6 Stylish Shade Options for Outdoor Restaurant Seating

Everyone loves outdoor dining on a warm sunny day, but no one wants to sit in scorching metal seats or sweat through their meal. That’s why shade is an essential, functional component of a well-designed restaurant patio. But don’t buy the cheapest umbrellas you can find and hope they work for your establishment’s aesthetic. Instead, you should focus on installing shade solutions that look as amazing as they work. This way, you keep your guests safe and comfortable without compromising the design of your business. In doing so, you’ll end up with happier customers, better reviews, and high-quality furniture or appliances that double as decor. Read on to explore six stylish shade options for outdoor restaurant seating and find the right fit for your establishment!

1. Umbrellas With Personality

The classic umbrella is a tried-and-true option for outdoor dining areas. But because it’s so popular, most designs are boring and mass-produced without attention to quality. If you decide to choose umbrellas for your restaurant, do your research to find a long-lasting, thoughtful design with thick, weather-resistant fabric in beautiful colors or patterns.

Additionally, we recommend buying cantilever umbrellas for maximum flexibility. Their adjustable arms allow you to reposition the shade throughout the day without moving the umbrella’s base or disturbing relaxed patrons.

Overall, umbrellas are easy to install, relatively affordable, and simple to use. They’re especially great for small to mid-sized dining areas since you won’t need to buy too many or invest in a more expensive solution to shade a small space.

2. Retractable Awnings

Retractable awnings are a fantastic choice for restaurants looking for a solution that doesn’t take up any floor space. These attach to your building’s exterior, and you can extend or retract them as you see fit.

Retractable awnings provide excellent weather protection and can cover larger, continuous areas than umbrellas. Plus, when retracted, they open up for a more expansive, airy feel to your patio space. If this is the option you’re interested in, remember to buy a motorized awning that you can extend or retract with the push of a button. Otherwise, you might disturb your patrons or tire your staff out with the manual labor of extending the device with a crank.

3. Pergolas With Drapes

For a shade option with serious ambience, consider pergolas. These wooden or metal structures stand over sectioned dining areas. They feature a slatted design that can support a fabric shade solution, or the slats themselves can close to shut out glaring sunlight. For the sides of the pergola, you can drape cloth or vines for additional shade that is undeniably beautiful.

Remember to invest in weatherproof drapes that won’t fade and look unsightly after a few years in the sun. Ultimately, if your restaurant has a romantic, whimsical atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with a few pergolas on the patio.

4. Sail Shades

Effortlessly chic and modern, sail shades are large fabric panels secured to multiple anchor points (like poles or walls). They not only provide shade but also add an artistic flair to your space.

Sail shades are ideal for large patio areas because they offer incredible coverage without taking up ground space. If you go with this option, consider installing multiple sail shades in different colors at different angles to create a more dynamic visual effect. And don’t forget to choose UV-resistant fabrics for longer durability!

5. Gazebos

Gazebos, like pergolas, are permanent shade structures that add a romantic air to your restaurant patio. However, they are more enclosed than pergolas, so they provide a more private or intimate dining experience. Though gazebos aren’t a cost-effective or practical solution to cover your entire outdoor dining area, one in a secluded corner could become the perfect spot to seat dates and intimate gatherings.

To elevate the romance even more, decorate the gazebo with climbing vines and flowers around the perimeter. And consider installing a fan on the structure’s ceiling since its walled design might inhibit too much airflow on hot days, making your guests uncomfortable. A light breeze from a quaint ceiling fan solves this issue.

6. Green Walls or Canopies

Lastly, we have green walls or green canopies to provide shade using vines, shrubs, grass, moss, flowers, and small trees. These solutions are essential for creating a safe and healthy mid-door environment at your restaurant because they improve air quality and reduce the urban heat island effect.

Creating a living wall is a great place to start. We recommend partnering with a professional living wall artist to create this installation, as it requires an artistic and horticultural touch to look nice and thrive through the seasons.

Overall, green solutions are born conversation starters and create a calming, natural vibe that aligns well with sustainable restaurant offerings. If that sounds like your business, then this is an excellent shade option for you.

Conclusion

These stylish, functional shade options can transform your outdoor restaurant seating into a space where guests will love to gather, even when it’s extremely hot or bright outside. Remember that you don’t have to marry just one of these solutions—mix and match to create a setup that works for your restaurant’s unique aesthetic!

And if you need more help designing the perfect outdoor patio area, Sip the Style is your ultimate source for all things related to restaurant design. Explore our site to get more great ideas and useful tips.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best shade option for small restaurant spaces?

Umbrellas are a great choice for small spaces because they are affordable, easy to position, and don’t take up much room.

Are sail shades weather-resistant?

Yes! Except for cheap ones from unreliable manufacturers, all sail shades should be made from UV- and weather-resistant fabrics, making them great for long-term outdoor use.

How do I maintain outdoor shade solutions?

First and foremost, be sure to choose weather-resistant materials. Then, depending on the material, wash them regularly and store them indoors during extreme weather to prolong their life.

Can I install these shade options myself?

While some options can be DIY-friendly, others, such as pergolas or gazebos, are best to leave to professionals.

Can I customize shade structures to fit my space?

Though it depends on who you work with, many manufacturers offer custom solutions for commercial clients like yourself. It’s always worth asking!