This is part three of our series on how to run and maintain a cafe. Find the other resources in the series below:
- Finding The Right Audience For Your Cafe
- Cafe Interior Design: Using Colour and Decoration
- How To Select Your Ideal Cafe Furniture
- How To Choose The Best Cafe Layout
- Cafe Decoration: Adding The Finishing Touches To Your Cafe
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The type of furniture used in hospitality is very important, as it provides a comfortable place for customers to sit and plays a huge role in the aesthetics of a cafe or restaurant. Creating a good first impression on customers will entice them into your cafe and make them want to return, so you must ensure that your interior is attractive and that you use high-quality cafe furniture.
In this guide, we will explore what you should look out for when selecting your coffee shop furniture and how you can generate more revenue based on your furniture choices.
Selecting the right furniture – balancing profits and customer requirements
Commercial grade furniture
One thing which is essential for your cafe is commercial grade furniture. The biggest advantage is that it is durable and easy to maintain, meaning it can withstand heavy use and frequent cleaning.
It’s important to make sure that the commercial grade furniture is both comfortable and stylish to ensure a positive dining experience for customers but which will meet the objectives of your business. For example a cafe may opt for a chair that is comfortable for 45 minutes but won’t encourage guests to camp out at your tables, so a compromise between comfort and durability has to be found.
Style
Make sure your cafe furniture matches your chosen decor. Usually, wood or metal furniture will suit most design styles, but you may want to opt for a specific colour or even fitted furniture depending on your room. Certain furniture types also convey a style on their own, for example bar stools and benches suit an industrial style, but may not suit a more luxury establishment. It’s also important to not purchase furniture with too many intricate stylings as these can be difficult to clean, leading to longer times spent cleaning.
What cafe furniture you will need
Poseur tables
Poseur tables are perfect for accommodating short stay visitors. They take up less space than traditional tables, so more people can fit into an area. This will enable you to generate more revenue from the floor space.
Warner Contract Furniture provides a great selection of poseur tables ready for you to explore, perfect for any cafe decor.
Bar stools
Cafe seating comes in all shapes and sizes. While you probably know you’ll need regular dining chairs, bar stools are another great option for cafe seating, especially if you use poseur tables. Bar stools can also provide an intimate seating area for customers to enjoy their coffee and conversation.
Choose from a range of metal, wooden and upholstered bar stools available in a variety of colours and finishes with Warner Contract Furniture.
Laminate table tops
Laminate table tops are a good investment as they are easy to clean and withstand a good amount of usage. Modern finishes include wood, marble and concrete, and these are generally fitted onto a pedestal, of which there are many stylish designs.
Benches
Bench seating is a good way to add extra seating to your restaurant without taking up too much space. The inclusion of benches also offers a way of adding a bit of variety to the overall look of cafe seating.
We have a large stock of ready-assembled as well as self-assembly benches and offer quick delivery in 3 – 5 days. Explore our range of benches in our online store.
Coffee shop tables and chairs
Coffee shop tables and chairs should be easy to move. Square tables, as opposed to round tables, can be rearranged quickly to accommodate different arrangements and group sizes. Mix-and-match seating using a variety of chairs, benches and stools in different colours and styles to create a quirky and eclectic environment.
Warner Contract Furniture has a great range of cafe chairs and tables ready for you to explore.
Click here for the next blog in our series on running a successful cafe.
Check out Warner Contract Furniture’s cafe range
We have been supplying hospitality businesses with commercial furniture for almost a decade and can help source any items you require for your coffee shop or tea room. Explore our selection cafe furniture today or contact our team to discuss a bespoke order. We look to deliver your furniture as quickly as possible and always offer our furniture at competitive prices.