Restaurant Furniture Blog

Now there is an interesting question - should your bar furniture be comfortable, practical or both? When we talk about bar furniture we are generally considering bar stools. When I think of comfort and practicality, my first thoughts fly to: Why do you have a bar and what is its intention?

If your bar is open to the public and not just diners then comfort may be worth looking at. If your bar is dedicated to serving diners before and after their meal and not open to the general public then comfort is not as big an issue. Why? There are times when you don’t want them to be too comfortable.

I know you will be thinking “they are my customers, I want them to feel comfortable” and to a certain extent you are right. You do want them to feel comfortable, however, you also want them ready to take their table once it is ready. If your bar furniture is too comfortable it may encourage them to linger a little longer than you want. Let’s face it, an empty table is a table that is not earning you money - even if your customers are at the bar.

What sort of furniture is comfortable - yet not comfortable? Generally speaking, bar stools that are not padded suit the purpose beautifully. When you first sit on them they can be quite comfortable. However, the longer you sit on them, the less comfortable they become.

Metal bar stools have a shorter comfort period compared to timber. The shape of the bar stool seat is also important. A large surface has a longer comfort period as it supports the rear end rather well. On the other hand, the rear end tends to have some overhang on smaller seats - this of course can become uncomfortable reasonably quickly - perhaps too quickly.

Bar furniture - should it be practical of comfortable? In my mind, practical with a degree of comfort. I certainly don’t want them to be too comfortable, I want my customers dining at their table as soon as possible - that’s why I have a restaurant!