When you have a dining area to furnish, your choice of restaurant furniture says a great deal about your own tastes, the atmosphere you want to create within your premises, and may even suggest to your diners the expectations you have of them.
For example, many diners might perceive a more formal seating area to be an indication of higher class or status, compared with a relaxed, informal dining space with sofas and lower coffee table configurations.
Interestingly, there can be even more choice of restaurant tables than there is of restaurant chairs - the standard concept of a 'dining chair' as a straight-backed, largely functional piece of furniture is fairly fixed, but 'dining tables' can be several different heights, square, rectangular or round, and still fit people's preconceptions.
Restaurant Chairs
Most restaurant chairs look fairly similar, with an ergonomically shaped seat and a straight, often quite tall back, to provide support throughout the meal.
However, there are several different materials to choose from, ranging from plain dark wood for traditional gastropubs, to upholstered and even padded leather dining chairs for more luxurious restaurant settings.
For pop-up restaurants, one-off event catering and other temporary dining environments, stackable chairs are a good option; these are often quite regal in design, to bring a sense of festivity to proceedings.
Restaurant Tables
Restaurant tables need to be functional first and foremost - you want visual appeal too, but obviously they need to be flat, stable and at the right height to eat off of.
In general most restaurant tables should be designed with all of this in mind, but it is worth double checking that the height works well with the chairs you have chosen, so your diners are comfortable throughout their meal.
Bars and Bistros
Finally, consider specific restaurant furniture for less common dining environments; in a bar, customers might be more willing to sit on a stool at a high table for their meal.
In a bistro setting, very practical outdoor furniture might be the best option for a terrace or patio, or for a beer garden in which food is served.