Table Linking vs Room Layouts: Which Setup Should You Use?

10seat offers two ways to manage how your tables work together for reservations:

• Table Linking (Groups) → flexible combinations

• Room Layouts (Seating Configurations) → controlled setups
  

Both are configured in Capacity Planning, but they serve different operational needs.

This guide helps you:

• Understand the difference

• Choose the right setup

• Know how each impacts availability

At a Glance

Option 1: Table Linking (Groups)

What It Does

Table linking allows the system to automatically combine adjacent tables.

When a booking doesn’t fit a single table:

• The engine finds the best combination
  
  

• It selects the most efficient setup
  

When to Use It

Use table linking if:

• Tables can be freely rearranged

• You want maximum flexibility

• You don’t need strict control over combinations

• Your dining room consists mainly of standalone tables
  

How It Works

• All linked tables form a group

• The system evaluates all valid combinations

• It selects the smallest combination that fits the party

• It preserves larger combinations for larger bookings

Example

You link four 2-seat tables in a row.

The system can create:

• 2 seats → single table

• 4 seats → 2 tables

• 6 seats → 3 tables

• 8 seats → 4 tables

The best option is selected automatically per booking.

Result

You get a flexible seating model where:

• Table combinations are dynamic

• The system optimizes usage automatically

Option 2: Room Layouts (Seating Configurations)

What It Does

Room layouts allow you to define exact seating configurations.

Instead of dynamic combinations:

• You define how tables can be grouped

• The system only books within those layouts

Key Principle

Layouts are mutually exclusive per time slot.

• The first booking determines the layout

• All following bookings must follow that layout

When to Use It

Use room layouts if:

• You manage private rooms or event spaces

• Table setups must follow strict rules

• Certain combinations are not operationally valid

• You want to control booking distribution

• You want to limit bookings per party size

How It Works

• Layouts are built from table groups

• Each layout defines fixed units (e.g. 4 + 4 + 2)

• The system selects a layout when the first booking is made

• Availability is restricted to that layout

Example

You have five 2-seat tables.

Layout A:

• 4 + 4 + 2

Layout B:

• 6 + 2 + 2

At 19:00:

• First booking = 4 → Layout A

• Only Layout A remains available
  

At 20:00:

• First booking = 6 → Layout B

• Only Layout B remains available
  

Result

You get a controlled seating model where:

• Layout consistency is enforced

• Booking distribution is predictable

• Operational constraints are respected

Key Differences

Flexibility vs Control

• Table Linking → system decides

• Room Layouts → you decide
  

Availability Logic

• Table Linking → all combinations remain available

• Room Layouts → availability depends on selected layout
  

Booking Behavior

• Table Linking → independent bookings

• Room Layouts → bookings influence each other

Can You Use Both?

Yes — but not on the same tables.

Typical setup:

• Main dining room → Table Linking

• Private room / event space → Room Layouts

Room layouts build on top of table groups but add strict control.

Quick Decision Guide

Use Table Linking if:

• You want flexibility

• Tables can be rearranged

• You trust the system to optimize seating
  

Use Room Layouts if:

• You need strict control

• Layout consistency matters

• You want to manage booking distribution

• You operate fixed configurations

Related Setup Guides

• Floor Plan https://backoffice.10seat.com/tables

• Capacity Planninghttps://backoffice.10seat.com/capacity-planning

• Table Linking & Groups Setup

• Room Layouts Setup

Summary

• Table Linking = flexible, automatic optimization

• Room Layouts = controlled, predefined configurations

Choosing the right setup ensures:

• Better table usage

• Predictable service flow

• Accurate availability for guests