings.

For example, smaller cafe tables are a great option for couples or solo diners and if you choose square tables, you’ll get greater flexibility by being able to combine them for larger dining setups. You should also consider whether you want larger banquet tables for bigger groups, as having a mix is helpful to diversify your customer base.

When it comes to choosing restaurant furniture that looks good but is also easy to maintain, you want to choose hard-wearing materials. Stainless steel components are always a good choice as it’s corrosion resistant so is ideal for outdoor use, but is also ideal for tabletops as it can be sanitised quickly and efficiently between seatings.

If you have a heavy turnover, powder-coated metals are another option and for a softer look that’s still durable, sealed timber finishes on table tops can resist staining and surface damage almost as well as metal.

Weather is variable in Australia, from extreme heat to massive downpours. While looking after your restaurant furniture between shifts helps, choosing the right kind of materials can help you get the most use out of your investment. Look for furniture made from materials like aluminium for lightweight yet durable construction, stainless steel for corrosion resistance, and treated timber for a longer-lasting wood look that won’t warp or crack as easily.

If you have cushions or soft elements in your furniture, look for fabrics and finishes that are rated for outdoor use and can shed water and dry quickly. Or, for those super sunny days and occasional showers, consider adding some umbrellas to help shelter your customers and furniture.

When you have something laidback like a lounge or a wine bar, you want restaurant furniture that encourages guests to relax and unwind for longer. You need options that enable comfort but without sacrificing practicality. Look for ergonomic design that offers things like supportive back rests, soft cushions, and robust joinery that can handle regular and extended use.

When you’re getting something bulky like furniture delivered, you’ll want to make sure you have easy access, especially if you’re ordering restaurant tables and chairs that come fully assembled. Make sure you’ve got space from the roadside into the venue and consider whether the doorways are wide enough for the bulkier pieces too. At Restaurant Equipment Online, we can arrange shipping anywhere in Australia, if you have any concerns regarding delivery or accessibility, please contact us and we can consult with you before you order.

As with your kitchen workflow and allowing ample space for staff when they’re prepping food, you also need a good flow amongst your restaurant tables and chairs. While the layout may need to vary depending on your seating and type of venue you’re running, generally, there should be enough space for two people to pass between tables to account for customer seating, chair pull-out space and staff serving drinks and food. Having the right balance of space, without making it feel empty is important, so experiment before you place everything, particularly when you’re looking at how the flow from the kitchen works into the seating area.

If you’re running a franchise, having a consistent and cohesive look across all venues is often a strong focus. Choose some core pieces and a solid colour palette. Whether it’s varnished timber tables, laidback seating, or personalised upholstery, keeping some core elements the same allows for differences between venues, while still maintaining the look and feel of your flagship restaurant.