In today’s competitive business world, a restaurant proprietor needs to focus on both innovation and offering delicious food. Aside from the food, the restaurant’s ambiance plays a significant role in how customers experience the establishment. With numerous eateries, cafes, and restaurants lined up on almost every street, it can be challenging to stand out when it comes to décor.

While aesthetic elements like lighting, color, and music can play an important role in influencing customers’ moods, they often have a smaller impact on customer decisions than other factors. On the other hand, furniture is a tangible asset that can have a notable influence on customer satisfaction and overall profits.

According to a study by the Rochester Institute of Technology, titled “Interior Design in Restaurants as a Factor Influencing Customer Satisfaction,” restaurant furniture is considered one of the key factors in interior design that influences overall customer satisfaction and can encourage customers to spend more.

The style and comfort of your furniture ultimately contribute to the overall design of spaces like restaurants. If well-chosen, these elements may help improve your turnover rates, reviews, and customer traffic.

Use this quick primer to understand how important your restaurant’s furnishings can be for your customers, and you can begin working towards creating a space that aligns with your vision.

Layout

The design of your restaurant should be thoughtfully planned before being executed. This means your approach to space arrangement should be carefully considered to enhance both customer satisfaction and profitability. The layout of a restaurant can have a substantial impact on customer experiences, even if it’s not always something that customers directly mention in a review. It is widely acknowledged as a crucial element of interior design.

Customers often appreciate spacious, airy environments. Your space should offer a comfortable atmosphere without feeling cramped or overcrowded. Achieving an optimal customer experience often requires efficient traffic flow, according to various experts. Both patrons and staff should be able to move through the space with ease. For example, entering the center of your restaurant may feel more inviting than entering from the parking lot. Customers should be able to feel the ambiance from the very start, including experiencing a clear pathway to areas such as staircases, the kitchen, and the restrooms.

Seating

The way customers are seated can influence how long they decide to stay. For example, upscale restaurants often provide private dining rooms, which may encourage longer visits and increased spending. In contrast, fast food chains like McDonald’s tend to use metal or plastic seating due to its practicality.

Striking the right balance when selecting seating options can be challenging. If the seating is too comfortable, customers might linger longer than desired, occupying space for extended periods. However, if the seating is uncomfortable, patrons might not return in the future.

To help guide your choices, it’s important to first decide on the concept of your restaurant. Quick-service restaurants often use metal and plastic chairs, which are durable and easy to clean. Wood, on the other hand, offers a timeless, classic aesthetic that works well with various décor styles and is typically found in mid-range and family-friendly restaurants.

Tableware

The style of your restaurant will also influence the selection of tableware. Granite and wood tables are commonly seen in fine dining establishments due to their luxurious and visually appealing nature. However, they often require more care and maintenance.

In contrast, tables made of laminate or melamine are more affordable options often used in fast-casual and quick-service restaurants. These tables are durable, easy to clean, and offer a safer option for families with young children.

Summary

Restaurant furniture plays an important role in enhancing both sales and customer satisfaction. With this practical guide to understanding the basics, it may be easier to refine your approach and take your business to new heights.