A How-to Guide to Seating Charts
The design of the perfect seating chart is a crucial step toward your restaurant's success. Although this might seem to be an overwhelming task at first, this guide is a one-stop shop for all you need to know before developing your seating layout.
A good seating chart can set you apart from your competitors and set the scene for your guests' dining experience. The process of creating a seating chart is multifaceted; you should consider not only aesthetics and style, but your layouts should also meet government regulations, accommodate the proper capacity, and work with your existing floor plan.
- What to consider:
As you think of your seating chart, there are some important considerations you should think through before designing your space.
- Desired Ambiance
The ambiance is the character and atmosphere of your space. Your seating chart is a key tool to achieving the desired ambiance for your space. Depending on whether you are opening a bar, a cafe, or a fine dining restaurant, the needs of your space will change significantly. As you think about your space concept you should keep in mind what is your desired outcome.
- Are you looking for a lively and loud space?
- Are you looking for an intimate and calm experience? 3) Are you looking for a family environment?
The type of cuisine you serve at your venue and time of service also plays an important role in defining the ambiance of your space. If your restaurant draws influence from a specific country’s cuisine, you might want to incorporate some characteristics of that country’s design into your furniture and space layout. For example, if you are opening a Japanese restaurant you might consider creating seating options around a sushi bar or having tatami tables. Identifying those characteristics between typical cuisine and design elements helps to create a unique experience for your customers.
image: ‘shizuku by chef naoko
The business hours, operation type, and target customer also play a role in the ambiance. If your venue is focused on providing buffet-style lunch serving to mostly nearby office workers, you should consider a light environment with smaller tables to allow for increased table turnaround which in turn increases your business capacity. Additionally, you should consider the display of your food, freeing more space for the buffet element and a larger passageway around it.
If, on the other hand, you are developing a seating chart for your home, an event, or a private space, you should always consider the existing decoration style, size, and shape of the space you are working with. For instance, if other areas of your space have a minimalist style, you should create a seating chart with larger leeways and bigger elements in fewer quantities.
- Existing Space Architecture
Analyzing the existing features of your space can help you create a unique character for your venue or restaurant and should be analyzed as you develop your seating chart. Features such as large windows, arches, double-height space, stairs, and ornamental columns can create signature moments for your restaurant. You might also want to consider any existing furniture worth keeping or restoring.
Image: Suzy Q restaurant
Other existing factors such as entrance ways, service areas, and sun exposure are critical to determining the final layout of your seating chart. Identifying entrances will allow you to optimize the circulation of your space.
Especially if you are considering outdoor service or have a well-lit space, understanding the sun incidence in your space is important to ensure the comfort of your customers. If you get a lot of sun exposure around lunchtime, you might want to consider allocating the areas with greater sun exposure to function as corridors.
- Business Regulations and Seating Capacity
In addition to the existing architecture, you must consider the regulations and building codes applicable to your jurisdiction. Local code requirements can determine your seating capacity and how much square footage you need per customer. These decisions are affected by the number and distance of exits available at your location with the end goal of preventing fire hazards and accidents. Local governmental agencies such as the department of city planning and your fire department are great resources to inquire about these measurements and regulations.
A good point of reference is the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) guide listing the average allotted square feet per customer by service type - as shown below.
|
TYPE OF OPERATION |
SPACE ALLOWANCE PER SEAT |
|
School Lunchroom / Cafeteria |
9 - 12 sq. ft. |
|
Banquet Room |
10 - 11 sq. ft. |
|
Table Service (Minimum) |
11 - 14 sq. ft. |
|
College or Business and Industry Cafeteria |
12 - 15 sq. ft. |
|
Table Service at a Hotel, Club, or Restaurant |
15 - 18 sq. ft. |
|
Commercial Cafeteria |
16 - 18 sq. ft. |
|
Counter Service Restaurant |
18 - 20 sq. ft. |
In addition to referencing regulations, testing the space with the tools you have at hand can be insightful.
At this stage, it is also important to determine how many ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) tables you will need to provide at your venue. Generally, if your restaurant or bar has 20 tables or more, it is required that 5% of the total number of seats in your restaurant be ADA accessible. If your restaurant or bar has less than 20 tables, you need one table to be ADA accessible. If your location has an outdoor dining area, those seats must be included in your calculations. Please note that different states might have specific rules. You can visit The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) portal for additional information.
- Serving and operational needs
Last but not least, you must consider your specific operational needs when creating your seating chart. You might want to consider space for supporting serving tables, dessert carts, or floor bottle holders if you are catering to fine dining. If you are assembling a Korean barbecue or a hibachi restaurant you will need to consider the space and installations required to place a grill within your table area. In these cases, your furniture layout will have to change accordingly with the HVAC system flow to improve air circulation and prevent excessive cooking smoke.
Additionally, when your venue has seasonal services or different services throughout the day you can consider deployable layouts and space for storage. For instance, if you have outdoor service only during the summer season, foldable and light furniture can be the most assertive option. On the other hand, if you have a space where you serve food during the day but turn it into a lounge/event area during the night you can easily arrange your layout by selecting the right furniture.
So what is the right furniture and layout for your space? Continue to read to discover all you need to know when selecting your tables and additional furniture.
- How to layout a room or restaurant with different size tables.
You can use several strategies to determine how to layout a room or a restaurant with different table sizes or styles. Some of the most efficient ways to layout a room is considering the different uses you might have at your restaurant or space and ensuring you incorporate the existing floor plan to optimize the space you have.
- Establish Sectors:
If your space has multiple uses, you can use different table sizes and styles to help you delimitate the space and create unique experiences in each area. You can delimitate your space according to:
- Different uses: You have a cafe attracting customers who stay for a meal and customers who spend an entire afternoon and use your cafe in a work capacity. You can create different areas in your cafe by providing a couple of communal tables which occupy less space than a working cafe area and deploy smaller tables for customers who want to consume a meal.
image: Puro Hotel
- Noise levels: You have a venue that functions both as a bar and a restaurant, and you want to create different atmospheres between both areas. You can place small high-top tables close together for the bar area while using larger standard height tables with a wider distance from each other to disperse the noise in the restaurant area.
- Lighting levels: The space functions as both a lounge and dinner service. You can use smaller and lower tables accompanied by sofas and accent chairs to give a lounge ambiance while having 2-4 people tables in the restaurant area.
image: Lemon
- Capacity levels: When you want to increase your seating capacity by having densely populated areas you can create special table formats such as a tabletop along the walls or windows.
- Taking advantage of the space layout:
When you are designing a seating chart, you are likely working with a pre-existing space with its constraints and opportunities. It is important to study the space dimensions to determine the best size for your tables and respective chairs.
- Long and narrow rooms: can benefit from positioning tables against the wall and having one corridor leeway. Placing a continuous bench along the wall can help you gain more space for circulation.
- Large square rooms: can benefit from an accent table or a double-sided bench element can help anchor the layout of your space.
- Important furniture considerations
Tables and seats can be found or manufactured in many sizes, shapes, and materials. Understanding the pros and cons of each can help you determine the best option to meet your needs.
- Table shape:
- Circular: Perfect for family-style meals such as dim sum. Circular tables are often preferred for larger groups as they facilitate the guests' conversation and sightlines. The circular table also allows for more space to serve dishes and serving devices such as a “lazy-Suzy” or a built-in grill.
Circular tables require a larger circulation buffer, therefore preferred for larger venues. Another type of circular table is the famous bistro tables - they are small diameter tables with a capacity for 2-3 people and can be found in cafes or as high tops in bars for a stand-up service.
|
SEATING CAPACITY |
TABLE DIAMETER |
TABLE LENGTH |
|
2 chairs: |
30” |
30” |
|
4 chairs |
42-48” |
42-48” |
|
6-8 chairs |
60” |
60” |
|
10 chairs |
72-84” |
72-84” |
|
12 chairs |
96” |
96” |
- Square: Square tables are usually placed in similarly square rooms and are a good choice if you need a single-table dining space. Optimal square tables usually fit 8 people, with two seats on each side, and are nicely complemented by a “lazy-Suzy” to improve serving accessibility. Smaller square tables are often not the optimal use of space and should preferably be substituted by rectangular tables.
|
SEATING CAPACITY |
TABLE DIAMETER |
|
2 chairs: |
30” |
|
4 chairs |
42-48” |
|
8 chairs |
60” |
|
12 chairs |
96” |
- Rectangular: Rectangular tables are a widespread choice due to their flexibility. You can find rectangular tables in many sizes. Its capacity is determined by multiples of 2.
Rectangular tables can be easily combined to form larger tables and require a smaller circulation buffer. Often rectangular tables seat guests along two or four of their sides further adding flexibility to rectangular tables.
|
SEATING CAPACITY |
TABLE WIDTH |
TABLE LENGTH |
|
4 chairs: |
24” |
48” |
|
6 chairs |
24” |
60-72” |
|
8 chairs |
36” |
80-87” |
|
10 chairs |
42” |
92-108” |
|
12 chairs |
42” |
120” |
- Custom-made design or accent tables: The sky's the limit when creating your seating chart. If you have a unique-sized space or are looking for an accent piece, custom-made might be your pick. When designing your table you have the flexibility to adjust the dimensions, capacity, and shape to fit your needs. For instance, you can create organic shaped or geometric tables that can be arranged in interesting ways.
image: Baron
- Spacing and distribution
The dimensions and buffer allowances mentioned above are an overall guideline, however, it is important to consider that the seat selection and the ambiance you desire will also play a role in determining how many people you can fit into an existing table and how far you should space the tables.
- Distribution between tables: You should consider a minimum of 18" spacing between parallel tables. This spacing allows for waiter service but is not considered a corridor.
image: Paralel table distribution -Neufert
However, you should consider wider corridors for main circulation paths, including passageways that can accommodate wheelchairs which should be at least 36” wide.
For more information on ensuring your venue meets accessibility requirements, visit The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) portal.
Corridor width is also determined by the overall size of your dining area, as follows:
|
TYPE OF AISLES |
WALKWAY WIDTH |
|
main aisles |
78” |
|
intermediate aisles |
35” |
|
side aisle |
47” |
- Seating Spacing within a table: It’s recommended that you have a minimum of 24-26” length and 15” width of tabletop space per place setting. You should consider additional spacing for table service and accent chair configurations.
For instance, to create a formal dining environment, you will need more table space to set a multi-course meal table setting. Since formal dining has a longer service, you will want to provide more comfortable upholstery seats and bigger separation between guests, ensuring you have enough space for a multi-waiter synchronized service. If you are looking for a bar ambiance with people seated closer together, you can give preference to slimmer chairs or built-in benches where you can fit guests closer together.
image: table service possible requirements - Neufert (measurements in cm)
- Table Height:
Table heights are determined by the study of body comfort. There are several tabletop heights you can choose to meet your needs.
The most common table height choice is the standard dinner service table ranging between 28”-30” in height. You will find endless seating options, including chairs for adjustable chairs for children. The standard table is also a great choice for ADA accessibility as it can accommodate people with physical limitations and special equipment needs.
|
Table type |
Lower Range |
Upper Range |
Chair Height |
|
Tatame |
5” |
11” |
- |
|
Children Table |
20” (4 yo) | 22” (5-7 y0) | 24” (8-10 yo) |
22” (4 yo) | 25” (5-7 y0) | 29” (8-10 yo) |
10-12” (4 yo) | 12-14” (5-7 y0) | 13-17” (8-10 yo) |
|
Standard dinner service |
28” |
30” |
18-20” |
|
Counter Top |
34” |
36” |
24-26” |
|
High top / Bar |
40” |
42” |
28-30” |
- Commonly used Table Materials:
There are endless material options for tables. Understanding their peculiarities can help inform which material is best suited for your needs. Below you can find some of the best quality materials used for tables. Material selection plays a big role in the aesthetic and ambiance of your space.
- Wood: A very popular and classic choice of material. Solid wood tables are durable and easy to maintain or repair if they become damaged. It can be found in a variety of tones, densities, and shapes. Solid wood tables can slightly differ from another, as each is made with a unique piece of wood. Wood is also a good material to create custom-made tables as it allows for flexibility and you can find many skilled professionals to manufacture your design.
Solid wood tables are often very heavy. If you need to move your furniture often, you can also find many options of wood veneers in the market. Wood veneer tables can be lighter weight and more budget-conscious. To maintain the beauty and longevity of a wood table it is important to prevent the contact of hot plates or water stains with the wood surface for a long period. This type of material is also not best suited for outdoor use, prolonged sun exposure, and extreme weather variations that can lead to dryness, fissures, and discolor
Keeping up with maintenance is fairly simple, with daily washings, regular dusting, and intermittent polishing often being required. Care must be taken at all times to prevent scratching solid wood dining tables.
- Glass: Glass is a strong and noble material. It gives the space sophistication, expansiveness, and light. This material is usually associated with modern aesthetics and can be a great option for small rooms.
Glass tops require consistent cleaning schedules and are weather resistant. When considering glass tables make sure to opt for tempered glass. In its tempered condition, the material has been chemically and thermally treated to prevent cracks and shattering.
- Natural Stones: Noble stones such as marble and granite are often used for countertops and accent tables. They are amongst the most environmentally friendly materials and can be a great option. They have a high price point and their use is often linked to a higher-end ambiance. They have a timeless appeal and are considerably resistant to wear and tear. However, as natural stones, they are in constant mutation and can suffer from straining and scratching if not properly kept.
Natural stone is a heavy material and transportation can be a challenge. Today, several materials resemble the look and feel of granite but have a lighter composition, stronger resistance, and lower price point. Materials like Corian provide these characteristics and can be shaped in many formats.
- Metals: Another material that is commonly used in restaurants. They provide an industrial look to your space besides being an easy material to keep sanitized. Some metals have natural antimicrobial properties. Metal tables can also be lightweight and durable. Metals such as copper have enduring strength and a natural ability to retain their luster over time. Copper is also eco-friendly because it requires no manufacturing processes that produce harmful waste.
- General best practices when creating a seating layout.
Creating a seating layout is a phased process. Below, you can find some useful tips on how to structure the process and overall best practices.
- Designing a seating chart is an iterative process, don’t be afraid to draw multiple options and explore the possibilities.
- Research case studies and use them as a reference for designing your own space. Try to identify what you like about each space, and how it makes you feel, and use these elements to compose your seating chart.
- Seating layout is a very important task and you should consider hiring a specialist. There are many professionals and software available to help you through this process.
- In addition to referencing regulations and standard measurements, testing the space with simple tools you might have at hand can be extremely insightful. As a reference,
at the beginning of Mcdonald's, the founding brothers designed their production line by drawing with tape on the floor. Testing can help get a feel for the space before making final decisions.
- Think of the implementation of your layout as you design your chart.
- How will you move the furniture into your space?
○ Who will be responsible for assembly?
A How-to Guide to Seating Charts
The design of the perfect seating chart is a crucial step toward your restaurant's success. Although this might seem to be an overwhelming task at first, this guide is a one-stop shop for all you need to know before developing your seating layout.
A good seating chart can set you apart from your competitors and set the scene for your guests' dining experience. The process of creating a seating chart is multifaceted; you should consider not only aesthetics and style, but your layouts should also meet government regulations, accommodate the proper capacity, and work with your existing floor plan.
- What to consider:
As you think of your seating chart, there are some important considerations you should think through before designing your space.
- Desired Ambiance
The ambiance is the character and atmosphere of your space. Your seating chart is a key tool to achieving the desired ambiance for your space. Depending on whether you are opening a bar, a cafe, or a fine dining restaurant, the needs of your space will change significantly. As you think about your space concept you should keep in mind what is your desired outcome.
- Are you looking for a lively and loud space?
- Are you looking for an intimate and calm experience? 3) Are you looking for a family environment?
The type of cuisine you serve at your venue and time of service also plays an important role in defining the ambiance of your space. If your restaurant draws influence from a specific country’s cuisine, you might want to incorporate some characteristics of that country’s design into your furniture and space layout. For example, if you are opening a Japanese restaurant you might consider creating seating options around a sushi bar or having tatami tables. Identifying those characteristics between typical cuisine and design elements helps to create a unique experience for your customers.
image: ‘shizuku by chef naoko
The business hours, operation type, and target customer also play a role in the ambiance. If your venue is focused on providing buffet-style lunch serving to mostly nearby office workers, you should consider a light environment with smaller tables to allow for increased table turnaround which in turn increases your business capacity. Additionally, you should consider the display of your food, freeing more space for the buffet element and a larger passageway around it.
If, on the other hand, you are developing a seating chart for your home, an event, or a private space, you should always consider the existing decoration style, size, and shape of the space you are working with. For instance, if other areas of your space have a minimalist style, you should create a seating chart with larger leeways and bigger elements in fewer quantities.
- Existing Space Architecture
Analyzing the existing features of your space can help you create a unique character for your venue or restaurant and should be analyzed as you develop your seating chart. Features such as large windows, arches, double-height space, stairs, and ornamental columns can create signature moments for your restaurant. You might also want to consider any existing furniture worth keeping or restoring.
Image: Suzy Q restaurant
Other existing factors such as entrance ways, service areas, and sun exposure are critical to determining the final layout of your seating chart. Identifying entrances will allow you to optimize the circulation of your space.
Especially if you are considering outdoor service or have a well-lit space, understanding the sun incidence in your space is important to ensure the comfort of your customers. If you get a lot of sun exposure around lunchtime, you might want to consider allocating the areas with greater sun exposure to function as corridors.
- Business Regulations and Seating Capacity
In addition to the existing architecture, you must consider the regulations and building codes applicable to your jurisdiction. Local code requirements can determine your seating capacity and how much square footage you need per customer. These decisions are affected by the number and distance of exits available at your location with the end goal of preventing fire hazards and accidents. Local governmental agencies such as the department of city planning and your fire department are great resources to inquire about these measurements and regulations.
A good point of reference is the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) guide listing the average allotted square feet per customer by service type - as shown below.
|
TYPE OF OPERATION |
SPACE ALLOWANCE PER SEAT |
|
School Lunchroom / Cafeteria |
9 - 12 sq. ft. |
|
Banquet Room |
10 - 11 sq. ft. |
|
Table Service (Minimum) |
11 - 14 sq. ft. |
|
College or Business and Industry Cafeteria |
12 - 15 sq. ft. |
|
Table Service at a Hotel, Club, or Restaurant |
15 - 18 sq. ft. |
|
Commercial Cafeteria |
16 - 18 sq. ft. |
|
Counter Service Restaurant |
18 - 20 sq. ft. |
In addition to referencing regulations, testing the space with the tools you have at hand can be insightful.
At this stage, it is also important to determine how many ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) tables you will need to provide at your venue. Generally, if your restaurant or bar has 20 tables or more, it is required that 5% of the total number of seats in your restaurant be ADA accessible. If your restaurant or bar has less than 20 tables, you need one table to be ADA accessible. If your location has an outdoor dining area, those seats must be included in your calculations. Please note that different states might have specific rules. You can visit The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) portal for additional information.
- Serving and operational needs
Last but not least, you must consider your specific operational needs when creating your seating chart. You might want to consider space for supporting serving tables, dessert carts, or floor bottle holders if you are catering to fine dining. If you are assembling a Korean barbecue or a hibachi restaurant you will need to consider the space and installations required to place a grill within your table area. In these cases, your furniture layout will have to change accordingly with the HVAC system flow to improve air circulation and prevent excessive cooking smoke.
Additionally, when your venue has seasonal services or different services throughout the day you can consider deployable layouts and space for storage. For instance, if you have outdoor service only during the summer season, foldable and light furniture can be the most assertive option. On the other hand, if you have a space where you serve food during the day but turn it into a lounge/event area during the night you can easily arrange your layout by selecting the right furniture.
So what is the right furniture and layout for your space? Continue to read to discover all you need to know when selecting your tables and additional furniture.
- How to layout a room or restaurant with different size tables.
You can use several strategies to determine how to layout a room or a restaurant with different table sizes or styles. Some of the most efficient ways to layout a room is considering the different uses you might have at your restaurant or space and ensuring you incorporate the existing floor plan to optimize the space you have.
- Establish Sectors:
If your space has multiple uses, you can use different table sizes and styles to help you delimitate the space and create unique experiences in each area. You can delimitate your space according to:
- Different uses: You have a cafe attracting customers who stay for a meal and customers who spend an entire afternoon and use your cafe in a work capacity. You can create different areas in your cafe by providing a couple of communal tables which occupy less space than a working cafe area and deploy smaller tables for customers who want to consume a meal.
image: Puro Hotel
- Noise levels: You have a venue that functions both as a bar and a restaurant, and you want to create different atmospheres between both areas. You can place small high-top tables close together for the bar area while using larger standard height tables with a wider distance from each other to disperse the noise in the restaurant area.
- Lighting levels: The space functions as both a lounge and dinner service. You can use smaller and lower tables accompanied by sofas and accent chairs to give a lounge ambiance while having 2-4 people tables in the restaurant area.
image: Lemon
- Capacity levels: When you want to increase your seating capacity by having densely populated areas you can create special table formats such as a tabletop along the walls or windows.
- Taking advantage of the space layout:
When you are designing a seating chart, you are likely working with a pre-existing space with its constraints and opportunities. It is important to study the space dimensions to determine the best size for your tables and respective chairs.
- Long and narrow rooms: can benefit from positioning tables against the wall and having one corridor leeway. Placing a continuous bench along the wall can help you gain more space for circulation.
- Large square rooms: can benefit from an accent table or a double-sided bench element can help anchor the layout of your space.
image: buddha-bar new york
- Important furniture considerations
Tables and seats can be found or manufactured in many sizes, shapes, and materials. Understanding the pros and cons of each can help you determine the best option to meet your needs.
- Table shape:
- Circular: Perfect for family-style meals such as dim sum. Circular tables are often preferred for larger groups as they facilitate the guests' conversation and sightlines. The circular table also allows for more space to serve dishes and serving devices such as a “lazy-Suzy” or a built-in grill.
Circular tables require a larger circulation buffer, therefore preferred for larger venues. Another type of circular table is the famous bistro tables - they are small diameter tables with a capacity for 2-3 people and can be found in cafes or as high tops in bars for a stand-up service.
|
SEATING CAPACITY |
TABLE DIAMETER |
TABLE LENGTH |
|
2 chairs: |
30” |
30” |
|
4 chairs |
42-48” |
42-48” |
|
6-8 chairs |
60” |
60” |
|
10 chairs |
72-84” |
72-84” |
|
12 chairs |
96” |
96” |
- Square: Square tables are usually placed in similarly square rooms and are a good choice if you need a single-table dining space. Optimal square tables usually fit 8 people, with two seats on each side, and are nicely complemented by a “lazy-Suzy” to improve serving accessibility. Smaller square tables are often not the optimal use of space and should preferably be substituted by rectangular tables.
|
SEATING CAPACITY |
TABLE DIAMETER |
|
2 chairs: |
30” |
|
4 chairs |
42-48” |
|
8 chairs |
60” |
|
12 chairs |
96” |
- Rectangular: Rectangular tables are a widespread choice due to their flexibility. You can find rectangular tables in many sizes. Its capacity is determined by multiples of 2.
Rectangular tables can be easily combined to form larger tables and require a smaller circulation buffer. Often rectangular tables seat guests along two or four of their sides further adding flexibility to rectangular tables.
|
SEATING CAPACITY |
TABLE WIDTH |
TABLE LENGTH |
|
4 chairs: |
24” |
48” |
|
6 chairs |
24” |
60-72” |
|
8 chairs |
36” |
80-87” |
|
10 chairs |
42” |
92-108” |
|
12 chairs |
42” |
120” |
- Custom-made design or accent tables: The sky's the limit when creating your seating chart. If you have a unique-sized space or are looking for an accent piece, custom-made might be your pick. When designing your table you have the flexibility to adjust the dimensions, capacity, and shape to fit your needs. For instance, you can create organic shaped or geometric tables that can be arranged in interesting ways.
image: Baron
- Spacing and distribution
The dimensions and buffer allowances mentioned above are an overall guideline, however, it is important to consider that the seat selection and the ambiance you desire will also play a role in determining how many people you can fit into an existing table and how far you should space the tables.
- Distribution between tables: You should consider a minimum of 18" spacing between parallel tables. This spacing allows for waiter service but is not considered a corridor.
However, you should consider wider corridors for main circulation paths, including passageways that can accommodate wheelchairs which should be at least 36” wide.
For more information on ensuring your venue meets accessibility requirements, visit The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) portal.
Corridor width is also determined by the overall size of your dining area, as follows:
|
TYPE OF AISLES |
WALKWAY WIDTH |
|
main aisles |
78” |
|
intermediate aisles |
35” |
|
side aisle |
47” |
- Seating Spacing within a table: It’s recommended that you have a minimum of 24-26” length and 15” width of tabletop space per place setting. You should consider additional spacing for table service and accent chair configurations.
For instance, to create a formal dining environment, you will need more table space to set a multi-course meal table setting. Since formal dining has a longer service, you will want to provide more comfortable upholstery seats and bigger separation between guests, ensuring you have enough space for a multi-waiter synchronized service. If you are looking for a bar ambiance with people seated closer together, you can give preference to slimmer chairs or built-in benches where you can fit guests closer together.
image: table service possible requirements - Neufert (measurements in cm)
- Table Height:
Table heights are determined by the study of body comfort. There are several tabletop heights you can choose to meet your needs.
The most common table height choice is the standard dinner service table ranging between 28”-30” in height. You will find endless seating options, including chairs for adjustable chairs for children. The standard table is also a great choice for ADA accessibility as it can accommodate people with physical limitations and special equipment needs.
|
Table type |
Lower Range |
Upper Range |
Chair Height |
|
Tatame |
5” |
11” |
- |
|
Children Table |
20” (4 yo) | 22” (5-7 y0) | 24” (8-10 yo) |
22” (4 yo) | 25” (5-7 y0) | 29” (8-10 yo) |
10-12” (4 yo) | 12-14” (5-7 y0) | 13-17” (8-10 yo) |
|
Standard dinner service |
28” |
30” |
18-20” |
|
Counter Top |
34” |
36” |
24-26” |
|
High top / Bar |
40” |
42” |
28-30” |
- Commonly used Table Materials:
There are endless material options for tables. Understanding their peculiarities can help inform which material is best suited for your needs. Below you can find some of the best quality materials used for tables. Material selection plays a big role in the aesthetic and ambiance of your space.
- Wood: A very popular and classic choice of material. Solid wood tables are durable and easy to maintain or repair if they become damaged. It can be found in a variety of tones, densities, and shapes. Solid wood tables can slightly differ from another, as each is made with a unique piece of wood. Wood is also a good material to create custom-made tables as it allows for flexibility and you can find many skilled professionals to manufacture your design.
Solid wood tables are often very heavy. If you need to move your furniture often, you can also find many options of wood veneers in the market. Wood veneer tables can be lighter weight and more budget-conscious. To maintain the beauty and longevity of a wood table it is important to prevent the contact of hot plates or water stains with the wood surface for a long period. This type of material is also not best suited for outdoor use, prolonged sun exposure, and extreme weather variations that can lead to dryness, fissures, and discolor
Keeping up with maintenance is fairly simple, with daily washings, regular dusting, and intermittent polishing often being required. Care must be taken at all times to prevent scratching solid wood dining tables.
- Glass: Glass is a strong and noble material. It gives the space sophistication, expansiveness, and light. This material is usually associated with modern aesthetics and can be a great option for small rooms.
Glass tops require consistent cleaning schedules and are weather resistant. When considering glass tables make sure to opt for tempered glass. In its tempered condition, the material has been chemically and thermally treated to prevent cracks and shattering.
- Natural Stones: Noble stones such as marble and granite are often used for countertops and accent tables. They are amongst the most environmentally friendly materials and can be a great option. They have a high price point and their use is often linked to a higher-end ambiance. They have a timeless appeal and are considerably resistant to wear and tear. However, as natural stones, they are in constant mutation and can suffer from straining and scratching if not properly kept.
Natural stone is a heavy material and transportation can be a challenge. Today, several materials resemble the look and feel of granite but have a lighter composition, stronger resistance, and lower price point. Materials like Corian provide these characteristics and can be shaped in many formats.
- Metals: Another material that is commonly used in restaurants. They provide an industrial look to your space besides being an easy material to keep sanitized. Some metals have natural antimicrobial properties. Metal tables can also be lightweight and durable. Metals such as copper have enduring strength and a natural ability to retain their luster over time. Copper is also eco-friendly because it requires no manufacturing processes that produce harmful waste.
- General best practices when creating a seating layout.
Creating a seating layout is a phased process. Below, you can find some useful tips on how to structure the process and overall best practices.
- Designing a seating chart is an iterative process, don’t be afraid to draw multiple options and explore the possibilities.
- Research case studies and use them as a reference for designing your own space. Try to identify what you like about each space, and how it makes you feel, and use these elements to compose your seating chart.
- Seating layout is a very important task and you should consider hiring a specialist. There are many professionals and software available to help you through this process.
- In addition to referencing regulations and standard measurements, testing the space with simple tools you might have at hand can be extremely insightful. As a reference,
at the beginning of Mcdonald's, the founding brothers designed their production line by drawing with tape on the floor. Testing can help get a feel for the space before making final decisions.
- Think of the implementation of your layout as you design your chart.
- How will you move the furniture into your space?
○ Who will be responsible for assembly?
○ What timeframe do you need to complete the task at hand?
- Consider the maintenance and upkeep of your seating layout. When choosing your furniture make sure you consider cleaning costs, schedule, storage options, etc. Give preference to materials that are anti-scratching, stain-free, and easy to wipe clean.
- Create a layout that is flexible and can adjust to your needs over time.
- If you include built-in walls or furniture in your layout, prioritize their placement along the existing walls.
○ Creating a layout that is open or that has movable partitions
○ Prioritize furniture that is movable or that can be combined to enable more layout options
- Your seating chart can serve many purposes. Use the layout drawing as a visual document to input into an order system.
After walking through this how-to guide, we hope you feel ready and excited to explore and design your seating chart. Remember that this is an important part of your business success.
Reference:
https://www.worldcoppersmith.com/articles/the-ultimate-table-buyers-guide/ https://homeguides.sfgate.com/childrens-furniture-dimensions-105928.html https://www.ada.gov/ https://www.webstaurantstore.com/article/118/dining-room-design.html https://www.designboom.com/architecture/kengo-kuma-shizuku-by-chef-naoko-restaurant-port land-usa-04-29-2017/ https://www.archdaily.com/961039/arches-in-interior-design-26-projects-that-reimagine-the-cla ssical-shape/6091beb6f91c815b66000072-arches-in-interior-design-26-projects-that-reimaginethe-classical-shape-photo https://www.designboom.com/design/tall-glass-hewn-buddha-sculpture-restaurant-new-york-0
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/lxWrkz https://www.pinterest.com/pin/253679391501751916/ https://www.pinterest.com/pin/501799583490061286/ https://www.dezeen.com/2021/05/09/studio-paradowski-puro-krakow-stare-miasto-interior/ https://www.behance.net/gallery/111333377/CHASU-COFFEE-AND-TEA
Neufert, Ernst; Neufert, Peter; Baiche, Bousmaha; Walliman, Nicholas (2002). Architects' Data 3rd ed. [S.l.]: Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-0-632-05771-9
○ What timeframe do you need to complete the task at hand?
- Consider the maintenance and upkeep of your seating layout. When choosing your furniture make sure you consider cleaning costs, schedule, storage options, etc. Give preference to materials that are anti-scratching, stain-free, and easy to wipe clean.
- Create a layout that is flexible and can adjust to your needs over time.
- If you include built-in walls or furniture in your layout, prioritize their placement along the existing walls.
○ Creating a layout that is open or that has movable partitions
○ Prioritize furniture that is movable or that can be combined to enable more layout options
- Your seating chart can serve many purposes. Use the layout drawing as a visual document to input into an order system.
After walking through this how-to guide, we hope you feel ready and excited to explore and design your seating chart. Remember that this is an important part of your business success.
Reference:
https://www.worldcoppersmith.com/articles/the-ultimate-table-buyers-guide/ https://homeguides.sfgate.com/childrens-furniture-dimensions-105928.html https://www.ada.gov/ https://www.webstaurantstore.com/article/118/dining-room-design.html https://www.designboom.com/architecture/kengo-kuma-shizuku-by-chef-naoko-restaurant-port land-usa-04-29-2017/ https://www.archdaily.com/961039/arches-in-interior-design-26-projects-that-reimagine-the-cla ssical-shape/6091beb6f91c815b66000072-arches-in-interior-design-26-projects-that-reimaginethe-classical-shape-photo https://www.designboom.com/design/tall-glass-hewn-buddha-sculpture-restaurant-new-york-0
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/lxWrkz https://www.pinterest.com/pin/253679391501751916/ https://www.pinterest.com/pin/501799583490061286/ https://www.dezeen.com/2021/05/09/studio-paradowski-puro-krakow-stare-miasto-interior/ https://www.behance.net/gallery/111333377/CHASU-COFFEE-AND-TEA
Neufert, Ernst; Neufert, Peter; Baiche, Bousmaha; Walliman, Nicholas (2002). Architects' Data 3rd ed. [S.l.]: Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-0-632-05771-9