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How to get your café or restaurant Summer-ready

As the days grow longer and brighter, it’s time to get ready for the outdoor season. With a few thoughtful updates, it’s easy to tidy up, clear out the clutter and create a café or restaurant that feels ready for the season ahead. This how-to is full of simple, uplifting ideas to help make the most out of the warmer months, while also encouraging guests to linger, browse and return all year round.

Outdoor café scene featuring four stacked deep green VISINGSÖ chairs next to plants and warm ambient lighting.

Start small with details

To refresh your space, start by swapping tableware and textiles for lighter tones. Add decorative flowers and LED candles for soft lighting. A portable organizer, like CHOKLADHAJ, is also useful for keeping oils and spices tidy and assisting staff between guests.

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Close-up of black table featuring a SMYCKA artificial bouquet of greenery in a grey glass vase.
A sunlit corner with dark grey VIPPÄRT chair pads on a grey seating area, surrounded by green plants, pillows and a table.
A close-up of a clear glass STOCKHOLM 2025 tealight holder next to LED-candles and leafy plants on a dark table.
A close-up of multiple wooden CHOKLADHAJ portable organizers holding salt and pepper shakers on a tiled café countertop.

Be creative with flowers

Adding flowers or greenery brightens the space and connects indoors with outdoors. Hanging planters or plant stands optimize small surfaces, and table arrangements add color. Artificial flowers are practical, low-maintenance, and can be swapped seasonally to keep the space fresh.

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A café dining area with SMYCKA artificial flowers arrangement hanging from the wall above a black LISABO circular table.
A seating area featuring a black HELGEÖ decorating rod for a table with hanging flowers and greenery in a bright café scene.
Close-up of a grey GRADVIS vase with greenery beside a wooden CHOKLADHAJ organiser and a LED tealight on a table.
A bright room with various flowers and potted plants on black OLIVBLAD plant stands adding greenery and charm to the space.

Set the mood outdoors

Enjoy summer evenings outdoors: use suitable furniture, comfortable cushions, cozy lighting, and speaker lamps to create the perfect atmosphere. Divide spaces with greenery to maintain openness and invite guests.

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Deep green VISINGSÖ plant stands with green plants in a modern café setting with outdoor seating.
A grey VAPPEBY bluetooth speaker lamp sits on a table, surrounded by plants, glasses, and candles in an outdoor café setting.
An outdoor area with greenery in the background shows a black SVARTRÅ LED lighting chain with 20 bulbs strung above seating.
Café outdoor seating with deep green VISINGSÖ table and armchair, surrounded by greenery and outdoor décor.

Stay organised to keep things simple

As winter ends, preparing the outdoor area can be a big task. Seasonal storage solutions keep things organized. Stackable stools and lightweight furniture help adjust the space. Simple maintenance is key, using a decorative charging tray for LED tealights and cleaning essentials to ensure a welcoming environment.

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A white SKATGÅS LED tealight kit displayed on a shelf alongside two speaker lamps and charging devices.
A table counter displays a green PEPPRIG cleaning bucket and caddy together with a spray bottle and cloth beside it.
Transparent SAMLA boxes with lids are neatly stored on BROR shelves, containing various decor items.
Two white ANTILOP highchairs with safety belts is stacked against a tiled wall next to a set of black stools.
An airy office space with MITTZON high conference tables, three black LIDKULLEN sit/stand support and a large whiteboard.

More inspiration for your business

 
Find inspiration, assistance and hands-on tips for your business, whether it's an office, a restaurant or a shop.

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Before you buy

These solutions contain a mix of articles developed for domestic and non-domestic use. Please verify that your purchases are compliant and suitable for the intended use in your area. Contact IKEA for Business for more information about range.