A report from the government has revealed the wider impact of bar, cafe and restaurant furniture on the prospects of high streets as a whole.
Earlier this month, we looked at how the number of high street cafes has risen substantially in recent years, ranking behind only convenience stores and eclipsing the increase in fast food outlets and restaurants in town centres.
But taking bars, cafes and restaurants together, there is further good reason why the rise in the number of such venues on the high street is good news for other businesses and the wider community.
The Department for Communities and Local Government has cited University of Southampton research into convenience culture and fundamental changes to the way town centres function.
It found that footfall to the high street is now being driven not just by the necessity of shopping for certain items, but also by additional leisure aspects, which are having a significant positive impact on visits to town centres.
According to the report, a good mix of bars, restaurants and cafes on the high street increases total 'dwell time' spent in the town centre, along with the average amount of money spent during a complete visit to the area.
Cafe, bar and restaurant furniture has its own part to play in this, as in many cases the chance to rest on a comfortable chair with some food or a drink for a few minutes can help shoppers to combat fatigue, making them less likely to feel too weary to continue browsing.
But of course, the right choice of restaurant furniture can have a big impact on how comfortable the seating is - and whereas bars and cafes can opt for informal armchairs and sofas in many cases, restaurants are often more formal dining environments.
Ergonomically designed restaurant chairs can compensate for this, giving the visual appearance of formal dining furniture, but providing a comfortable seat for the full duration of even a three-course meal.
Combined with restaurant tables at the right height, to avoid diners having to stretch to reach their food, this can create a comfortable interior that will leave customers feeling fresh and ready to tackle an afternoon in the local shops.