Canteen Furniture Guide to Refurbishing Cafeterias

Sometimes decorative or furniture changes are all that is needed to ensure that the cafeteria and school canteen kitchen are as up to date and fit for purpose as possible. This guide focuses on using canteen furniture for a cost-effective canteen refresh.

Whether changing the decor or investing in new equipment or furniture, canteen refurbishment doesn’t always mean a complete overhaul of the entire space. Kitchen and catering equipment may be fully functional with many years of useful life left, while dining room furniture like tables and chairs which bear the brunt of constant daily use may start to look past their best a lot faster.

Tips for refurbishing cafeterias

When refurbishing cafeterias, it’s sensible to undertake a new risk assessment and diversity assessment each time. Never assume that old assessments of user behaviour are still relevant to your particular situation. Regulations, best practices and recognised needs change.

Study diner journeys

Study the current flow of students or employees through the space. Has a change from a formal to a casual menu changed the way people move through it? Have you changed from one long service counter to marketplace style arrangements of smaller self-serve options?

Plan the layout of furniture accordingly

Your space planning and dining furniture arrangements should be reappraised to fit, along with up to date estimates of canteen user numbers at specific times, wheelchair accessibility and other access requirements.

Look for harder-working furniture

Think versatility and diversity – with furniture that is designed to accommodate users of different ages, heights and sizes. Or adjustable furniture like height-adjustable tables.

Never forget the constant clean ups

Look for commercial-grade finishes to withstand heavy use and frequent cleaning. Choose easy to move, wheeled and / or stacking furniture that can be safely and easily moved and rearranged.

What canteen furniture is needed for a refurbished cafeteria?

Canteen tables

Choose from long tables with benches or a selection of small round or square tables for smaller groups of diners. Colourful or wooden tables should be made with contract-grade laminates that are easy to clean and extremely hard-wearing. Some tables are height adjustable and can be folded away when not in use.

Dining chairs for canteens

Wooden or metal chairs come in any colour you need and are designed to be easy to move around and durable enough to withstand heavy daily use.

Canteen benches

Benches pair brilliantly with long tables, maximise diner seating to help make best use of space and are easy to clean around. Again, a wide choice of colours and finishes are available, including fun, soft vinyl benches that are colourful and comfortable.

Canteen stools

Consider pairing high or low stools with high bar tables or counters or even with your usual dining tables for a space-saving seating solution that won’t break the budget.

Booths and banquettes

When built into a room as part of the overall design, booths and banquettes are a great way to maximise dining space. Restaurant-style booth seating works really well in canteens and is available in a wide range of easy-clean colours and finishes. Ask our expert space planners for more information on incorporating built-in booths into your cafeteria.

Designing a canteen that works all day long

When requesting budgets to invest in canteen furniture it may help to remember that we don’t just think of the canteen as a space for lunchtime. Employees and students can benefit from a place to have breakfast, whether that is supplied or brought from home.

Canteens and cafeterias also provide a useful space for breaks or meetings at any time of day, should the set-up allow. Wise employers know that employees who take regular short breaks can be happier, healthier and more productive than those who don’t. Having a dedicated space for eating and drinking helps to keep other spaces cleaner and tidier too.