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10 Questions to Ask Before Buying Hospitality Furniture

You’re about to invest in new furniture for your restaurant, hotel, café or canteen. An exciting moment, but also a decision that requires careful consideration. Because let’s be honest: your guests judge your establishment not only by the quality of your food or service, but also by the comfort and atmosphere you create. The right furniture can make the difference between guests staying for two hours or leaving again after just half an hour.

Purchasing hospitality furniture is an important investment that directly impacts the appearance and success of your establishment. By asking the right questions beforehand, you can avoid costly mistakes and choose furniture that perfectly matches your concept, budget and target audience. That’s why we’re happy to help you get started with these 10 crucial questions to ask before making your purchase.

1. What function should the furniture fulfil?

This is the very first question you should ask yourself. Will you be using the furniture for dining, lounging, working, waiting or socialising? Each function requires a different approach. For example, a fine dining restaurant needs hospitality chairs that provide enough comfort for a long evening. For a coffee shop where guests quickly enjoy a cappuccino, the furniture can be more compact and functional. And in a hotel lobby where guests are waiting for their room to be ready? There, you want comfortable lounge chairs that invite guests to sit back and relax. By clearly defining the function the furniture needs to fulfil in advance, you can make a much more targeted choice.

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(c)fotografie Mike Rikken Bedrijfsfotograaf Wijnboer Zwolle Kaja Almelo Interiorphotography Hr 3435 Kopie

2. How intensively will the furniture be used?

The level of use largely determines which furniture is suitable. In a busy restaurant with a high table turnover, chairs and tables are used dozens of times a day. This requires different standards than, for example, a quiet hotel lobby or coffee bar.

When it comes to intensive use, pay particular attention to:

sturdy and stable frames;
hard-wearing upholstery;
scratch- and impact-resistant materials;
strong joints and constructions;
materials that are easy to maintain.

For less intensive use, you can consider choosing more luxurious or slightly more delicate materials.

3. Does the furniture match the style and look of my interior?

Your hospitality interior tells a story about your establishment. Is it industrial and bold? Scandinavian and minimalist? Or classic and elegant? The furniture should seamlessly complement the desired atmosphere and identity of your hospitality business. A mismatch between your concept and the furniture can confuse your guests and weaken your brand identity. That’s why it’s important to consciously choose a style that reinforces the image you want to create.

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4. How much space do I have available?

Don’t just measure how much space you have available for commercial hospitality tables and chairs. A good layout is also about comfortable walkways, sufficient room to move around, and an efficient flow for staff.

When planning your layout, consider:

the space between tables and chairs;
enough room to pull chairs back;
important walkways for staff;
access routes to the kitchen, bar and toilets;
the capacity you ultimately want to achieve.

This helps prevent the space from feeling overcrowded and ensures that both guests and staff can move around comfortably and easily.

5. Are the materials suitable for intensive hospitality use?

Not every material that looks attractive is automatically suitable for daily use in the hospitality industry. So when choosing materials, look beyond colour and appearance alone.

When selecting materials, pay attention to:

durability and wear resistance;
scratch and impact resistance;
ease of maintenance;
the strength of the frame;
the quality of seams and joints;
suitability for the environment in which the furniture will be used.

This way, you’re not only choosing furniture that looks great upon delivery, but also furniture that is designed to withstand intensive use.

6. Is the furniture comfortable enough for my guests?

Comfort is crucial, especially in hospitality establishments where guests stay seated for longer periods. An uncomfortable chair can cause guests to leave sooner, which can have a direct impact on your revenue. Pay attention to aspects such as seat height, backrest, armrests and the thickness of the cushioning. For restaurants where guests enjoy an extensive dinner, good comfort is essential. For a snack bar or takeaway, the furniture can be a little more functional. Always try out the furniture yourself before ordering and ask yourself: would I want to sit here for two hours?

Don’t just choose what looks good, choose what works.

7. How easy is the furniture to clean?

In the hospitality industry, hygiene is not a luxury but a must. That’s why it’s best to choose materials that are quick and easy to clean. Smooth surfaces and stain-resistant upholstery make maintenance much easier. Avoid materials with deep grooves or hard-to-reach areas where dirt can accumulate. Also consider the practical side: can you quickly wipe down a chair between two guests? Is the furniture resistant to cleaning products? These practical considerations save you time every day and ensure that your establishment always looks fresh and clean.

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8.What is my budget per seat or piece of furniture?

When setting your budget, look beyond the initial purchase price. A low-cost chair that needs to be replaced quickly can ultimately be more expensive than a higher-quality model that lasts for years.

Therefore, include the following in your calculation:

purchase price;
number of seats required;
expected level of use;
maintenance and cleaning;
expected lifespan;
any costs for replacement or repairs.

This way, you compare furniture not only based on price, but primarily on the total investment over its period of use.

9.Can I combine the furniture with other tables, chairs or accessories?

Flexibility is invaluable in the hospitality industry. A flexible collection makes it easier to create a cohesive interior and gives you the freedom to expand or adapt your space in the future. Choose furniture that can be easily combined, so you can add pieces later without them looking out of place.

Also consider mixing different chair models for a more playful effect, or using different table sizes to make optimal use of the available space.

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10. Can the furniture be customised to suit my needs?

Customisation can make all the difference. Think of different colours, fabrics, materials, dimensions or table bases. This allows you to create an interior that truly suits your hospitality business and sets you apart from the competition. Almost all the furniture in our collection can be customised to your specific requirements. Would you like a different upholstery colour? A higher or lower frame? A different tabletop? By choosing customised furniture, you get exactly what you need and create a unique look. Always ask about the available options before making your final choice.

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BONUS QUESTION: Why choose professional hospitality furniture?

Perhaps you’re considering simply buying consumer furniture. It may seem cheaper, but is it really the smarter choice? Professional hospitality furniture is specifically designed for intensive use. It is more robust, easier to clean and simply lasts much longer. By choosing professional furniture, you are investing in quality and durability.

Would you like personalised advice on furnishing your hospitality business, or would you like to visit one of our showrooms?

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Frequently asked questions

Is Kaja also involved in the entire project?

Of course. In addition to individual products, we also support complete interior design projects, from consultation and planning to implementation.

How do you create a good restaurant layout?

A good restaurant layout is about more than simply fitting in as many tables as possible. You want a layout where guests feel comfortable, staff can work efficiently, and the space feels logical and well organised. Start with the flow of movement and define the different zones. Make sure there is enough space between tables and consider the layout from both the guest’s and the employee’s perspective. You don’t want either to get in each other’s way. Also take factors such as acoustics and atmosphere into account. The space shouldn’t feel cramped, but it shouldn’t feel like an empty ballroom either. Aim for a good balance and position tables strategically.

Is the furniture available for immediate delivery?

Yes. We maintain high stock levels, which means that almost all of our patio furniture is available for quick delivery. This allows you to immediately get ready for the new season. For our indoor furniture, we both have customizable models and stock models. Our stock models are also available for quick delivery.

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Plan an appointment in the showroom and get advice from one of our advisors for professional furniture (indoors and outdoors).

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