16 September 2016
 Categories: , Blog

When space is limited, it's easy for customers to feel like sardines packed in a tin can, and this certainly won't encourage them to choose your café next time they go out for brunch. The furniture in your café contributes to the overall atmosphere and customer experience. You want your customers to feel relaxed and comfortable, and the tables you choose can significantly impact customer perception of your business. Tables take up most of your floor space, and they act as a hub for your diners, so what are your best options when space is limited? Here's an overview of three types of table for you to consider:

Flip Top Tables

Flip top tables offer a stylish and contemporary alternative to traditional folding tables, which can look like garden furniture. These tables are available with circular or rectangular tops, and they're ideal for those times when you need to store tables away for a function or cleaning purposes. They're also a good option for use in cafes with outdoor seating that has to be packed away at the end of each day. If you have a large group of diners, you'll likely need to move tables and chairs around to accommodate them, and these flip top tables are easy to move. You won't have to ask diners at other tables to move so you can get a large table passed them to the other side of your café.

Poseur Tables

Poseur tables are tall tables you can stand at or sit at using high stools. They can help you make the most of your available space by offering customers the opportunity to enjoy a bite to eat while doing a spot of people watching through the café window. High stools can be pushed in under the tables to save space, and these narrow tables take up less space than standard bistro-style tables. Poseur tables are popular with lone diners, but they can also increase the number of covers you're able to cater to.

Canteen Tables

Canteen tables are rectangular and come with the seats attached to the table base. They're comfortable, create an informal, friendly atmosphere and come in a range of styles and colours. Their streamlined construction allows you to plan your seating in a grid with clean lines, which can make the space feel bigger. Additionally, as the seats are attached to the table, diners can't spread out into the walkway areas.

Remember, the success of your business depends on customer experience. If a large proportion of your diners are parents with prams, you'll want to be able to move tables easily to accommodate them. If you have a lot of elderly patrons, they may not find poseur tables appealing. When choosing tables and planning the layout of your café, keep your customers in mind.