8 Best Exterior Design Styles| Restaurant Furniture

As alfresco dining becomes increasingly popular, restaurant owners must pay attention to their restaurant exterior design style.

A good, consistent exterior design has numerous benefits for a restaurant:

Firstly, creating a cohesive and inviting outdoor dining experience for customers is crucial. When a restaurant or cafe adopts a specific furniture style, it creates a distinct atmosphere that sets it apart from competitors and helps establish a brand identity.

Secondly, it is easier for customers to recognise the restaurant’s image and style, leading to increased customer loyalty and repeat visits.

Also, it facilitates restaurant owners to plan and make decisions about decor, lighting, and other elements of the restaurant’s design.

What are the on-trend alfresco dining furniture styles? Check out our curated top-ten list as follows.

No. 1 Minimalist Style

Definition of Minimalist Style

The minimalist style is a design aesthetic emphasising simplicity, functionality, and clean lines. It ensued after the rise of post-war consumer culture and is characterised by a pared-down aesthetic.

Characteristics of Minimalist Style

Simplicity: This style often features a limited colour palette, with monochromatic schemes featuring shades of white, black, and grey. Colour is used sparingly, often as an accent to highlight critical elements of the space.

Clean lines: Clean lines are another hallmark of the Minimalist Style. This style features furniture and architectural elements with simple, unadorned forms that prioritise functionality over ornamentation. The result is a minimalist space that feels uncluttered and calm.

Minimalist Tables

Minimalist tables are designed with clean lines and minimal detailing, often featuring metal or wood frames with simple, geometric shapes. The focus is on functionality, with minimalist tables intended to be practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Minimalist Chairs

Minimalist chairs consist of simple, unadorned forms that emphasise functionality over decoration. Materials used for minimalist chairs can vary but often include metal or wood, with a focus on durability and ease of maintenance.

Definition of Industrial Style

The Industrial Style is a design aesthetic that draws inspiration from industrial settings and incorporates elements such as raw materials, utilitarian objects, and exposed mechanical details into interior design.

The style emerged in the 20th century as people converted factories and warehouses into living spaces. It is often associated with the gritty, urban feel of industrial neighbourhoods and is a popular choice for loft apartments and other industrial-style living spaces.

Characteristics of Industrial Style

Neutral colour palette: A neutral colour palette includes shades of grey, black, and white. It combines with metal finishes, such as distressed or rusted steel, to create a rugged and industrial look.

Natural and raw materials: Raw metal and wood are crucial in the industrial style. This style often features furniture pieces made of reclaimed wood and steel and fixtures such as exposed pipes and ductwork.

Functionality: Furniture is designed with a practical purpose and is often multi-functional, serving as storage, seating, or workspace. The use of industrial-inspired fixtures, such as pendant lights and wall sconces, also adds to the functionality of the space.

Industrial Style Tables

Industrial style tables often feature metal frames and wooden or concrete table tops. These tables are durable and functional, with simple, streamlined designs.

Industrial Style Chairs

Industrial style chairs are often made of metal and wood, focusing on comfort and practicality. These chairs often feature simple designs with clean lines, making them ideal for use in both residential and commercial spaces.

No. 3 Scandinavian Style

Definition of Scandinavian Style

The Scandinavian style is a design aesthetic that originated in the Nordic countries and is known for its minimalism and functionality. Clean lines, natural materials, and a focus on simplicity and functionality characterise it.

Characteristics of Scandinavian Style

Neutral colour palette: includes shades of white, grey, and beige.

Natural materials: focus on wood, leather, wool, and unfinished textures.

Simplicity & functionality: with a minimalistic design that eliminates unnecessary clutter and distractions.

Scandinavian Furniture

Scandinavian tables and chairs often have light-coloured wood structures with a simple and functional design that complements the overall aesthetic, encouraging leisure and relaxation.

No. 4 Mediterranean Style

Definition of Mediterranean Style

Mediterranean style is a design style that originated from the coastal Mediterranean Sea, including Greece, Italy, Spain, and North Africa. It is a warm and inviting style that incorporates elements of the sea and sun, as well as the natural landscapes of the Mediterranean region.

Characteristics of Mediterranean Style

• Earthy colours
• Natural material
• Textured surfaces
• Arched doorways and window
• Mosaic tile work
• Warm lighting
• Natural motifs
• Outdoor living

Mediterranean Style Furniture

The Mediterranean style furniture often features heavy, sturdy materials, such as wood or wrought iron. Works often have curved lines and intricate details and are adorned with textiles like cushions in bold colours.

No.5 Mid-Century Modern Style

Definition of Mid-Century Modern Style

The mid-century modern style, often called MCM, refers to a design movement that emerged after World War II (1939-1945) and lasted until the mid-1960s.

Mid-century modern style is often associated with designers and architects such as Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, and George Nelson, who created iconic pieces of furniture and lighting that continue to be popular today.

Characteristics of Mid-Century Modern Style

• Organic and geometric shapes
• Function over form
• Minimal ornamentation
• Contradicting materials and textures
• Neutral colours

Mid-Century Modern Furniture

The mid-century modern furniture distinguishes itself by a sleek, minimalist aesthetic focusing on functionality. This style is known for its natural materials, such as wood, leather, and metal, as well as its emphasis on technology and innovation in design.

No.6 Rustic Style

Definition of Rustic Style

The rustic style is a design aesthetic that draws inspiration from natural elements and the rugged beauty of the great outdoors. It is intended for a warm and inviting atmosphere, emphasising raw materials and textures.

Characteristics of Rustic Style

Earthy colour palette: includes brown, green, and red.

Natural materials: consist of wood, stone, and leather.

Warmth and comfort: with soft lighting and cosy textiles such as wool, fur, and flannel.

Rustic Furniture

Rustic outdoor tables and chairs for restaurants and hotels focus on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that invites relaxation and conversation. They show a preference for raw, unfinished material textures.

No.7 Bohemian Style

Definition of Bohemian Style

Bohemian Style furniture is relaxed and eclectic-styled, incorporating vibrant colours, patterns, and natural elements like rattan and wicker.

Characteristics of Bohemian Style

• Organic
• Layered
• Include texture
• Culturally Inspired
• Eclectic
• Comfortable

Bohemian Style Furniture

• Natural materials such as wood or rattan
• Woven textiles such as macramé, rattan, or crochet
• Textured surfaces or patterned tablecloths can add depth to the table
• A mix of colours and patterns creates a lively look
• Low tables, such as Moroccan-style coffee tables or floor pillows, can add to the bohemian vibe
• Mix and match different chairs or use floor cushions for an eclectic look

No.8 Tropical Style

Definition of Tropical Style

Inspired by the lush foliage and vibrant colours of tropical environments, this style incorporates natural materials like bamboo and teak and bright colours and patterns.

Characteristics of Tropical Style

• Lush Greens
• Natural Fibres
• Casual Comfort
• Sea Motifs
• Sandy Shades
• Eco Friendliness
• Palm Trees
• Nostalgic Touches

Tropical Style Furniture

The tropical style is famous for abundant greenery, including plants with large leaves and vibrant colours. People use natural fibres such as rattan, bamboo, and wicker to create the vibe.

Final Thoughts

If you find it challenging to choose one particular style for your commercial alfresco space, then re-examine your decision by asking yourself:

• Is it within the budget?

• Will this style enhance my customers’ experience?

• Is it the most practical option?

• Am I prioritising function over aesthetics?

• Is my fear of risk to trying something different reasonable?

• Are my design decisions a balance between my personal preferences and my customer needs?

Please comment on your most impressive restaurant exterior design style and why.

Are you interested in minimalist and industrial styles to elevate your customer experience? Talk to Coets specialist—move one step toward your dream restaurant.