How to design your restaurant?
Designing the interior of a restaurant can be a complex task if you are not very familiar with decoration. A restaurant should be a place for family and friends to get together and share. It is therefore essential to make your customers feel comfortable.
Here are some tips on how to choose the right restaurant furniture and the perfect decoration for the place.
Choosing restaurant furniture
Start by choosing the chairs and armchairs your customers will sit on. They should be able to sit for several hours and still be comfortable. The selection of restaurant furniture will depend on the type of establishment you have and your clientele. The trend is towards benches, which are synonymous with conviviality. With no boundaries in the seating, it brings guests together by creating a sense of closeness. This is the perfect choice for a family restaurant where sharing is the order of the day. As for the chairs, they allow for a form of individuality; the customer is free to sit as he wishes for optimal comfort. This seating is more flexible to create table sets for larger groups. High chairs, or stools, will add dynamism to your room and volume, while distinguishing the areas of your restaurant. This seating is perfect if you want to create a snack area where your customers can eat on the go and enjoy cocktails on high tables.
Next, let's move on to restaurant tables. In a previous article, we gave you some advice on the choice of table tops.
There are many different types and shapes, and it is not always easy to choose: square, round, oval or rectangular. All restaurant furniture should be chosen according to the size of your space, but make sure you choose tables that are stable and easy to move. You may need to change the layout of the room for a special occasion.
A square table will always be suitable, no matter what type of establishment you have. A round table, on the other hand, will give your restaurant a friendly feel.
A tip: for your customers to be comfortably seated, you should allow 60cm per person, and 150cm between two different table chairs for optimum comfort.
The materials used for your restaurant tables will determine the atmosphere of your establishment. We advise you to choose resistant materials so that they can last over time. The trend is towards naturalness, respect for the environment and noble materials such as solid wood. Authentic and warm, wood is ideal for dressing your room. Opt for varnished solid wood trays so that the wood is protected from any liquid. Another fashionable material that is becoming more and more popular is concrete. It is very solid and highly resistant to water and scratches. These two materials will be your allies for the furniture of your restaurant.
To perfect the layout of your restaurant, you should also provide storage furniture for your utensils and tableware. A service buffet will be useful for arranging everything you need to set a table. On the top, you can place your menus so that you can easily grab them when guests arrive. The cutlery can be stored in the drawers, and the lower part of the cabinet can be used to store napkins, tablecloths or cleaning products. A service buffet is very functional and allows you to optimise your service by limiting the number of times you have to go back and forth.
How to decorate your restaurant?
Once you have chosen your furniture, it is time to decorate your room. An attractive decoration will have an immediate impact on the interest of customers to come and push the door of your restaurant.
Firstly, you will need a functional restaurant layout to facilitate the flow of traffic in your restaurant. This will ensure fast and optimal service and reduce the time your customers have to wait between courses.
For the layout of your restaurant tables, avoid placing them near the toilets or the kitchen, and remember to keep the entrance to your establishment clear. You can place a reception counterat the entrance to welcome your customers, collect their money and manage reservations.
When it comes to decorating, choose neutral colours for your walls and floor coverings to easily combine with tablecloths and curtains. Take care of the table decoration for a successful sensory experience. Choose white or neutral coloured tableware for an elegant look and a successful combination with your tablecloths. Place a few candles in the centre of the table for a more intimate atmosphere. As for the lighting, select bulbs that give off a warm light for a cosy atmosphere. You can also play background music, but be careful with the volume to avoid a room that is too noisy and guests who can no longer hear each other.
Layout advice for small commercial spaces
Do you have a small area for your restaurant and want to make the most of it? Don't panic, here are some tips to help you.
First of all, it is important that you have the plans of your restaurant so that you have the exact surface area of the premises in mind. List the restaurant furniture that is essential for your establishment (chairs, tables, shelves, etc.) and for the running of your business. It will allow you to choose the basic furniture without making unnecessary purchases.
Allow plenty of room for your staff and customers to move around. Opt for square restaurant tables, which are ideal for small areas and take up little space.
In a small area, the lighting is crucial. Choose a brighter light during the day and opt for a subdued atmosphere in the evening with soft, warm lights for a more intimate feel.
Mirrors will also be your best allies in enlarging the space by creating depth. They will also catch the light and diffuse it. On the floor, go for cement tiles or mosaic prints, to deceive the eye and give an aspect of volume and a touch of originality. As for the colours, favour light shades such as beige or white to give an impression of lightness.
To help you in your layout, discover our collection of furniture for Cafés and Restaurants
