BOOTHS AND BANQUETTES

Privacy is a major preference of customers and it is the main feature of booths that are built to a height of no less than 4' to accomplish this. Low booths at 42" high are similar to banquettes which offer no privacy at all. A booth with depth off the wall slightly exceeding 5' (rather than 4') can comfortably and privately handle groups of 5 - 6 patrons, which are more difficult to accommodate than lesser numbers. 48" diameter round tables, the joining of common width rectangular tops and finally banquette space, in that order of preference, are other means of achieving this objective. Fitting square tops together, with seats on cracks, should be a last resort.

Rows of booths along window-less walls create desired locations where most needed. Tables alone are sufficient where outside viewing exists. Nice upholstered booth benches at privacy height can be triple the cost of required chairs, so economics plays a definite role in overall set-ups.

Booths do not offer flexibility in seating when it comes to large groups. That is the value of banquettes (36" or 42" high) which are particularly designed to handle sizeable gatherings (depending on the lengths) as well as singles and deuces. It must be realized that about one third of banquette space is needed for table spacing and is consequently not used. For example a 15' banquette will normally have room for 10' of table tops, 12' at most, which will accommodate 10 - 12 customers. Such open bench seating is not a favored user location but it fulfills an important function. Placement in a reasonably remote area of the room is good space utilization.

It is often desirable to sectionalize a large room with some partitioning. In such instances, booths can be placed on one or each side. This creates a more intimate atmosphere enhanced by the attractive décor of the upholstered units.

Circular booths look impressive but present some disadvantages: higher cost and more space required; less private (lower height); and do not blend well with wood-oriented interior furnishings. They are probably most suitable for modern-styled table cloth dining and nightclub ambience. In allocating floor plan space, provide close to 6' per unit (end-to-end) for substantial wood-framed and upholstered sloping back booths.