How to Choose The Best Cafe Tables

There’s so much to think about when you’ve finally made the decision to open your own restaurant, bistro or cafe. You’ve got to work out your unique selling points, your budget, what will go on the menu and what kind of atmosphere you want to achieve. It’s only natural then, that choosing the best cafe tables for you might end up at the bottom of the list.

However, furnishings and decor are one of the best ways to create the right kind of mood and atmosphere in your business. When deciding on the best restaurant tables for your new venture, you must consider what kind of venue you’re opening.

Is your new business relaxed and trendy? Or more formal and classic? Whatever the ambience you want to achieve, this all can be reflected in your cafe furniture.

Ideally, you want all the aspects of your restaurant to flow together – from the moment the customer walks in and orders at the bar to their last sip of coffee. Good interior design will tell a story about your business and stir up positive emotions for your customers.

How can you find the best cafe tables for your business?

The first thing to think about when buying new cafe tables should be your establishment. What kind of atmosphere are you looking to create?

If your new venture is a takeaway restaurant, you could have a more minimal approach to furnishing – especially if you don’t need that many cafe tables and cafe chairs and your customers won’t eat in.

However, if you are opening a restaurant where you want your customers to stay a while, your restaurant furnishings must be chosen decisively. You should choose restaurant tables and chairs that are comfortable to sit at for long periods and you should note what sizes of groups you hope to cater to.

If you want to be able to host large parties, consider getting larger cafe tables that can seat a large number of customers. However, if you want to create a more intimate setting, that’s perhaps more ideal for couples or small groups of friends, opt instead for a small cafe table that can sit two or three.

Should you consider table shape too?

Table shape is also a crucial thing to consider when purchasing your tables for your business.

You must consider what kind of atmosphere and message you want to prioritise in your business. If you opt for long dining tables, you can create a more formal dining atmosphere, whereas a round cafe table will encourage intimacy.

If you want people to feel encouraged to mingle, opt for tall bar stools and bar tables instead.

Are quality and durability important when finding the best bistro tables for your business?

While domestic furniture is perfect for the home, your bistro tables need to withstand the type of wear and tear that they’ll undergo in a restaurant environment. The furniture that you purchase needs to be well made and durable to last.

Also, it’s important to consider how much maintenance your chosen tables will require. You’re not likely to have the spare time to dedicate to high maintenance furniture.

If you need to choose fabric coverings for your furniture, such as tablecloths, opt for something that is waterproof or that can be easily cleaned.

You should also consider placing pads on the bottom of your tables to prevent damage to your floors, and ensuring that everything will last as long as possible.

What kind of materials should you consider for your cafe table?

As a guide, for the most durable and lowest maintenance cafe furniture, you should consider anodised aluminium or powder coated steel. If you want a wood cafe table, you must be aware that it requires a little more maintenance than the metal options, so it is wise that your staff know how best to take care of it.

A marble cafe table will also seem elegant but be easy to maintain.

Do you need to consider outdoor tables for your catering business?

If you have an outdoor area, always consider optimising it for your guests. By creating an appealing outdoor cafe table, you could attract more customers, particularly in the summer months when people are looking to sit outside in the sunshine.

While many of our outdoor cafe tables are specifically designed for outdoor use, some of our outdoor furniture can be used both indoors and outdoors – allowing real flexibility for your business.

Many of our outdoor cafe tables are also a folding cafe table, allowing you to easily store them when winter comes.