Many aspects of a restaurant’s layout and décor present customers with the first impression that will prepare them for their overall dining experience. Whether conscious or subconscious, architectural details, cleanliness, and openness of the space will play a major role in customers’ expectations for the dining experience to come. Proper table placement can assist in functionality, safety, and highlighting the aesthetically pleasing elements of your restaurant, ensuring that your staff will provide optimal service to guests who are guaranteed to have a memorable experience at your restaurant.
Before jumping into laying out your restaurant, consider hiring a professional designer who has experience laying out restaurant spaces. With knowledge of rules and regulations, as well as insider knowledge of what works best, a designer can save you time, hassle, and headaches by guiding you to the perfect restaurant layout.
You’ll also want to understand the foundational layout of your restaurant through bubble diagrams. These diagrams serve as a visual tool, showcasing all the distinct areas of your establishment — from the kitchen, dining area, restrooms, to the entrance and emergency exits — and illustrating how they interconnect. By employing bubble diagrams, restaurant owners and designers can conceptualize the spatial relationships and flow between different sections, ensuring a harmonious and functional layout that enhances both operational efficiency and customer experience. This initial step lays the groundwork for effective space planning and sets the stage for the detailed strategies and considerations that follow in creating an inviting and efficient dining environment.
What Makes the Ideal Table Layout?
Table layout is not as simple as squeezing as many tables in your dining space as possible. Much thought needs to go into your space’s highlights and weak points before creating the layout. Consider all doorways in your dining room; entrances and exits, kitchen, restroom, storage rooms, and other rooms that lead off the dining space. Also consider other things that cannot be blocked; safety elements, architectural elements, views, etc.
After you have a lay of the dining space, consider what you want to accomplish with your space.
- How many guests can you accommodate?
- What types of tables will you use? – This question encompasses a few features of your dining tables.
- Shapes – Tables come in various shapes. You may find sticking to one shape works for your space. However, sometimes spaces work better with a mix of square and circular tables. This can also depend on the style of the restaurant and the overall design you wish to display.
- Sizes – Regardless of shape, your restaurant would do well to vary sizes to accommodate different group sizes.
- Height – Table height is best considered when looking at your views. Offering various table heights can ensure everyone has that ocean view out of your seaside restaurant or a view of the masterpiece painting that encompasses the back wall of your dining space.
- Table Features – Along the same lines of shape and size, you want to consider the features of the tables you are considering. If you are looking at irregular shapes or table features like drop-leaf table tops, these should be factored in when considering how many you can feasibly fit in your dining space.
- For all of your table options take a look at what we offer at
- What type of seating will you use? – From bench seating to bar stools, your seating can determine how much space you will need for each table. If you want booth seating along the walls, you may need more space per table top than if you have simple wooden chairs pushed up to your tables.
- How will you accommodate large parties? – Even small restaurants will occasionally get a large group of guests that wish to enjoy each other’s company with a nice meal. They will not want to be split up into multiple 4-seat tables where they lose the communal time they were hoping to have. Make sure you have a large dining table, a large drop leaf table, or proper placement to merge tables for large groups. If your dining space allows, having a separate room or a sectioned-off space can add an element of privacy to these large groups and muffle any noise from celebrations of large parties for the other restaurant guests.
Safety
Safety is a top priority when it comes to restaurant layout. Your overall layout should allow for easy access to all emergency exits. Failure to follow these OSHA guidelines could lead to citations. When planning your table floor plan, consider all exits. Make sure a clear path is accessible from all tables to the exits and that no exit is blocked.
Handicap access is also a major consideration. Providing a safe, accessible path to a handicap-accessible table is necessary. The Americans with Disabilities Act protects the rights of people with disabilities. Failure to comply with ADA guidelines can lead to hefty fines.
While a professional designer should be aware of all rules and regulations, be sure to research what is required to keep your restaurant in compliance with all government laws.
Functionality
After considering all safety measures, many of the functional elements of the restaurant layout will have already been addressed. However, maximizing the ease of staff and customers’ ability to navigate around the restaurant should be considered overall. The traffic paths of your staff will differ from the paths your customers will need to access.
Staff
Waiters in particular face a heavy challenge navigating through tables. They bear the load of food and beverages, avoiding the potential disaster of a massive spill. With a functional table layout, waiters will be less prone to have an accident as they deliver food from kitchen to table.
Tables too close together can also make it difficult for staff to easily care for guests. Obstructions to the table like pillars or other tables will force waiters to reach across guests to accommodate those further out of reach rather than serve from another angle.
Customer
Those awkward reachovers from staff are just one of the hindrances for customers that can be caused by a lack of functionality. Like your staff, customers do not want to have to scoot past other guests to get in and of their seats or to their tables. A pillar or fixed architectural piece doesn’t need to hinder guests’ eating experience either. Although a table may be placed away from the pillar, the guest’s seat may be snuggled up to it. This can be claustrophobic and make comfortable dining difficult.
Both staff and customer do not want to do the awkward weave-through tables. They do not want to navigate a maze to get to their destination. Create straight lines for access to exits, kitchen, and restrooms. Weaving aisles are a time-consuming and frustrating layout for any setting. It’s not just a functionality issue but an issue of visual appeal as well.
Aesthetics
As guests look out into the dining space while waiting to be seated, they should be fed with visually appealing elements that begin their visit to your establishment on a pleasing note. Architectural elements should catch the attention, while any eye sores should be cleverly blended into the scene. Considering the majority of your furnishings and floor space are taken up by table tops, the table placement and the appearance of the tables should complement the beautiful elements of your dining space.
When dealing with several pieces of furniture, like the necessary dining tables, a crisp, clean layout is necessary to appeal to the eye. As with functionality, aesthetic appeal comes from clean-cut aisle space that is easy to navigate. Straight walkways may not always be an option, but the pathways should be as short and clear-cut as possible.
As with the view from the entrance, the view from each table top should highlight all positive architectural elements from that viewpoint. No one wants to sit down with a direct view of the restroom door. Similarly, guests using the restroom do not want to be greeted by onlookers as they walk out. The same concept applies to the kitchen as well. Although guests may be eagerly waiting for their food to cross the kitchen threshold, a direct view of an industrial kitchen may not be enjoyable while they are trying to enjoy a relaxing dinner. On the contrary, if you are a restaurant that wants to highlight your kitchen staff skills or the interesting ways in which your food is prepared, allow for the option of a clear view of the kitchen. This option, however, will then need much more consideration on the aesthetics of your kitchen space as well.
Lighting should also be a consideration in table placement. If you plan to have lighting over each table top, ensure there is no chance of an off light becoming an annoyance. An off-center light may not be obvious to all, but it can create an environment that gives off a sense of unease. Overall lighting should be even for every guest. Be sure to avoid a place setting that gets caught in the shadow while the rest of the table is well-lit. Issues like these can have a negative psychological impact on your guests, giving them a negative impression of their overall dining experience.
Cater to Your Dining Environment
Whether going for a casual dining experience or one of fine dining and luxury, be sure that the table placement fits with the experience you hope to give your guests. Diners of a more casual restaurant will be more open to communal tables and closer seating. Guests dining at a fine establishment, however, are there for an intimate experience. Make sure your table choices and layout fit the overall expectations. Consider table customizations that can also improve your customers’ dining experience. Adding sound padding underneath your tables, for example, can reduce overall noise and create a more intimate setting even when other tables are nearby.
What to Avoid
Overall table placement should consider the elements of safety, functionality, and aesthetics. Every need should fit snugly within the confines of these elements. There are some things to avoid when planning your layout. For a more informative take on what to avoid, read our article on table layout mistakes. Here is a simple list of considerations when planning your layout.
AVOID:
- Overcrowding
- Ignoring the aesthetically pleasing elements of your restaurant dining space
- Unbalanced layout
- Inadequate accommodations
- Poor table top selections
Conclusion
Strategic restaurant table placement is not merely about arranging furniture; it’s about crafting an environment that enhances dining experiences, ensures operational efficiency, and meets safety standards. It’s a blend of art and science, requiring attention to detail, understanding of customer behavior, and knowledge of design principles. By considering the shape, size, and height of tables, along with the overall layout, lighting, and accessibility, you can transform your restaurant into a space that invites, comforts, and retains customers.
Remember, the layout of your restaurant is an extension of your brand and can significantly impact your guests’ satisfaction and your staff’s ability to provide excellent service. Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice to create an optimal layout or to regularly reassess your space to align with evolving dining trends and customer preferences.
For more information on optimizing your restaurant space, or to explore our range of high-quality restaurant table tops that can complement your strategic table placement, visit our restaurant table tops page. If you have any questions or need further assistance with your restaurant’s design and layout, feel free to reach out through our contact page. And for additional resources or to learn more about our offerings, visit our home page. Let’s create a dining environment that stands out and makes every meal memorable.
FAQ
What is strategic restaurant table placement?
Strategic restaurant table placement refers to the thoughtful arrangement of dining tables to optimize space, enhance customer experience, and improve the functionality and safety of a restaurant.
Why is table placement important in a restaurant?
Table placement is crucial as it affects the flow of traffic, maximizes dining space, ensures safety, contributes to the ambiance, and impacts the overall dining experience of customers.
How does table shape impact restaurant layout?
Table shape impacts restaurant layout by affecting how space can be utilized efficiently, influencing the flow of customer and staff movement, and determining the ease of conversation among diners. When we craft your tables, there is no limit, we can create tables in any shape or size.
How does table height influence dining experience?
Table height influences dining experience by affecting visibility, comfort, and the overall aesthetic appeal. Different heights can cater to various dining preferences, such as formal, casual, or bar seating.
What are the benefits of varying table sizes and shapes?
Varying table sizes and shapes allow for flexible seating arrangements, accommodate different group sizes, enhance the visual appeal of the space, and make efficient use of available floor area.
How can strategic table placement enhance customer experience?
Strategic table placement can enhance customer experience by ensuring comfort, privacy, ease of movement, and a pleasant view, thereby contributing to a memorable dining experience.
What role does safety play in table placement?
Safety plays a critical role in table placement by ensuring clear access to exits, complying with ADA guidelines, preventing overcrowding, and reducing the risk of accidents.
How can restaurants maximize space with table arrangement?
Restaurants can maximize space by choosing appropriate table sizes, utilizing drop leaf tables, arranging tables to facilitate smooth traffic flow, and avoiding unnecessary furniture.
What should be avoided in restaurant table placement?
In restaurant table placement, avoid overcrowding, blocking emergency exits, obstructing views, placing tables too close to high-traffic areas, and neglecting customer comfort and privacy.
How does table placement affect restaurant staff efficiency?
Table placement affects staff efficiency by influencing the ease of movement, the ability to serve customers effectively, and the prevention of accidents, ultimately impacting service speed and quality.
What considerations should be made for lighting in relation to table placement?
Considerations for lighting in relation to table placement include ensuring tables are well-lit, avoiding glare or shadows that could detract from the dining experience, and matching lighting with the restaurant’s ambiance.
How does the view from the table impact customer satisfaction?
The view from the table can significantly impact customer satisfaction by enhancing the dining atmosphere, providing visual interest, and ensuring guests have a pleasant dining backdrop.
What strategies can be used to accommodate large parties?
Strategies to accommodate large parties include using modular tables that can be combined, reserving space specifically for larger groups, and planning the layout to allow for flexible configurations. We also suggest, you have the space, to include 1 or more community restaurant tables.
How should restaurants plan for accessibility in their table layouts?
Restaurants should plan for accessibility by ensuring there is enough space for wheelchairs, complying with ADA guidelines, providing accessible seating options, and keeping clear paths to entrances, exits, and restrooms.
What is the impact of architectural elements on table placement?
Architectural elements impact table placement by dictating the flow of the space, creating natural divisions, influencing ambiance, and determining how best to utilize the available floor area effectively.
How can restaurants use table placement to enhance their theme or brand?
Restaurants can use table placement to enhance their theme or brand by arranging tables in a way that complements the decor, reinforces the dining concept, and creates a cohesive and immersive environment. We also recommend that anyone wanting to further emphasize their brand, engrave their logos onto the table tops.
What are common mistakes in restaurant table placement?
Common mistakes in restaurant table placement include ignoring customer flow, placing tables too close together, neglecting privacy, underutilizing space, and failing to consider the overall dining experience.
How often should restaurants reevaluate their table placement?
Restaurants should reevaluate their table placement regularly, especially after changes in dining trends, customer feedback, renovations, or noticeable shifts in the efficiency or satisfaction levels.
Where can I find resources or assistance for optimizing my restaurant's table placement?
We highly recommend you find an interior designer or architect to assist in this process. We’ve also written this article: 6 Steps to Help Design Your Restaurant Seating Plan to help aid in your journey.
