12 Small Restaurant Decor Ideas for 2024

People love small restaurants. They are warm places to gather together with family and friends over great meals. And, an important aspect of the meal experience is certainly the ambiance. The restaurant interior design should be as comforting as the food.

If you have, or are opening, a small restaurant, you want to design a unique space where people feel invited to stay. To create a space like this, start thinking about two things: your dream for your restaurant, and what would make your community feel happier than ever in your dining space.

Getting inspired for your small restaurant design isn’t always easy. To help you create a welcoming place, we put together 12 small restaurant-focused design elements and 12 real examples that will open your eyes to how you can make your business stand out.

12 restaurant design Ideas for your small business

Focus on the brand and theme

The best restaurant brands have staying power. Establish an overall vision for your restaurant. What makes it unique? How is your community represented in the space?

Concrete answers to these questions will help you make more informed decisions on decor, saving you time and money.

Find unique wall decor

Wall decor is the perfect way to infuse your restaurant with character. There are multiple ways to choose art that will leave an impression — from an accent wall to minimalism. 

One option is to commission a local artist to design a mural in your space. Or, showcase local artists on a rotating basis, displaying their artwork all around your restaurant. Another way to source wall decor is by browsing nearby thrift stores and pawn shops to find pieces with local flare. 

Use Basic Color Psychology

It’s no secret that colors trigger emotional responses in people. Brands use color communication to put customers in the right mood. 

Everyone has different emotional responses to colors. But, certain color tones tend to affect most people in similar ways. For example, deep tones of bold colors can create a warm, familiar space. 

This is especially important to keep in mind in a small space where you have to make the most out of your floor plan.

Keep the energy Up

Make intuitive use of your small restaurant’s space by minding how energy flows through it – with the help of the Chinese art of feng shui. 

Divvying up large spaces is tempting. Keep dining areas open so that everyone in the room feels part of the same community. This makes for a warm and welcoming dining experience.

Give guests the full experience

Don’t be afraid to opt for an open-plan kitchen that gives guests a view of the action. Let your diners witness the care and creativity your staff puts into their service. Even if your guests can view their kitchen from the dining room it helps add to the customer experience

Small restaurant lighting

Ambient lighting is a key design consideration. Light fixtures alone can define the character of a space, especially for a small restaurant. 

The best route is choosing lighting that is both practical and fun. You want the lighting to add flair to your eatery and allow guests to navigate your small restaurant easily. 

Choosing table, chairs, and booths

Furniture like barstools and bistro tables are a huge driver of the guest experience. Choose seating options that are both comfortable and stylish. Most importantly, choose durable pieces that can withstand constant handling. 

Don’t be shy to infuse your brand into these furniture details. Adding unique, retro detailing to your tabletops - for example - can make your small restaurant more memorable to patrons.

Vintage decor: risks and rewards

Investing in vintage decor can be a great way to add more character to your new restaurant. Remember to buy vintage decor strategically, as functionality is still the most important. Wall art and aesthetic pieces are great, but vintage furniture or light fixtures can cause more trouble than they’re worth in a commercial setting.

Highlight your bar design

If your small restaurant features a bar, make it shine. Design your small restaurant’s layout so that the bar is visible and the focal point of the entire restaurant.

Party on the patio

A patio can make your small restaurant stand out from the competition. For some restaurants, it’s also a guest’s first impression of your business. If you’re lucky to have a patio, make it feel like part of your restaurant by extending the interior vision outdoors. Apply the same color schemes. And, just like indoor furniture, select pieces that are durable. Look for furniture and art suitable specifically for outdoor exposure. 

Go fresh and green

Bring life into your restaurant with fresh or faux indoor plants. Adding greenery may sound like a big responsibility. However, some plants are easy to maintain. Vining plants, pothos, philodendrons, and snake plants won’t give you a huge headache. 

Don’t have much of a green thumb? Fortunately, even faux plants can add to the ambiance. 

Imagine beautiful bathrooms

Bathrooms might not seem like a big deal, but they can be the reason customers decide to return to your restaurant (or not). Customers love bathrooms that have a surprising design feature, like a funky light fixture or bold wallpaper or paint. Above all, bathrooms should be well-lit and accessible for all your guests. 

12 real small restaurant design ideas

NAOE - Miami, FL

NAOE is a small sushi restaurant located in Miami. Their kitchen is front and center for guests to see.

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minibar - Washington, DC

This amazing spot is a Michelin tasting-menu restaurant by José Andrés that combines art and science in a communal setting. Minibar offers counter-dining that makes for a very intimate dining experience. Its modern yet unique aesthetic is consistent throughout the space.

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Diner - Brooklyn, NY

Looking for warm, welcoming, and beautiful small restaurant design inspo? Look no further than Diner in Brooklyn, NY.

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Both their patio and their interior come together to make a simple yet welcoming aesthetic.

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Talula’s Table - Kennett Square, PA

Speaking of welcoming, Talula’s Table does an amazing job creating a small yet lovely atmosphere. The mismatched furniture and busy ceiling pair together so nicely. Check ‘em out!

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Art of the Table - Seattle, WA

Seattle’s Art of the Table is crafted by Chef Dustin Ronspies and the menu here changes regularly. They offer à la carte and chef’s tasting menus every night.

This smaller restaurant has an open concept where guests can watch their delicious entrees being made.

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Mr. Pollo - San Francisco, CA

Mr Pollo is a small San Francisco gem where Pollo a la Brasa meets the flavors of Colombian culinary traditions. The intimate space here is tiny but mighty.

At Mr. Pollo, the food speaks for itself and the interior design is filled with a small seating area, checkered tile, and the tiny kitchen. Small space feels with huge flavor.

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Petit Trois - Los Angeles, CA

If you’re looking for wall art and mural inspiration, check out Petit Trois, a French restaurant located in Los Angeles.

This restaurant is filled with different patterns, colors, and wall decor.

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The Old Place - Cornell, CA

The Old Place has plenty of unique design elements both indoors and outside. This bar is cozy and consistent with their wooden-detailed, old-fashioned branding.

Check them out today for great clams, steaks, and atmosphere!

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The Catbird Seat - Nashville, TN

The Catbird Seat is a New American restaurant based in Nashville, TN. Guests can watch the chefs' entire, carefully crafted, process during their dining experience.

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Rucola - Brooklyn, NY

Rucola is a cozy rustic Italian-inspired restaurant in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. Everything about this restaurant’s interior pairs so well together. We especially love their choice of chairs and simple table settings.

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Coppa - Boston, MA

Coppa serves pizza, pasta, and charcuterie in Boston. This restaurant does a great job incorporating cool lighting fixtures, clean tile at the bar, and worn wooden tables.

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Helm - Philadelphia, PA

Have you ever been to a restaurant that looks and feels a little more like someone’s home? This is how Helm’s interior is set up and their guests love it.

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Small restaurant decor dreams

Your restaurant is a place for friends, family, and the community to gather and enjoy life. Even though your space is small, your decor choices can make your space shine bright. From lighting to wall art, little decor details will make the experience at your restaurant memorable for every guest.