The outdoor setup of a cafe or restaurant is just as important as what’s on the menu. People don’t just come to eat, they come to relax, meet friends, work remotely & soak in the vibe. That vibe largely depends on the kind of outdoor furniture you choose. And no, it’s not just about chairs and tables. The right pieces can create a setting that feels inviting, functional & on-brand.
Here are five types of outdoor furniture for cafes & restaurants that actually work both in terms of looks and long-term use.
- Wicker Dining Sets
Wicker dining sets have been a staple in outdoor cafes for a reason. They blend casual comfort with a natural finish. They look great in both open garden-style spaces & more urban patios. What makes them ideal is how lightweight they are without compromising on durability. You can usually find them with rust-resistant aluminum frames & all-weather synthetic wicker. Both are low maintenance and long-lasting.
A 4 or 6-seater wicker set is perfect for cafes that serve meals & brunch outdoors. For decor add light-toned cushions and maybe a few tabletop succulents. It makes the area feel cozy and airy.
- Modular Lounge Sofas
If you want people to stay longer, order more & enjoy the space, lounge seating helps a lot. Modular outdoor sofas give you the flexibility to shape your space the way you want. These work well in corners under pergolas & even open lawns with partial shade.
Look for water-repellent upholstery & hand-woven rattan or wicker that can withstand UV and moisture. To bring it all together & a rug made for outdoor use and maybe a few lanterns or dim lights. Works best for coffee places, hookah lounges & slow-dining restaurants.
- Bistro Sets & Accent Chairs
For cafes with a limited footprint, compact bistro sets are a great fix. A small round table & two chairs are more than enough to serve quick coffee, snacks, or desserts. These sets are typically easy to clean, stackable & super practical.
What’s important here is choosing chairs with good ergonomic support and a weatherproof coating like powder-coated iron or UV-treated plastic works best. For personality, play around with chair colors or textured cushions. Ideal for street-facing cafes or spots with balcony seating.
- Bar Units & High Stools
More restaurants and cafes are now integrating high tables or bar setups outdoors especially for evening service. Outdoor bar furniture needs to be durable because it’s used heavily & often exposed to weather changes.
High stools with footrests, minimal backrests, and sleek designs are the most functional. Go for metallic finishes with anti-corrosion treatment or rattan bases with fiber cushions. A tall & narrow bar counter with closed storage can double as a prep space too. String lights or under-counter LEDs can add a bit of drama after sunset.
- Benches & Daybeds
If you have open space, shared seating like benches and daybeds brings a casual, community feel. These are especially useful in boho-style cafes or nature-themed setups. Benches offer more seating with fewer pieces of furniture, making layouts cleaner.
When choosing, focus on moisture-resistant wood or treated metal frames with soft outdoor cushions. Add a canopy or light curtains if the space gets too sunny. For a chill, photogenic corner, a daybed with side tables & floor pillows can become a major crowd-puller.
Create Your Perfect Outdoors
Choosing the right outdoor furniture for cafes & restaurants is all about creating unforgettable experiences. Each piece, whether it’s a dining set or a lounge sofa, plays a role in how guests feel and interact with your space. And since outdoor setups are exposed to sun, rain & constant use, quality matters.
If you’re looking for reliable, stylish & weather-friendly options, Weave Craft offers a wide collection that checks all the boxes of comfort, durability, and modern design. Our furniture is built to perform & designed to impress. Definitely worth exploring if you’re serious about upgrading your outdoor area the right way.
