In small restaurants and cafes, it might seem like you should use the biggest items of furniture possible so you can fit in the largest number of customers. But having large furniture in a small space can just make it seem even smaller. Instead, you should be thinking about clever space-saving furniture solutions that will provide comfort and style while still being size appropriate.
What is space-saving furniture?
Space-saving furniture is compact designed furniture that either has multiple uses or can be tidily hidden away when not in use. In a pub or restaurant, this could include backless bar stools that can be tucked fully under tables when they are not being used, such as our Dusseldorf Hairpin Stool, or sofas and benches that have storage space within them for keeping your excess ambient stock or decorative items.
Another example of space-saving furniture for your restaurant or café is stackable chairs. There are a number of stylish seating options out there these days that are lightweight for easy movement and designed to be neatly stacked out of the way. Square tables can also help you save space as they can be used by themselves for small parties or joined together for larger groups. This means you can create more space between customers on quiet days, but fit in more people on busy ones.
What are the best sofas for small spaces?
Depending on the exact size and shape of your establishment, a combination of both small sofas and armchairs is usually best for a small space. Armchairs may seem like the obvious solution for small spaces as they take up less space, however, they actually take up more space per person. Two-seater sofas are therefore ideal, especially in cafés where fewer people will need to be sat at a table.
Manhattan Two-Seater Sofa – This sofa is made of thick brown leather upholstery that offers both comfort and a timeless look. It has a strong hardwood frame that can withstand years of wear and heavy-use and is also available as an armchair and three-seater sofa to mix and match in different areas of your restaurant.
Chesterfield Two-Seater Sofa – This button-backed sofa provides a classic and sophisticated look for any bar, restaurant, café or hotel. The faux leather is attractive but easy to clean, and it is sturdy enough for dining but comfortable enough for relaxing and talking with friends.
Berwick Buttoned-Back Bench – While it may not be traditionally what you would think of when choosing a sofa, benches can provide all the comfort of a sofa while saving space by lining the full length of a wall. Benches like this can be used alongside sofas, armchairs or regular dining chairs, giving you versatility within your restaurant design.
Where can I buy furniture for small spaces?
At Trent Furniture, we sell high-quality furniture for restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes of all shapes and sizes. From barstools to sofas, coffee tables to banquet tables, we can help you find the perfect items of furniture to fit in your space.
All of our furniture is contract grade, making it more sturdy, durable and long-lasting than standard domestic furniture, as well as certified for fire retardancy by the FIRA. Having been designed for commercial settings many of our furniture pieces are more compact than ones found in a home, to help you truly maximise the space available to you.
With the right furniture, small spaces can still be eye-catching and comfortable without being cramped or overwhelming. With more than 60 years’ experience supplying pub and restaurant furniture throughout the UK, we’re the experts you can trust. For more information give us a call on 0116 2989 854 or browse our range of products today.