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How to put your indoor area outside
How to put your indoor area outside
Observe the seasons
Those who have an outdoor area and have designed it beautifully, would like to offer this extra to their guests all year round. The conditions of the different seasons should therefore be considered in the design of the outdoor area. It is not enough to spread blankets on the chairs on colder days and equip the service staff with warmer jackets. Furniture must be winterized and weatherproofed! Radiant heaters allow your guests to sit comfortably outside even in lower temperatures. In the hot months, on the other hand, there should be enough shade available to protect your guests from surprise precipitation as well. With a completely weatherproof outdoor area, up to 80 additional patio days can be gained - the investment in good equipment has thus paid off within a short time.
Our tip
Square and mobile sunshades can be easily assembled, allowing your guests to sit outside even in adverse weather conditions.
Indoor and outdoor merge
In contrast to the classic beer garden set, the trend focuses on a living room atmosphere in the open air. Outdoor furniture therefore increasingly resembles indoor furniture, both in terms of look and feel. Outdoor lounge furniture is particularly popular, allowing you to divide your outdoor area into: a dining area, a lounge area and a bar area. The comfortable furniture will turn your patio into a living room and spread a cozy atmosphere. In general, the more comfortable and cozy your guests are seated, the longer they will stay - and sales will increase!
The design is based on a mix of styles: Modern and clear shapes can be combined with different materials and decorative items. Outdoor carpets and outdoor cushions bring the living room completely outside and turn your terrace into a feel-good oasis. The design of the outdoor area should always be coordinated with the furnishings of your indoor area to achieve a smooth transition from indoors to outdoors. So stay true to your style outside - so the outdoor area integrates perfectly into your concept.
The target group
When planning the outdoor area, you should ask yourself how you can make your guests happy. Depending on the size and orientation of your establishment, needs will vary greatly.
For a café, small tables for cups and small plates will suffice, while a restaurant will need larger tables to provide enough space for all the plates. Shifting plates back and forth to make room for a bread basket and water glass is annoying and will not please your guests.
Also, seating comfort is more important in the outdoor area of a restaurant than in a café, as guests tend to stay seated longer.
For establishments that are open from breakfast to happy hour, a combination of seating options is a good way to meet all needs: A lounge corner for coffee or cocktail lovers, comfortable chairs and generous tables for more substantial meals, and possibly small, secluded seating for a quick snack.
Requirements for the patio furniture
Year-round patio use places great demands on outdoor furniture. It must protect from sun, rain and wind, be able to bear snow loads and be UV resistant. So flexibility is a basic requirement of furniture to provide all-weather protection: waterproof restaurant awnings and water-repellent or quick-drying materials for outdoor furniture help to stay dry during short rain showers. It's best to avoid materials that get excessively hot or fade when exposed to sunlight. If you do close the outdoor area in winter, folding chairs and tables are a good choice for space-saving storage. If tables need to be moved frequently, you should also look for lightweight materials. In our outdoor furniture material guide you will find more useful information about individual materials.
Our tip
For a hygienic cleaning of the tables in your outdoor area we recommend surfaces without coarser structures.
Design highlights
Special highlights in the design of the outdoor area help restaurateurs stand out from the competition. Depending on the operator's concept and the target group, different eye-catchers are available here.
- Light creates atmosphere: Lighting is also an important part of outdoor design and can do a lot. Both in the summer and in the dark months, light can create a relaxing atmosphere and extend the period of use. Plus, light not only attracts moths, but also potential guests! A stylish lamp, lanterns and lanterns will enhance your outdoor space.
- Plants: Place plants on your patio - natural decorations are pretty to look at and have a fresh effect. Larger plants can also be used as privacy screens to delineate your outdoor area and give your guests privacy.
- Outdoor carpets and pillows: A carpet in your outdoor area brings "indoors" to "outdoors." Combine it with decorative pillows to create a cozy atmosphere that will make your guests feel right at home.
Checklist for patio design
- Is the selected furniture easy to maintain, robust, weatherproof, flexible, stackable and easy to move?
- Has the design been harmoniously coordinated with the interior?
- Does the design match the F&B offer - sufficiently large tables for relaxed dining, cozy lounge corner for cocktail enjoyment, etc.?
- Has the furniture been selected and arranged in such a way that different zones can possibly be created, thus creating a varied and inviting overall image?
- Has thought been given to windbreaks and shades, depending on needs and location?
- Have practical outdoor accessories such as anti-theft devices for tables and chairs, weather protection covers for sunshades been thought of?
