If you are considering opening a cafe, your choice of coffee shop furniture and décor is an important part of creating the unique personality and ambiance that will attract patrons and make visitors feel welcome.
People from every walk of life realize the pleasure and enjoyment found in an expertly brewed cup of coffee. Whether reading the daily newspaper, studying for college exams, entertaining clients, or socializing with friends, coffee is the perfect complement to any activity and the warm, friendly environment of a cafe is the ideal setting.
From classic modern design to trendy chic; or, from quaint Victorian to cozy country, cafes are popular social gathering spots for every crowd. They provide a place to unwind and relax and offer a comfortable venue for business executives to work or busy moms to recharge.
Every coffee shop owner knows that layout, design, and décor are important to the attractiveness and success of their cafe. Selecting furnishings to complement and enhance the theme will appeal to patrons and make each cafe stand out from all the rest.
Modern/Contemporary
Give the coffee shop a stylish urban look with metal furniture accented with upholstery and patterns in primary colors such as red, blue, or yellow. Include a mix of square tables and high round tables in lacquered black or light colored wood. Add a couple black leather couches and coffee tables in a contemporary design. Complete the look with sleek track lighting, simple framed mirrors, and modern sculptures and artwork.
Victorian
Create an elegant or whimsical ambiance with simple wooden tables and chairs. Use plain, embroidered, or lace tablecloths accented with intricate hand blown glass vases filled with fresh cut flowers. Include wooden bookcases decorated with an assortment of Victorian era items and cover walls with prints of Victorian homes or pastoral scenes. Adding white painted sideboards and a variety of floor and table lamps will give the room a cozy yet opulent feel. In pleasant weather, create a Victorian sidewalk cafe by placing a couple of wrought iron tables and chairs outside. Complete with wildflower arrangements and hand painted mugs.
Beachfront
From the sandy shores to a busy boulevard, you can give your coffee shop a casual beachfront aura that will attract those looking for a place to relax and refresh. Use simple picnic style tables and benches or dress it up a little with plain wooden tables and metal framed wicker chairs. Accent with large beach umbrellas or tiki palm thatched umbrellas and huts. Complete the look with palm trees, bowls of tropical fruit or bamboo torches.
Traditional
Create a comfortable, familiar environment with a traditional décor offering a little bit of everything. Wooden square tables with chairs painted in contrasting colors will add a perfect blend of country and contemporary, making everyone feel welcome. Add glass display cases, large chalkboards for handwritten menus, and a bookcase containing a variety of magazines or books for patrons to peruse while enjoying their coffee and treats.
Pet Friendly
Catch onto the newest trend in coffee shops – the pet friendly environment – with a décor that will make four legged creatures feel as welcome as their owners. Have an enclosed area for pets or allow them to mingle freely. Include tables with paw print patterns and cover walls with pictures of cats, dogs, and other pets, designating a special portion for photos of local pet patrons. And, remember to have a few plush doggy beds scattered around the room.
Rustic
For a relaxed nature theme, use wooden tables and mismatched chairs, or slab tables with long benches. Add a couple of large brown leather chairs, coffee tables made from slices of tree trunks, and even a few antique pieces. Accent with oil lamps and paintings of country scenes, and display products in stacked wooden crates or on unvarnished shelves.
Cafes are a great place to work, relax, and socialize with friends, and the choice of coffee shop furniture and décor is an important part of making each cafe comfortable and unique.