How to Create The Perfect Cafe Dining Space

We’ve kitted out quite a few cafes in the past few years, so we’ve put our heads together and come up with some top tips to help you create the perfect cafe dining space. After all, the last thing you want is for customers to walk in and find themselves overwhelmed by an array of crammed-in tables, chairs, and other customers.

So, dive in and take a look.

#1 Know your space

To create your perfect cafe dining space you need to know in the first place what it is you’re hoping to achieve. Consider such things as the hours you keep, do you order at the counter or do you provide table service?

For instance, say your cafe is open from 8 am to 5 pm, it makes sense to have a simple group of tables and chairs with a central walkway leading to your counter where customers can order coffee or brunch. Not only does this help prevent your space from looking cluttered, but it directs your customers right to where you want them – at the cash tills.

#2 Know your guests

The next step towards achieving the perfect cade dining space is to know your customers. Who are your guests? Is your space suitable for young families? Busy professionals? Groups of friends meeting for a catch-up. Couples on a first date?

Knowing whether your guests need a little extra room in the aisles for pushchairs, long tables for communal dining, or small intimate tables or two, will make a difference as to whether the space feels overly cluttered and no one feels at harmony with each other or whether your space feels comfortable and can be enjoyed by everyone.

#3 Size does matter

Getting your tables right is your key weapon in creating the perfect cafe dining space. Small square tables are the obvious choice because they can be pushed together to make larger tables for groups, but small round tables also work well in awkward corners and small recesses to help maximise your floor space.

Speaking of tables, be sure to choose ones with a durable surface. Regardless of who is using your dining space, your cafe tables need to be able to stand the test of time. Modern-day table tops can withstand temperatures of up to 180˚C, are scratch and stain-resistant and come in some sleek designs including granite and wood effect.

#4 Don’t forget the service

Finally, the best way of telling if your cafe dining space is working is to ask your waiting staff. Ask them if they find themselves bumping into each other in the aisles between the tables, or do they have to keep reversing backwards with plates of food to allow customers through? What works for them and what doesn’t.

Here at Cafe Chairs Melbourne, we don’t just dish out advice and tips, we also stock an extensive range of cafe furniture and equipment at highly affordable prices. Why not browse our online store or visit our showroom to see the quality of our furniture for yourself.