Restaurant Furniture Checklist: Planning Seating for an Opening

Pictured: Gemini, Chicago, IL

Furniture is one of the last things installed in a new restaurant and one of the first things that can delay an opening. This checklist walks through what to decide, and when, so seating arrives on time and fits the room.

1. Start with the floor plan and the cover count

Measure the dining area and set a target seat count. Our seating layout guide gives square feet per seat by service style.
Choose a table mix and count tops by size with the table seating chart.
Plan accessible seating from the start: see ADA seating.

2. Build the furniture list

Dining chairs: side chairs, arm chairs or a mix. See restaurant chair dimensions.
Bar and counter stools: confirm the surface heights, then count stools with the bar stool spacing chart.
Tables: tops and bases for every size, matched with the table base sizing guide.
Lounge and waiting areas: lounge chairs, sofas and occasional tables.
Patio: outdoor-rated seating and bases. See outdoor restaurant furniture.
Spares: add a few extra chairs and stools for damage and growth.

3. Pick finishes and approve samples

Wood finish, metal finish and upholstery all need sign-off before production. Designform provides finish swatches and, for most products, an actual sample to sit in. Projects of 10 or more pieces can borrow up to two chair or stool samples through our sample loan program. If you are using your own fabric or leather, see COM and COL: the yardage and a swatch approval have to be in hand before production can start.

4. Work backward from the opening date

Option	Typical lead time
Quick ship (in stock)	Ships in 2–3 days from order and payment
Custom order, rush	About 8–10 weeks for many products
Custom order, standard	14–20 weeks

Lead times start once finishes are approved and the order is placed, and they do not include freight or installation. If the opening date is close, start with quick ship items. Our lead times guide explains how to plan backward.

5. Check the specs that cause problems later

Commercial grade: our seating is tested to 400 lbs and built to meet ANSI/BIFMA standards. See commercial vs. residential furniture.
Upholstery: check double rub ratings for high-traffic seats; see double rubs explained. Our foam and upholstery materials meet CAL TB 117-2013.
Arm height vs. apron: make sure arm chairs clear the table apron.
Outdoor ratings: use only outdoor-rated pieces on the patio.

6. Plan delivery and setup

Seating ships fully assembled from our factory.
Table tops and bases ship separately with hardware, and are attached on site.
Confirm delivery access, a receiving contact and storage space before the truck arrives.
Designform ships across the U.S. and to Canada; allow a few extra days for border crossing.

7. Keep the paperwork

File the product cut sheets, finish selections and the warranty with your opening documents: 3 years on frame structural integrity and 1 year on finish and upholstery, from the ship date. See our warranty and care guide.