When choosing restaurant tables you essentially have two options - purchase complete tables or choose table tops and table bases. The latter option gives designers a lot more flexibility when designing restaurants so the functionality and aesthetic can be laser-focused on what the space needs. 

The choice of restaurant tables depends on the restaurant's concept, space, and clientele. Common options include lounge tables, dining tables, high tables, and communal family-style tables. Each restaurant table serves a different purpose and caters to varying customer needs.

Pedestal bases are the most popular choice for restaurant tables. They offer the most versatility for rearranging your tables. For example, you can place several square or rectangular tables next to each other to create a longer table for more covers without the issue of having table legs along the side.

The top surface of standard dining tables is typically around 760mm, plus or minus 20mm. Bar table height will hover more around 1100mm while lounge tables will be lower, between 460-600mm. Of course, the height of your restaurant tables should be compatible with the seating options so that it's a comfortable experience for guests.

Dig into everything about seat and table heights here

Choose bases that are appropriately weighted and designed for the size of the tabletop. Cross, round, and square bases are common choices. If you’ve opted for a heavier table top, it will require a heavier, wider base to support it. It’s also good practice to match the table top shape with the table base plate. That is a square base plate with a square table top, a round base plate with a round table top, etc.

Most of our table bases are available with adjustable glides to help make sure the tables are stable when left in place. 

As the name suggests, self-stabilising table bases allow all legs of the table base to make contact with the ground, even on very uneven surfaces like uneven hardwood, or cobblestone…meaning they will not wobble, avoiding spilt drinks.

Popular materials for restaurant tables include wood, laminate, metal, and stone.

We love a wood table top! They add rich character, get better with age, like fine wine, and can be sanded down to remove signs of wear and tear. Laminate table tops are versatile and durable.

Laminate gives you an endless variety of patterns, colours and finishes and tend to be a more cost-effective option.  

Stone table tops come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and ample choice of edge profiles. Granite is durable and practical, but less attractive compared to marble which is more expensive, more brittle and susceptible to staining because of its porous surface. But man does it look good!

Metal table tops are flexible and come in a vast range of finishes. The most popular metals for restaurant tables are aluminium, stainless steel, brass, zinc, and copper. 

Each material has its own aesthetic, durability and set of advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered. Wood and laminate are the most versatile

How will staff and guests move through the restaurant? How many covers do you need? When you're laying out your restaurant tables it's important to consider the flow of the space. Restaurant tables should be arranged to allow enough space for movement and comfort. Consider varied configurations like banquette seating, rows, clusters, or staggered arrangements to optimise space and enhance the dining experience.

Tables for restaurants come in all shapes and sizes, but some popular tables are tried and tested in restaurants around the world. Take a peek at popular restaurant table sizes here.

Square restaurant tables are popular as they can accommodate 2 people, or be pushed together to increase the capacity for larger dinner parties. 700mmx700mm is one of our most popular square sizes. Round restaurant tables are flexible and can have more seats added as needed. It's important to think about the flow of the restaurant while maximising the number of covers. Having a selection of different restaurant table sizes and shapes will make your space dynamic and flexible. 

Learn more about restaurant tables here.

Outdoor restaurant tables should be made with weather-resistant materials like aluminium, dense or treated wood, or synthetic wicker. It's a balancing act between functional, durable furniture, and inviting, aesthetically pleasing furniture. Read through our Outdoor Restaurant Tables and Chairs Guide to get the full story. 

Choosing the right outdoor table top can make all the difference in your al fresco spaces. Check out our Outdoor Table Top Options article to learn more