When dining out, everything from the menu design to the table setting affects how we feel and enjoy our meal, but one of the most powerful, often overlooked factors is color. The choice of colors in restaurant interior design—whether it’s in furnishings, walls, or overall décor—plays a significant role in shaping the dining experience. This extends not only to how much a person enjoys their meal, but even how long they stay or how much they order.
Warm Colors (Red, Orange, Yellow): These colors are known to stimulate appetite and energy, making them ideal for fast-casual or high-energy dining environments. Red can create a sense of urgency and excitement, often prompting quicker eating. This is why many fast-food chains incorporate red into their branding and interior. Orange and yellow evoke feelings of warmth and friendliness, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere that encourages social interaction. However, overuse of these colors can become overwhelming and may encourage diners to eat quickly and leave sooner.
Cool Colors (Blue, Green, Purple): Cool colors tend to have the opposite effect of warm colors, often suppressing appetite while creating a more calming, relaxing atmosphere. Blue is associated with serenity and cleanliness, making it a good fit for fine dining restaurants or places where lingering is encouraged. Green is tied to nature and health, which is why it is often used in health-focused eateries or farm-to-table restaurants. Purple, though rarely used, can evoke a sense of luxury and creativity, making it a choice for upscale dining environments where sophistication is key.
Neutral Colors (White, Gray, Beige, Brown): Neutral tones serve as a backdrop that doesn’t distract from the food itself. White conveys cleanliness and simplicity, often used in minimalist or modern restaurant designs. Beige and brown tones, on the other hand, evoke warmth and coziness, creating a homey environment that’s perfect for casual dining spaces. Gray can be both sophisticated and calming but must be balanced with brighter tones to avoid feeling overly dull or sterile.
Black and Dark Colors: Used primarily in high-end, luxurious environments, black is often associated with sophistication and elegance. When used in moderation, it can create a sense of intimacy and exclusivity. However, overuse of black or dark tones can make a space feel heavy or unwelcoming, so it’s often paired with lighter or more vibrant accents.
THE ROLE OF COLOR IN FURNITURE SELECTION: BFM SEATING AS AN EXAMPLE
Restaurant furniture serves as a critical aspect of restaurant interior design and directly affects the customer’s experience. BFM Seating, which specializes in commercial furniture for restaurants, offers a wide range of customizable furniture options that allow for seamless integration of color into the dining environment. We understand the importance of both aesthetics and functionality in our designs and offer durable furniture that fits within a wide variety of themes.
BFM Seating’s offerings include an array of colors, materials, and finishes that can either complement or contrast with the restaurant’s overall color scheme. For example, upholstered seating in warm tones like red or orange can create an inviting atmosphere, while cool, sleek furniture in shades of blue or green can enhance a modern or upscale dining experience.
Our customization options in fabric and finish selections give restaurant owners the ability to align their seating with their brand identity, whether that’s a cozy café or a high-end bistro. This versatility allows for an optimal balance between aesthetics and comfort—both key components of a positive dining experience.
STRIKING THE BALANCE BETWEEN COMFORT AND AESTHETICS
The furniture in a restaurant isn’t just about aesthetics—it must also serve a practical purpose. Comfort is essential to ensure customers enjoy their meals, and this directly influences how long they stay and how much they order. BFM Seating recognizes this and focuses on balancing the visual appeal of their seating with comfort. Chairs that are visually attractive yet uncomfortable may detract from the dining experience, while overly plush seating can encourage guests to linger longer than desired, potentially affecting table turnover. By offering seating that balances comfort with practicality, restaurants can design different areas within the dining space to suit varying customer needs. For example, casual seating areas with brighter colors might be used for quick-service diners, while more comfortable, upholstered furniture in muted tones can encourage longer stays in lounge or fine dining areas.
THE BUSINESS IMPACT OF COLOR AND SEATING CHOICES IN RESTAURANT INTERIOR DESIGN
Selecting the right color scheme and furnishings not only enhances the dining experience but also has a direct impact on a restaurant’s profitability. Warm colors in fast-casual settings can increase turnover by encouraging faster eating, while cool colors in fine dining establishments can encourage patrons to linger and spend more on multiple courses, desserts, or drinks. Similarly, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing seating can lead to positive reviews, repeat visits, and a strong brand identity, all of which contribute to a restaurant’s long-term success.
BFM Seating provides restaurateurs with the flexibility to choose colors and styles that not only reflects their brand but also creates an inviting and memorable dining atmosphere.
To learn more about BFM Seating’s restaurant interior design furniture solutions, please click here or call us at 215-289-5411.
