Summer might be drawing to a close but this can be a really exciting time of year! There are lots of events coming up, including Halloween, Bonfire night and of course... Christmas so, it’s important that you make the most of your venue. Customers will be descending in their droves, and if you don’t have sufficient or suitable contract furniture, including dining chairs, tables, or bar stools, you could be missing out on additional revenue…
So, how can you create a cosy indoor venue whilst also still making use of your existing outdoor space that you've developed over the summer months?
Lots of different elements combined can result in a cosy atmosphere both indoor and outdoor. It’s important to think about every single aspect of your venue to ensure you’re enhancing your space properly.
How to create a cosy atmosphere
Lighting
Let’s start with the lighting in your venue. In general, there are three types of lighting:
Ambient lighting: the main source of light in room
Task lighting: which allows your customers and staff members to perform functions
Accent lighting: adds drama to your space
Of course, low, warm lighting is the option for you if you’re looking for a cosy atmosphere. You can use low lighting and bright lighting but you must be aware of the different each can make. Low lighting creates an intimate atmosphere while bright and spot lighting makes customers feel isolated and separate from other guests. You might also want to consider candles and fairy lighting as part of your cosy display.
Furniture & accessories
It’s important that you buy restaurant dining chairs and furniture that suits your venue, style
It’s important to also think about the seat pads of your chosen chairs and sofas, do they look comfortable from afar? Choose chairs and stools with comfortable and soft seat pads so they look inviting and have your customers lounging for longer.
Along with lighting and furniture, don’t forget accessories….it’s worth thinking about beautiful ornate mirrors, framed pictures, cushions and throws. Again candles, as we mentioned before, flowers and shrubs, rugs and curtains. There’s so much available when it comes to accessorising and married perfectly together, your venue will look absolutely stunning.
Minimalism
The minimalistic approach can scream formal and cold, but get it right and you can still gain a warm and cosy atmosphere. A venue with too much clutter wont achieve cosiness and can be off putting to potential customers. Try and get the balance between colours, artwork and accessories to ensure you’re giving off the desired impression to you customers.
Colours
Many colours lend themselves to restaurant and bar areas. Essentially, in this area, you want customers to eat and drink and thoroughly enjoy the ambiance. Use light to your advantage and have brighter colours in small areas to give the illusion of more space. Be careful not to let in too much light because it will counteract the warm soft lighting.
A rustic and autumnal colour scheme including oranges, muted reds, browns and golds are all associated with warmth, joy and happiness so we closely associate them with comfort and relaxation but also stimulation and action. They can even stimulate appetite and also increase turnover rate and so are perfect for dining areas.
How to create cosy Al Fresco dining this winter
There are many items to consider when thinking about your outdoor space, especially to make it work in the autumn, winter and spring months as well as summer. As always, ensure you measure your area first to make sure you know how much contract furniture you require. These measurements will determine what furniture you put in each space.
There’s a lot of materials to choose from for your outdoor restaurant furniture, including aluminum, rattan, wood and plastic. All of which can give off a cosy appearance. Plastic and aluminum don’t sound the cosiest but actually the finishes nowadays can look so similar to wood, that actually they really do look fabulous for this type of ambiance. Pair with cushions and blankets, candles, flowers and fairy lights and you have yourself an absolutely wonderful and attractive outdoor setting.
As you can see, there’s so much you can do to ensure your venue has a
If you would like some help creating a cosy atmosphere, get in touch with our helpful team today.
FAQs
What materials create a cosy atmosphere in commercial venues?
Warm, tactile materials work best to create an inviting atmosphere. Opt for contract furniture featuring vintage or rustic woods, real or faux leather, velvets, and warm metal accents like copper. For seating, choose chairs and stools with plush, visible seat padding to signal comfort. Avoid stark whites and cold chrome, as they can make a space feel overly formal or detached.
How can I make an outdoor dining space cosy for Autumn and Winter?
To adapt your al fresco dining area for colder months, choose durable outdoor materials such as weather-resistant wood, rattan, aluminium, or high-grade plastic with wood-style finishes. Pair the furniture with outdoor heating, warm lighting (like string lights and lanterns), and cosy accessories like blankets, weather-proof cushions, and heat lamps.
How does lighting impact the atmosphere of a restaurant or bar?
Lighting sets the overall mood and dictates how comfortable guests feel. Low, warm ambient lighting combined with accent lighting creates an intimate, relaxed environment that encourages guests to stay longer. Bright overhead or spotlighting can make customers feel exposed or isolated. Incorporating candles and warm string lights helps enhance a soft, cosy ambiance.
Can a minimalist design style still feel warm and cosy?
Yes, minimal designs can feel warm if you balance clean lines with the right textures and colours. Avoid excess clutter, which can overwhelm guests, and focus instead on a balanced palette of warm, autumnal tones (such as rich oranges, muted reds, golds, and deep browns) combined with soft textiles and warm lighting.
