Café Chairs

Café chairs differ from restaurant chairs with greater stylistic variety and more compact size — the café concept allows for a more experimental approach to interior design and choice of chair materials.

Types of café chairs

Metal chairs with metal or polymer seats are the most popular in cafés with an industrial or modern interior — easy to clean, durable and available in a wide range of shapes. The metal frame ensures durability under the intensive daily use of a café, where chairs are moved and used dozens of times a day.

Wooden chairs provide a warmer, more natural atmosphere — popular in eco, Scandinavian or artisan cafés. Wooden surfaces require more careful maintenance but enrich the space aesthetically and create a homely atmosphere that café visitors highly value.

Polymer chairs are a practical solution — available in a wide range of colours, easy to clean and durable. High-quality polymer chairs are stackable, making it easier to reconfigure the space. Popular in cafés with a minimalist or pop-style interior.

Size and space planning

In cafés with a compact layout, it is important to choose small-sized chairs — a width of 44–50 cm allows for more seats than wider models. The depth of the chair affects how comfortably visitors can sit while leaving enough passage space between tables. In cafés with a higher comfort standard, wider models with upholstered seats can be chosen.

Stability and leg protectors

In cafés with high customer traffic, a stable chair with not too narrow legs is more practical — less likely to catch on customers’ clothing and less likely to tip over. Leg protectors must be made of a material that does not scratch the floor surface — important in cafés with parquet or tiled floors. A heavier chair is more stable, but a lighter one is more practical for customers who reconfigure the space.

Stacking capability

Stacking is a practical advantage for cafés with a flexible room layout. Cafés that organise evening events or private meetings often reconfigure the space — stackable chairs make this process easier.

Indoor and outdoor café

For café outdoor terraces, chairs made of weather-resistant materials such as aluminium or polymer are necessary. See Chairs FOR TERRACES for equipping outdoor areas. In indoor cafés, a wider range of materials can be used — aesthetics and comfort take priority, as weather resistance is not the main concern.

Café style and chair selection

The café concept directly determines the most suitable type of chair. Scandinavian cafés use wooden or metal chairs with a minimalist design and natural colours. Industrial cafés choose metal chairs with industrial shapes and a matte finish. Artisan cafés use a combination of different styles. BHS helps choose chairs according to the café concept and interior style.

Maintenance and cleaning

Café chairs are used intensively — by dozens of customers every day. A metal frame and polymer seat are easy to clean with a damp cloth. Wooden surfaces require treatment with appropriate care products. Upholstered seats require regular cleaning to prevent tea, coffee or food stains. Regular checks of leg condition and screws will extend the chair’s service life.

Frequently asked questions

What width is most suitable for a compact café?

Chairs with a width of 44–50 cm allow for more seats. BHS advises on the choice according to the café layout.

Do café chairs need an upholstered seat?

Not necessarily — for short visits, non-upholstered seats are also suitable. BHS helps choose according to customer traffic.

Planning the number of seats

The number of seats in a café directly affects the establishment’s revenue capacity. For efficient use of space, it is important to choose chairs with an optimal width and arrange table rows with sufficient passage space — a minimum of 60–90 cm between table rows for staff movement. Compact chairs with a side width of 44–48 cm allow for more seats in the space, while more comfortable wider models can increase visitor satisfaction and longer stays. BHS advises on seat optimisation according to the café’s space parameters. The arrangement of chairs and tables also affects the visitor experience — too dense an arrangement can cause discomfort, while too sparse reduces revenue potential.

Chair replacement cycle

Café chairs are used intensively and wear out over time. On average, café chairs are replaced every 5–8 years depending on material quality and daily intensity. High-quality metal chairs can last longer if regularly maintained. BHS helps plan chair replacement cycles and select durable models that justify the investment. Cafés can also order chairs in small test batches to assess comfort and durability before a larger purchase. Equipping a café with quality chairs is a long-term investment that improves visitor experience and the establishment’s image.

Why choose BHS?

BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.

Delivery

We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.