“Alexa, search for aesthetic cafes in my city.”
This is what most people search for when looking for a cafe. The right ambience, planned lighting scheme, and appealing decor make for the perfect cafe to look out for. If you’re a cafe owner looking to make your cafe aesthetic, read on as we transform your small space into a big one in a budget with our recommended techniques.
When you want to maximise a limited space into a big one, the goal is to make the cafe comfortable and efficient for not only the customers but also the staff. While this may sound difficult to you, leave it to us to find creative, innovative solutions for your issues!
1. Vertical Furniture, Vertical Storage:
Stylish shelves are the way to go when you’re looking to showcase your merchandise, products, or pastries in a visually pleasing manner. These shelves are easy to spot, hence may also lead to impulse purchases by buyers. They also make excellent storage solutions for frequently used items if installed above countertops or along walls. This proves helpful in reducing clutter as well. Another suggestion would be an installation of a green wall with plants or a vertical garden to enhance the cafe’s ambience while adding a touch of nature and improved air quality.
You may also decide to hang cups and mugs on walls using hooks or with the help of a rack, which allows for more cabinet space and visually improves the cafe’s look. If you wish to, you may hang pendant lights or tiny chandeliers from the ceiling to add elegance as well as define seating arrangements for the space. Digital menuboards are the new thing in cafes of today; use them to reduce extra space on the tables and showcase your daily specials or seasonal offers on the screen. You may also make use of a chalkboard to bring a rustic vibe to your cafe without exhorbitant spending. You can easily update the menu items with a chalk, which makes it versatile and cost-effective at the same time.
2. Seats Here, Seats There:
Utilise foldable furniture like chairs and tables that can be easily removed and stored away during off-peak hours or special events, increasing your limited floor space. Bar stools of similar kind can be used to create extra seating near counter or bar area to provide availability and flexibility of seating arrangements. Windows, if you have any, can be used to accentuate the aesthetic of the place. Add a few benches near the window for customers to relish the view outside with your cuisine. You may also choose wall-mounted benches to save on space and have additional seating options. Consider modular seating arrangements for customers of different group sizes and layouts and invest in multipurpose tables to accommodate both seated and standing customers.
3. Decide on Layout:
Wider aisles allow for the flow of customers and staff during peak hours. In addition to that, prevent placing obstacles or furniture that not only obstruct the view of your staff or customers but may also make your limited space look smaller. Help your staff out by deciding on an ergonomic design workstation that reduces employee fatigue and increases efficiency. Your workstations should be strategically planned in such a manner that they do not allow for extra unnecessary movement and maximize productivity. Use of clear signage is helpful for customers to navigate your space. Make for an intuitive layout guiding customers from the counter, seating areas, and exit.
4. Visual Expansion by Ambience and Lighting:
Place mirrors strategically to create the illusion of a bigger space that reflects natural light. You may also use mirrors to attract attention to specific areas of your cafe, which could be a piece of artwork or a unique feature wall. The use of soft lighting in the cafe looks warm and inviting. You may also invest in the versatile dimmable lighting, which is bright through the day and shifts to soft and romantic in the evening. This also reduces eye strain, making it extremely hospitable for the customers. You may also make seasonable adjustments with dimmable lighting. For instance, you may use a warmer light for winters to create a relaxing and beautiful atmosphere. Experiment with lighting fixtures such as table lamps to pique the visual interest of the customers.
With these little changes in design elements, you can make your small cafe look huge and aesthetic at the same time. The key to success is to maximise every little inch of your space and develop it into a welcoming environment for both your staff and customers.