For many restaurant-goers, outdoor furniture is about relaxation, coziness, simplicity, elegance, etc. But sometimes outdoor dining is simply not possible due to weather or other factors. Does that mean you should wait for pleasant weather to use your outdoor furniture?
Indoor and outdoor furniture vary strikingly - from materials to paints, design to durability, lifespan to maintenance, and more. Obviously, one cannot use indoor furniture outdoors. However, what about the reverse? How about using outdoor furniture inside your restaurant? Yes you can!
Can you use outdoor restaurant furniture indoors?
Since its early use, outdoor furniture has come a long way in design, durability, and performance. You get plenty of styles, materials, and color options in outdoor furniture that can enhance the decor of any setup.
In fact, many of them don't even seem like outdoor furniture these days, and you can take advantage of that. For example,
- Materials like metals or plastic, used to construct outdoor furniture, are perfect for indoor use.
- Many outdoor furniture options feature cushions for comfortable seating.
Moreover, while using restaurant patio furniture indoors, you don't need to replace your existing indoor furniture totally with outdoor furniture. You can still redesign your auxiliary spaces with outdoor furniture. Repurposing your outdoor furniture in the off season, doesn't cost you any extra money to temporarily transform your indoor space!
How outdoor furniture and indoor furniture differ?
As we mentioned earlier, there are several differences in the way the indoor and outdoor furniture is constructed, the materials used, and how they behave. Here are some of them:
1. Price
Outdoor furniture in some cases can be more affordable than indoor furniture. Outdoor restaurant furniture comes in so many styles and design options at budget-friendly prices. So, whether you seek elegance, vibrance, sleekness, or sophistication, you can decorate your interiors by using outdoor furniture inside in any way you want.
2. Appearance
While many indoor furniture models have a subtle and softer appeal, outdoor furniture many times is built more tough and durable to withstand the outdoor climate and use. Moreover, it can be the perfect way to recreate outdoor vibes indoors. So, if yours is a restaurant that faces inclement weather, you can still use outdoor tables and chairs to bring the outdoor elements into your restaurant.
3. Functionality
While all commercial furniture, whether indoor or outdoor, offers functionality and comfort, outdoor restaurant furniture has added advantages. Many outdoor chairs, for example, are lighter weight as they need to be moved around and stored a lot more outdoors. A lot of chairs, barstools and tables are stackable for easy storage making them perfect for additional seating groups during peak busy restaurant times.
4. Material & Durability
Materials used to construct indoor and outdoor furniture vary significantly in appearance and type. For example, while outdoor furniture usually features medium-strength woods having a natural feel like teak, dark-hued mahogany is a more popular wood type for indoor furniture.
One of the best reasons to consider outdoor restaurant furniture is its unbeatable durability. Since outdoor furniture faces a lot of wear and tear - from being dragged around the garden to exposure to weather conditions, it is built to last. Outdoor furniture undergoes a lot of treatments - from anti-rust coating to sealant, from reinforced joints to anti-fading paints, to ensure it can withstand rough and tough use.
By using outdoor furniture in an indoor setting, you can cut down your furniture expenses in the future, which means lesser maintenance and repair costs and fewer replacements.
5. Weather Proof Factor
Since outdoor furniture has to bear the brunt of extreme weather conditions like heat, rain, snow, and winds, they come with extra protective layers. The materials used for constructing outdoor furniture offer intrinsic protection from weather elements.
For example, teak, one of the most famous materials used in outdoor tables and chairs, produces natural oil that shields from damage due to heat, moisture absorption, insects, or natural decay. Such weatherproofing qualities are uncommon in indoor furniture.
Although the weather extremities are absent indoors, the high durability of outdoor furniture can still withstand the high traffic operation of any busy restaurant better.
6. Lifespan
One can argue that since outdoor restaurant furniture has to brave all kinds of weather, indoor furniture lasts longer. However, the longevity of your restaurant furniture depends on how much you care for and maintain your furniture. Moreover, with weather elements absent, outdoor furniture would definitely last longer in an indoor setting than its indoor counterpart.
Furniture that works outdoors and indoors
If you are skeptical about your requirements or want to experiment with your restaurant furniture, why not select something that works outdoors as well as indoors? After all, there is no harm in getting an extra table or some extra chairs to jazz up your restaurant, whatever may be the space, indoors or outdoors. Here are a few tips that can help you set a unique look:
- Wire Chairs: Wire chairs come in a contemporary design and bear a modern look. They are lightweight yet comfortable, airy yet durable. Whether you want some temporary seating on your patio or want to accommodate extra guests in your dining room, these versatile chairs are a blessing.
- Tables in multiple colors: A great way to make your dining space pop is to use some of the many bright colored tables available in outdoor furniture manufactured from plastic, resin or metal. These bright tables almost always have coordinating or contrasting chair options which will highlight any restaurant dining room.
These are some of the many ways you can keep furniture for indoor and outdoor use. However, these are not the only ways you must consider. Remember, while deciding on furniture for your restaurant, you should know your requirements, understand your clientele, try to be experimental, and have fun decorating your space. In a nutshell, among other advantages, using outdoor furniture inside is affordable, trendy, functional, stylish, and long-lasting!
FAQs
Q. Is it OK to use outdoor furniture indoors?
A. Absolutely, In fact, outdoor furniture is more durable and requires less maintenance than its indoor counterparts.
Q. How do I turn my outdoor furniture into indoor?
A. There are several ways to use your outdoor restaurant furniture indoors. For example, use your patio furniture in basements, waiting areas, or any other extra space you have,
Q. Can rattan furniture be used indoors?
A. Yes, rattan is a versatile, lightweight, and cost-effective furniture material that works equally well in indoor as well as outdoor settings.
