The patio area of a restaurant or commercial space serves as an extension of the indoor dining room, providing an opportunity for al fresco dining and relaxation. With the growing popularity of outdoor living, buying the right commercial patio furniture has become an increasingly important decision for businesses. The furniture not only needs to be functional and durable but also reflects the venue’s ambiance and style.

As a leading patio furniture retailer located in San Diego, CA, Patio Productions has extensive expertise in helping hospitality businesses design and furnish exceptional outdoor spaces. We specialize in commercial patio furniture that balances style, comfort, and long-term durability. Our experienced team keeps a close eye on the latest patio furniture trends shaping the industry.

As we move through 2022 and look ahead to 2023, a number of notable trends are shaping the world of commercial outdoor furniture. By understanding these trends, businesses can make informed choices when furnishing their patio spaces. This comprehensive guide takes an in-depth look at the patio furniture styles, designs, materials, and colors that are likely to dominate commercial settings in the coming months and years.

The Rising Significance of Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor dining spaces have gone from being an afterthought to an essential part of many restaurants and hospitality venues. Nowadays, the patio area is just as important as the interior when it comes to ambiance, comfort, and overall experience. More and more, people expect an inviting outdoor area where they can enjoy food, drinks, and time with friends and family.

For establishments in warmer climates especially, a well-designed patio space can be a major draw and revenue generator. During peak seasons, the outdoor area may even surpass the interior in terms of seating capacity and utilization. Given the increasing significance of the outdoor dining space, choosing furniture that aligns with a venue’s brand and aesthetic is now a high priority.

Overview of Current Commercial Patio Furniture Trends

Several dominant trends have emerged in commercial outdoor furniture that addresses both style preferences and practical considerations. Here is an overview of some of the most popular current directions:

Natural Materials: There is a major emphasis on natural materials like teak, wicker, and stone. These materials connect with the natural outdoor setting and are praised for their durability.

Modular and Multifunctional: Modular and multifunctional furniture provides flexibility through customization and adaptability.

Resort Feel: Luxurious amenities like outdoor kitchens and cozy seating create a resort-like backyard oasis.

Bold Colors: While neutral tones are prevalent, bold and vibrant colors are being incorporated for accent pieces.

Indoor-Outdoor: Furniture that seamlessly transitions between indoor and outdoor settings is a significant trend.

Lightweight: Easy-to-move lightweight pieces allow for dynamic configurations.

Let’s explore some of these top trends in greater depth:

The Natural Beauty and Strength of Wood, Wicker, and Stone

Natural materials dominate the commercial outdoor furniture scene in 2022 and 2023. Wood, specifically teak, is one of the most sought-after materials. Teak has a beautiful natural golden hue and intricate wood grain patterns that bring warmth and texture to any setting. Even more importantly, teak is highly weather-resistant and durable. Its natural oils make it resilient against the elements, preventing splintering, rotting, and cracking. While teak comes with a higher price tag, businesses find it merits the investment given its longevity. The rich beauty of teak wood pairs nicely with stone table tops made of bluestone, limestone, or concrete. This combination provides aesthetics and sturdiness.

Beyond teak, all types of wood are trending for patio furniture, from IPE to acacia. Wood offers a timeless and versatile look. Wicker and rattan are also making a comeback, often being used for chair seats or backs along with wood frames. The airy weave provides visual interest while remaining lightweight and comfortable.

Wrought iron furniture has been a patio staple for decades thanks to its durable and decorative metalwork. While intricate metal furniture has faded from popularity over the years, it is now re-emerging as aluminum patio furniture, often combined with wood or wicker accents. The metal construction stands up well to heavy commercial use while lending vintage charm.

The Adaptability of Modular and Multifunctional Pieces

Another patio furniture trend that caters to the needs of commercial spaces is modular and multifunctional designs.

Modular furniture typically consists of neutral-toned seating, tables, and accessories that can be moved and grouped in a variety of configurations. Sectional sofas and chairs with ottomans allow for rearrangement based on the weather or event. Having this flexibility enables restaurants to set up and break down spaces quickly. Owners can optimize seating capacity for large parties or intimate gatherings. The uniform modular pieces also minimize visual clutter.

Multifunctional furniture serves more than one purpose, allowing businesses to maximize their outdoor real estate. For instance, a coffee table or ottoman may include hidden storage inside. Nesting tables offer multiple size options in one piece. Some chaise lounge chairs also double as storage chests. Even dining tables are available with umbrellas, fire pits, or coolers built right into their structures. During the off-season, multifunctional furniture can be collapsed or stacked away to save on storage space.

The versatility of modular and multifunctional furniture provides convenience and practicality for patio spaces that need to cater to diverse needs and crowds.

The Balance of Neutral Tones and Vibrant Accent Colors

When it comes to color trends in commercial patio décor, moderation seems to be key in 2022. While muted and neutral tones dominate, there are still opportunities to incorporate punches of vibrant color through accent furniture and accessories.

For large seating and dining sets, neutral is best. Monochromatic schemes in shades of white, taupe, gray, and black provide flexibility and versatility. These muted color palettes blend seamlessly with any style of building exterior or landscaping. They are classic and refined color choices that withstand the test of time and changing trends.

Pops of brighter, more saturated colors come into play through accents like toss pillows, umbrellas, planters, and rugs. Vivid blues, greens, and citrus tones enliven a neutral space. These colors also coordinate nicely with colorful flowering plants and greenery. Bolder patterns on cushions and rugs also inject energizing palettes.

Many designers recommend choosing one signature color to carry throughout a patio scheme. For example, everything may be neutral black and white except for pops of golden yellow on pillows and planters. This unified color concept pulls the entire look together.

Furniture that Transitions Gracefully Between Indoors and Out

Another commercial patio furniture trend stems from the way modern homes and businesses integrate their indoor and outdoor spaces. Spaces flow into one another through large sliding doors, creating a seamless transition. For commercial venues like restaurants, matching this seamless flow requires patio furniture that complements their indoor decor.

Indoor-outdoor furniture that functions beautifully in both settings has therefore emerged as a popular category. These durable pieces hold up outside while matching the style inside. This prevents jarring stylistic shifts as customers move from indoor tables to the patio area.

Many indoor-outdoor furniture collections offer coordinated indoor and outdoor pieces. A business could have matching dining chairs or whole dining sets that create synchronization between the spaces. Popular indoor-outdoor furniture styles include modern, mid-century, industrial, and contemporary. These versatile looks work for both interior designers and outdoor landscapers.

Using indoor-outdoor transitional furniture ensures visual continuity and also simplifies shopping. Owners can build a cohesive style while only choosing from one collection or vendor.

Easy Mobility With Lightweight Materials

Lightweight patio furniture allows for easy repositioning and flexibility. This practical advantage makes lightweight pieces ideal for commercial settings that may need to frequently rearrange seating.

Wicker, aluminum, and plastic are popular lightweight materials for outdoor furniture. Resin wicker, in particular, has advanced in quality while still retaining a lightweight feel. Aluminum, often shaped into elaborate curlicue patterns, delivers airy silhouettes without bulk. It also comes in handy for tables because the lightweight metal folds up neatly for seasonal storage. Plastic gets a bad rap, but modern plastic furniture has an almost undetectable appearance while still being economical.

Whatever the material, hollow construction also reduces weight. Pieces like hollow aluminum frames or all-weather wicker woven over aluminum frames reduce mass. Homeowners need to be realistic about lightweight patio furniture’s durability and stability. But for commercial spaces simply needing to move and stow furniture frequently, lighter pieces serve their purposes well. Their transportability enables quick pivots in layout.

The Comfort Factor: Textiles Move Outdoors

Once upon a time, commercial patio furniture was fairly void of softness—just hard metal, wood, or plastic materials. Outdoor textiles have changed that game entirely by making al fresco spaces more luxe and cozy.

Outdoor fabric upholstery, like weather-resistant olefin or acrylic, provides cushion to chairs, sofas, and loungers. Performance fabrics look like indoor textiles but resist moisture, UV rays, and stains. Using the same outdoor fabrics from piece to piece creates uniformity.

Outdoor rugs also enhance comfort underfoot while defining seating areas. They cozily anchor spaces just like indoor area rugs. UV-treated fibers like polypropylene are common in outdoor rugs and power-loomed for durability.

Finally, weatherproof throw pillows provide the finishing touch of softness. They allow for inexpensive seasonal refreshments through new pillow covers. Pillows and rugs inject homeliness into commercial patios for a welcoming customer experience.

The Intriguing Contours of Curved Silhouettes

Beyond material and color trends, some design styles stand out in patio furniture as well. One current direction is the use of curved forms. The patio categories exploding in popularity feature rounded profiles:

• Circular seating like sectionals, loveseats, chaises, and benches with sensuously curved edges
• Orb-shaped hanging chairs suspended from high
• Half-moon seating around round fire pits or rattan hanging chairs

The smooth contours inject a convivial, relaxing vibe and organic flow into patio layouts. Circular conversation areas encourage intimate interactions between guests in commercial settings. The softer lines also add architectural interest that feels more naturalistic outdoors.

Curved seating choices range from contemporary to boho to retro. But in all cases, the arched shapes make lounging and socializing more inviting. They feel roomier because the eye follows the curves instead of stopping at hard edges. Circles, arcs, and spheres will continue trending as patio aesthetics embrace all things beautifully rounded.

Modern Retro Style for Nostalgic Coolness

Along with the dominance of contemporary patio furniture, some businesses seek styles inspired by the past. Midcentury modern, a perennial favorite indoor and out, still enjoys popularity in outdoor spaces. The retro style features clean lines, tapered legs, molded plastic and plywood, and bright pops of color atop neutrals. This aesthetic creates patio spaces with a hip, “Mad Men” inspired vibe.

Vintage metalwork, like handcrafted wrought iron, also evokes eras past with its scrolling silhouettes and ornamental details. Often powder-coated in bold hues, these classy antique-inspired pieces feel fresh again when paired with modern elements like stone tabletops.

For restaurants and hotels looking to achieve a funky, retro-chic ambiance outdoors, modern vintage styles hit the sweet spot between past and present. Nostalgic forms reimagined in durable materials strike the ideal balance of old and new.

Sophistication Through Minimalist Luxury

At the other end of the style spectrum, an increasing number of commercial patio spaces embrace the minimalist luxury aesthetic. This approach utilizes only the essentials in the most refined way. The furniture has a sculptural quality, stripped down to clean lines and basic geometric forms.

Elegant seating options feature slender silhouettes and frames. Decorative elements are eliminated so the beauty of the materials and craftsmanship take center stage. Instead of bright colors, the palette sticks to muted neutrals like warm wood tones, stone, gray, and white. High-end restaurants and boutique hotels favor this refined restraint to cultivate sophistication.

The Best of Both Worlds: Contemporary Classic Style

Many commercial clients want patio furniture that strikes a harmonious balance—not too modern but not too traditional. The contemporary classic look artfully achieves both ends.

Also called transitional style, these pieces blend traditional functions and proportions with clean-lined, unfussy forms. The vibe feels up-to-date but not stark or edgy. Designers select timeless, versatile furnishings that aesthetically transition well from day to night ambiance.

Contemporary classic patio furniture often mixes materials, like weathered teak wood with metal accents. Textured ceramic table tops add interest while remaining classic. This smart hybrid look provides wide appeal.

The Zen of Minimalism Meets Modern Materials

While not as sparse as minimalism, minimalist modern style makes a statement through simplicity. This patio aesthetic utilizes only archetypal forms like rectangles, squares, and circles in furniture. Decorative details and ornate metalwork are eliminated for seamless lines.

But in contrast to austerity, minimalist modern furniture feels fresh and contemporary through its choice of materials. Metals like powder-coated aluminum create sleek modern silhouettes. Teak and synthetic hardwoods add warmth. Concrete, stone, or ultra-durable porcelain tabletops provide texture. Crisp white frameworks combined with soft gray upholstery offer versatile sophistication.

Overall, this patio approach provides beauty through clean and uncluttered furnishings. The smart silhouettes feel artistic and sculptural. For commercial spaces seeking an outdoor oasis that feels serene and purposefully designed, minimalist modern hits that design sweet spot.

Conclusion: The Patio Space as an Extension of Brand Personality

More than ever before, patio furniture decisions significantly impact a business’s ambiance, customer experience, and even revenues. The variety of materials, colors, and styles on the market makes it possible to create just about any desired aesthetic. Whether going for a retro-hip mood, sophisticated elegance, or barefoot luxury resort, the furniture possibilities are endless.

Yet certain dominant directions rise to the top as particularly fitting options for commercial settings. The patio styles covered in this guide balance visual appeal and long-term durability while reflecting current trends. Most importantly, they enable patio spaces to feel like an extension of the brand personality within. Choosing furniture that harmonizes with the interior decor and sensibility ensures a welcoming and holistic customer experience.

As a leading patio furniture retailer in the United States, Patio Productions is here to help every step of the way. Our experienced team specializes in commercial patio furniture and stays on top of the latest industry trends. We offer stunning collections that merge style and substance to create outdoor spaces that truly wow. Contact us today to bring your patio visions to life with furniture designed to last for years of al fresco memories.

With this knowledge in hand, hospitality businesses can approach the process of furnishing their outdoor spaces with confidence. A thoughtfully created al fresco oasis invites patrons to stay longer and savor the full experience that venue offers. Now pardon me while I envision sinking into a cushioned teak chair with a fruity cocktail in hand and not a care in the world.