How to choose tables for your restaurant ?

Whether it's a traditional restaurant, a sushi bar or even a bistro, the choice of restaurant tables is crucial. Although they are tables, they are important because they will give your restaurant an atmosphere and will attract your customers. Your choice is also important for the practicality and layout of your room. Dining table or standing table? Round or square? Here are some tips to help you make your choice. 

What are the different types of tables?

There are three main types of table: bistro tables, dining tables and high tables or standing tables.

Bistro tables are synonymous with aperitifs and always have a small tabletop, no higher than 70 cm. Ideal for gathering around for a drink.

Dining tables are more classic, and are the ones usually found in restaurants. Versatile and of various sizes, they can be adapted to your space.

High tables or standing tables are similar. The difference will be visible in the height of the table: 90 cm for high tables and 110 cm for standing tables.

The secret to choosing the right type of table? Vary the configuration of your room by creating different spaces to vary your clientele. High tables for people who want to eat on the go, and larger tables for those who prefer to sit and enjoy a tasty meal or a good drink, all prepared with great care! 

What size and shape for your tables? 

Round, square, rectangular or even oval, there's something for everyone! First of all, you need to know the capacity of your restaurant and then the size and shape of your tables. For your customers to be comfortably seated, you need to allow 60 cm per person, and 150 cm between two different table chairs for optimum comfort.

Some tips: 

• Rectangular table: when choosing this table, you should think about the person who will be at the end of the table, as they should be comfortable, not squeezed and there should be no "knee conflict".
• Oval table: with this shape, the table top surface will be reduced. This must be compensated for by a longer table top so that there is enough room for everyone's cutlery and their knees do not touch the end of the table. 
• Round table: takes up more space. Remember that the larger the diameter of the table, the greater the distance between two people facing each other. Judge the maximum acceptable distance for two people to communicate. The noisier a room is, the less easy it is to hear each other.
• Square table: particularly voluminous, the room must be large enough to accommodate it. The same applies to this table: you need to think about the distance between two people facing each other so that they can communicate. 

How to choose the right material for your tables?

The material of your table top will determine the atmosphere you wish to have in your room. 

Solid wood is ideal for creating a natural and environmentally friendly atmosphere. Authentic and warm, wood is ideal for dressing up your room. However, beware of liquid stains if the wood is not treated. 

Concrete will also have its place in the decoration of your room. Aesthetic and practical, concrete is known for its solidity and its great resistance to water and scratches.

To remain in an eco-responsible attitude like wood or concrete, there is furniture made from recycled materials. You can simply find your own tables, and why not create new ones from old ones? This will create a bohemian atmosphere in your room, an original decoration that will set you apart from other restaurateurs.

How to choose your table legs? 

Now that you know everything about choosing table tops, let's move on to table legs! This choice will depend on the size and weight of the tabletop you have chosen.

To begin with, there are three types of table legs:

• For standard tables: with a height of 68 cm or 72 cm, these legs are ideal for use in restaurants, cafés or bars.
• Stand-up tables: With a height of 108 cm, these legs are ideal for use in clubs, bars and bistros, where the customers are mostly standing.
• For coffee tables: with a height of 48 cm, these legs are suitable for cafés, bistros, lobbies or reception areas.

Finally, you should choose the shape of your table legs:

• Round and square: it will be easy to clean your dining area with these legs. They will make it easy to move around, and have a large footprint which provides stability and support.
• Crossed: With these legs, you can push your chairs further under the table. This will save space in the aisles of your dining area. However, these legs have a fairly narrow footprint, which will not give you much stability if you have rather heavy and thick table tops.
• Decorative: These stylish legs offer more space for storing chairs, but they don't make it easy to clean the space because of the multiple legs. This base does not provide optimal stability for heavy and thick tops.

Discover our collection of furniture, table tops and legs for cafés and restaurants!