The ergonomics of restaurant and hotel furniture are essential to customer satisfaction. In this article, we explain why this is so, and how it is beneficial in the long term for furniture that is more practical on a daily basis and, above all, more durable.
What is ergonomics ?
Ergonomics, in its global definition, aims to improve safety and well-being, and to optimise comfort, use and space. It encompasses concepts such as ease of use, flexibility and versatility. By focusing on ergonomics, we aim to encourage correct posture, provide an easy user experience, and enable adaptability to the sometimes specific needs of the user. Ergonomic furniture is distinguished by its ability to be adjustable, so that it can be tailored to the different requirements and preferences of users. In short, ergonomics aims to create functional and flexible solutions that contribute to an optimal working or living environment.
Burgundy patio table
Very slim, high tables with marble tops are a perfect illustration of the notion of ergonomics in furniture. The optimal height of the table offers enhanced comfort, while the quality material, marble, ensures ease of maintenance and movement for employees.
In hotels and restaurants, the optimisation of space plays a crucial role, closely linked to the fluidity of circulation for both staff and customers. The precise definition of spaces and the design of ergonomic furniture help to delimit and define areas for passage, relaxation and meals, among others. Another significant benefit is the impact on team productivity. By intelligently optimising spaces, ergonomic furniture makes it easier for employees to carry out their daily tasks, improving overall operational efficiency.
Chevet hôtel des Trois Châteaux
The bedside cabinet built into the wall, like the one at the Hôtel des Trois Châteaux, is a concrete example of ergonomics applied to hotel furniture.
This intelligent solution offers a number of advantages, particularly in terms of maintenance and space optimisation. By being integrated into the wall, the bedside cabinet makes it much easier to clean the floor, simplifying the task of the cleaning staff. This clever design helps to keep the bedroom clean efficiently. What’s more, recessing the bedside unit frees up floor space, creating a more airy atmosphere in the bedroom. This demonstrates how judicious ergonomic choices can not only enhance the functionality of furniture but also positively influence the overall guest experience, creating practical and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
What are the features and benefits of ergonomic furniture?
For furniture to be ergonomic, a number of variables need to be considered: the function of the room in which it is to be placed, the role that the piece of furniture will play, its usefulness, its aesthetic appeal, the quality of the materials used in relation to the stresses to which it will be subjected… But also its suitability for the DNA and/or history of the place.
Examples of ergonomic furniture
The choice of adjustable and adaptable furniture, offering customisation options to users, represents an innovative ergonomic approach aimed at maximising comfort and practicality. By allowing customers to adjust elements such as armrests, backrests and seat height, individual needs and preferences are catered for.
For example, a chair with adjustable armrests offers the flexibility to adapt to different body shapes and postures, ensuring a comfortable sitting experience. Similarly, the ability to adjust the height of the seat helps to create an ergonomic work or relaxation environment, where users can personalise their space according to their specific needs. This responsive approach to user comfort demonstrates the importance placed on the satisfaction and wellbeing of those who interact with the furniture, illustrating how adjustable solutions promote an optimal user experience.
The chairs at the Pushkin café
The introduction of roller chairs offers a practical and aesthetic solution, allowing the seat fabric to be changed quickly if required. This offers considerable advantages in terms of maintenance and flexibility, making it easy to adapt the appearance of the chairs to changes in décor, the seasons or simply to renew the aesthetic of the space.
When it comes to the design of the backrest, particular attention has been paid to maintaining a natural curvature over the lower back, promoting optimal lumbar support. This ergonomic approach helps to minimise the pressure exerted on the spine, reducing the risk of discomfort for the customer. By considering the shape of the backrest, we ensure a seating experience that takes into account the physical well-being of users, underlining the importance of an approach designed and adapted to the human anatomy to create spaces that are both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
Restaurant chairs at the Burgundy Paris 5*.
The chairs in the "Pourquoi pas" restaurant at the 5* Hôtel Castelbrac
The chairs in the ‘Pourquoi pas’ restaurant at the 5* Castelbrac hotel are deliberately upholstered, with the emphasis on guest comfort. This feature aims to provide a pleasant and relaxed seating experience, promoting the well-being of diners during their meal. The upholstery of the chairs is carefully chosen to ensure a balance between the necessary support and the desired comfort, creating a welcoming environment in the restaurant.
The ergonomic design of these chairs also includes the use of high-quality materials. To guarantee the ergonomic character of a piece of furniture, it is essential to opt for durable and comfortable materials.
In the case of the Castelbrac restaurant chairs, the use of materials such as wood or metal ensures structural solidity, while the incorporation of foam or mesh contributes to the comfort of the seating. This thoughtful combination of quality materials aims to create chairs that are both robust and comfortable, meeting the ergonomic requirements for an optimal restaurant experience.
The ultra-functional hotel wardrobe
The ultra-functional hotel wardrobe is a concrete example of furniture design focused on quality and durability. The cabinet is meticulously crafted from top-quality materials, guaranteeing its structural strength and durability over time. The use of quality materials is part of an approach aimed at offering storage furniture that combines aesthetics and practicality.
Ajouté : The design of this wardrobe goes beyond the simple use of quality materials. It embodies an approach where ergonomics is at the heart of the design. The aim is to create a piece of furniture that is not only visually adapted to the existing space and décor, but also adds a practical and accessible storage area, particularly close to service areas. This maximises operational efficiency by providing teams with storage solutions without obstructing their passage. This design philosophy is reflected in various types of furniture, from sideboards to cupboards, from china cabinets to islands, as demonstrated by our team’s work in the Burgundy restaurant.
The central island of the Burgundy Paris 5* restaurant
The central island in the Burgundy Paris 5* restaurant is a remarkable example of furniture designed to meet the specific needs of a top-of-the-range restaurant service. This central island is not simply a decorative element, but a functional piece integrated into the heart of the culinary space.
This island has been designed to optimise service organisation by providing dedicated storage space. It is equipped to store plates, trays, cutlery and even the restaurant’s menus, enabling service teams to have everything they need at hand during service hours. This feature contributes to the fluidity of operations and the efficiency of staff.
The layout of the tables is also an essential part of the design of the restaurant space. Tables are designed to be spacious enough to comfortably accommodate diners while remaining compact, ensuring a satisfactory capacity for the establishment. This balanced approach between aesthetics and functionality ensures a pleasant experience for customers while optimising the restaurant’s operational efficiency.
Finally, consideration of the lighting and the choice of appropriate fixtures adds an extra dimension to the atmosphere of the space. The lighting is designed to enhance the space, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that enhances the overall customer experience within the restaurant.
2015 renovation of the Burgundy Paris 5* restaurant Le Baudelaire
The main aim of the 2015 renovation of the Burgundy Paris 5* restaurant Le Baudelaire was to bring a new dimension of light to this renowned gastronomic venue. The initiative was part of an overall drive to revitalise the restaurant’s ambience and create a welcoming and elegant atmosphere for guests.
To achieve this objective, a number of elements were carefully considered. Firstly, the choice of materials and colours played a crucial role. Light colours and reflective materials were used to maximise the reflection of natural and artificial light, giving the space a feeling of openness and luminosity.
The layout of the furniture has also been rethought to optimise the use of light. Strategically placed tables have been designed to take advantage of natural light during the day, while elegant light fittings have been chosen to complement the accent lighting, creating a subtle and sophisticated ambience in the evening.
Finally, the direct and indirect lighting was carefully considered to highlight the architectural details and decorative elements of the restaurant, while ensuring a pleasant overall luminosity. The aim was to create a pleasant visual experience and showcase the exceptional gastronomy offered by Le Baudelaire. In this way, the renovation has helped to redefine the aesthetic of the restaurant, while preserving its refined atmosphere and timeless charm.
Ergonomic furniture: positive long-term results
- An outstanding customer experience that can lead to repeat business and referrals.
- Market differentiation thanks to unique furniture that is consistent with the establishment’s brand image.
- Longer-lasting furniture, because the materials used are high quality and easy to maintain.
- A long-term investment by avoiding the installation of furniture that is ultimately unsuited to the location and operating constraints.
- Increased employee productivity thanks to the adaptability of the furniture to their needs.
We hope this article has informed you about the benefits and importance of ergonomic furniture in restaurants and hotels. We will put our expertise and knowledge of the hospitality industry at your service, so that together we can design a project tailored to your establishment.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need recommendations or more sound advice for your project, we’ll put our expertise at your disposal.
