Specifying Outdoor Fabrics for Hospitality

Post pandemic, outdoor seating areas which include rooftops, garden spaces, and balconies have gained newfound importance in hospitality. If you are a business owner or enjoy entertaining, these spaces allow guests to experience nature and sun, enhancing overall enjoyment that can result in increased time and/or money spent at the business.

Some key benefits of outdoor areas are:

·         it enhances atmosphere while being considered trendy and festive, particularly in groups

·         attracts more customers as dining or drinking outside heightens senses such as taste

·         increases seating capacity encouraging more revenue for the business

·         allows for nature and gardens to become a feature of the venue, increasing its attraction and entertainment potential, such as live music

Essentially, when the weather is comfortable and warm, you are enhancing the hospitality space.

The challenge in creating a successful outdoor space lies in seating versatility, ease of maintenance, and how to seamlessly transition from the interior to the exterior space, without it appearing visually disjointed. By treating the outdoor zone as an extension of the main hospitality area and applying interior styling principles, you can fashion a supremely comfortable and inspiring environment.

Upholstery and drapery that offer commercial performance attributes while imitating indoor fabrics are the optimum choice for transitional spaces.

There are numerous outdoor fabric collections that mimic indoor textiles by featuring luxurious textures, intricate weaves, and supple hand feel, but additionally hold superior yarn technology that endure the elements and are easy to clean. The benefits of multi-application fabrics are that the same design, or a suite of complementary designs, can be used in interior and exterior spaces of the venue, creating greater continuity. The focus on fabric technology that performs well under UV rays, diverse climates, and can be scrubbed multiple times, means that venues can create seamless designs across spaces without the concern of updating furnishings after a few years.

In our view, hospitality equates to comfort. Hence, it's essential to ensure the outdoor area boasts ample comfortable seating. Dispense with rigid garden chairs and opt instead for cushioned bench seats and padded, ergonomic dining chairs that invite you to unwind and feel supported. Choose soft cushions for extra back support which create decorative interest and can visually or texturally connect to the indoor space.

Sectional and flexible furniture proves ideal for outdoor spaces, offering a malleable space for guests and the venue to rearrange as needed for functions and large groups. For a bar environment or beer garden, position convenient side tables beside the seating to hold drinks and snacks. Consider round tables for smaller spaces as they occupy less room, and supplement with folding tables that can be stowed away when not in use. Prioritising comfort and seating versatility will ultimately encourage customers to stay longer.

Incorporating various textures into the outdoor design is crucial for transferring an interior atmosphere outside. Add decorative elements such as pottery, planters, textured wall panels, candles, hanging plants, and wall art, anything that’s similar to styling interiors, ensuring all materials are weather-resistant. There are numerous weather-resistant plains, textures, and patterns available to enhance your outdoor furniture from our Poolside Classics and Out Collection.

There are multiple ways to create interest in upholstery applications across bench seats, dining chairs, and cushions in hospitality spaces.

·         select a design with multiple colour options and apply to furniture pieces across areas

·         select complementary patterns for furniture pieces, e.g. one design upholstered on the seat cushion, and the other on the back panel and/or armrests

·         pair rich velvets and decorative weaves for a dynamic look  

·         explore a maximalist aesthetic by layering patterned designs across furniture, cushions, and throws

·         consider eclectic seating options such as oversized floor cushions and ottomans which effectively add  textural elements while encouraging customers to relax

Our soft and luxurious FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics are colourfast, highly resilient, and resist mildew and odours, making them ideal for your outdoor areas. They are also stain-resistant, even to sun cream, making them perfect for the summer months.

Curious to explore FibreGuard's cutting-edge outdoor fabrics? Making indoor style flourish outdoors has never been more accessible.