There are many influencers that decide whether a restaurant will be profitable. Obvious factors include demand for the cuisine, variable costs and marketing efforts. However, one area that is often over looked is the ambience of the restaurant itself.
Importance of restaurant interiors for business success
Studies have shown that restaurant atmosphere can affect how much/fast customers eat, how much they spend, how long they stay and if they decide to return. If a restaurant creates the right kind of ambience, customers will feel comfortable and enjoy their experience at your restaurant.
Judgement is made on an establishment’s décor before anything else. The quality and style of the furniture should reflect the price of the restaurant: a high quality design will echo the establishment’s prices. In a restaurant with certain pieces of furniture such as sofas, this suggests a relaxed environment, prompting customers to unwind and stay for longer periods. The following interior design elements are areas which can be altered to change the experience you provide.
.jpg)
Lighting and music in commercial spaces
Lighting will create the atmosphere for each table. It plays a strong supporting role in creating a brand. Restaurants featuring bright lighting encourage quick eating, just think of fast food establishments. In comparison, restaurants which are softly or dimly lit encourage customers to relax.
It is also important to match the music with the lighting of the restaurant. A study found that guests who dined in a softly lit environment consumed less food, however they lingered longer, making additional orders. Sound in restaurants also had the same outcome, loud and popular music promoted faster eating whilst slower tempo music helps diners to relax.
Colour schemes for dining
Colour schemes again need to match your restaurant type. The colour choice can affect the way customers perceive your restaurant. Reds, yellows and other bright colours are commonly used in quick turnover food establishments whereas dark colours are used to create a more intimate, romantic feeling as they make rooms look smaller.
Comfortable eating
Customers’ comfort is vital in improving the diners’ experience. The use of quality tables and chairs help to create comfort but the spacing of the furniture is equally important. Spacing can prompt customers’ decisions, for example a fast turnaround can be created by placing people in the middle of the room. It has been found that this makes people eat quicker. Whilst it is essential to make sure spaces aren’t cramped, there needs to be enough seating available to create a profit.
Ultimately, each restaurant will have different needs and requirements. In smaller places, the opportunity may be more limited, but it is nearly always possible to alter the ambience of a space with careful manipulation of design elements.
Whatever interior your restaurant is looking to create, Trent Furniture can help. Call us now on 0116 2864 911.