As people continue to become more conscious of the life-cycle of products, from fashion to furniture, the trend towards reclaimed and vintage pieces doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Whether your establishment has a classic vintage feel or is more contemporary and industrial, you can find (or even make!) some incredible repurposed furniture pieces to suit any style, that will really help set you apart from the competition.
Design to a theme
Having a consistent theme across your interior design and marketing assets will always help to make your business more memorable and enticing, especially in the current age of influencers and Instagram.
If your restaurant has a 1960s theme for example, a vintage car bonnet could be upcycled into the perfect eye-catching bar. Or, for a nautical theme, some old oars and reclaimed wood can be made into tables that are sure to get people talking. Alternatively, making use of pipes, metal and exposed brick is a tried and tested way of achieving an industrial look.
No matter the theme you choose, you’ll be able to find great pieces at affordable prices that you can turn into something truly incredible.
Combining old and new
Upcycling can be time consuming, especially for larger items of furniture and it can be hard to find multiple items that could work together once reclaimed. Unless you’re going for a ‘shabby chic’ or mismatched theme, the best approach when it comes to upcycling is to create one or two statement pieces, and combine these old items with newer items of furniture.
Our Chesterfield Three-Seater Sofa is the perfect item for casual dining or waiting areas, combining comfort with classic style. The brown faux leather offers a stylish finish that is understated enough to make your upcycled pieces the star of the show. Similarly, our Rectangular Gothic Table would work perfectly alongside vintage pieces from the early 20th century thanks to its striking case iron legs.
The benefits of upcycling furniture
Upcycling as an interior design trend arguably started due to the unique aesthetic it allows you to create, thanks to most items of furniture being bespoke just for your premises. But this is not the only benefit that your business can make the most of.
The purpose of upcycling is ultimately to give a new lease of life to old furniture and décor that may have seen better days. By finding furniture or unused materials at car boot sales and scrap yards you can get them for a fraction of the price of brand-new items, offering the perfect solution for a smaller budget. And, not only will you be saving money, but you’ll be helping to save the environment too by recycling products that otherwise would have been destined for landfill.
What’s more, upcycling can help set you apart from the rest thanks to the one-of-a-kind pieces you can create. This is especially great for chain restaurants, allowing you to establish a unique identity that is specific to your location.
Using upcycled furniture safely
When you buy new furniture for your business, it will have been designed specifically to meet a number of regulations for contract use, such as fire safety. When upcycling your own furniture, you must therefore make sure that it meets all the necessary guidelines in order to keep your customers safe, by ensuring it is finished to a high standard, can be easily cleaned and doesn’t use any highly flammable materials.
You will also want to make sure that it can withstand a high level of constant use, so you can get the most value from your money and it will last for years to come.
No matter the reason behind the choice to use reclaimed furniture in your pub, restaurant or café, there are many different ways for you to achieve your desired style. Whether you’re simply reclaiming old materials or completely repurposing objects, a few simple changes can make a big impact.
At Trent Furniture, we offer a wide range of furniture for pubs, restaurants and cafes to compliment any theme, including retro and classic styles that would work perfectly alongside a statement upcycled piece. Browse our range of contract furniture to discover the possibilities, or get in touch today to discuss your requirements.