The Art of Cafe Seating Arrangements Maximising Comfort and Capacity

When it comes to designing or refurbishing your café, the seating arrangement is a key area that should not be overlooked. Optimising cafe seating in a café is not just about helping to increase revenue. It will influence the overall aesthetic and mood of the customer and impact how efficiently your service can operate.

A café is supposed to be a place of relaxation and the seating arrangement is central to that concept, so attention needs to be paid to the type of furniture you buy and how it is positioned. Here we look at how café seating arrangements work and what to consider during the planning phase.

What are seating arrangements and why is it important?

Cafes looking to maximise their seating capacity need a strategy that strikes a balance between customer comfort and increasing profit. With more customers seated throughout the day you can enjoy a higher turnover of tables for every service, supported by an appropriate layout that adds to the design.

While you want to maximise capacity there are also some practicalities that need to be taken into consideration first, especially when it comes to traffic flow in and around the seating. For example, staff will need to be able to move in and around the seating (if you offer table service) to take orders, deliver them and clear up. The pathway to and from the kitchen also needs to be clear, so a service corridor should be factored into your layout.

Things to consider when choosing seating arrangements for cafés

Keep the following in mind when you are considering seating arrangements for your café:

Capacity and space

Take some time to look at the types of cafe furniture that could be suitable for your café and interior design. For example, booths work well in narrow spaces and offer more intimacy, while stools can encourage customers to sit for a longer period in and around the counter area. Consider how much floor space you have and how you can maximise capacity without overcrowding seating arrangements.

Comfort and design

The comfort aspect is directly related to the amount of space you have and ensuring you do not overcrowd. Of course, the furniture needs to be comfortable, but comfort also means giving customers enough of their own personal space to relax and enjoy the service. Also, think about how the seating arrangements affect the interior design and how they can complement each other.

Durability and longevity

The seating at the front of your café will likely get more use than elsewhere, so factor this into the type of outdoor cafe furniture you use for this area. If you have an outdoor seating area, this should be weather-resistant to cope with the changing seasons and the usual wear and tear that comes with customer use.

Cost and maintenance

The cost of your furniture is always a factor to consider, as it should be a long-term investment that doesn’t require you to overspend on repairs and replacements. Polypropylene, powder-coated metal and treated wood are good options, as they are durable, stylish and do not require much work in terms of maintenance.

What are the best seating arrangements for cafes?

Here are some seating arrangement ideas that could work in your cafe, depending on the dynamics of the space and your requirements:

Booths

Booths offer more privacy for customers and allow them to eat with comfort without having to share the space with strangers. If you have a narrow area that can’t accommodate cafe tables, booths could be a good option.

Benches

You may need a larger area to accommodate benches but they can maximise the space for several people to eat at a communal table. Benches are also an option for outdoor seating, offering a place for customers to sit and eat and drink in groups or on their own.

Bar seating

Even the addition of a few seats at the bar can help to increase revenue whilst creating more organisation within the café. Bar seating creates a dedicated area for people to sit while paying customers and orders to go can be sectioned to another part of the bar, helping with the traffic flow.

Outdoor seating

If you have an outdoor cafe furniture space that can be used for tables and chairs you should make full use of it. Whether it’s in the front or rear of the café, customers love the opportunity to sit outdoors and enjoy the fresh air while eating. Bistro sets are usually a great option for outdoor seating areas.

Lounge seating

Lounge seating refers to soft furnishings such as sofas and beanbags, giving you more variation in style and helping to set a more informal and relaxed atmosphere. Avoid the likes of suede or velvet, as these will be difficult to maintain, and this should help you craft a cosy and inviting space customers will love to return to.

Final thoughts

The seating options you choose for your café can have a very positive effect on your business, from enhancing your brand through customer satisfaction to maximising space to increase revenue. Invest in durable café chairs that can adapt to the needs of your café, and whether your seating arrangement needs to be refreshed indoors or outdoors, there are lots of options you can implement to transform the way customers view and interact with your business.

Get started with your new café seating arrangements

Spaceist is an established café furniture supplier that works with bistros, cafés and coffee houses of all sizes. Whether you are refurbing an existing space or looking to upgrade your café furniture, we can help you find the right style to suit your design ideas. Take a look at our website or come and visit us at our 2,5000 sq. ft. showroom. Get in touch with our team today to find out more.