What to Consider When Designing Your Restaurant's Outdoor Seating Area?

Outdoor seating has gained popularity in the eateries to help create a comfortable eating environment out in a natural setting. When planning for a restaurant's outdoor seating it is imperative to consider several factors to ensure it is inviting, comfortable, and functional. The purpose of an outdoor seating area idea is to provide a space that improves the eating environment while simultaneously capturing the restaurant’s branding and operational needs.

In this blog post, we will discuss what to consider when designing Your restaurant's outdoor seating area and guide you on how to make it appealing.

Free Tables and Chairs of an Outdoor Coffee Shop Stock Photo

Understanding the Benefits of Outdoor Dining

It is important first to discuss the benefits of outdoor dining before looking into the details of its design. Having an outside seating area would also be highly beneficial when serving people different cuisines by creating a distinctive atmosphere. Here are some key advantages:

  1. Increased Capacity: Outdoor seating facility enables you to host a larger number of persons particularly during busy hours hence more revenues.
  2. Enhanced Customer Experience: People like eating outside because of the fresh air, and natural light, and the atmosphere feels much more relaxed.  
  3. Seasonal Appeal: With the right setup, whether as a primary or secondary focus for a restaurant, outdoor eating can be a year-round and therefore an advantageous proposition.
  4. Attracting Passersby: A well-designed outdoor area of the premises can also draw people’s attention and make the potential customers interested in the restaurant.

Key Considerations for Designing Outdoor Seating Areas

Designing an outdoor seating area requires planning and an understanding of several parameters to provide a highly usable, attractive, and on-message space. Here are some important aspects to think about:

1. Know Your Space and Layout

The basic starting point in designing the outdoor seating area is always the assessment of the working area. Determine the space that had been allocated and then ponder on the number of tables and chairs that would barely fit without congesting the area. In this case, furniture arrangement aims at achieving a maximum number of people to accommodate and at the same time make sure that people have enough space to move around comfortably.

Consider how the chairs should be provided at restaurants because that will affect the general look of the restaurant. To create a good reference, you need to look at the existing restaurant furniture and other customers’ positioning and make it as natural as possible so people can switch tables without feeling they are in someone else’s space. When designing the particular corner, a focus should be put on the ability for all the other points of the given space to be accessible and as welcoming as possible.

2. Choose the Right Furniture

What you use in your outdoor seating arrangement is highly influential on the outlook and quality of the space to be offered. Choose furniture, which is not only beautiful but also can withstand various types of weather conditions. Sun, rain, and winds can damage street furniture and therefore it should be made of metal, a special kind of treated wood, or high-quality plastic.

For instance, metal outdoor stools made from metal are common since they cannot easily corrode, or change colors when used outdoors. When choosing extra features such as cushions or seat pads it is important to choose those that are manufactured from water-resistant material that will also add comfort to the upholstery.

Key Considerations for Outdoor Furniture:

  • Durability: Opt for materials like metal, rattan, or treated wood for longevity.
  • Comfort: Add cushioned seats or padded backs for comfort during longer dining experiences.
  • Functionality: Select stackable or foldable furniture to accommodate easy storage and cleaning.

3. Incorporate Shade and Shelter

No one likes to sit in the sun, no one would want to be inside the restaurant if it is too hot outside, similarly, no one would want to be inside the restaurant when it is raining. Shade and shelter in the outdoor dining area are important for the comfort of cafeteria users in all weather changes. 

Another excellent outside seating area idea, an outdoor seating area with roof, awning, or large umbrellas will not only protect guests from the hot summer sun but will also protect guests from strong winds and other unexpected changes in the weather. The shade of a patio umbrella or an outdoor extended roof is also a perfect way to enjoy a fancy meal outside your restaurant. Finally, people use the chairs even during the evening.

Benefits of Adding Shade and Shelter:

  • Weather Protection: Provides comfort during both sunny and rainy days.
  • Extended Usage: Allows guests to enjoy outdoor dining year-round.
  • Enhanced Atmosphere: Adds style and ambiance with custom canopies, umbrellas, or pergolas.

4. Lighting is Key

Lighting is a very important attribute of the successful design of any territory equipped with seats. It is useful when there is light at night, and in addition, it sets the mood. Beautiful can a normal dining area become just by having the right lighting installed in a magical space.

It is also important that the seating at restaurants is cozy and intimate: to achieve that use string lights, lanterns, and outdoor wall lights. Dim and yellow lighting should be used in the dining area because people may relax during a meal while gradients may be used around the pathways and entrances for safety.

Types of Outdoor Lighting to Consider:

  • String Lights: Create a warm and inviting ambiance.
  • Lanterns: Add a rustic or classic touch.
  • Solar Lights: Eco-friendly and cost-effective for pathways and surrounding areas.

5. Create a Relaxing and Inviting Ambiance

The atmosphere that you can develop out of your compound where you have placed the outdoor dining area will determine how people feel about eating in your restaurant. You should approach the exterior decoration of your home in the same manner you would for interior design. Other parts include using potted plants, greenery, or flowers in the area and surroundings to create natural beauty around the seats and tables. You could also include outdoor art or murals to boost the visual appeal.

You should combine great food, good company, and some soft music in your outside eating space. However, don’t let the music scene be too loud or invasive so that it dominates the conversations your guests will be having. Checking on your guests quickly and often when they dine outside is important: make sure they have all the necessary conveniences, for example, during colder months blankets, or during hot summer days mosquito repellent.

Ambiance Enhancers:

  • Greenery: Use potted plants and flowers to soften the space.
  • Outdoor Art: Install wall art or sculptures to add personality.
  • Music: Light, soothing music can enhance the dining experience.

6. Think About Practicality

The first consideration when growing the outdoor dining area ideas with the possibility of organizing the sitting area is to concentrate on practicality. This means that the space needs to be easy to clean and maintain and also needs to have specific requirements that affect all areas of design. Choose materials that are smooth and can be cleaned often, materials that will not get damaged by water, spills, or stains, and can withstand adverse weather conditions.

One may consider using storage pieces for storage of artifacts such as cushions, heaters, and other cleaning commodities. Outdoor storage benches or cabinets are great to have when you want to have some furniture or shelves to sit on and also want to keep your outdoor area as tidy and clean as possible. Outdoor spaces must be as functional as inside spaces both for the guest and employees.

Practicality Considerations:

  • Maintenance: Choose easy-to-clean materials for furniture and flooring.
  • Storage: Include storage solutions for outdoor essentials.
  • Service Flow: Ensure adequate space for staff to move between tables comfortably.

7. Comply with Local Regulations and Permits

When planning the arrangement of your outdoor seating do remember to consult your local authorities on permits and restrictions. Every city or town has its regulations stating that outdoor seating areas must be controlled by zoning laws or building codes. This could include how large the outside eating areas are, what conditions for outside seating barriers have to be met, and conditions for noise levels and outside heaters. It is always important to check with your local municipality to find out all of the rules governing construction before starting.

Compliance Tips:

  • Zoning: Research local regulations on outdoor dining areas.
  • ADA Compliance: Make sure your space is accessible to all guests.
  • Permits: Secure necessary permits for construction or alteration of outdoor areas.

Conclusion

Designing an outdoor seating area for your restaurant is a fantastic idea to enhance the customer experience and grow your business. As a result, you can consider exceptional concepts such as the location and design of workstations, choice of furniture, lighting arrangements, compliance with norms, and finally, the establishment of an ambiance that will inspire customers to choose this place. Outdoor dining not only enhances the perception of your restaurant but also comes with many benefits including additional sales and happy customers. 

With these factors in mind, you are way ahead in designing a great-looking seating area that is outdoors and will complement your brand and look. No, go from the sunny open air to being able to enjoy an incredible dining terminus that inspires customers to come to your restaurant for a cool meal and friendly conversation. At Wholesale Bar Stool Club, we know how much there is to love about furniture and design that create a great dining experience. We will be happy to create the perfect ambiance for your restaurant’s dining area!