How Many People Fit At a Banquet Table?
Are you worried that your guests might feel cramped at your banquet hall, buffet, or catered event? Wondering how many people each size restaurant table can comfortably seat? To create a comfortable and welcoming environment, check out our banquet table seating guide that matches banquet table sizes with how many people they can seat below.
Shop All Folding Tables and ChairsWhat Is a Banquet Table?
Banquet tables are tables used at special events, like wedding receptions, catered galas, outdoor company picnics, and luncheons. They are usually folding tables that can be easily moved to create different seating arrangements in a room and quickly stored away at the end of an event.
How Big Is a Banquet Table?
The most popular average banquet table size is a 60" round table. The standard table sizes for events are 30" round tables, 24" x 24" square tables, 36" round tables, 42" round tables, 48" round tables, 54" round tables, 30" x 72" rectangular tables, 60" round tables, 30" x 96" rectangular tables, 72" round tables.
Banquet Table Sizes and Seating
Whether you work in catering or event planning, seating capacity is a common question that comes up when trying to decide the layout of a room. The following list includes the average seating capacity of the most common banquet table size.
Use this list as a guide for seating guests at round tables:
- 24" Round Table - seats 2-3 guests
- 30" Round Table - seats 3-4 guests
- 36" Round Table - seats 4 guests
- 42" Round Table - seats 4-5 guests
- 48" Round Table - seats 5-6 guests
- 54" Round Table - seats 6-7 guests
- 60" Round Table - seats 8 guests
- 72" Round Table - seats 10 guests
Use this list as a guide for seating guests at square and rectangular tables:
- 24" x 24" Square Table - seats 2 guests
- 30" x 72" Rectangular Table - seats 6-8 guests
- 30" x 96" Rectangular Table - seats 8-10 guests
Seating Capacity Chart
We’ve created an easy-to-read seating chart to help you quickly navigate the seating capacity by banquet table dimensions:
| Table Dimensions | # of Seats |
| 24" x 24" Square | 2 |
| 24" Round | 2-3 |
| 30" Round | 3-4 |
| 36" Round | 4 |
| 42" Round | 4-5 |
| 48" Round | 5-6 |
| 54" Round | 6-7 |
| 30" x 72" Rectangular | 6-8 |
| 60" Round | 8 |
| 30" x 96" Rectangular | 8-10 |
| 72" Round | 10 |
These suggested sizes are accepted industry-wide, but your specific needs may differ. For example, if you are serving a complex, multi-course meal, you may want to choose the next largest size table.
Banquet Table Seating FAQs
We answer the most frequently asked folding table sizing and seating questions below:
How Many People Can Sit at a 60 Inch Round Table?
You can fit 8 seats at a 5 foot round table (60 inches round).
How Many People Can Sit at a 6 Foot Table?
If you have a 6 foot round table (72 inches), you can seat 8-10 people at the table. If it is a 30 inch by 72 inch rectangular table, 6-8 seats will fit around the table, with 3 chairs on either side and 1 chair at either end.
How Many People Can Sit at a 8 Foot Table?
For an 8 foot, or 30 inch by 96 inch rectangular table, you can comfortably sit 8-10 people, with 4 chairs on either side and 1 chair at either end.
We also offer these other banquet-related products to satisfy all of your catering or event hall needs:
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Top Restaurant Design Trends of 2024
In the same way that foodservice trends shift from year to year, the design landscape is constantly evolving. As we look ahead to 2024, new trends are emerging that will shape the commercial spaces of tomorrow. From structural changes to decorative elements, businesses are embracing innovative design concepts to create unique and engaging environments. We’ll explore the latest design trends that are set to define the commercial landscape in 2024. Structural Design Trends Decor Design Trends Structural Design Trends Restaurants are giving their establishments a facelift to keep up with upcoming trends, from theming to smart technology. Here are the major structural changes we’re predicting for 2024: <figure> </figure> Multi-Themed Spaces One of the most exciting design trends of 2024 is the rise of multi-themed spaces in restaurants. Gone are the days of a single, monotonous dining area. Instead, establishments are embracing the concept of creating multiple dining spaces, each with its unique theme. From cozy rustic corners to sleek and modern lounges, these multi-themed spaces offer customers a variety of experiences within a single restaurant. Whether it's a vibrant tropical oasis or an elegant vintage-inspired room, these themed cafes and restaurants cater to different preferences and create a memorable dining experience for their customers that will have them coming back to try a new vibe. <figure> </figure> Eatertainment Eatertainment is a growing trend in the commercial industry, combining dining experiences with entertainment. In 2024, we can expect to see more restaurants and venues adopting this concept to attract customers. Eatertainment establishments often feature interactive elements, such as game room equipment, virtual reality games, live performances, or themed dining experiences. These venues aim to provide a memorable and immersive experience for guests, creating a unique atmosphere that sets them apart from traditional dining establishments. With the rise of social media and the demand for experiential dining, adding eatertainment elements, like cornhole, air hockey, and video games can help you attract customers in 2024. <figure> </figure> Luxury Bathrooms Luxury bathrooms are becoming increasingly popular in commercial settings, offering a high-end and indulgent experience for customers. In 2024, design trends in luxury bathrooms include sleek and minimalist fixtures, such as floating vanities and wall-mounted toilets, which create a clean and modern aesthetic. High-tech features, such as smart mirrors with built-in lighting and hands-free faucets, toilets, and hand dryers are also on the rise, providing convenience and customization. Additionally, natural materials like marble and stone are being used to create a sense of opulence and luxury. With these design elements, commercial establishments can create a luxurious bathroom experience that leaves a lasting impression on their customers. <figure> </figure> Embedded Tech Embedded technology is one design trend that is set to revolutionize the commercial landscape in 2024. With the rise of contactless experiences, QR codes have become a staple in many businesses, allowing customers to easily access menus, promotions, and more with just a scan. Another convenience that customers can expect is the availability of outlets at tables, ensuring that they can charge their devices while enjoying their meal or working remotely. Additionally, a strong Wi-Fi signal is becoming increasingly important, as customers rely on a stable internet connection for various purposes. With the rise of restaurant automation, ordering tablets are becoming more prevalent, allowing customers to browse menus, place orders, and even pay without the need for physical interaction with waitstaff. Upgrade your kitchen with VersaHub smart equipment. Decor Design Trends Your restaurant dining room is the place your customers will be spending most of their time. Make it eye-catching and inviting with some of these trends in 2024: <figure> </figure> Instagram Worthy The design trends of 2024 are all about capturing attention and creating memorable experiences. One trend that has taken over social media is Instagram-worthy decor. Neon signs are making a comeback, adding a vibrant and eye-catching element to any space. They can be customized with catchy phrases or logos, instantly becoming a focal point for photos. Playful wallpaper is also on the rise, with bold patterns and colors that make a statement. From floral motifs to geometric shapes, these wallpapers transform walls into works of art, perfect for creating Instagram-worthy backdrops. These design elements not only enhance the aesthetics of a space but also provide businesses with the opportunity to engage with their audience through social media platforms. <figure> </figure> Whimsical Themes Whimsical themes are set to take the commercial design world by storm in 2024. With a focus on bolder and more imaginative concepts, these themes are often based on books, movies, time periods, or locations. From fantastical fairy tales to retro-inspired aesthetics, whimsical themes offer a playful and enchanting atmosphere that captivates customers and creates memorable experiences. Expect to see vibrant color schemes, quirky decor, and unexpected elements that transport visitors to a different world altogether. Whether it's a whimsical tea shop inspired by Alice in Wonderland or a drive-in retro diner reminiscent of the 1950s, these themes are sure to leave a lasting impression on customers. <figure> </figure> Natural Elements In the world of design, natural elements continue to be a popular choice for businesses looking to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The natural look, characterized by the use of organic materials and earthy tones, has gained momentum in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down in 2024. Rattan, a versatile material made from palm stems, is making a comeback in commercial spaces, adding a touch of rustic charm. Wooden vertical slats are also being used to offer a modern twist to traditional wood paneling. Stoneware tableware, with its earthy textures and natural finishes, adds a touch of elegance to restaurant settings. And let's not forget about cement furnishings, which bring an industrial, yet organic feel to any space. Incorporating these natural elements into your business's design can help create a unique and inviting ambiance that customers will love. <figure> </figure> Ceiling Decor From floor to ceiling, the design trends of 2024 are pushing boundaries. No longer limited to just the walls, businesses are now embracing the opportunity to make a statement with their ceilings as well. From intricate patterns and vibrant colors to unique lighting fixtures and suspended art installations, the ceiling is becoming an integral part of the overall design aesthetic. Consider using creative patterns, plants, bold colors, and unique textures to add a touch of personality and style to any commercial space. Whether it's a restaurant, hotel, or office, this trend allows businesses to create a truly immersive and captivating experience for their customers. So, if you're looking to stay ahead of the game in 2024, don't forget to look up and explore the endless possibilities of ceiling decor. What Can We Take Away from This Year's Restaurant Design Trends? In all of these emerging design trends, there are a few general takeaways that you should keep in mind when updating your restaurant's design and layout. Customers Want Experiences Your restaurant is no longer just about the food you serve but the experience you create for the customer. Whether it is by providing multiple themes, offering games, or upping the incorporation of technology in your space, customers want to be immersed in the environment of your establishment so that they can create lasting memories with their friends and family. Stand Out from the Crowd As we come out of post-pandemic life with threats of a recession, customers are seeking escapism with vibrant experiences. They want to go to locations that engage their senses and are worthy of their social media accounts. In most cases, this means the bolder the better. 2024 is the year to lean into your vibe and make your business the place people are talking about. Trends in the foodservice industry are constantly changing and adjusting based on the needs of society and what's popular with consumers. Whether you choose to completely remodel or do a few updates to stay trendy and accessible, your diners will notice your efforts come 2024!
How Restaurant Color Schemes Affect Your Customers
The colors you use to decorate your foodservice establishment can influence how long customers spend in your operation and how they feel. Colors can make your customers happy, boost their appetite, increase table turnover, and make your dining space seem more spacious. However, they can also negatively affect your customers, so it's good to understand how your interior color choices affect your restaurant's message. We've compiled a list of the best color palettes for different restaurant types and how to utilize color psychology when designing your dining room. 5 Color Scheme Ideas Now that you know how colors will affect your customers, you need to understand which colors go together and how to make a pleasing color scheme. For readers that don't have much interior decorating experience, we created a list of some versatile and popular color schemes to give you an idea of what colors go together. Here are five interior color scheme ideas: 1. Light Color Scheme Colors: Ivory, beige, white, pale yellow, light gray A light or neutral color scheme is often used to make a smaller room look bigger than it is. Additionally, light colors evoke a leisurely and relaxing atmosphere and are not visually distracting, which makes them an excellent choice for traditional sit-down restaurants, bistros, and upscale eateries. Due to the relaxed and comfortable feeling this color scheme evokes, it's not ideal for restaurants that want a high turnover rate. 2. Dark Color Scheme Colors: Crimson, brown, purple, navy, dark green A dark color scheme is excellent for creating intimate and romantic settings and is perfect for some bars, trendy restaurants, and taverns. However, using too many dark colors or too dark of a shade can make your space feel cramped and claustrophobic. Try balancing out a dark wall color by adding contrast like bright art, greenery, florals, and plenty of ambient lighting to make it cozy. 3. Warm Color Scheme Colors: Yellow, terracotta, orange, red, gold Warm colors are bright, exciting, and visually stimulating for guests. Because these colors are so bright, they can become overwhelming after a long period. Warm colors help increase your turnover rate and are ideal for high-volume establishments like fast-casual eateries, buffets, or fast food restaurants. 4. Earthy Color Scheme Colors: Brown, olive green, beige, umber, dark orange An earthy color palette features colors found organically in nature, including shades of brown, green, and some neutral colors. An earthy color scheme is ideal for relaxed and welcoming environments like cafes, bars, and trendy restaurants. Additionally, color schemes with predominately green and brown colors are excellent choices for menus focused on organic and natural foods. 5. Pastel Color Scheme Colors: Sky blue, pink, light yellow, lavender, pale green The pastel color scheme is soft and delicate, making it great for sweet shops, bakeries, and cafes. Because these colors are very light, they have an almost neutral tone that can fit in with most types of decor. This color scheme can create a calm, sophisticated aesthetic with the right balance. To avoid designing an atmosphere that reads too youthful, contrast with neutral shades such as white and light gray or dark wood tones. The Psychology of Colors Because various colors can affect your guests in different ways, they are powerful tools for shaping how your customers interact in your restaurant and with your menu. It also means that you can't just choose colors for your walls and decorations arbitrarily, and you'll have to use thought when choosing your restaurant's color scheme. Here is a brief summary of how common colors affect your customers and which types of establishments might utilize them: Red Red increases your guests' heart rates and can make them hungry. It can also make your guests eat quickly and leave, which is useful for increasing your table turnover rate. Establishments that should use the color red: Fast food restaurants Fast casual restaurants Establishments that want a high table turnover Orange Orange makes people feel happy and cheerful. It's also excellent for establishments that serve desserts or unhealthy food because it makes people content and less likely to feel guilty for eating poorly. Establishments that should use the color orange: Fast food restaurants Ice cream shops Casual eateries Yellow Some shades of bright yellow have a similar impact as orange, making people happy and content. Generally, yellow is very vibrant and exciting, so it's not an ideal choice for relaxed environments. Establishments that should use yellow: Fast casual restaurants Ethnic eateries Bistros Cafes Green Earthy tones like green are very relaxing and comforting. Green is found commonly in nature, making it an excellent choice for establishments that serve healthy and natural foods. Establishments that should use the color green: Health food stores Salad bars Vegetarian and vegan restaurants Brown Brown is an earthy color that helps guests relax and feel comfortable. It can also give customers a sense of support and stability, and it can even convince guests to come back as repeat customers. Establishments that should use brown in their decor: Coffee shops Bistros Contemporary restaurants Bars Blue Blue is a color that most restaurants should avoid. It's not commonly found naturally in food, and it can cause your customers to lose their appetites. Additionally, if you have bright blue walls, the shade of blue can reflect onto your food and make it look less appetizing. Blue reduces customers' appetites, but it makes them thirsty. Establishments that should use blue for their interior design: Coffee shops Bars Cafes Nightclubs Seaside restaurants White White gives your space a relaxed and leisurely feel. The color evokes a sense of cleanness and freshness and can make a small space seem larger. However, too much white can make your dining area look sterile. Avoid this by using creamy, off-white colors and contrasting accent decor. Establishments that should incorporate white into their decor: Small restaurants and bistros Upscale eateries Banquet halls Wedding venues Black Since it's not a common food color and can be an appetite suppressant, use black sparingly and strategically. It can make the other colors in your restaurant pop and look more vibrant, but too much black can make your space look cramped and dark. Use furniture, such as metal pendant lights or dining chairs, to add black accents to neutral color palettes for increased visual impact. Establishments that should use black accents in their interior: Nightclubs Bars Contemporary restaurants Menu Color Schemes Your restaurant's interior isn't the only place you need to be conscious about your color choice - the colors on your menu can also affect your customers. When creating a menu for your restaurant, be aware of which colors you're using and how they influence your customers' appetites and choices. Avoid unnatural colors like blue and purple and instead choose bright and vibrant colors like red and orange, depending on your restaurant's concept and style. Make sure the colors you choose for your menu complement each other and are cohesive with the colors in your dining space. For example, you wouldn't want to use a lot of bright colors on your menu if your interior uses a lot of earthy colors like brown and dark green. Choosing a restaurant color scheme is vital to your establishment's brand and perception. The choice of paint and decor colors plays a significant role in setting the ambiance of your dining area. It can create a cozy, romantic, or invigorating atmosphere, depending on the experience you want to provide to your customers.
Designing Your Restaurant's Dining Room Layout
Your restaurant floor plan is a major component of your restaurant concept. It sets the scene for your guests' dining experience and separates you from competitors, but it's not just about aesthetics. Restaurant seating layouts must meet government regulations, accommodate the proper capacity, and work with your floor plan. Consider the following four important factors before opening or renovating your venue. 1. Understanding Business Regulations and Seating Capacity Before considering potential restaurant dining room design ideas, you need to determine whether you'll be using one or multiple rooms and then allocate all available space. Local code requirements could determine how much square footage you need per customer, as well as aisle width. Contact your local fire department or other government agency to inquire about these measurements. Their decision will be influenced by the number and size of exits available at your venue. Once you've reviewed any regulations, you can decide how many square feet you want to allot per customer. Available space in your restaurant seating layout determines the comfort of your guests. According to the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM), the following chart lists the average allotted square feet per customer by service type. Type of Operation Space Allowance Per Seat School Lunchroom / Cafeteria 9 - 12 sq. ft. Banquet Room 10 - 11 sq. ft. Table Service (Minimum) 11 - 14 sq. ft. College or Business and Industry Cafeteria 12 - 15 sq. ft. Table Service at a Hotel, Club, or Restaurant 15 - 18 sq. ft. Commercial Cafeteria 16 - 18 sq. ft. Counter Service Restaurant 18 - 20 sq. ft. You'll also need a passage area of 18" between tables and chairs. However, you might want to create wider aisles to accommodate wheelchairs. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires at least 36" wide aisles. Also, consider your venue's needs. Fine dining restaurants need to allow adequate room for meal carts for tableside service. Meanwhile, family-style restaurants may use bussing carts to clear tables. Both need enough space to easily maneuver around the dining room. Remember to be flexible. You may realize what works on dining room design blueprints may not be comfortable in reality. 2. Choosing Furniture Furniture Quality As you consider different furniture, reflect on your business's long-term plans and goals. The furniture you choose depends on whether you are operating a fine dining or casual dining establishment. Fine dining guests expect to have a high-quality dining experience, from food to furniture. Regardless of your dining atmosphere, do not sacrifice quality. Your furniture is an investment; therefore, you should avoid buying non-commercial furniture. The price of commercial restaurant furniture reflects its ability to handle everyday wear and tear for years. For quality sanitation, purchase tables, chairs, and booths that can be easily wiped down and cleaned. Plus, all fabric furniture should be stain resistant and colorfast. Don't forget to consider materials and fabric patterns that will complement your decor and desired environment. Furniture Shape Furniture shape can also affect your customers' dining experience. Round tables encourage conversation, but square or rectangular tables are space-efficient. However, for cafeterias or fast casual venues, you'll need to consider tray size. The tables must be large enough to accommodate the intended size, shape, and number of trays. Many venues have added two-person tables, as they are perfect for dining couples and prevent leaving two empty seats at a four-person table or booth. Plus, these small tables are great for sliding an addition onto another table or the end of a booth to accommodate larger parties. Furniture Style When brainstorming dining room design ideas, consider the two different styles of furniture placement: anchored and portable. Anchored seating refers to any furniture attached to the wall or floor. Booths are the most popular type of anchored seating. Commonly referred to as "floating tables," portable tables and chairs can be placed anywhere. These seats are typically seen in the middle of dining rooms, away from walls or other structures. There are benefits to both styles; however, the best approach for a high-revenue business is a balanced combination of booths, as well as large and small tables. According NAFEM, a minimum of 5% of total seating should be accessible to those in a wheelchair. This can be accomplished through both styles of furniture depending on table height. Anchored Booths Pros Allow optimal leg room Fill nooks and spaces between columns Space-efficient and can accommodate more people for higher profits during peak hours Create a secluded dining area Cons Cannot be easily renovated May not accommodate larger or elderly guests Guests are more likely to linger at anchored seating, minimizing table turnover How to Move a Double Booth Through a Door Once you've decided that anchored booths are a good fit for your business, it can be a challenge to get them into your space. In the following video, we show you how to fit a double booth through your restaurant's door. style><iframe src="/v/?num= 6176&embed=1" frameborder="0" height="226" scrolling="no" width="392"></iframe> Portable Tables and Chairs Pros Allows mobility to accommodate large parties or easy movement during renovations Guests are less likely to mingle, creating a high table turnover and more profit per table Accommodate larger and elderly guests Cons Not as space-efficient as anchored booths Table base can constrict guests' leg room Tabletops and chairs may rock due to uneven or broken legs or bases 3. Deciding on a Room Layout Before beginning your restaurant dining room design, decide whether you want one open space or several smaller rooms. Some restaurant styles may excel with one large room, while others need additional dining areas to accommodate private parties. Multiple Rooms Pros Easier to anchor tables for consistent restaurant seating layout Perfect for positioning tables along walls or windows Allow for room decor themes or customization Create private dining options with controlled volume Option to host private parties in a secluded room with controlled volume Cons Potentially more challenging for wait staff to navigate or hosts to gauge available tables May be less likely to accommodate very large parties or events Permanent walls limit future renovations Open Rooms Pros Ideal for portable tables, away from fixtures and walls Anchored seating possible against walls, windows, or columns Enable customers to enjoy the entire room, visually and acoustically Can accommodate very large parties Temporary partitions or dividers on casters can break up the room as needed Cons Can become a loud environment, not conducive for conversation Decor and ambiance could be lost in the large room Could create aisle traffic, making it difficult for wait staff to navigate Bar Seating If your venue has a bar, you need to leave sufficient room for furniture and patrons. Here are a few considerations: Allot a strip of floor space along the bar, ranging 3 1/2' to 4' wide, for barstools and potential guests Leave 2' per barstool Divide the bar length by 2 to see how many barstools you can fit comfortably Remember to leave a comfortable amount of space between the bar and tables — at least the width of your aisles 4. Creating an Overall Experience Prior to opening your restaurant, sit in every seat to learn about potential customer complaints. As you try different seats, you may notice a direct view into the kitchen, poor restaurant lighting, or a draft from the front door that impacts your restaurant floor plan. If you realize these concerns before opening, you're more capable of revising your restaurant dining room design and minimizing your amount of unhappy customers. Remember to reference seating regulations when deciding on furniture and the room layout of your new restaurant. Now that you have all of the information you need to develop the floor plan of your restaurant, have fun creating a comfortable space for your guests!
