Using artworks in restaurant spaces significantly attracts customer attention and creates a distinctive experience. Ask yourself: if you were a customer, why would you choose to dine at a particular restaurant? The primary reason is always the experience of a new flavor. The second reason is the opportunity to explore new environments. Ultimately, the third reason for visiting a restaurant is to have a different experience. This experience might relate to the service style, customer interaction, food presentation, additional services, or anything else.
The question is: where does artwork for restaurants fit into this picture? Like the café industry, the restaurant industry is highly competitive, with many strong contenders. The decor of a restaurant is often considered the second most important factor in customer satisfaction, after the taste of the food. For some people, decor even outweighs flavor. It’s important to note that decor isn’t just about aesthetics; comfort is equally crucial. People tend to associate their experiences and memories with a place, not merely with its decor or taste.
What does this mean?
For example, a large onion ring placed on a steak—done in an unusual yet interesting way—might be all a person remembers about the dish. Or a painting in a restaurant that sparks a discussion between two people, leading them to ideas about their own business, and this becomes a reason for their satisfaction with your restaurant.
Many restaurants worldwide have understood this concept well and have provided compelling reasons for such experiences. For example:
– The Jane in Antwerp, Belgium: In The Jane, modern and abstract art styles are used for interior decor. The interior design is heavily influenced by contemporary art. A key feature is the use of artistic lighting and wall paintings with abstract, attractive designs that complement the historic church setting and bring it to life.
– Sketch in London, England: Sketch is one of London’s most famous restaurants and art galleries. Located within a series of charming buildings with diverse histories, each room is decorated in a unique, distinctive style. Various paintings and artworks are displayed throughout, harmonizing strikingly with the overall ambiance.
How to Use Artwork in a Restaurant?
The first consideration is the principles of aesthetics in selecting artwork. We’ll leave a detailed discussion of this for another article, but generally, you should keep in mind the following:
- Color harmony between the artwork and the restaurant decor
- Content of the artwork and its alignment with the restaurant’s brand
- Placement of the artwork—both for optimal viewing standards and to create a focal point
- Artistic style of the artwork suitable for the restaurant
- Authenticity of the artwork—especially important if your restaurant is a luxury establishment
Should We Use Sculptural Art in the Restaurant?
Here is a list of places where you can hang various types of artworks:
- Next to the entrance from outside, creating a gallery-like display that acts as a city landmark for your restaurant.
- In the hallway leading into the restaurant
- Behind the reception or greeting desk (if such a space exists)
- Behind the buffet table or as part of a gallery wall
- In the restroom zone
- If you have a beverage bar or can set up separate drink stations, consider placing a dedicated artwork behind them.
- On walls connecting different areas
- Near windows, aligned with the view that customers see outside
- Under decorative lighting
- On the ceiling
- Hanging from the ceiling if the artwork is sculptural
- Sculptures in the corners of the lobby or entrance area
- Stone sculptures in the terrace or garden area of the restaurant
- Next to VIP tables
- Behind the staff at the checkout counter, where the card is processed
- On any large, empty wall at least 2 meters away from columns, ceilings, or side walls
This list can be expanded based on your restaurant’s layout and spatial design. As a creative restaurant manager, you can find the perfect spot for art in your restaurant.