Restaurant Chairs Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Wood, Metal, Plastic), By End User (Casual Dining, Cafe or Coffee House, Food Court or Cafeteria, Others), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 5.19 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	7.23%
Fastest Growing Segment	Plastic
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 7.89 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Restaurant Chairs Market will grow from USD 5.19 Billion in 2025 to USD 7.89 Billion by 2031 at a 7.23% CAGR. Restaurant chairs are specialized commercial seating fixtures engineered to endure the rigorous wear of high-traffic dining environments while enhancing the visual identity and guest comfort of an establishment. The market is fundamentally driven by the sustained expansion of the global hospitality sector and the increasing necessity for operators to invest in frequent remodeling cycles to remain competitive. This emphasis on aesthetic revitalization ensures a steady replacement demand distinct from initial capital expenditure as venue owners prioritize interior ambience to attract discerning patrons.

The sector currently benefits from a strong inclination toward physical footprint expansion among industry players which directly correlates to furniture procurement. According to the National Restaurant Association, in 2025, 29 percent of operators plan to open new locations to accommodate rising consumer engagement. Despite this positive momentum, the market encounters a substantial challenge regarding the volatility of raw material prices for timber and steel. These fluctuating costs complicate production planning and squeeze manufacturer margins, presenting a notable obstacle to seamless market expansion.

Key Market Drivers

The expansion of the global food service and hospitality industry acts as the fundamental anchor for volume growth in the restaurant chairs market. As dining brands scale their physical operations, the aggregate demand for commercial-grade seating rises concurrently with new outlet construction. This proliferation ensures continuous orders for manufacturers, as each new unit requires a complete initial fit-out of dining room furniture. According to the International Franchise Association, February 2024, in the '2024 Franchising Economic Outlook', the number of franchise establishments is projected to increase by 1.9 percent to reach 821,000 locations. This projected growth underscores the direct correlation between venue multiplication and furniture procurement. Additionally, according to Chipotle Mexican Grill, in February 2024, the company announced strategic plans to open between 285 and 315 new restaurant locations throughout the year, further exemplifying the heavy commercial footprint expansion currently driving the sector.

Simultaneously, increasing investments in restaurant renovation and interior redesign projects provide a critical secondary revenue stream. Operators are compelled to modernize dining spaces to maintain relevance, prioritizing the replacement of outdated seating as a central element of these aesthetic overhauls. This drive for modernization evolves into capital-intensive projects aimed at revitalizing brand image rather than simple maintenance. According to the National Restaurant Association, February 2024, in the '2024 State of the Restaurant Industry' report, 60 percent of operators plan to make a capital investment in equipment or facility enhancements to boost customer appeal. This high propensity for reinvestment indicates that manufacturers can rely on a robust replacement cycle, where the focus shifts toward ergonomic and stylistically updated designs that align with contemporary interior themes.

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Key Market Challenges

The volatility of raw material prices for timber and steel constitutes a significant barrier to the stability and expansion of the Global Restaurant Chairs Market. When the costs of these essential inputs fluctuate unpredictably, manufacturers struggle to establish consistent pricing strategies for their commercial seating products. This instability disrupts long-term production planning and forces suppliers to operate with uncertain profit margins, often delaying the launch of new designs intended to meet evolving hospitality trends.

The direct impact of these cost surges is evident in recent industrial data regarding key manufacturing inputs. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, in 2025, the producer price index for steel mill products climbed by 13.1 percent over a twelve-month period. Such acute increases in material costs compel manufacturers to either absorb the financial burden, which drastically reduces their capital available for operational expansion, or pass the heightened expenses on to restaurant operators. Consequently, higher price points dampen procurement activity from venue owners managing tight remodeling budgets, thereby directly impeding the overall transaction volume within the market.

Key Market Trends

The adoption of eco-friendly and sustainable materials is rapidly reshaping the Global Restaurant Chairs Market as operators align their physical environments with evolving consumer values. Manufacturers are increasingly utilizing renewable resources like bamboo, reclaimed wood, and recycled plastics to minimize environmental impact and appeal to eco-conscious diners. This shift is not merely aesthetic but a strategic response to market demand for corporate responsibility, compelling venue owners to prioritize seating solutions that validate their supply chain transparency. According to Toast, May 2025, in the 'How Diners Really Feel About Sustainability in Restaurants in 2025' report, 73 percent of diners consider a restaurant's approach to sustainability a key factor when deciding where to eat. Consequently, suppliers are reformulating production processes to secure contracts with major hospitality brands that now mandate certified sustainable fixtures as part of their brand identity.

Simultaneously, the market is witnessing a convergence of indoor and outdoor furniture aesthetics, driven by the permanent integration of flexible al fresco dining spaces. Restaurants are demanding versatile seating that offers the durability required for exterior exposure while maintaining the sophisticated design standards of interior dining rooms. This trend eliminates the need for separate furniture inventories, allowing operators to seamlessly transition seating between zones based on weather conditions and capacity needs. According to Toast, May 2025, in the 'Restaurant Outdoor Seating Insights' report, 54 percent of respondents are more likely to choose a restaurant with an outdoor dining area. This distinct consumer preference drives manufacturers to engineer weather-resistant chairs using advanced coatings and synthetic weaves that replicate natural textures, ensuring visual continuity and operational flexibility for high-traffic venues.

Segmental Insights

The Plastic segment is recognized as the fastest-growing category within the Global Restaurant Chairs Market, primarily driven by the expansion of fast-casual and outdoor dining venues. Establishment owners increasingly select plastic seating for its durability, weather resistance, and cost-efficiency compared to wood or metal alternatives. Furthermore, the non-porous surface of modern plastic materials supports rigorous sanitation practices, ensuring compliance with hygiene standards mandated by food safety regulations. This ability to combine low maintenance requirements with design versatility makes plastic an attractive choice for commercial operations globally.

Regional Insights

North America holds the leading position in the global restaurant chairs market due to a highly developed commercial food service sector and substantial consumer spending on dining. The region benefits from a dense concentration of quick-service restaurants, cafes, and hotels that frequently update interiors to maintain competitiveness. This consistent demand for replacement furniture is supported by strict product safety and durability guidelines established by organizations like the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association. Consequently, the combination of a robust hospitality infrastructure and rigorous quality standards cements North America as the primary revenue generator in this industry.

Recent Developments

• In August 2025, HNI Corporation announced a definitive agreement to acquire Steelcase Inc. in a transaction valued at approximately $2.2 billion. This major strategic consolidation brought together two of the largest entities in the global commercial furniture industry, significantly expanding their combined manufacturing capabilities and distribution networks for hospitality and workplace seating. The acquisition was described as a move to capitalize on the evolving demands of the contract market, allowing the combined entity to offer a more comprehensive range of furniture solutions, including specialized seating for restaurants, cafeterias, and social spaces.
• In April 2025, Knoll introduced the Muecke Wood Collection and the Perron Bun Lounge Chair at the Salone del Mobile in Milan. The Muecke Wood Collection, developed in collaboration with an American architect, features a series of dining chairs and tables crafted entirely from solid wood, showcasing distinct joinery details and a simplified geometric aesthetic. These pieces were designed to offer a warm, tactile option for fine dining establishments and hospitality interiors. The simultaneous launch of the Perron Bun Lounge Chair provided a contrasting, soft-seating solution intended for casual lounge areas within restaurants and hotels.
• In September 2024, Andreu World presented several new sustainable seating collections at the Feria Hábitat Valencia international trade fair. The Spanish furniture manufacturer introduced the Bolete Chair, designed by a renowned industrial designer, and the Calma Lounge collection, both of which emphasize circular economy principles. These new product lines are manufactured using biodegradable thermopolymers and 100% FSC-certified wood, reflecting the company's strategic commitment to minimizing environmental impact in the contract furniture sector. The launch aimed to provide restaurant and hotel operators with versatile, eco-friendly seating solutions that do not compromise on durability or style.
• In June 2024, JANUS et Cie launched the Savannah Collection, a new line of outdoor hospitality furniture, during the NeoCon design exhibition in Chicago. The collection, designed for high-traffic commercial environments, features dining chairs and tables constructed from durable aluminum with a specialized finish to withstand diverse weather conditions. The seating design incorporates a distinctive oval back and subtle curves, offering a blend of contemporary aesthetics and ergonomic comfort suitable for upscale restaurant patios and hotel terraces. The launch highlighted the company's focus on expanding its portfolio of resilient, design-forward options for the outdoor dining market.

Key Market Players

• Hooker Furniture Corporation
• Ethan Allen, Inc.
• Baker Interiors Group
• Bernhardt Furniture Company
• Drexel Heritage Furniture Co.
• Crate & Barrel Holdings, Inc.
• MillerKnoll, Inc.
• Inter IKEA Holding B.V.
• Thonet GmbH
• Scab Giardino S.p.a.

By Type	By End User	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Wood Metal Plastic	Casual Dining Cafe or Coffee House Food Court or Cafeteria Others	Online Offline	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Restaurant Chairs Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Restaurant Chairs Market, By Type:

• Wood
• Metal
• Plastic

• Restaurant Chairs Market, By End User:

• Casual Dining
• Cafe or Coffee House
• Food Court or Cafeteria
• Others

• Restaurant Chairs Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Online
• Offline

• Restaurant Chairs Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE