Choosing the right furniture is critical when it comes to creating an inviting atmosphere for your pub. Commercial pub furniture, also known as contract pub furniture, plays a vital role in setting the tone and ambience of your establishment. Pub furniture is any piece of furniture that you might find in a pub, whether that’s pub armchairs, lounge chairs, sofas, or bar stools, to name a few. 

Pub furniture, once cheap and usually dark wood, was transformed with the emergence of gastro-pubs and is now similar to much of the casual dining sector - but with more barstools and fixed seating. Pub furniture largely consists of pub dining chairs and tables - pub tables usually consist of tops and bases, which are ordered as separate items; the bases are almost always pedestals, which allows seating flexibility.

Pub furniture sets the tone for your establishment, both in comfort and visual appeal. Pub furniture will play a significant role in your guest’s choice to be repeat customers.

Materials like wood, metal, and quality upholstery are commonly used for pub furniture due to their durability and aesthetic versatility. Additionally, when choosing pub tables it’s common to choose the table tops and table bases separately so you can get the best out of the look and build quality.

Customisation is the perfect way to elevate your pub’s charm by making thoughtful and deliberate choices in your contract pub furniture selections. It adds a unique touch and also gives you more flexibility to align your pub furniture with your pub’s design theme. By creating a welcoming bespoke space you can let your furniture tell your pub’s story - and you can keep welcoming your customers back over and over.

Pub furniture is about more than just creating a seating arrangement in a pub; it contributes to the comfort and satisfaction of your guests. Comfortable seating will encourage guests to linger, engage in conversations, have an extra drink or two, and meet some new mates. Pub furniture is about making sure your patrons enjoy their experience, and keep coming back time and time again.

Comfort is king when it comes to pub furniture. Choose dining chairs and bar stools with ergonomic designs that provide adequate support for extended sitting periods. Cushioned seats and backrests can make a significant difference in enhancing your guests' experience but you have to consider if you want fabric seats in your pub or if you would rather have a solid surface that’s easier to maintain. Whether you’re choosing lounge chairs and bar sofas for a chill vibe or opting for wooden dining chairs and pub banquette seating, always make sure that it feels good and is somewhere you wouldn’t mind spending a good chunk of time. 

Your furniture choices ultimately define the visual identity of your pub. From antique charm to contemporary elegance, your furniture speaks volumes about the pub's theme and atmosphere. Every piece contributes to the overall aesthetics, making it crucial to select items that align with your pub’s style.

Guests step into a pub not just for the craft beers and Aperol Spritzes and the tasty pub fare - they also come for the ambience. Comfortable and well-designed furniture contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to relax and enjoy their time.

Pub furniture should align with your pub's overall theme and décor. Keeping your style and design consistent will create a cohesive feel to your pub that is pleasing and memorable. Think about how you can also push the boundaries of what pub furniture is. Play with different materials, textures, and patterns to surprise and delight with your designs keeping your customers coming back frequently for the good design and good vibes.

Commercial spaces generally experience high foot traffic, and pubs are no different. In fact, pub furniture will go through a lot of wear and tear throughout its lifespan so durability should be top of mind. Some pubs require furniture that’s practically bulletproof -  pub chairs that won’t break and table tops that won’t mark easily, and fabrics that will clean easily with a high Martindale count. How robust the furniture needs to be is an important consideration. Opt for furniture made from strong materials like metal, wood, or upholstered pieces with sturdy frames and resilient fabrics. Contract furniture is designed to be stronger and more durable than conventional furniture, but when you’re working with high-traffic environments like a pub where there is a high rate of turnover, this becomes even more important. Choosing metal, reinforced plastic or hardwood furniture will ensure longevity and minimise the need for frequent replacements.

Many pubs in the U.K. are housed in old buildings with tight spaces and they can be challenging to design efficiently. You should always consider the layout of your pub and the furniture arrangement. You can opt for space-saving furniture like built-in banquette seating that can accommodate several guests. You can also choose pub dining chairs that can tuck under your tables to maximise movement in walkable areas. Choosing smaller tables is also an option and will mean more capacity in your smaller pub. Often it will come down to finding the right balance between space-saving and comfort. You don't want your guests to feel cramped and squeezed into their seats. That will likely lead to guests spending less time in your establishment. 

Pub bar stools are typically designed at a height of 750-800mm, ensuring a comfortable posture for eating and drinking at standard bars. This height optimises the drinking and dining experience Pub bar stools are often quite heavy. The weight is important to ensure that they are not moved too far from the bar. In a bar or pub setting you will also want to make sure you choose durable bar stools. Furniture robustness is a crucial consideration. In the demanding environment of pubs, strong bar furniture is vital to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Durable bar stools will ensure longevity and customer satisfaction. There are various things you can do to extend the life of your pub furniture, such as using metal or plastic kickbacks (available with most stools) to stop the footrests from chipping.

In the world of pub design, furniture stands as the cornerstone of comfort, style, and functionality. The evolution from dark and simple designs to today's versatile and resilient pieces mirrors the shifting landscape of the hospitality industry. The synergy of aesthetics and durability ushers in a new era of pub spaces that beckon patrons to indulge in unforgettable experiences.

The option to select separate tops and bases for pub tables has led to the dominance of pedestal bases. These provide interior designers with plenty of design options to enhance aesthetics in the pub but also offer seating flexibility, catering to diverse customer needs.

The number of covers directly influences the dimensions of pub tables and, consequently, the choice of pub dining chairs. This factor will play a role in the spatial layout of your pub. You’ll need to strike a balance between table size and how many covers you want to accommodate.

As you navigate the path of furnishing your pub, potential pitfalls will start to emerge. Choosing the right pub table tops and bases is paramount. Make sure they can be easily and seamlessly attached. Of course, there are also fire regulations to contend with. These are non-negotiable requirements and they could land you in a world of legal trouble if you don’t keep them in mind.  Issues concerning chair glides and the intricate process of specifying outdoor furniture warrant meticulous attention. For expert advice on these matters don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our knowledgeable sales team are here to help you navigate all of these pitfalls.