Obviously it is important for a café or bistro to serve up good food and drink, however it is also the atmosphere that can draw in customers a lot of the time.
If people feel comfortable in their surroundings, especially where they are having a meal or meeting up with a friend, then they are more likely to return and be a loyal customer.
Colour selection, accessories and what furniture you choose for your café or bistro all help customers to feel comfortable while they are eating or drinking, and if you get the decoration right, you will definitely have some happy customers.
Check out the guide below for the different types of decoration techniques you can use for your café or bistro, based on your budget and style, plus some extra tips for what will be suitable for your business.
Pick a theme
When decorating a café or Bistro, it is probably best to pick a theme. This will give a running standard to everything you decorate it with and will make sure the things you buy fit together, rather than looking at odds.
For example, if you wanted to go for a modern drinking and dining establishment, then why not try stainless steel or chrome cafe furniture. This could be teamed with some edgy artwork for an up-to-date feel and would be perfect if you are trying to create a space for those on business lunches or corporate meetings.
Or, if you are a trying to produce a cosy and warm atmosphere for your customers, why not go for dark wood furniture, with a mix of normal chairs, stools and maybe even a leather sofa for guests to sit on. This mixture of furniture will bring a more relaxed atmosphere to the space and will make sure your customer returns if they want a bit of escapism from their hectic life.
You might want to go even further and make your café totally themed. For example, you can have a café which features only music from a certain era, where you can decorate your venue with music memorabilia and ornaments, which match appropriately with your furniture. Or, you could have a café or bistro with a fully-stocked bookcase, so that customers can have a read of their favourites and check out the latest books.
Themes can create a unique atmosphere at your outlet, and will help your business stand out against the competition.
Choosing a colour scheme
Choosing a colour scheme is important because it can affect the whole look and atmosphere of your establishment.
If the focus of your business is in the daytime, then try to go for lighter colours such as yellows, creams and whites as these will be more inviting to the customer. Whereas, if more of your business occurs in the evening, you can probably get away with going for darker and richer colours.
If you decide to make a statement however, go for something like a deep a red, which can really stand out and look luxurious if teamed with the right furniture and fittings. A black wall against chrome tables and chairs will also give an ultra-modern finish to any space too.
Cafés on a budget
When looking for furniture for a café, you are probably going to want to buy furniture made of metal, rather than wood, as this will enable you two wipe down the surface easier.
You will may also want to look for more simple designs, such as matching steel chairs, which can look modern if teamed with other simple features in your café.
However, you can still add simple touches, such as a understated pictures, or a small table ornament that will make your café more interesting without having to splash out a lot of money.
Extra Tips
Don't be afraid to clash! A lot of establishments, especially café's and bistro's, can become so much more inviting to a customer if they are not perfect, as it looks and feels more homely. Obviously don't go too crazy like mixing completely unsuitable chairs and tables, but a mixture of fabricated and normal wooden chairs could add an extra eclectic touch.
Another tip is to get the lighting right. A modern establishment could benefit from integrated ceiling lights, whereas a French-style bistro would better suit an antique lamp. Shop around and see what you think best suits.
So now you have it, you've got everything you need to kit out your venue, so get shopping!
Author Bio:
Kevin Mills started his career as a company executive in the Reading area and later relocated to Leicestershire. He is a proud father of a new son and happily living with his wife. At present he is working at an international furniture house in Leicestershire. Kevin occasionally writes articles about restaurant and hotel furniture.
If you want to connect with Kevin you can add him to your Google+ circle
