Bar furniture has to put up with more mistreatment than most - not only because it often sees heavy usage, but also because it has to cope with spillages and being knocked over, not to mention being dragged around by customers or by staff clearing the dancefloor.
All of this adds to the usual considerations - from the number of seats you need, to the amount of floor space you can devote to tables and chairs - that need to be balanced when choosing bar furniture.
Space in the Place
Before you even begin to make your decision, it's important to assess what you need - and that means measuring the space you have to fill.
Measure the length and width of your room at both its widest and narrowest points, so you can work out the minimum and maximum floor areas you have to work with.
Also measure the roof height - bar stools and poseur tables are taller than most other furniture types, so it is worth making sure you have plenty of overhead clearance in all parts of your bar.
Make notes of any places where your floor changes level - either due to a step or an uneven surface - as it could be more difficult to position furniture here.
And check the size of your doors through which you intend to bring the furniture into your property, so you do not face the risk of jamming larger items like sofas as you squeeze them through.
The best use of your space depends on a few different things:
• Do you need to be able to move your bar furniture on a daily basis, to accommodate group bookings or to clear a dancefloor space?
• Do you have distinct areas, e.g. a dining area, booths, a bar area with stools?
• Do you have existing furniture to work alongside, or are you carrying out a full refurb?
Health and Safety
There are safety concerns and practical considerations to keep in mind even when first measuring your space - customers and staff need to be able to move around your premises without obstacles.
Ensure you leave plenty of space around fire exits, and clear routes to reach them from all of your main customer areas.
In terms of your bar furniture itself, there are plenty of materials to choose from - including wood and metal frames, and natural or manmade upholstery.
These have different implications for fire safety, but with plenty of choice you should be able to find materials that serve your purposes, without raising your risk level too far.