Designing an outdoor restaurant terrace: 8 tips to make this space an asset
Designing a restaurant terrace is much more than simply setting up tables and chairs outside. For a restaurant owner, it is a real extension of the establishment, a space in its own right that can attract new customers, increase turnover, and enrich the overall experience. If well designed, a terrace becomes a pleasant place to be, consistent with the restaurant’s identity, capable of appealing to both regulars and passers-by. Whether it’s a rooftop with panoramic views or a ground-level cafe terrace, it deserves special attention—both in terms of furniture selection and layout, atmosphere, and seasonal management. Our commercial outdoor furniture specialists share 8 tips for successful terrace design.
1. Segmenting space for better hospitality: a worthwhile layout strategy
Many professionals approach outdoor dining design as a surface to be filled. However, a well-designed terrace should be planned as a real layout plan, with clearly defined areas according to their use. Creating different areas allows each customer to enjoy a tailored experience: a more intimate corner for dinners for two, a large table for groups, a lounge area for aperitifs or waiting.
Rather than creating harsh divisions, it is preferable to use planters, light screens, or plant boxes that delineate without enclosing. Vertical structures such as trellises or vertical gardens can also help define spaces naturally. This helps to visually structure the space while maintaining a feeling of openness. Depending on the layout of the space, a pergola or awning can also be used to cover part of the terrace, while leaving an open-air area.
2. Create a welcoming atmosphere with materials, colors, and lighting
The design of an outdoor space is as much about atmosphere as it is about functionality. The atmosphere should be welcoming, consistent with the restaurant’s positioning, and pleasant at all times of the day. Neutral colors, natural textures, and durable materials play a key role in creating this perception. Wood (such as teak wood), powder-coated metal, or aluminum are often chosen for their resistance to weather, UV rays, and wear and tear.
When it comes to accessories, cushions add a touch of comfort and warmth. They should be moisture-resistant and easy to maintain. For lighting, it is best to avoid overly powerful fixtures. Soft lighting, provided by lanterns or fairy lights, is more than enough to create a relaxing atmosphere, especially in the evening.
For a rustic and authentic charm, combining raw wood with iron elements can evoke a warm, countryside ambiance, especially appealing in outdoor dining environments
Hanging fairy lights, solar lanterns, or small bulbs on trellises contributes to this play of light. They add depth to the space while creating a cozy, memorable setting that enhances the overall decor of the terrace.
3. Choosing furniture: comfort, durability, and aesthetic consistency
Choosing the right patio furniture is a key step in restaurant terrace design. It must be suitable for everyday use while enhancing the image of the establishment. Comfort should not be overlooked, especially if you want customers to linger over their meals.
Restaurant tables and chairs must be sturdy, easy to clean, stackable if possible, and weather-resistant. Aluminum furniture is particularly popular for its lightness and strength. Teak, on the other hand, adds a highly sought-after natural touch, provided it is well maintained.
It is advisable to vary the sizes: small tables for two people, large tables for six or eight, modular benches, etc. This allows you to adapt to the needs of the service while optimizing the available space. Designing an outdoor terrace with consistent furniture immediately reinforces the perception of quality among customers. Don’t forget the importance of flooring: choosing the right floor material directly contributes to the ambiance and practicality of the space.
4. Optimize the use of your outdoor terrace throughout the year
Having a terrace that only works in summer means missing out on its potential. Today, there are many solutions that allow you to set up a terrace that can be used from the first days of spring until autumn. Adding a well-positioned outdoor heater helps warm specific areas without overconsuming energy.
You can also consider side awnings, retractable canopies, or screens to protect against the elements without completely closing off the space. In summer, some restaurant owners install misters to cool the air, while cushions or blankets provided in the evening create a feeling of care and comfort.
Furniture must obviously be designed to withstand weather conditions such as humidity, wind, intense heat, and UV rays. Choosing products designed for professional use avoids costly replacements.
5. Think about everyday layout: efficiency and maintenance
Designing your restaurant terrace well also means thinking about everyday use. Setting up or putting away furniture shouldn’t take an hour every day. Stackable furniture, discreet storage for cushions or accessories, and a logical layout make the team’s work easier.
Each table should be easily accessible, with smooth circulation for both servers and customers. The goal is to provide fast and pleasant service without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics. Optimizing your terrace design also means increasing productivity while maintaining a clean, welcoming decor.
6. Create an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and customer loyalty
A successful restaurant terrace invites guests to stay. It should not only be functional: it should tell a story. Creating a warm, harmonious atmosphere conducive to relaxation is also a way to build customer loyalty.
Textures, materials, lighting, plants, seating arrangements: everything contributes to creating an atmosphere in which guests feel comfortable. Even a small space can become very welcoming if it is well thought out. It’s not about adding lots of decorative elements, but choosing the right ones. A garland in the right place, a well-placed planter, a lantern on each table, and the message is clear: here, we take care of the details.
A cozy and harmonious outdoor dining space becomes a real marketing asset, encouraging customers to come back again and again.
7. Reinforce the identity of the place with a consistent visual design
The design of a restaurant terrace can also serve to reinforce the visual identity of the establishment. It is often the first thing seen by passers-by or approaching customers. Rather than opting for standard, characterless furniture, it can be interesting to match the outdoor layout with the restaurant’s graphic universe.
This involves details such as the color of the cushions, the material of the tablecloths, the shape of the chairs, but also the parasols, planters, and menus displayed on the façade. Incorporating the dominant colors of the logo, using certain fonts or decorative motifs in the terrace furniture, customizing the awnings or benches… these small visual elements create a sense of unity.
Branding is not limited to the interior: it can be expressed in the choice of fairy lights, the materials used, or the layout of the furniture. This helps customers recognize the establishment at a glance and associate it with a familiar atmosphere. A well-designed terrace then becomes a natural extension of the dining room and a marketing tool in its own right.
8. Use vegetation to structure, calm, and enhance the space
Vegetation is much more than a decorative element: it can completely transform the perception of an outdoor space. On a terrace, a few well-chosen plants are enough to break up the mineral aspect, create a visual separation, or soften the atmosphere.
Tall planters can be used to structure areas without partitioning them off, while providing a sense of privacy. Hanging plants suspended from a pergola bring visual freshness in midsummer. Aromatic plants (rosemary, basil, thyme, lavender) placed near tables help to create a sensory atmosphere linked to cooking.
Vegetation can also be used to filter the wind, hide an unattractive view, or simply lower the temperature during the day. Used intelligently, it becomes a real tool for design and comfort.
And for a lasting impact, it is best to choose local species that require little water and are suited to the terrace’s exposure. Some planters are even designed with built-in reservoirs to facilitate maintenance—a wise choice for restaurateurs who want to maximize the effect while reducing constraints.
Design your restaurant terrace to make it a unique place
Designing a restaurant terrace requires careful thought, common sense, and real work on the identity of the place. A well-designed terrace does more than just add a few seats: it enhances the restaurant’s appeal, improves the customer experience, and often makes better use of the available space.
At JML, specialists in outdoor furniture, we support professionals in the design and layout of their terraces. We offer a complete selection of outdoor furniture designed for commercial use, capable of withstanding intensive use and outdoor conditions without compromising on comfort or aesthetics.
Contact us to find out how to transform your terrace into a welcoming, profitable space that is consistent with your image. Because a well-designed terrace offers much more than just a meal—it offers an experience.
