4 Things to Consider Before Buying New Cafe Furniture

Launching a new cafe is a hectic time, and what with staffing, menus, suppliers and more things on your to-do list, it’s easy to lose track of all that you’ve yet to do. Even with the logistics to work out, it’s crucial to bear in mind the design of your cafe and your budget. The appearance of your interior space is one of the first impressions customers get of your cafe and combining great coffee and snacks with a welcoming environment, can turn their experience from OK to amazing.

We’ve put together 4 things to consider when looking for your cafe furniture.

  1. Cafe Design – When it comes to design and aesthetics, consistency is key. Try and keep every aspect of your cafe in mind when choosing a theme for your furniture – food, price, estimated duration of stay, staff uniforms etc. If you’re not too sure of the ins and outs of interior design then it’s fine to play it safe and stick with neutral shades such as black, grey, silver, white, or tan. Choose just one accent colour to liven things up and keep your wood tones uniform throughout. Keeping things consistent throughout will help build your brand and create a good experience that will encourage people to come back for more.

  1. Customer Comfort – If customers are going to enjoy drinking and eating at your cafe they need to feel comfortable. The level of comfort depends on the style of cafe you have and how long you intend for customers to stay. For instance, if you want a quick turnaround of tables, then don’t install lots of sofas or tub chairs as these naturally invite people to stay longer. Instead opt for more upright chairs made from metal or wood which are comfortable for shorter periods of time. In addition, take into account the amount of floor you have and be careful not to order so many chairs or tables that your customers feel cramped. If space is limited, you might want to consider back to back booth seating as this takes up less room than a table and 4 chairs. Consider the type of clientele you’re looking to attract too. For example, a younger clientele will appreciate technology at the table whereas older customers will appreciate space for high chairs, wheelchairs, and walkers.

  1. Durability and maintenance – Don’t be tempted to settle for the cheapest furniture you see, if the price seems too good to be true, then usually it is. Ensure that you only buy commercial furniture as this is designed to withstand regular, frequent use without showing signs of wear and tear. It’s an investment which will save you money over time. In addition, consider the maintenance needed to keep your furniture looking good. Heat resistant table tops are a great choice if you don’t want to bother with tablecloths, and can just be wiped down with a cloth and mild cleanser. Vinyl upholstery is also easier to wipe down and clean than more delicate fabrics.

  1. Business values – While you might not have considered this, the type of furniture you choose can say a lot about your business values. Many businesses are choosing furniture manufactured from sustainable sources using chemical-free processes. Furniture made in Australia also makes a statement about your commitment to supporting local businesses.

Choosing your cafe furniture may be just one more thing to do on your list, but trust us, when we say that it’s a critical aspect of your business which you need to pay particular attention to.

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