Selecting the perfect indoor chairs for your restaurant is not just an aesthetic decision; it also affects customer comfort, brand image, and future replacements and costs. The most frequently asked question for restaurateurs is whether they should buy custom or standard (off-the-shelf) indoor restaurant chairs.
There are pros and cons to both choices. In this guide, we’ll explain the differences to help you decide which seating solution is right for your restaurant.
Understanding the Two Options
What Are Custom Restaurant Inside Chairs?
Personalized chairs are made to your specific requirements. You’re in charge of the materials, sizing, and upholstery, color, and finish — even occasionally imprinting it with your logo or unique details.
What Are Restaurant Ready-Made Indoor Chairs?
Premade chairs are pre-configured, off-the-shelf seating options that come in standard sizes, styles, and finishes. They are commonly found in Coffee Shops, casual dining restaurants, and fast-service chain restaurants.
Advantages of Custom Restaurant Indoor Chairs
Strong Brand Identity: With custom chairs, you can even have your seating match the personality of your restaurant – whether that means luxurious, modern, rustic, or themed. This is perfect for upscale dining, small chains, and branded restaurants.
Perfect Fit for Your Space: The chair height, width, and proportion are perfect, so you will not feel uncomfortable sitting for a long time waiting for your chair.
Material & Comfort Control: Opt for commercial-grade construction, a supportive back with an ergonomic design, and cushioned seating covered in stain-resistant fabric or easy-care upholstery made to last.
Long-Term Value: Custom chairs tend to last longer, even though they are expensive upfront.
Drawbacks of Custom Chairs
- Higher initial investment
- Longer production and delivery time
- Hard to find replacement chairs later
- Needs planning and supplier coordination
Advantages of Ready-Made Restaurant Indoor Chairs
Cost-Effective Solution: Pre-made chairs are much less expensive and perfect for start-ups, pop-up restaurants, or owners who don’t want to spend as much on a set of barstools.
Immediate Availability: Most are available off the shelf and can be delivered quickly, making them ideal for urgent opening deadlines.
Easy Replacement: You can replace worn chairs without concern for matching the custom design.
Wide Variety of Options: You’ll find an array of ready-made options, from wooden café chairs to metal industrial styles.
Drawbacks of Ready-Made Chairs
- Limited customization
- Might not be a perfect fit for your brand persona
- Not an efficient use of space with conventional sizing
- Quality varies across suppliers
Which Option Is Better for Your Restaurant?
Choose Custom Chairs If:
- You run a top-tier or upscale casual restaurant
- Most importantly, branding and fit-out are of the essence
- You want seating that works for your design
- You’re investing for long-term durability
Choose Ready-Made Chairs If:
- You’re starting a cafe, fast casual, or casual dining establishment
- You’re on a budget or schedule crunch
- You want easy replacements
- Functionality matters more than exclusivity
Hybrid Method: A Mix of Both Worlds
Some dining spaces are a blend of both custom (custom chairs for key spots like VIP seating or the main dining room) and off-the-shelf for secondary or high-turnover spaces). This is a trade-off among price, image, and practicality.
Final Thoughts
It isn’t a one-size-fits-all response, especially when you’re considering custom vs. ready-made restaurant indoor chairs. The right one will depend on your restaurant’s concept, budget, schedule, and long-term goals. By analyzing your specific requirements, you can choose the appropriate seating to optimize the customer experience and profitability.
Whether you’re looking to update or open a restaurant, the right indoor chairs—whether standard or custom —can leave a lasting impression.
