A parsons chair is a special kind of upholstered dining chair. The name has nothing to do with the clergy. The chair was named for its origin – it was created in Paris in the 1930s, by a designer at the famous Parsons School of Design.

When designing the chair, the Parsons School designers didn’t radically reinvent the idea of the chair (as, say, the Bauhaus did in Germany). Instead, the designers streamlined historical influences, kept what worked, threw away what didn’t, and created an enduring modern classic. The main traits of this – its naturalism, simplicity and linear look – are classic Modernist traits, but the style reflects 1800s Mission and Arts and Crafts styles, the Art Nouveau styles that emerged later, and the Art Deco that was contemporary at the time of the parsons chair’s design. The simplicity of the chair fits with these styles and a great variety of others, both classic and modern.

Originally, it was meant to be used in a set with the parsons table, whose linear look reflects a similar aesthetic in the matching chair. However, in a bit of irony, the simplicity of both has led to them being adapted separately into many styles of furniture and decor. The result? Today, they are rarely seen together. The parsons style is so adaptable that many who own a parsons table or a parsons chair have no idea that companion pieces exist. The parsons chair is virtually always crafted of hardwood, and features a slightly curving, squared backrest and legs. They are usually featured with slipcover upholstery that entirely covers the legs and gives it a solid, monumental appearance. This slipcover is optional or absent on many recent models.

Most parsons chairs nowadays are direct clones of the original Parsons School design. However, many recent variations exist, including versions with cabriole legs, Chippendale-influenced designs, shorter or taller designs, and versions with armrests, versions inspired more or less by Art Nouveau or Art Deco, and so on. The original Parsons School design was upholstered in leather, and this is still a very popular upholstery option, though microfabrics are increasingly used. The wide variety of options available today should ensure that you’ll be able to find one that’s right for you.

Due to its simplicity, comfort and ease of cleaning, the parsons chair remains enduringly popular, especially in restaurants. In fact, you might already own and enjoy one without realizing what it is. We hope that knowledge of this chair’s history should deepen your appreciation for this unique design.

Source by Ron Jordan

According to experts, restaurant interior design is as much a part of the dining experience as the food. People are more likely to patronize a restaurant that provides pleasing ambiance along with the good food, than a restaurant that is only known for its good cooking. In order to really succeed in the restaurant business, it is imperative that the restaurant interior design be as wonderful and appealing as the food that you serve.

Catering to the Younger Crowd

There are number of areas that you need to consider when planning your restaurant interior design. First, it will be important to assess the type of customers that you usually cater to, or expect to cater to. Note that you will then need to tailor your restaurant interior design to the needs and the taste of your particular type of customer.

For instance, if your customers are mainly the younger set, you will want to create a more vibrant and lively atmosphere in your restaurant. The shades of your walls should be light to give the area a youthful glow. You will also need to choose modern up-to-date furniture and fixtures to give the room that ultra modern look that suits the younger generation. The choice of music as well will need to be upbeat and well suited for young people.

Catering to the Professionals

On the other hand, if you are planning for an interior design for restaurant to attract and hold the high-end crowd, you will need to check your budget requirements. If your customers are mainly executives who desire some privacy while dining, you might want to set up booths conducive to private business discussions. The shades of your walls can be more muted and subdued. A rich mahogany color would be a great choice. Your décor must also be subdued. No loud colors will do, because this can be irritating for someone who just had a bad day in the office. Loud bold colors will look out of place in a high end restaurant.

Furniture and fixtures must be comfortable, functional and also pleasing to the eye. Make sure that your tables are the right size – not too small and not too big. As for your chairs, opt for comfort. Look for chairs with wide seats and deep cushions. The more comfortable the chairs, the happier your clients will be. And they will stay longer. Keep in mind that you are catering to a group of successful executives and these people look for comfort and style. So serve it to them on a silver platter.

Source by William Hopkins

Upholstery is the term used to describe the materials used to fill and cover seats, chairs, settees and any other furniture that requires it apart from bed mattresses. A large variety of materials can be used in upholstery, such as leather, vinyl, foam and cotton padding.

When time has taken its toll on your well loved pieces of furniture an upholsterer will be able to put a new lease of life into them. Before deciding to part with a quality item of furniture it is worth considering getting the piece reupholstered and refilled, which could possibly save you money as we all know how expensive good quality furniture is to buy. When contemplating whether to have a settee reupholstered you should be aware that you are not limited to having exactly the same materials as the settee has currently. You have the option of changing the style, colour, material type and pattern, now that really is worth thinking about as it is possible to end up with a completely different looking settee which may be a great idea if you are planning a revamp of your decor.

An upholsterer who is a quality tradesman should provide you with one or more books from which to choose your material from. You do not have to stay with your current material, you may wish to upgrade the quality and it may be possible for you to choose the quality and type of stuffing to be used. The foam padding that is used for stuffing comes is various degrees of firmness, the one you choose is down to personal preference as some people prefer a soft settee while others like their settee to be very firm.

You might find once your settee has been reupholstered that other furniture looks worse for wear, such as recliners. Do not panic as it is possible to have them reupholstered as well in either the same materials or a material that will complement what you have chosen for the settee and enhance the complete look of the room. One big bonus of opting for this route is that you can pick out colours, materials and patterns that match existing rugs, curtains or anything else you wish to match. This approach also prevents making mistakes and buying furniture those clashes terribly with your existing colour scheme. Using upholstery samples that your upholsterer provides you can walk around your home at leisure and check different colours against any item you wish to match up to, it is also a good idea to ask close friends and family for their opinion, you do not have to make a decision immediately.

It might be worth obtaining a few quotes from local upholsterers, prices will vary dependent on what materials and padding you choose. It is possible to have car seats reupholstered by an automotive upholsterer, though this is quite pricey as it is a specialist job. If the alternative is to replace all the seats then reupholstering could work out a viable option.

Source by Jenny Austin

The Role of Timing in Restaurants:

A restaurant needs to have good customer service, or they'll find themselves with empty tables!

As a restaurant owner or manager, it's important that staff is fully trained to make sure timing is coordinated. Guests should be able to enjoy each dish (as hopefully they will order an appetizer, main dish, desserts, and after-dinner cocktails or coffee) without feeling rushed or ignored.

While timing plays a huge role throughout the entire meal, it often begins before the guests are even seated. It can be hard to forgive a restaurant failing to honor the timing of a reservation, so if the dining room is packed and the promised table isn't available, try treating guests to a free drink while they wait.

Once guests are seated and food has been served, the timing of clearing the table must also be considered. Guests should be welcome to linger – but should not be forced to wait. The check should be placed on the table with an assurance that there is no hurry and they can stay as long as they'd like. After a nice long evening they may simply be ready to go, but if they've found the right place they may never want to leave!

The first impression can mean that guests return – and hopefully become regulars. On the other hand, a poorly-coordinated evening can result in that guests never coming back!

Restaurant Statistics:

• The main goal of managing a restaurant's revenue is to handle the facility's capacity and customer demand in a way that maximizes profits / revenue for the restaurant.
• A restaurant MUST have comfortable and adequate seating to ensure a positive experience for all clients.
• Studies have shown that customers will spend more time in the restaurant when seated at a booth, as compared to being seated at a table.
• Customers who sit at booths that are away from a window will spend even more time. Studies show the more natural light people are exposed to, the less time they will spend eating.
• People who sit at a booth will spend an average of $ 56.67. People who sit at free standing tables will spend an average of $ 38.92. This means booth seating will net an average of $ 17.75 more PER PERSON! This is an average of 31% more revenue of booth seating as compared to free standing tables.
• Contrary to popular belief, only 26.16% of independent restaurants fail during the first year of operation (belief is that this statistic is much higher).
• Customers who carry a Chase Freedom® credit card have visited restaurants more frequently in the past two years than they have since the recession began.

Bottom line … studies show that seating style and placement have a huge impact on customers deciding where they will eat … and how much money they will spend! These factors are even more important than the quality of the actual food!

Pop-Out Seating:

A new craze is popping up in San Francisco, New York City, and recently in Westport, Connecticut. Outdoor seating for eateries on busy, narrow streets has been a roadblock for restaurant owners for many years – until now. The solution? Convert parking spaces into a street patio, or "pop-out" seating for the public with tables and chairs. According to an article in West View News written by Benny Benepe, "the pop-up has become an oasis attracting workers and residents alike." From May to mid October, diners and pedestrians can relax and enjoy life outdoors. During the cold months the seating is stored and the street is restored to available parking spaces.

A couple of years ago in Westport, Connecticut, ten parking spaces were being transformed into outdoor seating. In New York City, the Department of Transportation (DOT) approved applications for twelve of these pop-up cafès. The cafès sit on platforms, creating a level surface between the sidewalks and seating, making the dining area handicap accessible. The number of parking spaces given to the cafès and restaurants is determined by the size of the facility. Two restaurants in New York City collaborated, and together they have a six (6) foot wide by one-hundred-twenty-five (125) foot long platform. Both restaurants were responsible for the construction costs, and since creating the extra outdoor dining space they have noticed a twenty percent increase in their sales. Since no wait service is allowed, the seating is open for public use without any commitment to buy anything from the establishment.

To keep within safety guidelines set by the DOT, the removable platform was raised to street level and a barrier separates the diners and motorists. The restaurants used concrete planters; however they could have also installed security barriers (bollards) or patio fencing. The furniture used to outfit the expanded seating areas is brought inside every evening and must be stored for the winter. Collapsible tables and folding chairs are used to outfit the expanded seating as they are space saving and light weight, making for quick and easy transportation and storage.

Safety is a major concern among diners, so pop-up cafès are generally only located on slow moving one way streets. Each application for the pop-out seating is reviewed on a case by case basis to make sure that emergency routes or access points are not obstructed. Many establishments are protecting their patrons with cement planters filled with colorful flowers or sleek guard fences so diners can use and enjoy the extra seating without worry.

The Elements of Proper Restaurant Service:

• A Prompt and Proper Greeting at the Door – It's the responsibility of the host to greet guests when necessary. When the host is away from the door, others must stop to let new guests know someone will be right with them.
• A Well Maintained, Clean Working Environment – A clean, well maintained area makes guests feel comfortable and confident that they are in a healthy, professional and caring environment.
• Appearance – When guests see the staff neatly dressed, they automatically relax. Appearance is part of the product; both you and the restaurant will be judged by it.
• Product Knowledge – Every employee at your establishment has to be well versed in everything you offer. Product knowledge increases your confidence and is indispensable in proper service.
• Salesmanship – Good salesmanship enhances the customer's experience by offering the customer attention.
• Customer Satisfaction – Be sure to check back with a table within three minutes of serving them. When you do check back, stay positive and specific. Try to always catch someone's eye when walking by the table.
• Teamwork and Communication – If a guest needs something that you can't get for them, find the person who can. There is no chance for proper service without communication.
• Table Maintenance – Always be aware of what the table looks like; silverware, dirty plates, wipe the table as needed, always cap ashtrays and keep them clean.
• Going Above and Beyond / A Reason to Return – Always be on the lookout for the little things that you can do for your guests to make yourself and your restaurant stand out from the rest! Be thoughtful, creative and extraordinary!

Remember: You sell two things at your restaurant; great service AND a great product!

Restaurant Furniture – Indoor:

Indoor Tables – Commercial grade indoor table collections have something for everyone. Guests will be so comfortable they'll be ordering seconds! Allow patrons to sit back, relax and enjoy their dining experience without the worry of a wobbly table as the table bases are durable and sturdy.

Indoor Seating – Indoor restaurant chairs and bar stools are classic yet modern, and will perfectly accent any restaurant or cafè. Guests will be thankful as they enjoy the fine dining while relaxing in beautiful seating! A restaurant will truly by the talk of the town with fabulous choices! Choose from wood or metal frames, available with either wood or vinyl seats.

Plymold Booth Seating – Plymold booths are available in a large variety of colors, sizes and materials, making each booth extremely customizable and unique. Booths are available in wood, laminate or upholstered. The wood booths are manufactured from Red Oak wood and are available with optional seat pads. The Contour and Signature laminate booths have a steel frame with a powder coated finish, making it easy to customize – there are 208 laminate finish color options! The upholstered booths are available in 295 different colors!

Restaurant Furniture -Outdoor:

Outdoor Tables – Restaurant tables are available in a large variety of finishes and materials including resin, recycled plastic, aluminum, acrylic fiberglass and molded melamine. Choose a molded melamine table designed to fold for easy storage. Help the planet by pairing a recycled plastic dining table with colorful recycled plastic dining chairs to create a bold and bright atmosphere. Go ahead and buy extra tables to store away for those busy weekends!

Outdoor Seating – With a large collection of bar height and dining height seating available in numerous textures, finishes, colors and materials one will, without a doubt, find the perfect chairs and stools for a restaurant or cafè. Choose from resin, recycled plastic, aluminum, all-weather wicker, strap and sling, Built to withstand the elements and backed by a commercial warranty, one won't have to worry about storing these commercial grade chairs or stools inside if the weather suddenly changes – simply leave them where they are!

Source by Meagan Deacon

There is some debate about precisely just how much effect the appear and feel of a restaurant has on its success as a location to eat. After all, one of the most important elements are foods and service. However, it may be the appear and feel from the restaurant that invites individuals to go in. Frequently you'll hear the word "comfort" connected with atmosphere.

Of course, comfort means different points to different individuals. The temperature of the room, the style or padding from the chairs, individual preference for booths rather than tables, a sense of privacy or openness, proximity to other diners, capability to separate diners with small kids from individuals who want a less boisterous encounter, and accessibility for patrons with physical limitations are just a couple of common concerns. Discomfort is nearly always attributable to a poorly designed atmosphere.Let's take privacy as an example.

Is it important that your possible clients see and be seen? If this is a priority, then seating them in a dark corner booth will make them really feel slighted. Do you want individuals to choose your location for intimate, romantic getaways? A brightly lit table in the middle of the noisy area, with other diners at every elbow, won't be satisfactory. Possibly you see the require for both choices in the exact same restaurant? Without answers to crucial questions about what your customers want from their dining encounter, it will be impossible to manipulate your space to meet individuals wants.

Another consideration is changing demographics. For instance, by the year 2030, about 20 percent from the US population will be over 65 years of age. For these diners, setting and food high quality will replace novelty in order of importance. Alterations in patrons' eyesight and hearing ought to be reflected in design-some of the most common complaints about restaurants in general, from older diners, is that they're "too noisy" or the menu is too difficult to read in low light levels . Buffets are popular with the older generation; so are doggie bags, because leftovers are perceived as a good value.

Nutritional choices (and info about them) is going to be requested. Senior diners choose the privacy of the booth to a table and would rather wait on a busy evening inside a spacious lobby or waiting area than a bar. The population is also getting more ethnically diverse, with more African-American and Hispanic customers in most markets. Do not underestimate the theatrical nature from the dining business. Putting wares on display leads to impulse purchasing, thus increasing sales. Whether it is wine, appetizers, or decadent desserts, think of methods to show them off.

Speaking of impulses, one of the strongest is vanity-which has an impact on dining area style. Many diners like to see and be observed, particularly in upscale eateries. Having a chef's table, right in the kitchen, can be fun and exciting for them. Providing a communal table for singles to meet and mingle is an additional alternative. The bottom line with any of these elements is how they affect the guests from the restaurant. When you take them all into account, you see that the square footage of a area is meaningless as a measure of space. There's so a lot more to it!

Source by Franco Zinzi

When searching for furniture, you may have come across the term ‘contract furniture’. But what exactly is it, and how does it relate to furniture use and furniture design?

The simplest definition of contract furniture is furniture that is used for commercial purposes. Typically, contract furniture is used by landlords and letting agents, university halls for student accommodation, hotels, B&Bs, guest houses, offices, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. The furniture itself can range from contract bed frames, mattresses, sofas, chairs, lighting, desks, bedroom furniture, dining facilities, upholstery and linens. The list is almost endless!

The term ‘contract’ itself refers to the written agreement between the seller and buyer when the goods are bought. And when furniture is sold for commercial use in the UK, it has to meet a strict set of criteria to meet a number of British Standards.

Contract Furniture and Crib 5

The legislation ensures that any upholstered furniture sold has been rigorously checked and meets safety standards (BS7177 ignition source 5/Crib 5). Furniture for contract use must meet minimum standard of Crib 5. The regulations apply to everyone in a business chain, from manufacturers and suppliers through to landlords, upholsters, second hand furniture suppliers and letting agents.

In what way is contract furniture different to ‘normal furniture?

In essence, apart from the applicable regulations, furniture for contract use doesn’t appear to be different from furniture intended for residential domestic use. In fact, there’s no reason why contract furniture can’t be used in this way.

However, because contract furniture is intended for heavier commercial use, it needs to be durable. For this reason, if you’re buying for commercial use, you should look for a product guarantee of a minimum of 5 years, to ensure durability.

Items such as contract bed frames and mattresses need to be able to withstand heavy use, so must be particularly strong and robust – the more superior quality you can afford, the better return on investment you’ll get. For instance, if you’re buying contract bed frames, try and opt for solid steel and always make sure that the bed frames meet British Standard Safety Regulations.

Source by Ellie Dee

The traditional papasan chair made of rattan seems to be a staple in many households, even to this day, which is already more than 50 years since the rattan chairs became an international rage in interior design.

Today, there are many new versions of the original papasan that have been invented so you can definitely enjoy the comfort and luxury of these incredible chairs in more ways than one. There are, for instance, the double papasans that are also called mamasan chairs, which can seat two or even more people. There are also much smaller papasan chairs that can be enjoyed by young kids, as well as matching footstools and tables built in a similar design as the original papasan chair.

Of all the different variations of the papasan chair that are in existence today, one of those that stand out the most is the swivel rocker that is made of rattan, just like a real papasan chair. It has a circular base just like a regular papasan chair but the seat frame is quite different.

Instead of the bowl-shaped seat of the typical papasan chair, the swivel rocker has a high back and arm rests just like a regular recliner, if you will, but the entire frame is still made of rattan just like a papasan chair. It also has a thick padding that makes it a really comfortable piece of furniture for sitting, and it can be rotated around the base by means of a special swivel mechanism.

The best-selling varieties of these swivel rattan chairs are those that can also rock back and forth on its base, just like a regular rocking chair. These kinds of chairs are excellent for doing so many things, from watching television to reading a book or even taking a nap. In fact, some people find these swivel rocker papasans so comfortable that they are able to sleep in it for an entire night!

The cushion of the swivel rocker is attached to the chair using nifty ties that are fastened onto the back of the chair to keep it from sliding down. If you buy a new swivel rocker, it’s very likely that there will be a cushion to go along with it but you can also buy the cushion separately if the original one gets worn out.

A swivel rocker papasan would certainly be a valuable addition to your home. In addition to boosting the aesthetic value of your space, it will also give you and your family hours and hours of comfort that you won’t be able to get from any other chair out there.

Source by L MacDonald

Using wedding chair cover rentals is a great way to save a lot of money when organizing your special event. You have probably looked around and have come across numerous beautiful designs that are available both, online and locally. You have probably also noticed that the high prices of individual items for sale will amount to a large chunk of money when it's multiplied by the number of guests. When organizing a wedding or a banquet, the number of chair covers should match the number of guests, or even exceed it a tad to safeguard you from any bloopers that are common with large numbers of people. Using wedding chair cover rentals instead of purchasing these products can help you to have some extra covers, stay within the budget, and make a great impression at your event.

There are numerous companies offering ready-made and custom designed chair covers for rent. You can choose from large selections of styles, materials and colors. Professional companies adhere to the latest trends. They often replace their existing inventory with stylish new items, when the old ones become worn or damaged. You can browse through their galleries and choose the designs that will meet your needs, whether it's a traditional or an exclusive design.

The provider will ship the selected items to you; many companies offer nationwide shipping, while some offer shipping only to certain areas. The whole process can be as simple as selecting what you like, placing your order online, having the items dropped off to you by the wedding chair cover rentals provider, using them at your event, and then returning them to the rental company. As you can see, it's an easy and convenient process.

The company can also provide you with experienced advice and tips for using and decorating your covers. They may even offer a personal service, such as putting the covers onto the chairs and removing them after the event, but this will obviously increase your total cost. Even so, the price will be cheaper than if you buy them.

Make sure to look for any special discounts and promotions that may be available. These are common in the so-called slow wedding seasons, such as winter. You can also get nice discounts if your order exceeds a certain predefined number. For instance, if you order over a hundred covers, you may be eligible for free sash rentals. If you plan to hold a few events this year, you may also qualify for wholesale pricing on your future orders.

Chair covers help to create an elegant atmosphere for a truly special day. The best point is that wedding chair cover rentals are extremely affordable, and thus the cost factor will not become an obstacle for having a beautiful décor at your event. The rented items come looking like new, as they are laundered, pressed, and inspected for quality prior to being shipped. They will make a great impression for your event. All you need to do is find the company that offers the best products at the best price, and call / email them to reserve your items.

Source by Brantley Graham

If you are looking to spruce up your living room or your bedroom but you are pressed for space, you should know that you have great options in new chairs that can dramatically change up the look of your living room. You can choose a great moon chair that is ideal for lounging or you can choose a great butterfly chair that you can carry around with you everywhere you go. Chairs are great and practical for someone to spruce up their living room if they are on a budget. Chairs will never go out of style unlike more outrageous decor or furniture, and chairs come in a wide range of prices so you can afford an inexpensive butterfly chair for when you take it out to the ball game for your children or when you just want to lounge in the backyard and pop open a beer to enjoy with your buddies.

Moon chairs are typically round shaped chairs that you can curl up in if you get a nice cushion. The frame can vary from rattan to steel to wicker, and can give a great tropical feeling to your room. Moon chairs are unique furniture that can really show case your tastes when you are trying to differentiate your room from everyone else's room. These will be great if you make good choices of cushions. If you are aiming for a kid's room, you should get darker colored cushions so you won't be stuck doing the laundry every weekend. You can also get great cushions in your child's favorite characters. The possibilities are limitless if you are crafty.

What are the great benefits to butterfly chairs? These chairs are classically timeless with none of the expenses! These are great outdoor chairs because they are foldable and save so much space when you don't have much. They are very versatile in their covers as you can go as cheap as plastic and as expensive as genuine leather. These are attractive chairs that are also portable so you can carry them to the next soccer game and have a great time not worrying about dirtying your pants and just sit back and enjoy the views. These are also great for indoors as it was designed for comfort and aesthetics. Once you know what you are looking for in both your decor and determine your budget, you too can get great moon chairs or butterfly chairs.

Source by Sabina Silverstein

When the weather is nice, your thoughts gravitate to outdoor activities. When hosting an outside function of any sort, it's important to make sure you have enough chairs for everyone. No matter what the activity is, adequate seating is of utmost importance.

For outdoor patio seating, swivel club chairs are perfect for visiting, relaxing or dining around an outdoor table. A club chair is a comfortable, usually padded, chair that lends itself to an extended stay since it is made for comfort. Another type of outdoor chair is a lounge chair. It's perfect for lounging around the pool, at the beach or on the patio. A lounge can be made of plastic, resin, wood, or even leather. Lounges can be adjustable so that they're able to be comfortable for everyone. Some lounge chairs can be folded small enough to carry to the beach but most quality lounge chairs have an aluminum or wooden frame that comes completely assembled and they're not portable. Wicker furniture is pretty to put on an outdoor, covered porch. Natural wicker is not suitable for outdoors but wicker outdoor patio furniture is made specifically to be in all kinds of weather. Outdoor wicker is made from a type of resin that is very durable and can withstand all types of weather without a problem. It's almost maintenance free as it resists UV rays, moisture, heat and even frost.

Most likely, for an outdoor event or function you will need cheap chairs that are either a folding or stacking type. If you're having a ceremony of any kind, a large amount of folding seats can be set up in rows. The seats are usually able to be rented for the event. They're either dropped off or picked up prior to the ceremony and then returned afterward. If weather is a consideration, the rental company usually will have a canopy that can be rented also to keep the event sheltered from sun or rain.

There are many types of seating available for outdoors. Choose carefully to make sure the furniture you pick will be durable and stand up to the harsh conditions that it will be subject to outside. If the seating is not rated for outdoors, it will deteriorate quickly. Always know what you're purchasing before you buy it.

Source by Dave Gorski