Running a pub or club in a smaller space can present some challenges, but with thoughtful design and smart furniture choices, it’s possible to create a comfortable, stylish, and functional environment that attracts customers. As one of Sydney’s most trusted suppliers of hospitality furniture, we’ve worked with countless pub and club owners to find solutions that make the most of every inch of their space. If you own a smaller establishment, this blog will offer valuable space-saving tips and furniture recommendations to help you design a welcoming space without sacrificing comfort or style.
- Opt for Multi-Functional Furniture
When space is limited, furniture that serves multiple purposes can be a game changer. Multi-functional pieces allow you to reduce the number of items in your venue and free up valuable space.
- Storage Ottomans: storage ottomans can be used to stow away items like extra cushions, blankets while providing additional seating.
- Folding Tables and Chairs: These are perfect for venues that need to adapt their layout based on customer flow or event types. Foldable furniture can be easily stored when not in use and brought out when extra seating or surface area is needed.
- Vertical Storage Solutions
Many pub and club owners focus too much on floor space without considering the vertical real estate available. Shelving, hooks, and wall-mounted storage can help free up the floor, providing more room for customers to move comfortably.
Consider adding:
- Wall-Mounted Shelves: These can be used to store glassware, bar tools, or décor items, ensuring you maximise space while adding to the aesthetic appeal of your venue. Choose shelving that complements your design theme—rustic wood for a cosy pub or sleek metal for a modern club.
- Hanging Racks: If your bar area is limited, overhead racks for wine glasses or liquor bottles can free up counter space and make the bar look organised and professional.
Maximising vertical space not only increases functionality but also opens up the floor, making a small venue feel less cramped.
- Choose Slimline, Stackable, and Modular Seating
One of the most important aspects of any pub or club is seating. However, bulky chairs or large booths can eat up valuable floor space, leaving little room for customers to move around comfortably. Opting for slimline, stackable, or modular seating is a smart way to address this challenge.
- Slimline Seating: Chairs with a slim profile take up less space while still providing comfort. They are particularly ideal for smaller dining areas or sections where space is at a premium.
- Stackable Seating: Stackable chairs are an excellent option for pubs or clubs that need to adjust their layout frequently. You can easily stack them and store them away when not needed, allowing for more flexibility in how you arrange your venue. This is particularly useful for venues that host events like live performances or private functions.
- Modular Seating: Modular furniture gives you the flexibility to change your layout depending on your needs. For example, modular benches and sofas can be rearranged to suit different group sizes or events, helping you make the most of your available space.
- Use Bar-Height Tables and Seating
Bar-height furniture is a great solution for small pubs or clubs, as it encourages customers to stand or sit at a higher level, which can make a space feel less cramped. Tall tables and stools take up less surface area than standard dining tables, allowing for more customers to gather in a smaller area.
- Communal Bar Tables: Long, communal bar-height tables are an ideal choice for small spaces. They can accommodate larger groups without the need for multiple tables and chairs, saving on space while promoting a lively, social atmosphere.
- Slimline Bar Stools: Choose slimline bar stools without armrests to maximize space around the bar or high tables. Bar-height seating also encourages movement and mingling, making it perfect for venues where a lively, interactive atmosphere is key.
- Create Flexible Layouts
Flexibility is key when designing for smaller pubs and clubs. Rather than having a fixed layout, consider investing in furniture that can be moved or reconfigured easily to adapt to different customer needs or event requirements.
- Movable Partitions: Using movable partitions allows you to section off areas for private parties or events while keeping the space open and airy when not in use. This flexibility ensures that your venue can accommodate different group sizes without feeling overcrowded.
- Foldable or Extendable Tables: Foldable or extendable tables can be adjusted depending on the size of the group, giving you the flexibility to seat larger parties without sacrificing valuable floor space when they’re not needed.
Visit Have a Seat for Space-Saving Solutions
Designing for a small pub or club doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort or style. With the right furniture and layout, you can create a welcoming and functional space that maximises every inch. At Have a Seat, we offer a wide selection of commercial-grade furniture designed specifically for the hospitality industry, including multi-functional, space-saving pieces perfect for smaller venues.
Visit our Smithfield showroom to explore our full range of products in person or browse our collection online to find the perfect furniture solutions for your space. Let us help you create a venue that feels spacious, stylish, and ready to welcome your customers!