Al Fresco dining has never been so popular! From those streetside cafes with casual seating to a more high-end patio for fine dining under the stars, restaurant outdoor settings are loved for so many reasons.
In the weeks when the sun shines brightly in Canada, patrons love to sit outdoors for a morning coffee or maybe even a full-scale lunch. But how to create a restaurant outdoor setting that attracts the restaurant-goers and turns them into loyal patrons? Well, the secret lies in the restaurant furniture.
Furniture is something that sets the vibe and offers comfy seating, two of the most important things that impress the guests. The same goes for outdoor furniture in restaurants. To make your restaurant a place your guests immediately fall in love with, these are the creative ideas for restaurant patio furniture:
Weatherproof wicker seating is a game-changer for outdoor dining spaces. That’s because wicker combines durability with an extraordinary look, perfect to create a relaxed, beachy vibe.
With its stylish woven texture, wicker seating invites guests to settle in comfortably and enjoy the rain or sunshine with a meal. Be sure to go beyond the traditional wicker and choose repurposed or wood-like furniture that is weatherproof and UV-resistant.
Choose expertly made fibers that can easily withstand the harsh weather elements while still offering an effortlessly modern look. This makes them ideal for restaurant patios that actively serve from the early morning breakfast to late night supper.
Wicker seating also comes in different styles and finishes, so choose the one that justifies your overall theme. Tie everything together with the right color, finish, and style for a cohesive look by choosing the right outdoor furniture style. Additionally, use soft cushions for an added element of comfort that actually welcomes guests to dine alfresco!
One of the biggest issues outdoor dining faces is privacy. What would you do if a guest wants an outdoor dining experience without much involvement from the outside? Built-in benches with integrated shades nicely tucked away in a nook are probably the best-ever setup for intimate outdoor dining.
Built-in benches make a stylish statement and also work as a permanent seating solution perfect for high-traffic patios. Pair your benches with pergolas or overhead shades to give them a touch of privacy and coziness. Apart from creating a relaxed environment, pergolas also shield diners from the sun.
Permanent benches also maximize your overall outdoor space, as they provide the freedom to create larger tables or sectioned seating for groups. Not only are built-in benches incredibly functional, but they also add a sense of permanence and sophistication to outdoor areas. Combine pergolas with hanging plants or greenery, and you’ll bring an inviting and organic feel to your restaurant.
As for the material, go for reclaimed materials, sleek stone finish, or stainless steel since they all are weather-proof.
Let’s get a bit more versatile! Convertible lounge chairs offer a two-in-one seating solution that transitions smoothly from casual dining to laid-back lounging.
It’s like having seating that quickly shapeshifts from an upright chair to a reclined lounge. Convertibles are perfect for patrons who want to sit back and relax before, after, or even during their meal. These versatile pieces are a great addition to outdoor spaces where flexibility and comfort are top priorities.
Material options should be anything that’s weather-resistant and make sure it’s low-maintenance and highly durable. A little investment now could save you a lot with fewer repairs in the future.
Convertible lounge chairs also bring a playful element to your restaurant that guests are bound to love. And if your space offers a superb view of the outdoors, customers can simply lean back and comfortably enjoy the scenery.
Ensure that you make cushions and frames available for these convertible lounge chairs to give an added touch of comfort. You can also create thematic outdoors with specific colors for these cushions, giving it a more oriental touch. It's the best of both worlds: casual dining and ultimate relaxation.
Want a delightful sense of whimsy and fun in restaurant patios? Let the outdoor swing chairs enter with full swing! They’re a big hit for guests of all ages.
These suspended seats add an instant charm factor. Beyond just charm and whimsy, they can even become a signature feature for your restaurant’s outdoor area, since not many restaurants in Canada have swing chairs outdoors.
The best thing about these chairs is they encourage guests to linger and hang around with all that comfort. They’re perfect for your casual dining spot that amalgamates a unique ambiance with a relaxing vibe.
But let’s go beyond the comfort and fun factor! Outdoor swing chairs are surprisingly practical as well, because:
Imagine attracting social media-savvy diners looking for that picture-perfect seat, talk about free advertisement!
Despite what some might think, concrete doesn’t mean bland! Concrete dining sets are indeed a great choice for restaurant patios. They may seem traditional or old-fashioned if you imagine. But that’s just your imagination. You can strike that perfect industrial-chic look with the concrete set if it’s adorned with LED lights or has intricate carvings.
But let’s talk about the main reason someone would go for concrete dining sets. Durability, like no other material, so much so, that they can handle just about anything nature throws their way. From constant sunlight to stormy rains to strong winds, they can stand everything, quite literally.
This hefty material also gives a sense of permanence, and sophistication, creating a grounded. Guests can relax and enjoy their meals without worrying about wobbling tables or flimsy seating. For the perfect look, you can:
Concrete dining sets hold up well, but more importantly, they also make a striking and audacious visual statement. Such a daring look is bound to impress guests who look for something casual, unique, and Instagrammable.
Have fun implementing these creative ideas in your restaurant outdoors. Whatever furniture type you choose, be sure to keep it as comfy and practical as possible. Looks are important, but your guests won’t stay for long, and probably won’t return either, if the chairs and seats lack the comfort factor. Make sure everything’s super convenient and relaxing for every guest to make them linger for quite some time.
