The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Bar Stools or Chairs for Your Restaurant

‍Thinking about adding bar stools or chairs to your restaurant? You’re not alone. At Dawnvale, we know they’re a popular choice for eateries of all kinds, so much so that it almost feels like we can’t have a new restaurant opening without them. If you’ve got an up-and-coming eatery on the horizon, then you need to read this article. We have all the information you need to make an informed decision about adding bar stools or chairs to your establishment and avoid making the wrong call like so many others. So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in…

What is the difference between bar stools and chairs?

The basics: Like we say above, table and bar stools can be used interchangeably in almost all cases, but chairs are different. Stools are designed to be used at a bar or at a high table and they’re typically higher from the ground than a regular chair. If that doesn’t ring any bells, then how about this? Bar stools are typically more casual than sitting at a table and vice versa for chairs. Got it? Great. Bar stools and chairs are two different items and serve different purposes. But most of the time, you’ll see them used interchangeably in restaurant settings. That said, bar stools are typically used in bars or casual eateries, and chairs are used for more formal settings. If you’re unsure, the best way to find out is to find out what your competitors are doing or perhaps see what’s trending – something which we at Dawnvale are experts in. We can find you plenty of examples and concepts to work with.

Which option is best for your restaurant?

You might be tempted to dive right in and start buying as soon as possible, but before you do, you need to consider what you’re going to use them for. It’s important to select the right seating option for your restaurant. That way, you can create the right atmosphere and customer experience. We’ve listed a few examples below to help you out. Let’s go! If you’re planning on opening a high-end, fine dining restaurant, then you’ll want to go for chairs. Find a style that matches the decor of your restaurant and facilitates a more formal meal. If you’re opening a casual restaurant, then bar stools are the perfect choice. They’re easy to clean, move around, and come in a variety of styles and colours to suit your decor. If you’re opening a cafe, then you can use either chairs or bar stools. Cafe seating typically has a mix of both depending on the number of customers you’re expecting that day.

Where to place bar stools or chairs in your restaurant?

This is an important consideration before choosing which type of seating to buy. Let’s dive in.

– Tables – Tables are where you’ll typically find diners sitting. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and are usually found in cafes or other casual eateries where there’s no bar or counter to sit at.

– Counters – Counters are almost always found in casual or fast-casual restaurants. They’re the ideal place to stand or sit while you eat.

– Bars – Bars are typically found in bars or casual restaurants where you can sit or stand and eat quick bites. They’re also a great place to host events such as parties or birthday celebrations.

Important things to consider before buying bar stools or chairs

What is the capacity of your restaurant?  It’s important to understand how many people you expect to be visiting your restaurant at any given time. If you’re hosting large groups, you’ll want to be mindful of the amount of space you have.

What kind of style is your restaurant decorated with? If you’re opening a new restaurant, then you’ll want to make sure that everything matches or complements the style.

What is the budget for seating? As with anything else in your restaurant, you’ll need to have a strong understanding of your budget.

What type of seating is best suited for your restaurant? Now that you know what’s available, it’s time to make a final decision.

Conclusion

Bar stools and chairs are essential pieces of restaurant seating. They help to create the right atmosphere and can be used in a range of different settings. When it comes time to choosing the right option for your restaurant, it’s important to understand what you’re going to use them for – which we can help you with. Once we know what you want and need, you can decide which suitable design is best for you. We hope that you’ve found this article helpful and that it’s given you a better understanding of the different types of seating options out there.

Think you’re ready for the redesign of dreams? Get in touch now.