New Restaurant Furniture Planning: Tables + Chairs + Booth Seating Quantity

What size restaurant tables do I need? How many people can fit comfortably at each table? How many tables can I fit in my space? How much room do I need to leave between restaurant tables?

These are all questions that run through your mind as you design the layout of your restaurant center. Choosing the correct elements is crucial for efficient operations and creating the ideal atmosphere for your guests. Here is a checklist of considerations you will need to address during planning.

Restaurant Furniture Planning:

Figuring out your goals of the space will save a lot of headaches in the end. You want to take stock of your main priorities with your space before taking any action. Determine what you as a business require from the space and run with it.

Determine the square footage of your area. Physically, you must know how much room you have to work with in order to organize it. Make a list of all the functions you plan on using the space for (e.g., restaurant dining, banquet style seating, classroom/seminar seating, with or without dance floor, bar and cocktail areas, buffet or stage areas). Know what your brand is and how you want to portray that. The atmosphere that you are trying to convey to your public can be used as the inspiration for creating the layout. Understand customer expectations. There’s a fine line between what customers want from you and what you are able to do for them; find that line.

Go the Distance:

It’s always helpful to have some requirements to keep mind while you’re getting the measurements you need for your space. Here are some industry-standards to help you when it comes to furniture placement.

1. Allow 18″ from the edge of the table to the back of each seat.
2. Allow at least 12″ between chairs that are back-to-back.
3. Allow a minimum of 24″ of aisle or service space (please note, the Americans with Disability Act requires greater room in at least 5% of the dining area for wheelchairs).
4. Allow 54″ between round tables and 60″ between rectangular tables to create the needed service space.
5. Allow 24″ – 30″ between table corners when placed diagonally.
6. Allow 12” between your seat and the bar tables.

Choose Your Restaurant Tables Shape and Size:

The most important part of selecting a table shape and size is that the tables have adequate space and go with your vision for your particular establishment.

Square tables offer the most flexibility and are easiest to move around or rearrange. For a durable, streamlined option that’s easy to push together, check out our Isotop collection.

round restaurant tables are often considered the most elegant and are great for banquet seating. Drop leaf round tables can offer some additional flexibility in case you need to accommodate a large party.

Rectangular tables are most common for the everyday dining experience because of their versatility. Our rustic farm tables are a popular choice for large or small seating needs.

While these guidelines and recommendations are helpful starting points, laying out a unique restaurant or banquet space for your particular establishment and utilizing the space you have for your specific goals will take a lot of thought. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and design a great looking restaurant or banquet space that effectively meets you and your guests’ expectations!