Great cocktails and even greater vibes are vital to running a successful bar, true. However, they’re not quite as important as creating an atmosphere that keeps patrons coming back. And if there’s one thing playing a massive role in setting the tone for your venue, it’s your bar furniture.
With constant use, spills, and the non-stop hustle of a busy night, we get that keeping your bar furniture in tip-top condition is often easier said than done. To help you out, we at Style Matters have crafted this helpful guide full of practical tips to ensure your furniture is well maintained – and looking as fresh as it did on opening night.
Contents:
We’re all customers at the end of the day, and as a customer, the last thing you want is to spend your money in a run-down venue. After all, if a bar doesn’t care about how it presents itself, why should it care about you, the customer?
The last thing you want is for someone to walk into your bar, settle into a scuffed chair and notice sticky residue on the table. Not exactly the first impression you want, right? With well-maintained furniture, on the other hand, customers will see a bar that prides itself on professionalism, cleanliness, and attention to even the most minute details.
Beyond customer satisfaction, good maintenance also protects your investment. Furniture is, after all, one of the more significant expenses in setting up or refurbishing a bar. Regular care ensures durability, reduces the need for costly replacements, and keeps your space Instagram-ready.
The secret to keeping your furniture flawless is a simple one – consistency. Whilst small, daily efforts may seem a little unnecessary, they’re anything but, and guaranteed to prevent bigger issues down the line.
Wipe Down After Every Shift: Equip your staff with soft microfiber cloths and non-abrasive cleaners. Wiping down tables and chairs after every shift ensures sticky residue, drink rings, or crumbs don’t settle into surfaces.
Inspect for Damage: Assign a staff member to do a quick end-of-day check for wobbly stools, loose screws, or small scratches. Fixing minor issues quickly prevents them from becoming a much larger problem in the future.
Quick Spill Response: Train your team to address spills promptly during service hours with disposable napkins and gentle cleaners. For spills that go unnoticed until closing time, use targeted cleaning methods specific to your furniture material (which we’ll go through in more detail below).
In a busy bar environment, it’s nigh on impossible to monitor every table at every moment, let alone clean up every spill immediately. By the time you notice, liquid may have already seeped into the furniture. Here’s how to handle it:
For Wooden Furniture:
If you notice a spill hours after it’s happened, start by gently blotting with a damp microfiber cloth to lift as much residue as possible. Avoid scrubbing – it can push the liquid further into the wood grain. Use a furniture-specific cleaner to target sticky areas, and finish with a high-quality wood polish to restore shine.
For stubborn stains, such as wine or cocktail syrup, mix a paste of baking soda and water, gently rub it onto the affected area, and wipe clean.
For Upholstery:
Spills on upholstered seating may go unnoticed until the end of the night, leaving stains to set in. The solution? Use a mild fabric cleaner or a vinegar-water solution to blot the area, then let it air dry. Avoid saturating the fabric as it can lead to lingering odours or mildew.
From customers dragging stools across the floor to heavy bags being placed on chair arms, wear and tear is pretty much inevitable. Sure, it’s a shame, but addressing it quickly can make a world of difference:
Scratched Wooden Edges:
Use a furniture repair marker to fill in small scratches. For deeper scratches, lightly sand the area, clean it thoroughly, and apply a matching stain and sealant.
Metal Fixtures:
Inspect frequently touched areas like footrests and table legs for signs of corrosion. If rust develops, remove it with a soft wire brush and treat the area with a rust-proof spray or a clear metal sealant.
Depending on if your bar has an outdoor seating area, different seasons bring different challenges for your furniture:
Summer: Higher humidity can warp wood, especially if your bar features an outdoor area. Keep wooden furniture polished with a protective finish to repel moisture, and ensure smaller outdoor furnishings like chairs are stored inside when not in use.
Winter: Central heating can dry out wooden and leather furniture, causing cracks or splits. Use a leather conditioner or furniture oil regularly to prevent damage.
Be sure to read our guide on how to clean commercial outdoor furniture for further details.
Rotate High-Traffic Areas:
Swap the positioning of tables and chairs in high-traffic spots with those in quieter corners every few months. This balances wear and prevents the overuse of certain pieces.
Use Protective Barriers:
For high-use surfaces like tables, invest in protective mats or coasters to minimise direct contact with drinks and plates.
Professional Deep Cleaning:
Schedule regular deep cleans for upholstered furniture and banquettes to remove embedded grime and restore freshness.
Keep Replacement Parts Handy:
Stock up on spare screws, foot glides, and touch-up pens for quick fixes on the fly.
At Style Matters, we understand the demands of the hospitality industry and offer furniture designed to withstand the pressures of a busy bar. Explore our portfolio to see how we can help transform your project.
For more information or to start a consultation, contact us online or call us on 01565740342.
Address:
Style Matters
Pickmere Lane,
Pickmere, Knutsford
WA16 0JJ
