Different types of restaurants need different types of chairs. There is a huge range of dining chairs for sale in every color, shape, and size. But for coffee shops or cafes, you’ll need chairs that fit your theme, and atmosphere. And there are several factors that you need to take into consideration.

Everyone has a different idea of what a coffee shop should be. Some regulars come to the coffee shop to sit for hours, and some customers pop in to grab a cup of coffee and be on their way. Others use coffee shops for business meetings, as a place to work, or to meet with friends. 

Features to Consider When Choosing Cafe Chairs

  • Compatibility with the restaurant’s style and theme - Don’t be tempted to buy dining chairs for sale just because they are discounted if they don’t match your theme. You don’t want chairs to clash with the other restaurant furniture.
  • Comfort level - Customers should feel at home in your coffee shop. They should be able to sink into a comfortable chair, and want to stay. If they stay longer, then they’ll buy more than just one coffee. And remember that customers of all shapes and sizes need to feel comfortable in your chairs.
  • Table Height - Your coffee house chairs need to suit people who want to pull into a low table with their laptops; customers who want to perch on a barstool, and others who want to sit back from the table and read a book. So consider combining a few chair types and check if they can be tucked under the table.
  • Durability - If your restaurant chairs for sale have a long lifespan it will save you money in the future, so buy quality. Coffee shops with upholstered chairs should check how the material can be cleaned. How easy would it be to repair a tear in the fabric, and should you choose vinyl coverings instead?
  • Stability - No one wants to sit on a wobbly chair, or even worse, have the chair break as they sit down. Cafes and coffee shops have a high turnover of traffic with customers of every shape and size. Your restaurant chairs need to be able to hold even the largest and heaviest customers.
  • Ease of cleaning - How easy will it be to wipe up spills, and crumbs fast?.
  • Versatility - Will you be able to move the chairs around if needed, and do you need stackable restaurant chairs?
  • Size - Many coffee shops and cafes have limited space. Choose chairs that are not going to make your restaurant look overcrowded. Keep in mind the floor plan, so that customers feel comfortable walking between the chairs and tables without a problem.
  • Atmosphere - If you’re looking for an intimate feel, you could have different seating areas, some armchairs, sofas, and regular chairs. If you want a Parisian feel, then choose wood or rattan chairs. Wooden chairs can make a restaurant feel warm, traditional, and inviting. Metal chairs tend to give a modern vibe and are great for urban eateries.
  • Stacking Chairs - if you have to set out your dining chairs each day, and arrange them outside then stacking is the best option. If you host special events, open-mic nights, quiz nights, or club meetings, you’ll need versatile seating. During these occasions, you’ll have to have spare seating available that you can easily arrange. For this kind of establishment stacking, chairs are the answer.
  • Budget - Find dining chairs for sale so that you can buy chairs in your budget.

Outdoor Seating for Cafes and Coffee Shops

Many cafes and coffee shops have outdoor seating, and this requires a specific type of chair. You can use the same chairs for both indoor and outdoor seating, but you can also opt for different chairs. Like patio furniture, outdoor coffee shop chairs will need to withstand heavy traffic and the weather. So make sure they are rust-proof and water-proof. Also check with your municipality what kind of chairs, and how many are permitted outside your cafe.

What Kind of Chairs Should You Have For Your Cafe?

If you have outdoor seating, consider metal or faux rattan chairs. If you foresee rearranging your cafe chairs regularly and adding extra chairs, then opt for stackable chairs. Folding chairs are also an option, but they are often unstable and don’t last as long. To furnish a cafe or coffee shop look for dining chairs that are on sale so that you can stick to your budget. Metal, wood, faux rattan, fabric, vinyl, or armchairs are all acceptable in a coffee shop, depending on the overall design and theme. Mixing more than one style of chair is often a good choice, and you can have them customized with matching colors and materials. Each individual has their own idea of the perfect cafe chair. Let an expert help you choose between comfy fabric chairs, chic faux rattan chairs, practical metal or wood chairs for your cafe.