Are you thinking of revamping your cafe’s interior in 2019? If transforming the interior of your cafe once you’ve seen the old year out and the new year in is likely to feature at the top of your New Year resolutions list, then we’ve put together some of the top interior design trends you might like to consider.

Earthy Tones

We challenge you to flick through a home décor magazine and not notice the prevalence of the earth tone colour palette. To be honest, it’s one of our favourites which works particularly well if you’re trying to create an ambience that feels warm and welcoming. Green is back (did it ever go away?) and this is reflected in interiors comprising green and earthy shades. As such grey and beige is back as are neutral shades contrasted with warmer colours such as deep rich blues, terracotta, and warm shades of green. To achieve this look for yourself why not create a statement wall by painting one of your walls a deep shade of terracotta and leaving the others a pale beige. Pale timber table tops surrounded by wood furniture such as our bentwood chairs or our ladder back chairs with caramel cushions would work really well to create warmth and depth.

Bold wallpaper

We’re suckers for bold wallpaper and if you’re looking to make a statement then papering just one wall of your cafe with a colourful print featuring birds, foliage, tropical flowers and the like, is an easy and inexpensive way to do so. Go on…. go mad!

Ice cream colours

Who doesn’t like ice cream? We certainly do! Pretty pastel shades like soft pink, vanilla, pale lemon, and chocolate can be mixed and matched to create a look that’s so yummy you could almost eat it. You can experiment with one of these tutti frutti colours on a single wall or several if you’re feeling especially brave. Alternatively try introducing one or more of these colours with accessories such as dining chairs, pendant lamps, or tableware.

Rugs on walls

Yes, we know that most people use rugs on their floor to create a feeling of warmth and cosiness but how about hanging a couple on your walls to create a textural piece of artwork? It’s not quite as crazy as it sounds.

Statement ceilings

Let’s face it, most of us are too preoccupied trying to decide on a colour for all 4 walls that by the time we get around to the ceiling it’s easier to reach for a pot of white paint. A statement ceiling can totally transform the look of your cafe and also makes a talking point. If your room is already decorated but you feel it lacks that certain something …… then try looking up!

At Cafe Furniture Melbourne, we don’t just offer design advice we also stock a wide range of cafe furniture in all sorts of designs, colours, materials, and sizes. Why not browse our online store for inspiration or take a visit to our showroom where you can see our products first hand. See you there!

Whether you run a cafe or coffee shop or are looking to open one you may be wondering what is the best way to approach its interior, décor, and furniture. We’ve put together a few tips to help you.

Know your customers

While this might seem an obvious point, it’s still worth ys pointing out that there’s very little point in opening a trendy industrial style cafe complete with Edison light bulbs and exposed brick walls if your potential clientele are seniors more interested in gingham table clothes, wood panelling, and pretty teapots on the table, and vice versa. Ultimately it’s a good idea to place yourself somewhere in the middle with a cozy comfortable look which will attract older clientele as well as younger, more trendy customers.

Mix and match coffee shop and bistro furniture

There is nothing that states that all your cafe furniture has to match. Instead, the great thing about independent cafes is that you don’t have to settle for the uniform look of the larger chains. Try mixing and matching your cafe chairs for a casual look or add some bar tables and high stools for elevation. You can give it your own stamp of personality with character in abundance to make it stand out from the crowd.

Up the wall

Whether your walls are painted, wallpapered, or exposed brick, they serve as a  canvas on which to showcase your cafe’s individuality. Customers like homemade and local touches so why not try to source vintage maps of your suburb and have them framed and mounted on the wall. Alternatively you might consider hanging artwork from local artists which is a great way to add colour and interest. Rotating your exhibitions is also likely to encourage customers to come back on a regular basis.

Light fantastic

Edison light bulbs are commonplace in industrial styled interiors so you might want to think outside of the box a little more. Lights inset into your walls can create a softer lighting and add a warm upward glow while pendant lights with wire shades add atmosphere.

Rather than rows of straight lighting suspended over your tables try varying the style and length of your lighting. LED lighting can be placed at floor level along the edge of a room or set above a table where your condiments, cutlery, and sauces are displayed. Also, remember that natural light is best so why not consider installing a skylight in the ceiling and keep windows as clutter free as possible.

Flowers on the tables

Flowers immediately brighten up a table but you don’t have to place them in traditional vases. Instead, why not consider old enamel or china teapots, decorative jam jars, large drinking glasses or even something more quirky like a branded food tin.

Finally, don’t forget that coffee is in itself an attractive commodity. You could store dark shiny coffee beans in pretty glass jars on a shelf around your cafe or behind your counter. Or why not use jars half filled with coffee beans as quirky candle holders?

Don’t worry too much about trends, instead remember if your cafe looks warm, friendly, and welcoming then you’ve got it right.

Whether you’re just starting out or remodelling your cafe, deciding which kinds of tables and chairs to fit out your venue can be quite a challenge. We’ve put together a short guide containing our recommendations for cafe seating.

Comfort is key

Cafes tend to have a high turnover of customers but their clientele varies from those visiting fast food restaurants. Typically customers that visit cafes are looking to enjoy a snack in a comfortable but casual setting. They’ll normally spend longer sitting and enjoying their food. As a result, it’s important that the seating you provide is comfortable. Cafe customers also looking for a venue with nice décor and a relaxing ambience, so stylish furniture is also a necessity.

Seating

Wood chairs and wood and metal chairs are a good choice for cafes. Wood has a warm natural look about it and is usually more comfortable than metal chairs. Some examples of comfortable wood chairs are our Ladderback chairs which come in a variety of colours and our Bentwood chairs which come in different designs. If you want the look of wood but the sturdiness of metal then our Bow chairs make a great choice. These have a metal frame finished to look like timber and a padded vinyl seat.

Wood and metal chairs are a good compromise for those wanting a robust metal frame and the attractive aesthetics of wood. One example of this type of seating is our Tolix chair which comes with a timber seat.

Many cafes have outdoor patios and pavement dining areas and for these situations we recommend chairs that can withstand the elements. Polypropylene chairs are a good choice because they’re light and easy to move around and can withstand sun and rain. They come in an exciting variety of styles and colours. Another option is our Parisian chairs which look great both outside and indoors. These chairs use nylon wicker to give the look of natural rattan but are more durable and weather resistant. They also have a lightweight aluminium frame which makes them easy to move from one place to another. Another benefit of these chairs is that they stack for convenient storage at the end of the day.

As we mentioned earlier quality is key so always buy chairs intended for commercial use and in particular look out for those that have passed AFRDI tests.

Booths

Booth seating is another great choice for cafes and is popular with customers because they offer a greater degree of privacy. Booth seating is generally more comfortable than cafe chairs because they’re upholstered with padded seats and backrests. They’re ideal for customers looking for a comfortable and quiet setting where they can unwind with a coffee or meal after a busy day at the office.

Tables

Solid wood tables are always a popular choice for cafes because they lend elegance and charm to the setting. As many cafes have wood floors, they fit in really well with the décor too and the tables can be stained for a perfect match. Another smart choice is laminated table tops. These are a less expensive option and take on the aesthetics of the material they’re replicating be it wood, marble, granite, and even cement. They’re more durable than wood tables and easier to wipe clean and maintain. We have a wide range of Isotop tabletops in all shapes and sizes.

Cafe Furniture Melbourne stocks a comprehensive range of cafe furniture to suit all tastes and budgets. Why not browse our online store or visit our showroom where you can see our products close up. Meanwhile, if you need any help in choosing your cafe furniture just give us a call and we’ll be pleased to help. Call today on (03) 9344 1623.

If you want to become a front-runner in the cafe industry it’s important to consider how to create a pleasant ambience in your cafe design. Good food, good layout, and the right furniture all contribute to standing your cafe out and making a wonderful experience which will see customers coming back for more.

From planning just the right seating layout of a cafe to creating a captivating interior, a lot of time and thought has usually gone into the planning of a successful cafe venture. This investment in your time is well worth it as modern-day diners go to cafes to spend quality time with families and friends and well as to savour delicious coffee and yummy snacks. Consider the following 3 tips to make your cafe the ‘go to cafe in town’.

1# Well planned convenient cafe seating area

Getting your layout right is crucial to the bottom line of your cafe business. The seating area defines both the comfort and privacy of your customers and that’s where the significance of good quality cafe tables and chairs comes in. A few of the ways customers perceive whether a layout is well designed are the size and style of your tables and chairs, how comfortable seating is over a longer period of time, how flexible the space is, and how attractive the dining area is overall. The style and material of your cafe furniture is one element which can make or break the ambience of your cafe. While there is a place for plastic chairs and tables, a customer entering a quality cafe would expect to find stylish tub chairs, booth seating, Bentwood or Tolix chairs, and perhaps the odd sofa or two thrown in.

2# Great looking outdoor spaces

Does your cafe have an outside area that is underused and underestimated? Why not consider optimising the potential of this area by sprucing it up with some fabulous furniture and a dazzling design? If there are a jumble of faded, patterned tables and chairs which don’t do justice to your outdoor dining space, then it’s time to get rid of them. Replace your furniture with some innovative designs in tables and chairs. There are lots of premium designs in polypropylene, rattan, and aluminium which are lightweight and designed specifically for an outdoor area. You’ll be surprised what you can create with laminate table tops designed to look like granite or real wood and paired with colourful replica designer chairs that are sure to turn heads. Throw in some parasols for shade and some green foliage, and customers will feel relaxed and stress-free.

3# Smarter ways to revamp problem areas

While cramming your dining space with as many tables and chairs as you can gives you the ability to cater for more covers, in reality, it often has quite the opposite effect. Have you ever been to a cafe where the tables are so close to each other that not only is it impossible to move freely between tables but you can hear every word of the conversation the people sitting there are having? If you crowd 4 people around a table intended for two or six people into a booth for 4, they’ll feel uncomfortable and even if you do serve the best coffee, they’re unlikely to come back. Instead consider what might be your problem areas such as tables too close to the toilets, a noisy kitchen, or an entrance way that’s too cold. Focus on placing the right size and style of furniture in the right size of space. For instance, a tiny recess with a small bistro table and 2 chairs plus a candle on the table can create a romantic space for couples looking for some privacy.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re running a tiny coffee shop or an upmarket restaurant, what matters most is giving your customers a positive experience which turns them into loyal customers who visit time and time again.

At Cafe Furniture Melbourne we stock a wide range of top quality cafe furniture in styles, sizes, shapes, materials and colours to create just the cafe ambience you’re after.

Furnishing your new cafe can be exciting and daunting, all at the same time. After all, it’s not quite the same as buying a sofa for your lounge or a dining room table. We’ve put together a few common mistakes that people make when buying cafe furniture to help you get it right.

Not spending enough time planning

It’s easy to land on a furniture website and simply click on the items you like without taking into full consideration whether you have enough floor space, where it’s going to be placed, and how your dining space will flow. Other considerations include durability, whether or not it fits your cafe’s image, and, of course, your budget. Be sure to spend sufficient time in the planning so that when you come to make your purchase you know exactly how much furniture you can comfortably fit into your dining area.

Not considering the spacial needs of your customers

Cramming in too many tables and chairs is a common problem for cafe owners and comes out of their wish to accommodate as many people as possible at any one time. While we totally get this, it’s important to place yourself in your customer’s shoes. Would you want to sit that close to the person on the next table that you can hear everything he or she is saying? Do you want to have to breath in simply to get to your table and sit down? You need to leave at least 45cm between chairs and allow for there to be sufficient space for waiting staff and other customers to move freely between tables.

Not getting your measurements right

When measuring your cafe’s floor space, do it once and then do it a couple more times. It’s infuriating to order several tables and then find out that you can’t fit them in as you’d planned. Instead we suggest that having measured your floor space you then take a note of the measurements of the furniture that you’re interested in. Sketch out a floor plan on a piece of paper and using the dimensions work out the best layout.

Not considering your customers’ needs

Your choice of furniture may suit you but remember it’s not about you, it’s about your customers. Consider the demographics of your potential customers and choose your furniture accordingly. For example, if your cafe is likely to attract older, retired people then choose chairs and sofas which are comfortable and allow them to sit a little longer. If on the other hand, your customers are young business people looking to get in and out as quickly as possible, then look for furniture that’s more suited to a fast turnaround, such as tall bar stools behind counters, or bistro tables and stools.

Every cafe will have its own special requirements based on the image you’re trying to get across and it’s always possible to create the right ambience with the careful choice of colours and textures.

Where to buy cafe furniture

At Cafe Furniture Melbourne we’ve got a wide selection of cafe furniture in an assortment of materials, styles, size and colours. Why not browse our online store or visit our showroom to try it out for yourself?

Whether it’s a cafe, bistro, or bar, when the sun’s shining customers want to sit outdoors and enjoy it.

Tips for outside furniture

If you have some space outside then it makes sense to create an area where customers can sit with a drink and food. Not only does this help to increase revenue with more covers, but it also draws attention to your cafe or bar, and an attractive outdoor terrace will attract passing business too.

Having the right outdoor furniture is particularly important especially with the harsh Australian climate, which leads into the tricky question of which material is the best for outdoor use?

To give you a better idea, we’ve put together the advantages of the 4 main materials: wood, metal, rattan, and plastic.

Wooden furniture for outdoors

Typically associated with urban cafes that are known for their wooden benches and tables, wood is a rustic, versatile, and attractive choice. The downside of wooden furniture is the maintenance required to keep it looking in good condition. Fading, cracking, and rotting is common in areas that experience extremities of hot and rainy conditions, which is why we tend to encourage our customers to consider wood effect furniture instead.

Metal furniture and seating

Out of all types of cafe furniture, metal is probably one of the most popular choices. Metal chairs and tables are adept at withstanding hot summers and prolonged wet weather. Stainless steel and aluminium are also very strong, durable, and light enough to move around with ease, so they can be easily rearranged by your staff or your customers. They can also be stored away conveniently for the winter months and won’t take up too much space.

Plastic furniture for commercial use

Made from a type of plastic resin called polypropylene this sort of furniture is completely weather resistant and durable. It comes in a wide range of styles and colours, so you can really let your imagination flow and create an outdoor dining space that’s unique to your cafe. Best of all, the only maintenance required is a quick wipeover with a damp cloth.

Plastic chairs were often regarded as cheap alternatives but with newly improved materials and a vast range of innovative styles, they’ve taken outdoor dining to new levels. Since plastic furniture is typically less expensive than other types, it could be a good choice if your budget is low.

Rattan furniture

Rattan furniture was traditionally made from palms woven together but nowadays the tendency is for rattan furniture to be made from plastic or nylon rattan, often with steel frames that have been finished to look like cane. Just as charming in appearance as traditional rattan, modern day rattan furniture is both durable, weather resistant, and easy to maintain.

If you’re looking for outdoor cafe furniture then at Cafe Chairs Melbourne we have a wide range to choose from. Why not browse our online store or visit our showroom for inspiration.