Now the new year is here, many businesses will be planning a refurbishment for 2022. For restaurants, interiors are almost as important as food. People factor in the atmosphere, comfort and even the photo-worthiness of a venue when choosing where to eat, so impeccable interior design in restaurants is a must.

Here are some of the top trends predicted for restaurant seating in 2022.

Restaurant colour trends for 2022

Almost all major paint brands have named their colour of the year for 2022 as a shade of green – and green is predicted to be at the forefront of all interior design trends this year. The importance of nature and the outside world was brought to the fore during 2020 and 2021 lockdowns, so bringing the outside in will be a key trend for 2022.

According to Pinterest, searches for green interiors increased by 80 per cent in 2021. Green is therefore likely to feature prominently in interiors this year, seating included.

Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director of Dulux, said:

'After so long trapped indoors we have come to appreciate the power of nature to uplift and revitalise us. Colour-wise we are throwing open the doors and windows and inviting every shade of nature in for tea.'

 

Other organic, natural interiors are predicted to be popular this year, too. Neutral shades will be seen in materials for seating, in addition to earthy textures and natural woods.

Sustainable seating for environmentally conscious venues

In the wake of COP26, sustainable materials are likely to experience a surge in demand over the course of 2022. With our increased exposure to climate change, many consumers are looking to make ethical choices about where they spend their money. Businesses, too, are seeing opportunities to reduce their impact on the planet whilst appealing to sustainability-minded customers.

As a result, many restaurants will be looking to give their brand an eco-refresh, and sustainable furniture is a great way to showcase commitment to the environment.

Ethical choices for restaurant seating include sustainably sourced wood, such as fast-growing softwood from well-managed forests, and eco-friendly fabrics sourced from recycled plastic and sustainably grown fibre crops.

Seating for socialising

After living with Covid restrictions for large parts of the past two years, people are relishing the opportunity to socialise freely. Restaurants that are designed with socialising in mind will appeal to customers in 2022.

For this reason, banquette and booth seating is predicted to grow further in popularity this year. Enclosed seating for groups gives an air of exclusivity whilst allowing all members to communicate with ease. Smaller booths are also perfect for giving diners privacy and allowing them to socialise without interruption.

After many restaurants had to hastily implement one-way systems to satisfy Covid-restrictions, fixed furniture that directs traffic through restaurants will be appealing. Bespoke seating can also be used to separate different zones of the restaurant, such as the dining area and the bar.

A combination of fixed and moveable furniture is ideal to prepare for and adapt to changes in social distancing rules.

Other seating trends

Curvaceous shapes are predicted to be on trend, such as curved booths and banquettes or seating with scalloped backs.

Metallic finishes is a trend that has been carried over from 2021, so it’s likely we’ll see lots of seating in gold, silver or bronze hues or seating finished with metallic arms, legs and capping.

Craftwood is a leading bespoke seating manufacturer for restaurants, working with venues around the UK and across the globe. To discuss new seating for your restaurant in 2022, get in touch with the Craftwood team today.