10 Things to Know Before Buying Restaurant Furniture in Dubai

Opening or renovating a restaurant in Dubai is more than just having a great concept or menu, as the furniture you choose plays a key role in creating the right ambiance and ensuring customer comfort, making thoughtful choices essential to ensure your investment is both practical and stylish.

In this blog, we cover key tips for buying restaurant furniture in Dubai, including choosing furniture by restaurant type, measuring your space, ensuring comfort, selecting durable materials, easy maintenance, safety compliance, customization options, flexible layouts, and budgeting wisely.

Choosing Furniture Based on Your Restaurant Type

Before anything else, your furniture should align with your restaurant’s theme and identity.

Restaurant Type	Furniture Recommendations
Cafes	Go for cozy, lightweight, and flexible furniture that creates a relaxed, casual vibe.
Fine Dining Restaurants	Choose elegant pieces such as solid wood tables, upholstered chairs, and premium materials for a luxurious look.
Fast Food Outlets	Prioritize durable, easy-to-clean materials like laminate or metal to handle high customer turnover.
Outdoor Restaurants	Opt for weather-resistant furniture made from rattan, aluminum, or treated wood.

Consistency in design builds a strong brand image. Furniture that reflects your restaurant’s mood helps customers connect emotionally with your space.

Measure Your Space Before You Buy

Space planning is crucial. Overcrowding your restaurant with furniture can make it feel cramped, while too much open space can seem empty.

Area Type	Recommended Space per Seat	Why it Matters
Fine Dining	18–20 sq. ft.	Prioritizes luxury, privacy, and spacious table settings. Requires wider aisles for easy service.
Casual Dining	12–15 sq. ft.	Balances customer comfort with efficient seating and traffic flow.
Fast Food / Cafeteria	10–12 sq. ft.	Focuses on high turnover and minimal dwell time. Uses smaller tables and booths.
Outdoor Area	15–18 sq. ft.	Provides comfortable spacing for relaxed, full-service dining experiences.

Tip: These are recommended averages and may vary based on furniture type, layout, and service style.

Prioritize Comfort and Functionality

Comfort is directly linked to customer satisfaction. Chairs with ergonomic back support, tables at the right height, and properly cushioned seats can make a huge difference.

Feature	Recommended Standard	Why it Matters
Seat height	17–18 inches	Fits most dining tables and ensures comfortable seating.
Table height	29–30 inches	Creates an ideal 11–13 inch gap between seat and tabletop for easy dining.
Armchair spacing	At least 24 inches apart	Provides enough shoulder-to-shoulder space to avoid crowding, especially with armrests.
Material	Breathable fabrics or padded seats	Enhances comfort, especially for long dining durations in casual or fine dining settings.

Note: These are recommended average standards. Actual dimensions may vary depending on furniture design, restaurant type, target customers, and local regulations. Always test furniture in your space to ensure comfort and functionality.
A beautiful chair means nothing if it’s uncomfortable — always test before you buy.

Choose Durable and High-Quality Materials

Dubai’s environment — with its heat and humidity — requires furniture that can withstand daily wear and tear.

Recommended Materials:

For indoor use: Solid wood, leather, or high-grade plastic.
For outdoor use: Aluminum, synthetic rattan, stainless steel, or treated teak.

Look for waterproof, UV-resistant, and easy-to-clean finishes to maintain your furniture’s look over time.

Comply with Dubai’s Safety and Quality Standards

Furniture in commercial settings must adhere to safety guidelines. Make sure the products meet UAE fire safety and quality control standards, especially for upholstery and fabric materials.

Always check for:

Fire-retardant certification for upholstered furniture
Stable, non-tipping base structures
Rounded corners to prevent injury

This not only ensures safety but also helps with official restaurant approval processes in Dubai.

Consider Customization Options

Every restaurant space is unique, and at Topform Furnishing, we provide custom made furniture to perfectly suit your needs. You can choose materials, finishes, fabrics, and dimensions to create pieces that fit your layout and brand identity.

Benefits of Custom Furniture:

Perfect fit for your layout
Brand-specific design and color scheme
Higher durability with quality craftsmanship
Customized pieces might cost slightly more but offer long-term value and exclusivity

Plan for Flexibility and Future Growth

Restaurants often need to adapt to changing customer demands, special events, or seasonal arrangements. Choosing flexible furniture ensures your space can be easily reconfigured without major additional investment.

Tips for Flexible Furniture:

Stackable chairs: Easily stored when not in use, ideal for events or peak hours.
Foldable tables: Allow quick rearrangement for larger parties or seasonal setups.
Modular booths or benches: Can be combined or separated to suit different group sizes.
Multi-purpose furniture: Consider storage-integrated seating or tables that serve dual functions.
Lightweight materials: Facilitate easy movement while maintaining durability.

Investing in flexible furniture helps your restaurant remain versatile, accommodates growth, and keeps your layout efficient, ensuring an enhanced dining experience for every customer.

Set a Realistic Budget

Restaurant furniture is a long-term investment, so plan your budget carefully across indoor and outdoor areas, seating, and décor accessories.

Tips for Budgeting:

Focus on value over the lowest cost.
Invest in quality materials and comfortable designs for better long-term returns.
Allocate funds proportionally for different furniture types such as dining chairs, tables, outdoor sets, bar stools, and upholstered sofas or booths.

Prioritizing durability and comfort ensures your furniture lasts longer and enhances the overall customer experience, avoiding frequent replacements.

Partner with a Trusted Local Supplier

Finally, work with a reliable furnishing company experienced in Dubai’s restaurant industry, offering custom made furniture in Dubai. A good supplier should offer:

Consultation and layout advice
Customization options
Delivery and installation services
Warranty and maintenance support

We at Topform provide end-to-end solutions and expert furniture upholstery in Dubai, ensuring your restaurant reflects your vision perfectly.

FAQs

What type of furniture is best for restaurants in Dubai?

It depends on your concept. For fine dining, choose premium wood or upholstered pieces. For outdoor or casual dining, opt for weather-resistant aluminum or rattan furniture. If you have any doubts, we at Topform will help you choose the perfect furniture that matches your restaurant’s style and needs.

Can I customize restaurant furniture in Dubai?

Yes, we at Topform specialize in creating custom-made furniture in Dubai — from material and fabric selection to size, design, and color that perfectly align with your brand’s aesthetics. Our team ensures each piece is tailored to your restaurant’s concept and space.

How do I maintain restaurant furniture in Dubai’s climate?

Use UV-protected and rust-resistant materials. Regularly clean and polish wood and metal surfaces, and store outdoor furniture indoors during harsh weather when possible.

How much should I budget for restaurant furniture?

The budget for restaurant furniture depends on your restaurant’s size, design preferences, and customization needs. For accurate guidance and tailored solutions, contact Topform — we will help you plan the perfect setup within your budget.

Where can I buy reliable restaurant furniture in Dubai?

At Topform, you can buy durable, stylish, and customizable restaurant furniture designed to match your brand’s theme and functionality. We provide professional installation, high-quality materials, and end-to-end furnishing solutions, making us a trusted choice for restaurants across Dubai.