Decorating Ideas for Small Restaurants

When decorating a small restaurant, you want to achieve a cozy and welcoming feel without it looking cluttered. As you walk into the entrance, you should see a long and unobstructed view of the length of your establishment, which gives the perception that there is more room than there really is. Creating the illusion of bigger space in your small restaurant just takes a little imagination.

The Wonders of Mirrors

Mirrors on a far wall can do wonders in enlarging the look of your restaurant. A solid wall of tinted mirror tiles will give the illusion that your establishment is double its size. It will also reflect light which will brighten up a small space. The tint in the glass will cut down on any glare from the mirrors.

Use the Ceiling Space

When you have a small restaurant, use the ceiling as an area to display some of your decor. This will bring the eye up to the ceiling which will give the perception that your place is much bigger than it is. Paint the ceiling a light color and decorate it by hanging things from the ceiling. For a nautical theme, attach an oar, fishing poles and fishnets to the ceiling. For a country theme, hang old sickles, saws and other hand-held farm tools to your ceiling. This way your walls won't look cluttered.

Pictures for the Walls

Instead of hanging large pictures on the walls, hang groupings of small pictures which gives the illusion that your space is bigger. White walls with black and white pictures work well in small places because they are not too busy. If you prefer walls of color then make it a light shade and decorate with wall hangings and pictures that are different shades of that same color. By not drawing attention to the walls, this muted look allows the space to feel bigger than it really is.

Table Settings of Color

Bring color to the small space with tablecloths, napkins and dinnerware. Incorporate the color of the wall decor into bright tablecloths and napkins. Dressing up the tables as the focal points of the room works best for a small restaurant, plus the customers will be enthusiastic to sit at such glamorous table setting.