Restaurant Furniture Blog

Sometimes it is the simple things in terms of restaurant chairs layout that make such a huge impact on diners. There is a temptation to place chairs in what seems like an ideal area only to find that customers complain and never return.

One example that I frequently see is where tables are lined up parallel to a wall. For some reason, the restaurant owner places the chairs with the backs to the wall. It seems innocuous enough - until you come to sit down. There is hardly any room to get in and out of the chair without pushing the table further away. This is an even bigger problem if the diner has that extra poundage around the waist.

The problem is compounded because the second diner is often sitting with their back to the passing traffic. The simple solution of course is to have the chairs also running parallel to the wall. I can understand some restaurants not wanting their tables up against walls, especially if they are themed to the restaurant. However, you still have to provide seating that is roomy, comfortable and safe from passing traffic.

It is such a simple thing: move the chairs to a different direction and patrons are going to be happy. Does it happen? Yes. In fact the reason I mention it is because of a restaurant I visited yesterday.

There should be a golden rule when it comes to a restaurants chairs layout - your diners, not the chairs, pay the bills so think of your diners’ comfort and well being first and let the chairs look after themselves.