In a hotel restaurant, success is not determined by the most beautiful chair, but by the calculation of seating capacity, spacing, and adaptability. A room that accommodates 120 guests for breakfast and is intended to function as a restaurant in the evening requires different furniture than a room with only one use. This page shows the dimensions and selection that support both.
Distances that determine operations
Four measurements in the dining area are more important than any style question:
- Table width per guest. Approximately 60 centimeters of edge per person, 70 centimeters for upscale place settings with multiple glasses.
- Chair to chair. There should be at least 45 centimeters between the backs of chairs at adjacent tables, so that guests can stand up without bumping into their neighbors.
- Service aisle. 90 centimeters of clear width if staff with trays need to pass, 120 centimeters if two people are to pass each other.
- Table height to seat height. Approximately 28 to 30 centimeters distance between the seat and the tabletop; for armchairs, additionally check if the chair fits under the apron.
Seating: the most heavily used item in the house
Dining chairs in a restaurant are moved more frequently than any other piece of furniture. Crucial factors are a solid connection between leg and frame, upholstery with high abrasion resistance, and glides that protect the floor. Armchairs appear more upscale and take up space, so they are placed along window rows and at two-person tables, not in the center. Benches along the wall create a second level in the room: they provide more seating in the same area and separate zones without requiring construction.
Tables that can be combined
A restaurant without group seating capability loses bookings. Dining tables of the same height and with straight edges can be coupled to form larger tables; round tables cannot. A mix is sensible: round tables for two- and four-person groups, rectangular for everything that needs to be pushed together. Choosing tables with a central base provides more legroom and flexibility in seating arrangements, but requires attention to stability.
Light on the plate
In a restaurant, the light on the tabletop matters, not the overall brightness of the room. Suspended ceiling lights above the tables achieve exactly that, while wall lights illuminate the wall surfaces so that the room does not fall into a dark frame. On the table itself, hurricane lamps and candle holders work most reliably because they lower the light point more than any ceiling light. A dimmer that separates breakfast and evening operations is mandatory.
Breakfast and buffet
Breakfast is the operation with the highest person density of the day. Buffet areas need space on both sides to prevent bottlenecks. Console tables are suitable as side surfaces for dishes and carafes, serving trolleys keep supplies from the kitchen away from guest traffic, and bowls give fruit and pastries a calm form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space does a guest need at a restaurant table?
Approximately 60 centimeters of table edge per person, and about 70 centimeters for upscale place settings with multiple glasses. There should be at least 45 centimeters between the backs of chairs at adjacent tables.
How wide must the aisle between tables be?
90 centimeters if staff with trays are passing by, and 120 centimeters if two people are to pass each other there. Narrower aisles cost more time in operation than they gain in seating capacity.
Which chairs are suitable for restaurant operations?
Chairs with a solid connection between leg and frame, abrasion-resistant upholstery, and floor-protecting glides. Equally important is whether the model can be reordered later if individual chairs need to be replaced.
Consultation by an authorized dealer
Casa Luxury is the interior world of an established, authorized Eichholtz specialist dealer. We are listed in the brand's official dealer directory and accompany commercial projects from selection to delivery, online and in our showroom in Essen. For project inquiries, please write to info@casa-luxury.de.
Further in the guide: Hotel furnishings at a glance · Hotel bar and counter · Conference and banquet · Eichholtz dining chairs
Models from the current range
A selection of available models. Each image opens the product page with dimensions, material and delivery time.
