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Designing outdoor space this summer

General Info September 2nd 2020
Designing outdoor space this summer

With lockdown over and the weather improves, forecasts are good all-round for the late summer. But social distancing looks set to last long after the hospitality sector has fully re-opened, so it is important to factor infection control into the furniture you choose and how you design your spaces. There are limitations on the number of people allowed in indoor spaces, so this is an ideal moment to make the most of outdoor space.

Choose cafe furniture which represents your business - Your outdoor space is the first thing that potential customers see when they approach, so it can act as an advert and an enticement in itself. You should select outdoor café furniture and accessories which really represent what you are about. If you want to promote a casual, family-friendly space, go for picnic tables and benches. To make a stylish industrial-chic statement, choose steel or wooden pieces. You can use colour to attract customers too; bold contrasts such as monochrome can be eye-catching, while pastels are warm and inviting.

Prioritise function and comfort - If you are running a cafe, restaurant or bar this summer, your customers may well be seated outdoors. This means that as well as being visually appealing, you also need to make sure that your outdoor furniture is comfortable and functional. If you’re tight for space you might want to think about purchasing smaller sets or pieces that can be used for more than one purpose. You should position chairs around tables to allow for social distancing to be maintained but also to promote the easy flow of conversation. Softer materials with some give to them, such as rattan tables, chairs and some plastics, are gentler on the back and legs. If customers feel supported and at ease then they are more likely to come back and to recommend your place to others.

Think about durability - Of course, the weather is unpredictable, so you need to keep the durability of materials in mind too. Cushions can look great but if you don’t have enough staff to bring them in when rain threatens, maybe think again. Work out how to make your outdoor space adaptable to different conditions too. For example, consider investing in outdoor heaters and parasols so that you are covered for all eventualities.

It’s important to us that your staff and your customers feel safe and have complete confidence in your choices. We believe that you don’t have to compromise on style, design or functionality to do that.

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