In short: three things decide when you choose furniture for a restaurant, café or shop: the layout and seating capacity, materials that withstand the intensity of use, and a design that fits the concept. Booths use space efficiently, solid wood and metal-legged tables give a long-lasting, characterful look, and industrial chairs are durable and stackable. The right approach is to plan first, then choose product and material, and finally settle care and delivery.
Start with the concept and the customer profile
Furniture sets the first impression of a venue. Before choosing, clarify:
- Venue type: Restaurant, café, patisserie, bar, fast food, shop or waiting area?
- Customers and length of stay: Quick service, or long sit-down meals?
- Concept: Industrial, diner (American-style), natural wood, modern, nostalgic?
- Brand colours: Furniture colours and upholstery should match the brand identity.
- Budget and replacement cycle: How many years it must last determines the quality you pick.
Seating plan and dimensions
Make the plan before choosing furniture. The following are general ergonomic and planning values; exact dimensions should be set with an architect according to your floor plan, licensing and regulations.
| Dimension | Approximate value |
|---|---|
| Table height | 72–76 cm |
| Seat height | 43–47 cm |
| Bar counter and stool | Counter about 100–110 cm, stool about 65–75 cm |
| Single-person table width | At least about 60 cm |
| Two-person table | About 60×60 to 70×70 cm |
| Four-person table | About 120×70 cm and up |
| Gaps between tables | Keep wide for comfortable service and access (set by the architect for your venue) |
Accessibility and escape routes matter: main walkways, disabled access and emergency exits are affected by furniture layout. Check the regulations and licensing conditions for your venue with an architect.
Booths: space efficiency
A booth (fixed or wall-hugging seating) uses wall and corner space very efficiently. A diner-style corner or U-shaped booth lets many people sit around one table.
Advantages
- Makes use of walls and corners; seats more people.
- Gives the venue strong character and comfort.
- Looks tidy and cohesive compared with chairs.
Points to watch
- Because the layout is fixed, settle size and plan in advance.
- Upholstery must be wipe-clean and abrasion-resistant.
- Padding density and comfort matter in long sittings.
- Think about easy access for cleaning at seams and corners.
Choosing tables
- Solid wood table: Natural texture, a warm look and long life. Live-edge tables add character. The surface needs varnish or a protective finish to cope with heavy use.
- Metal-legged table: X or T legs make a durable, stable base; with a wooden top they create an industrial style. Consider floor protection under the feet (felt, etc.) so they do not scratch the floor.
- Surface: Resistance to hot plates, liquids, detergents and scratches should match the venue’s cleaning routine.
- Size and capacity: If table sizes can be combined, the space is more flexible (joining two-person tables into a group table, for example).
Choosing chairs and seats
- Industrial metal chair: Durable, stackable and easy to clean; wooden-seat models add warmth.
- Wooden or upholstered chair: More comfortable and suited to longer sittings; upholstery needs care.
- Weight and portability: Light chairs make cleaning and rearranging easier.
- Floor protection: Feet should not scratch the floor or make noise.
- Comfort test: If possible, try a sample for sitting and durability before ordering.
Materials and upholstery
| Material | Strength | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Faux leather (PU/vinyl) | Wipe-clean, wide range of colours | Wear and tearing, fire and durability rating |
| Fabric | Warm, comfortable look | Stains and cleaning; choose stain-resistant fabric |
| Genuine leather | Prestigious look, long life | Cost and care |
| Solid wood | Natural, characterful | Moisture and surface protection |
| Metal | Durable, stackable | Paint/coating quality, rust |
In public venues the fire performance of upholstery and padding also matters; confirm the relevant regulations and licensing conditions with an architect or the authorities.
Outdoors and terraces
İzmir’s hot, sunny and humid climate is tough on outdoor furniture. For terraces and open-air areas:
- Choose materials resistant to UV, rain and humidity.
- On metal, powder coating or galvanising is especially important near the coast.
- For wood, consider species suited to outdoor use and a protective treatment.
- Upholstery should be waterproof or quick-drying.
- Using indoor furniture directly outside shortens its life.
Shop and window layout
In a shop, furniture and fixtures also affect how the product is presented:
- Clothes racks, shelves and display elements: Load capacity and stability matter by product type.
- Waiting and fitting area: Seats and poufs raise the customer experience.
- Brand consistency: Colour, material and style should match the rest of the brand identity.
- Flexibility: Prefer furniture you can rearrange for campaigns and seasonal changes.
The ordering process
- Floor plan and capacity are shared.
- Product and material selection is made; a sample is requested if needed.
- Size, colour and upholstery are settled; a drawing is approved for custom sizes.
- Quote and order: items, quantities, lead time and delivery method are put in writing.
- Production or sourcing, and checks.
- Delivery and installation.
The quote should list size, material, upholstery type, colour, quantity, lead time, transport and installation separately.
Care and cleaning
- Wipe upholstery in a way suited to the material, with gentle cleaners; avoid harsh chemicals.
- Protect wooden tables from hot and wet items; renew the finish if needed.
- Touch up paint scratches on metal legs early.
- Check the screws and joints of chairs and tables regularly.
- Ask about spare parts and re-upholstering before you buy.
Common mistakes
- Choosing furniture without making the plan first.
- Looking only at appearance and neglecting durability.
- Not thinking about cleaning and stains for upholstery.
- Using indoor furniture outdoors.
- Placing a bulk order without trying a sample.
- Looking only at the first price and ignoring lifespan and care costs.
Next steps
In Yerpa’s restaurant and retail equipment category you can browse diner-style booth sets, solid wood and metal-legged tables, industrial chairs and café seating. For homes and offices, see our furniture category. If you are also thinking about staff uniforms, read our workwear guide.
Share your venue type, approximate floor area, seating capacity and concept idea through our contact page or on WhatsApp, and we will prepare suitable products and a quote together.
Frequently asked questions
Which furniture materials are most durable for restaurants and cafés?
For heavy use, metal-framed chairs, solid wood or hard-wearing tables and wipe-clean upholstered booths stand out. The choice depends on concept, budget and cleaning routine; confirm with the supplier that the product suits your intensity of use.
Should I choose booths or chairs?
Booths use space efficiently along walls and seat more people; chairs give flexibility in layout. Many venues use both: booths along the walls, free tables and chairs in the middle.
What are standard restaurant table dimensions?
There is no strict standard, but generally table height is around 72–76 cm and seat height around 43–47 cm. Table width is planned according to the number of guests and the service layout. Set the dimensions together with an architect or your floor plan.
What do I need for outdoor terrace furniture?
Materials resistant to UV, rain, humidity and salty air: powder-coated or galvanised metal, wood suited to outdoor use and waterproof or quick-drying upholstery. Using indoor furniture directly outside shortens its life.
Can custom sizes or colours be made?
Custom size and colour requests are assessed by product group. If you share the floor plan, the size you want and a photo or reference image, we can clarify feasibility and process together.
What information is needed for a quote?
The venue type, approximate floor area, seating capacity, the products you want (booths, tables, chairs), colour and concept idea, and the delivery address. You can reach Yerpa at +90 (232) 253 04 60, on WhatsApp at 0555 025 53 35 or through the contact form.
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