Bar and Restaurant Seating Foam

Comfort and style are huge factors in bars and restaurants, with chairs and seating a key part of designing a practical, fashionable hospitality space. As soft furnishings here are in constant use, it can be hard to find a seating solution that's both comfortable and resilient.

Foam has been used by the hospitality sector for decades. In old bar stools and dining chairs, it's not uncommon to find a thin sheet of poor polyurethane topped with a soft fibre filling. It feels comfortable and springy at first, but soon sags and the fibre becomes lumpy – which is why it's so important to choose seating solutions carefully and invest in high-quality foam. Contrary to popular belief, re-kitting your seating needn't break the bank.

Foam for bar stools

For bar seating we frequently recommend high-density reconstituted chip foam pads, typically topped with a high-density foam topper for added comfort. eFoam is a leading UK supplier of pre-cut and cut to size chip foam, and our pre-cut bar seat foam pads are 2.5 inches deep in total – 2 inches of 6lb reconstituted chip foam plus a 0.5 inch high-density topper. This durable combination suits bar seating in constant use, and we supply it in a range of square and cylinder shapes.

Foam for restaurant booths and sofas

For restaurant seating such as dining chairs, sofas and padded booth units, reconstituted chip foam can be used – but for a softer feel it's worth layering different foams to reach your desired firmness. For a deep padded sofa or booth bench, very high-density polyurethane can fill most of the cushion, topped with a medium-density foam and/or memory foam sheet to your requirements. If you'd like help choosing seat foam, see our seat foam buyer's guide.

Foam for outdoor seating

Some bars and restaurants have outdoor seating, and depending on whether it's partly undercover you may need foam suited to outdoor exposure. A common choice is Plastazote superior closed-cell foam, whose water-resistant, weather-resistant and non-absorbent properties withstand the elements. Standard closed-cell foam resists mould, mildew and bacteria too, but Plastazote is often preferred for its fast-drying qualities.

Why foam for public seating?

Unlike natural and synthetic fibre fillings, foam is a better material for public seating: it's easy to clean and its antibacterial qualities make it the most hygienic solution. Depending on the type, some foams are inherently waterproof, though you may not need this as many bar and restaurant seats are covered in leather or other splash-proof material. For larger commercial fit-outs, our guide to commercial upholstery foam may also help.

For any queries about your seating needs or specifications, trade or non-commercial, please contact our knowledgeable advisers. No job is too big, small or complex.

Frequently asked questions

What foam is best for bar stools?

We frequently recommend high-density reconstituted chip foam pads topped with a high-density foam topper. Our pre-cut bar seat pads are 2.5 inches deep in total – 2 inches of 6lb reconstituted chip foam plus a 0.5 inch high-density topper – which suits bar seating in constant use.

What foam is best for restaurant booths and sofas?

For deep padded sofas or booth benches, very high-density polyurethane can fill most of the cushion, topped with a medium-density foam and/or a memory foam sheet to achieve a softer feel.

What foam suits outdoor hospitality seating?

Plastazote superior closed-cell foam is ideal, as its water-resistant, weather-resistant and non-absorbent properties withstand the elements. Standard closed-cell foam also resists mould, mildew and bacteria, but Plastazote is preferred for its fast-drying qualities.