Dimensions of restaurant furniture: Standards, research and practical application in catering establishments

Choosing the right furniture for a restaurant is one of the key tasks facing the owner of a catering establishment. Ergonomics, technical regulations and standards, as well as the results of scientific research have a decisive impact on the comfort of guests and the efficiency of staff. In this article, we will discuss in detail what dimensions restaurant tables and restaurant chairs should have, what regulations apply in Poland and the European Union, and what conclusions have been drawn from research on customer behavior and the optimal placement of furniture in the restaurant space.

Standards and regulations in Poland and the European Union

Poland has regulations for the equipment of catering establishments, which are based on EU standards. In the case of furniture, such as tables for restaurants and chairs for restaurants, standards related to ergonomics and user safety are particularly important.

The PN-EN 1729 standard, which applies throughout the European Union, deals with ergonomic requirements for furniture intended for public places, including restaurants. According to it, the height of a standard restaurant table should be between 72 cm and 75 cm. This height is optimal for most adult users, as confirmed by ergonomic studies conducted both in Poland and abroad.

Also important are regulations regarding the accessibility of furniture for people with disabilities. In Poland, as in the rest of the European Union, catering establishments must comply with accessibility requirements set forth in legal standards (e.g., the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure on technical conditions to which buildings should conform). Tables that are accessible to wheelchair users must have a minimum height of 70 cm, allowing for easy access and comfort.

Standard dimensions of restaurant furniture

Height, width and depth of tables

Depending on the type of restaurant and the desired style, tables for restaurants can come in different dimensions, which are adapted to the number of people and the available space. The most common dimensions are:

• Two-person tables: 60 x 76 cm, allowing two people to dine comfortably.
• Four-person tables: 91 x 91 cm, which is the most commonly chosen table size in restaurants.
• Tables for six people: 91 x 152 cm, which provide adequate space for larger groups.

The height of a standard table is usually 75 cm. However, a restaurant furniture manufacturer should consider different types of tables – including bar tables, which are 100 to 110 cm high, and coffee tables with a lower height of about 50-60 cm.

Dimensions of chairs for restaurants

Just as important as the dimensions of the tables are the chairs for the restaurant, which must be ergonomically adapted to the needs of guests. Typical chair dimensions are:

• Seat height: 45-48 cm from the floor.
• Seat width: 40-46 cm, which allows most adults to sit comfortably.
• Seat depth: 40-45 cm.

Bar chairs have a higher design, and their seat is at a height of about 76-80 cm, which allows for comfortable use of high bar tables.

Research on ergonomics and customer behavior in restaurants

Comfort and space efficiency

Many restaurant furniture manufacturers rely on scientific research to show how furniture dimensions affect customer comfort. A study by the Ergonomics Research Society confirms that a table height of 75 cm and a seat height of 45 cm provide optimal comfort when dining.

Also, research on furniture placement in restaurants shows that adequate space between tables (minimum 80-90 cm) significantly affects the perceived quality of service. Customers feel more comfortable, which leads to a longer stay in the establishment and increased spending.

Effect of table size on guest behavior

In contrast, research on the effect of table size on consumer behavior has shown that smaller tables, measuring 24 x 30 inches, make customers perceive meals as larger, leading to greater satisfaction. Such observations are particularly useful for cafes and fast food restaurants.

In addition, experiments conducted at Cornell University show that round tables encourage interaction between guests, which is beneficial for restaurants that rely on shared family meals.

Ergonomics of staff work in restaurants

Optimization of space in restaurants includes not only the comfort of guests, but also the ergonomics of staff. The height of worktops should be between 85 and 90 cm, which reduces the strain on employees’ backs and increases their efficiency. Research conducted at the Warsaw University of Technology indicates that a properly designed workspace can increase staff productivity by up to 20%.

Conclusions and recommendations for restaurateurs

Selecting the right restaurant furniture is a key element in the process of designing a catering space. A restaurant furniture manufacturer must consider not only aesthetics, but also ergonomics and regulatory compliance. Restaurant tables and restaurant chairs should be tailored to the type of establishment, style of service and customer preferences.

It is also worth keeping in mind the results of studies that indicate that optimal furniture placement and dimensions can have a direct impact on guest comfort and staff efficiency. Adherence to norms and standards, as well as the use of scientific research, is the basis for the success of any catering establishment.