Choosing the right bar furniture is about more than just picking something nice… it’s about creating an experience that draws in customers and keeps them coming back.
Your venue fittings play a vital role in setting the mood, ensuring comfort, and optimising the space for both functionality and flow. Whether you are launching a new bar or giving an old favourite a makeover, making informed choices about your furniture can significantly impact your business’s success.
Here’s a guide on the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect furniture for your bar:
Contents:
The first step in choosing the right furnishings for your bar is understanding the theme and concept of your establishment… and who exactly you want to attract.
The furniture should resonate with your venue’s vibe—whether it’s a sleek cocktail bar like Encore Bar, a laid-back pub, or a themed sports bar. For instance, high-end cocktail bars might opt for luxurious materials like leather and polished wood, while a casual sports bar might go for rustic wooden stools and communal tables.
Think about your target audience’s preferences: are they looking for a quick drink after work or a place to settle in for an entire evening? Younger crowds might appreciate modern, stylish, and bold designs, while older patrons might prefer classic, comfortable seating. Tailoring your furniture choices to match the expectations of your desired clientele is crucial.
While aesthetics are important, functionality should never be sacrificed. What you want is furniture that looks great but also serves a practical purpose.
For example, if your bar is focused on craft beers or gastropub-style dining, sturdy tables with enough space for meals and drinks are a must. Lightweight, stackable stools might be perfect for a busy, high-turnover bar, where furniture needs to be moved around frequently to accommodate crowds.
Multifunctional furniture can also serve dual purposes. High-top tables can be great for both standing patrons and seated ones with bar stools. Consider furniture pieces that offer both style and practicality, like tables with built-in storage for menus or bar stools with footrests that enhance comfort.
The choice of seating can greatly influence the flow and dynamics of your bar. The types of seating you choose—be it bar stools, high-top chairs, booth seating, or lounge sofas—will determine how your customers interact within the space.
Bar Stools and High-Tops: Bar stools and high-top tables are great for casual interactions and quick turnover, as they encourage a more dynamic atmosphere. They’re perfect for bars where it’s all about social interaction, allowing guests to easily mix and mingle.
Booth Seating and Sofas: For the bars that provide a more relaxed, intimate setting (like hotel bars and speakeasies), consider booth seating or sofas. These types of seating arrangements encourage longer stays, which can be beneficial for bars that also serve food. By creating a sense of privacy for groups, booths can enhance the overall customer experience.
Outdoor Furniture: If your bar includes an outside area, selecting weather-resistant outdoor furniture is essential. Consider materials like treated wood, metal, or durable plastics that can withstand the elements and still provide comfort and style.
Your bar appliances must withstand significant wear and tear, so choosing durable materials that are easy to maintain is crucial. Materials like metal, treated wood, and high-quality plastic are often more durable and can be easier to clean, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
For seating, opt for materials that are both comfortable and durable. Leather or vinyl upholstery can be wiped clean and tends to wear well over time. For a more luxurious feel, high-quality fabric can be used, but ensure it is treated with stain-resistant finishes.
Tables and countertops should be resistant to spills and stains, which are common in any bar environment. Materials such as quartz, stainless steel, and sealed hardwoods not only look great but also offer durability and ease of cleaning. Avoid materials that easily chip or are porous, as they can harbour bacteria and stains.
The layout of your bar fittings needs to balance two key elements: maximizing space and ensuring comfort. Efficient use of space can help you accommodate more guests without making the bar feel crowded.
Consider the flow of both customers and staff—there should be clear paths to the bar, restrooms, and exits. A poorly planned layout can lead to crowding, which may irritate some customers and potentially affect safety. Use furniture to create zones within your bar: standing areas near the bar, comfortable seating in quieter corners, and larger tables for groups.
You may be wondering why the acoustics of a bar are something to even consider, but they play a significant role in the overall experience. Hard furniture and surfaces can cause sound to bounce around, creating a noisy, uncomfortable environment. To manage noise levels, consider using soft furnishings, acoustic panels, or furniture with fabric elements that can help absorb sound.
If your bar is known for live music or a lively atmosphere, you might want to opt for furniture that can help control sound and make conversation easier. Comfortable cushions, thick fabrics, and strategic furniture placement can all contribute to a better acoustic environment.
Last but not least, all furniture must comply with local regulations regarding safety, fire resistance, and accessibility. This includes ensuring that your bar furniture is stable, safe and does not pose hazards.
Additionally, consider accessibility for all patrons, including those with disabilities. For example, having some low tables and chairs that are wheelchair-accessible is not only inclusive but also compliant with legal standards.
At Style Matters, we specialise in providing a wide range of bar furniture solutions to fit any style or budget. Check out our portfolio to see how we can help you create a standout bar that customers love.
For more guidance or to place an order, feel free to contact us online or call us at 01565740342.
Style Matters
Pickmere Lane,
Pickmere, Knutsford
WA16 0JJ
