Optimising Space: A Comprehensive Review of Stackable and Foldable Furniture for Commercial Environments

In hospitality design, stackable and foldable furniture plays an increasing role in maximising space and versatility. Understanding folding table heights and chair stacking volumes is really useful for any interior designer working on cafés, restaurants, or a hotel project where optimising layouts for venue flexibility is key. 

Many of Inside Out Contracts’ clients frequently enquire about flexible or folding furniture options. Responding to this demand, Inside Out Contracts has created a Stack, Flip, Fold furniture guide showcasing popular products in various materials, alongside addressing common questions. This resource serves as a valuable starting point for any commercial interior designer looking to infuse flexibility into their environment, providing practical insights and inspiration.

Inside Out Contracts Stack, Flip, Fold furniture guide – Click here

New Resource | Flip, Fold & Stack: Your Guide

A Closer Look into Folding Table Base Heights:

Folding tables come in a variety of heights to suit different seating arrangements and user preferences. Standard dining tables typically measure around 30 inches in height, with the table base measuring 720mm/28.4 inches, providing ample legroom for seated guests. However, for more casual or bar-style setups, taller folding table bases that are around 1080mm/42.5 inches in height are often preferred. These elevated tables not only cater to standing guests but also allow for dynamic seating configurations, making them ideal for cocktail hours, receptions, and networking events.

When selecting folding tables for cafés, restaurants, and hotels, consider the intended use and audience demographic. For instance, outdoor dining areas may benefit from adjustable-height tables that can accommodate varying terrain or seating preferences. Similarly, multi-purpose spaces such as hotels, theatres or pubs may require a range of table heights to accommodate diverse event requirements.

Chair Stacking Volumes:

The stacking volume of a chair refers to the number of chairs that can be safely and efficiently stacked on top of one another for storage or transport. While some chairs may have a modest stacking volume of 2 or 3, others boast impressive capacities of 10 or more. But why the discrepancy?

Several factors influence a chair’s stacking volume, including its design, materials, and intended use. Chairs with lightweight frames and compact dimensions are typically easier to stack in larger volumes, making them ideal for venues with limited storage space or frequent setup changes. Conversely, chairs with bulkier frames or intricate design details may have lower stacking volumes to prevent damage and maintain stability when stacked.

New Resource | Flip, Fold & Stack: Your Guide

Additionally, the shape and curvature of a chair’s backrest and seat can impact its stacking capabilities. Chairs with flat or gently curved surfaces tend to stack more efficiently, as they can nestle snugly together without compromising stability. On the other hand, chairs with pronounced contours or irregular shapes may require more careful stacking to avoid wobbling or tipping.

Understanding the stacking volume of chairs is essential for efficient space management and logistical planning in cafes, restaurants, and hotels. By selecting chairs with higher stacking volumes, venues can maximise storage capacity and streamline setup and breakdown processes, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Trinity School 

Let’s explore how Inside Out Contracts provided stackable and foldable furniture solutions to elevate three different projects:

Sustainability Focus: Special Event

Inside Out Contracts collaborated with a special event in London that prioritised sustainability. By creating eco-friendly stackable stools from responsibly selected materials, the project achieved its sustainability goals without compromising on style or functionality.

Colourful Outdoor Dining: Dishoom Battersea

For Dishoom Battersea’s vibrant outdoor restaurant and café space, Inside Out Contracts provided stackable chairs in a range of bold hues to complement the venue’s colourful aesthetic. The chairs’ compact stacking volumes allowed for efficient storage during inclement weather or off-peak hours, ensuring the space remained vibrant and inviting year-round.

Natural Café Ambiance: Cornish Bakery Gloucester Quays

Seeking a natural and inviting ambiance, Cornish Bakery Gloucester Quays opted for stackable chairs with woven rattan detailing. These lightweight chairs not only added warmth and texture to the café’s interior but also offered a practical solution for compact storage when not in use.

In hospitality design, stackable and foldable furniture play a pivotal role in maximising space and versatility. By understanding the nuances of folding table heights and chair stacking volumes, cafés, restaurants, and hotels can optimise their layouts, streamline operations, and create memorable experiences for guests. With the right furniture solutions and strategic planning, the possibilities for innovative seating arrangements are endless.

Explore Inside Out Contracts’ range of stackable and foldable furniture solutions, with a new guide now available called ‘Flip, Fold & Stack: Your Guide.’’ Download their guide today and unlock the secret to flexibility!

Find Inside Out Contracts on Supplier Finder

Supplier Finder is the UK’s only search platform for accredited suppliers of commercial interior furnishings.

At Supplier Finder, our mission is simple: to help you find the perfect commercial furnishing suppliers for your interior schemes and projects. We understand the importance of having confidence in the suppliers you specify and the products that bring your designs to life. That’s why each supplier featured on our platform is accredited through Commercial Interiors UK’s rigorous membership application process. This ensures that you engage with only the best in the industry!

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About Alys Bryan

Alys is a knowledgeable design editor who is focused on instigating conversations, both online and in-person, with industry experts which challenge, educate and advance the commercial interior sector. Her training and 15 years of professional experience as a furniture designer for the commercial sector makes her uniquely placed to lead Design Insider as Editor
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