Tables (< Greek: diskos = disc or tablet) are pieces of furniture usually consisting of several table legs that hold in place a flat piece of metal or wood (tabletop). Tables can be used for all kinds of purposes. In hotels and restaurants, the following kinds of tables are most likely to be found:

• High tables
• Bistro tables
• Designer tables
• Wooden tables
• Marble tables
• Kidney tables
• Dining tables
• Catering tables
• Regulars' tables
• Folding tables
• Garden tables
• Beer tables
• Patio tables
• Logo tables
• Side tables

Tables are used in order to place certain objects off the ground so they can be more easily used. Tables are often accompanied by chairs; however, some tables (such as high tables) are designed for standing use. In certain Asian countries like Japan and China, chairs are often superfluous because people kneel at the (much lower) tables. Tables are most often used for mealtimes. This ritual has existed since the beginning of civilization in almost all ethnic groups. Eating a meal together plays a very important role in family life while many business relationships are forged or cultivated over meals. It is also common for people to invite friends, acquaintances or relations to share a meal. The kind of table chosen for this social act is of great importance. Does the table allow the right seating plan, is it large enough, is it stable or will it wobble? Is the design of the table OK, does it fit with the mood of the room? Only by making sure tables and other furniture are right for the setting it is possible to make guests and customers feel welcome and comfortable!

The use of tables is usually restricted to certain places and occasions and people will have their own particular place at a table. This often tells us a lot about their position in their social group. For instance, a person sitting at the top end of a table tends to be more senior in the hierarchy of those present. During negotiations the chief negotiator will usually sit at the head of the table. Equally, round tables are sometimes used to generate a sense of equality.

Usually, a table consists of four table legs of equal length and one horizontal, usually square tabletop. Variations of this differ in the number of table legs (one, two or three) and the shape of the tabletop (round, oval, kidney-shaped, etc.). Tables are frequently made of wood but other materials have become widespread, in particular where designer tables are concerned. Other types of table, particularly those used in the hospitality trade, include the following:

• Stone tables
• Mosaic tables
• Granite tabletops
• Marble tabletops
• Isotop tabletops
• Rattan tables
• Glass tables
• Wicker tables
• High tables
• Aluminium or marble bistro tables

Tables tend to be made from a combination of different materials. The individual combinations of wood, steel, rattan, plastic and stone add to the particular appeal of table design. Tables should not only be beautifully simple but also highly functional. Good tables and chairs stand out because the design, the manufacture and the assembly come together to form an elegant whole, making a refreshing change from conventional all-wooden tables. If you have always had a mental image of your perfect table but found it impossible to buy, you are sure to find a solution to your dilemma on our website. Visit us online and be inspired by our wide range of sophisticated tables. Not only do we offer a selection of very popular combination tables for the catering industry but you will also find conventional tables, chairs, barstools, high tables, patio furniture, designer furniture, armchairs and all the other items of furniture needed to equip a restaurant or hotel.

Ergonomics is a term made up of the two Greek words 'ergon' (work) and 'nomos' (law or theory). Ergonomics usually concerns itself with adapting furniture and other equipment to the requirements of the human body, particularly in the workplace. In our opinion, ergonomics is also a crucial element of restaurant furniture and we don't want to sweep this issue under the carpet. However, we have no intention of presenting you with an absolute list of ergonomic do's and don'ts; rather, we have tried to describe ergonomics in a simple and comprehensible way.

Tables and chairs are essential elements in key areas of life (e.g. restaurants, hotels, offices, schools, universities, etc.). It is here that ergonomics can make a difference; a person sitting at a table may have bad posture, potentially causing long term backache, neck problems, headaches and the like. In order to protect our customers from serious health issues, we would like to take this opportunity to explain the key elements of good table ergonomics. Tips for the key ergonomic properties of tables are as follows:

• Unadjustable tables should be between 73 cm and 75 cm high
• Adjustable tables should be between 65 cm and 75 cm high
• The leg room should be at least 70 cm deep
• The space between the floor and the bottom of the tabletop should be at least 64 cm high
• The space to be used for handwriting should be at least 14 cm wide
• The surface of the table should not be too shiny
• The person sitting at the table should have at least 80 cm in which to move their legs freely
• The middle row of the computer keyboard should be between 73 cm and 75 cm above ground level

The Moroccan art of mosaic is well-known throughout the world. Artists need many years of experience in order to be able to create the perfect mosaic. Cast iron tables with mosaic table tops have become increasingly popular in hotels and restaurants. Many mosaic tables are the result of hours of arduous handiwork. Each piece used to assemble a mosaic is made by hand and the assembly takes place as a mirror image before being covered by cement. Steel wires are added in order to make the table top stable and solid. A steel frame then encircles the cement table top to hold it firmly together. Highly processed iron is not the traditional material of choice for mosaic table tops and frames and so a certain amount of corrosion may occur over time. However, this should not be seen as a flaw but as the little something that gives mosaic tables their unique character. The same applies to minor irregularities in the table top. Moroccan mosaic tables are not prone to water damage and do not need much care. You should, however, ensure that untreated surfaces are sealed using natural wax or stone varnish. This will make the surface fully waterproof. Mosaic tables can be purchased in all different colours and sizes, and with a wide range of different motifs. All sizes are possible, from small side tables to large tables for dining rooms or beer gardens. Mosaic tables can be used indoors and outdoors but should not be left outside during the winter in order to prevent the mosaic table top from frost damage. Similar furniture items are handcrafted marble tables with inlays - usually from Italy - or tables with terracotta table tops, frost-resistant ceramic tables or tables with tops made of terrazzo. Tables made of marble, sandstone, terrazzo, or fired clay bricks are becoming increasingly popular because they bestow an attractive, comfortable Mediterranean atmosphere on their surroundings .

Mosaik by Bruno Rodi, u. a. Frech (May 2005)
Mosaic in the Garden by Clare Matthews Kosmos (Franckh-Kosmos) (March 2004)
Zauberhaftes Mosaik (Magical Mosaic) by Ingrid Moras Christophorus-Verlag (July 2005)

If you would like more information about tables and chairs please call us.
Our phone number is +49 49 8191 9194-0. You can also send us an email at infogoinde