When planning your restaurant seating arrangement, it is important to consider the shape and size of the tables as this will directly impact your establishment’s capacity and potentially your revenue.
Many new restaurant owners have questions about how to optimize their space for the best seating configuration. At Restaurant Furniture.Net, we help restaurant owners find the ideal seating arrangement that meets their specific needs.
Whether you are an ambitious new owner or working with an experienced restaurant design company, many challenges can arise during the design phase that can delay your restaurant’s opening. No matter the size or style of the restaurant, high-quality, durable tables are critical to providing your guests with a positive dining experience.
Deciding in advance on the right type and number of restaurant tables to design your restaurant around can help you avoid future issues. The overall ambiance, menu, and style of the dining room will determine how much space you allow for each table.
A minimum width of 24 inches is required for each seated guest. It’s also important to leave enough space between seats to ensure guests have comfortable access and freedom of movement. The type of establishment you’re registering also influences your choice of table. For example, a 30-by-30-inch table can comfortably seat two guests for a full meal, but at a cafe or ice cream parlor, the same table can seat four guests.
For a cafe or restaurant, a 12-foot table is recommended. In an enclosed seating area or banquet hall, ten square tables are appropriate. There should be at least 18 inches of space between a seated guest and the edge of the table to ensure comfort.
Table Shape
Restaurant tables come in different shapes and sizes. The ideal size and shape of your tables depends on the number of guests and the type of service you’re offering. When dining out you need more space for side dishes, cutlery, and glasses, while at a fast-food restaurant you need less space.
Square tables are the most popular choice because they can be used individually (usually for two guests) or together for larger groups. Round tables offer additional flexibility, especially in cafes where seating can be easily adjusted. Larger round tables can also break up the uniformity of square table arrangements in restaurant layouts. The choice of table frame is also important. The frame affects how much space your tables take up, so choose wisely to optimise your seating capacity.
How many place settings can restaurants fit?
According to the Metrics Handbook, each guest typically needs between 1 and 2 square metres of space with a minimum width of 580mm. Restaurants with tightly packed square tables are at the lower end of this range, while fine dining restaurants with widely spaced tables are at the higher end.
You can also increase seating capacity by placing small tables at a 45-degree angle. Pro tip: When designing your restaurant, remember that a chair should be approximately 450mm away from the table. To ensure a smooth flow of guests and staff, allow an extra 450mm behind chairs to avoid collisions with serving staff. When arranging tables, also consider how far the back legs of chairs extend.
