How to Furnish Your Cafe – Top Cafe Furniture Tips

There are lots of things to consider when opening a cafe – menu choices, opening times, staffing, and so on. These decisions are important, but you shouldn’t overlook the importance of your cafe furniture.

Cafe furniture can make or break your business

Furniture is a crucial part of any cafe, coffee shop or restaurant. Customers expect to be seated at quality tables and chairs that make them feel relaxed and comfortable. Buying good cafe furniture is one of the best investments you can make in your business.

Keep reading to find out why cafe tables and chairs are so important, along with tips on how to furnish your cafe successfully.

What furniture should be in a cafe?

• Cafe tables: You may choose a square cafe table, a round cafe table, or a high canteen cafe table depending on your decor and preferences.
• Cafe chairs: Popular cafe chairs include stacking cafe chairs, benches, and stools.
• Outdoor cafe furniture: Offering outdoor cafe tables and seating areas will help you attract customers during the warmer months. Look for an outdoor cafe table and chairs made from durable materials that will withstand the elements.

Why is cafe furniture so important?

Comfort

Comfortable cafe tables and chairs will make your customers feel at home and relaxed while visiting your cafe. Look for a cafe furniture range that offers good comfort and support e.g. a sturdy round cafe table and upholstered cafe chairs.

Branding

Your quality cafe furniture should reflect your brand and complement the theme of your cafe. Choose cafe furniture suppliers that align with your values and match the look and feel of your space.

Tip: If your budget allows, consider having your cafe tables and chairs customised in your brand colours or logo.

Ambience

Stylish cafe furniture will help you design an attractive space that will attract customers and create a great first impression. The ambience of your cafe will play a crucial role in the overall customer experience.

According to White Hutchinson: “Ambiance most determines if a guest is likely to return, more so than food or beverage.” Customers are unlikely to return to your cafe or recommend it to others if they did not enjoy the ambience.

Durability

Your restaurant furniture will be used daily, so it must be durable and able to withstand heavy use. Quality tables and chairs are built from strong materials and will remain in good condition for many years.

Buying quality furniture like a sturdy cafe table and cafe chairs is a great investment that should save you money in the long run as it will need replacing less often.

4 tips to help you choose the best cafe furniture

1. Choose furniture that matches your theme and decor. For instance, a wooden cafe table and chairs will suit a traditional space whereas a high gloss round table will look great in a contemporary cafe.
2. Offer a variety of furniture. Provide customers with a mix of furniture such as cosy booths and casual outdoor cafe tables and stools.
3. Don’t overfill the space. Consider your cafe layout carefully and avoid adding too many tables and chairs. Buy the right amount of cafe furniture and make sure customers can move around easily and won’t feel crowded.
4. Be mindful of your budget. Restaurant furniture can be expensive and you must set a budget and stick with it. Look for tables and chairs for sale and shop around to find the best deals.

Check out our recent blog for more things to consider when choosing cafe furniture.

Should I buy cafe furniture online or in-store?

You have two main options when buying cafe furniture: in-store or online. Ecommerce is becoming a popular alternative to shopping on the high street and 87% of UK households made an online purchase in 2020 according to Statista.

Pros of buying online

There is a wider choice of bistro furniture available
It is easier to compare prices for cafe tables and chairs
Buying online could save you time and money
There are no crowds and you can shop 24/7

Cons of buying online

You can’t see furniture before you buy it
There may be shipping and assembly costs
Table returns and exchanges might be difficult

Pros of buying in-store

You can see and reel the cafe furniture before you buy it
You can purchase cafe tables and chairs and take them home the same day

Cons of buying in-store

You may find it difficult to find the exact bistro furniture you are looking for
You may have to deal with crowded furniture shops and pushy salespeople
There might still be furniture delivery and assemble costs