Choosing furniture and equipment for your cafeteria space is one of the most significant decisions you will need to make when furnishing a school or workplace. Unlike other personal spaces, such as private offices or classrooms, the cafeteria is a shared hub that nearly everyone in your organization will visit multiple times a week. This means that any mistakes made in this area will impact the entire community and not just a handful of individuals.
So, if you have been feeling stressed about creating the perfect cafeteria, you can be sure that you aren’t alone. To help you out, we have prepared some handy tips and tricks that show you what to look out for when trying to purchase cafeteria furniture. By paying close attention to the valuable insights in this guide, you should find it much easier to make informed decisions that will benefit everyone in the community.
Be Dynamic
Nobody likes a dull cafeteria with only one type of seating option. Not only does it feel outdated, but it also overlooks the diverse needs of different individuals. For instance, smaller groups may prefer a more compact square table rather than being forced into traditional eight or 10-person configurations. Meanwhile, some individuals may prefer solo seating instead of group setups. By mixing and matching different styles, you can be more confident that you will cater to everyone’s needs and nobody is left out.
Opting for a more dynamic seating arrangement can also enhance the overall style of your cafeteria. Some modern cafeterias mix things up by placing a row of rectangular tables alongside a set of circular ones. This flexible design language helps create a more visually appealing and functional layout, making your cafeteria more engaging.
Embrace Modernity
You can never go wrong with a cafeteria that caters to modern needs. Instead of just a place to eat, today’s staff and students want a cafeteria that can support their day-to-day activities. For instance, including charging stations or accessible power outlets can make a huge difference in schools and workplaces where connectivity is tremendously crucial. By incorporating these technology-friendly features into your eating area, you can create a more convenient and functional environment that supports productivity and encourages longer breaks.
Create a Solid and Accessible Plan
Nobody likes the feeling of bumping into other tables and people while moving to their seats. Unfortunately, this is common in poorly planned cafeterias. These shared areas include tables that are too close together, narrow walkways, and awkwardly placed furniture that results in seating islands. These layouts can also create an uncomfortable atmosphere for students and staff and pose safety hazards.
To avoid this, you should always try to create a detailed plan before purchasing any furniture items. You can start by measuring the planned space and noting down the dimensions, as this will help you determine the best table sizes and cafeteria layout. You can also go the extra mile by sketching your design or using a digital tool to help you visualize different arrangements. By taking these proactive steps, you can create a welcoming layout that feels breathable, functional, and easy to navigate.
