Dining room chairs must be chosen with several important factors considered in order to provide members a comfortable dining experience.
Through thoughtful attention to detail, clubs can create memorable experiences for their members. A club’s inviting interiors and exteriors allow the rest of the world to fade away, leaving only the comradery of fellow club members and the enjoyment of favorite pastimes. There is a big difference between furniture lasting a long time and furniture looking good for a long time, so a club’s dining room chairs should look elegant, but be able to withstand the rigors of daily use.
Finding The Right Size
The first important factor when choosing dining room chairs is the size and being able to fit under the table so diners feel comfortable. Most tables are around 30″ high, and most chairs will have 17″ to 19″ of space between their seats and your floor. You want at least a foot of space between the top of the table and the chair seat, and you also want your guests to have at least 24″ of space to themselves. This includes the width of the chair and about 6″ on either side for elbow room, so keep this in mind especially if you’re gravitating toward chairs with armrests.
There needs to be 36” between the chairs and any walls or other dining room furniture so diners do not get stuck every time they try to leave the table and to accommodate for other diners passing by. Chairs should also slide under the table without bumping into the table legs, or into the base of a pedestal or trestle table. If you have a small dining room, you may want to opt for booths instead of chairs, or at least have more booths than chairs and tables. The goal is to maximize the number of diners, so booths may be a good option.
Choosing a Material
Creating a cohesive image is key and a club’s furniture should represent its brand, name, logo, and even food. Dining chairs come in all kinds of materials and designs, so it can be difficult to narrow down the right ones for your club. Some of the most common material options are wood, metal and upholstered.
Wood dining chairs are perfect for a club that has a traditional look and feel and can be upholstered depending on how formal they should look. Metal dining chairs have a contemporary feel and can modernize any space. Also, metal chairs are typically lightweight, can be moved easily, and are easier to clean. Upholstered dining chairs have plenty of options for fabric as well as patterns. Cotton and microsuede fabrics come in a wide range of colors and patterns and clean easily in the event of a spill, which is helpful if children are regularly dining as well. Leather is long-lasting and wears well with age if properly cared for. Upholstered chairs should also be treated to be stain-resistant which will keep chairs in good condition for a longer time.
Design and Comfort
Once a material has been decided, focus on the design and pay attention to which colors and patterns would best suit the club. Also, choose chairs that have simple and straightforward designs. Chairs with lots of corners or crevices should be avoided since they can easily accumulate dust, dirt, and crumbs and become more difficult to maintain.
Upholstered dining chairs provide hours of comfort for members and should definitely be a priority when members are dining. While chairs with armrests may take up more space, they may be more comfortable in the space. Be sure to choose chairs that look and feel of the high quality that represents and sets the club apart from other restaurants.
Budget
The cost of dining essentials such as seating can add up quickly and the choice of material and design can have a large impact on the cost. Just like other restaurant equipment, finding a cheaper alternative might cost more in the long run. Chairs are subjected to a good amount of wear and tear every day. A chair’s sturdiness and durability should be a key factor and should be purchased with the intent of being used and lasting for a long time.
Unlike banquet chairs, the chairs for a club’s dining room will most likely remain in the same place, but if not there are a few other factors to consider. Do the chairs get stacked and unstacked several times a day or week, or less frequently? Will chairs be used for dining only, or also for meetings, weddings and other events? How much space does the facility have for storage? There are so many things to consider when choosing dining chairs for a club, but luckily there are endless options, no matter which style best suits your club.
