Furnishing Restaurants and Bars: A Guide for the Hospitality Industry

In restaurants and bars, furnishings serve a dual purpose: they must attract guests while simultaneously withstanding the daily wear and tear of hundreds of sittings, movements, and cleanings. Effective hospitality furnishings achieve both. This guide highlights the key aspects that make a difference in day-to-day operations.

The Counter: Height and Rhythm

At the counter, a single measurement determines comfort. Approximately 28 to 30 centimeters should separate the seat from the counter edge. For a counter height of around 105 to 110 centimeters, you will need bar stools with a seat height of about 75 to 80 centimeters. For bistro heights of around 90 centimeters, correspondingly lower models are required. Allow approximately 60 to 70 centimeters of counter length per stool to ensure guests do not touch shoulders. Experience shows that models with footrests and swivel mechanisms are used for longer periods, and guests who sit longer tend to order more.

Seating Areas that Combine Revenue and Tranquility

Benches along the walls are the most efficient furniture in a dining area: they provide more seating in the same space, dampen sound, and allow for flexible chair arrangements. These are complemented by chairs that fit under the table and do not scratch when moved. For lounge zones, arrange armchairs and stools around low coffee tables, clearly distinct from the dining areas. Check upholstery for abrasion resistance and ease of cleaning; textiles in hospitality settings have a significantly shorter lifespan than those at home.

Lighting as a Revenue Driver

Nothing controls the atmosphere in a dining area as directly as lighting. Above the counter, ceiling lights or suspended fixtures in a consistent rhythm create a visible line, while wall lights add depth. Over individual tables, lighting is most effective when it illuminates the table itself rather than the entire room: small islands of light instead of uniform illumination. Dim all lights, as lunch service and evening operations require different brightness levels. Additionally, lanterns and candle holders on tables provide the dynamic light that no lamp can replace. Further information can be found in the guide Luxury Lighting.

Service Equipment that Saves Steps

Serving trolleys reduce walking distances and make flambéing, decanting, or tableside service a visible part of the experience. These are complemented by wine coolers, serving accessories, and wine cabinets that combine storage and presentation.

Terrace and Outdoor Dining

Outdoor seating extends the season and often represents the most profitable area. Outdoor dining tables, outdoor dining chairs, and outdoor sofas should be weather-resistant, stackable or easily movable, and maintain the aesthetic of the interior so that the terrace and dining area are perceived as a unified space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bar stool height is suitable for which counter?

Approximately 28 to 30 centimeters should separate the seat from the counter edge. For a counter height of 105 to 110 centimeters, this means stools with a seat height of about 75 to 80 centimeters.

How much space does a bar stool require at the counter?

Approximately 60 to 70 centimeters of counter length per stool. Placed closer together, guests will sit uncomfortably close to each other.

What should one consider when selecting furniture for hospitality?

Consider stability, cleanable and abrasion-resistant upholstery, and whether a model can be reordered later if individual pieces need to be replaced.

Consultation by an Authorized Dealer

Casa Luxury is the interior world of an established, authorized Eichholtz specialist dealer. We are listed in the brand's official dealer directory and support hospitality projects from selection to delivery, both online and in our showroom in Essen. For project inquiries, please write to info@casa-luxury.de.

Further in the guide: Luxury Interior Overview · Luxury Hotel Furnishings · Furnishing a Luxury Dining Room