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Short answer
Cafe and restaurant seating takes heavy, constant use, so specify upholstery rated at 30,000 Martindale rubs or more (40,000 for the busiest seats), in a tight weave or short-pile velvet that can be wiped and spot-cleaned. Choose mid-tones or small patterns that hide spills, plan booth seating with railroaded fabric, check the fire requirement for the premises, and use outdoor fabric for terrace seating.
What commercial seating needs
| Need | Why | Specify |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasion resistance | Hundreds of sittings a week | 30,000 rubs or more; 40,000 for the busiest seats |
| Spill resistance | Food, drinks and sauces | Tight polyester weaves or performance velvet; blot and wipe quickly |
| Easy cleaning | Daily wiping and regular deep cleans | A cleaning code that suits the venue's routine |
| Fire performance | Public premises | The standard the project and local authority require |
| Colour that lasts | Window seats and long hours of light | Good light-fastness; mid-tones |
Fabrics that work
| Collection | Type | Rubs |
|---|---|---|
| YarnGuard PURIFY, REPEL | Performance velvet, about 450 gsm | 40,000 |
| BLAKE, MARC, VELA | Textured weaves | 40,000 |
| TEKUSU OMAKE | Flat weave | 40,000 |
| TEKUSU SUZUME | Texture | 40,000 |
Check each collection's specification and care instructions against the venue's cleaning routine. See Pet-Friendly and Stain-Resistant Sofa Fabric for what stain-resistant really means.
Booths and banquettes
- Railroad the fabric along long booth seats and backs to avoid seams; plains and textures suit this best. See Railroaded Fabric Explained.
- Pile direction: on velvet, run the pile the same way on every panel so colours match.
- Removable seat pads or zipped covers make cleaning and replacement easier.
- Order spare fabric from the same batch for repairs.
Spills and cleaning
Train staff to blot spills at once and never rub. Agree a deep-clean schedule with a professional upholstery cleaner, and check the fabric's cleaning code before using any product. See How to Remove Stains from a Fabric Sofa.
Tip
Choose the seat colour from the menu, not just the mood board. Mid-tones that hide coffee, curry and sauces will look fresh far longer than pale plains.
Fire safety
Upholstery in public premises is usually required to meet a fire standard. The requirement comes from the project specification and the local fire authority, not the supplier. Always ask which standard a fabric has been tested to and get the report. See Hotel and Office Curtain Fabric.
Watch out
Never assume a fabric is fire-retardant because it is polyester or commercial-grade. Only a test report to the named standard proves it.
Terrace and outdoor seating
Outdoor tables need outdoor fabric. Solution-dyed acrylic resists fading and dries quickly; pair it with quick-dry foam and removable covers. See Balcony and Poolside Cushions and Outdoor Fabric.
YarnGuard performance velvets
The JOTEX performance upholstery range, rated at 40,000 Martindale rubs. See the YarnGuard range.
Browse YarnGuard →
Frequently asked questions
What rub count do restaurant chairs need?
At least 30,000 Martindale rubs, and 40,000 for the busiest seats, or the figure in the project specification.
What is the best fabric for cafe seating?
A tight polyester weave or performance velvet rated at 30,000 to 40,000 rubs, in a mid-tone that hides spills, with a cleaning code that suits the venue.
Is velvet practical for restaurant booths?
A hard-wearing performance velvet can be. It has no loops to snag and wipes clean if spills are blotted quickly. Keep the pile running the same way on every panel.
Does restaurant upholstery need to be fire-retardant?
Usually, yes, in public premises. The standard comes from the project specification and local fire authority; ask for the test report.
How do I make booth seating without seams?
Railroad the fabric, running it along the length of the booth. This works best with plains and textures.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.