The ambiance created by a restaurant’s interior design can separate it from others in the area and turn your establishment into true destination dining. From paint colors to textures and materials used, you can create endless combinations that can give your space a distinct identity that patrons will remember.
One design element that can really set your restaurant apart is the use of wood panels. Wood panels can add warmth and character to any space, and when used creatively, can help provide a unique aesthetic to your restaurant.
In addition to their eye-catching appearance, wood panels are also an incredibly versatile and sustainable design feature. You can size them to nearly any space with a wide range of wood finishes and grains harvested from ethical sources.
If you’re looking for ways to include wood panels in your own restaurant interior design, here are some of our favorite ideas to help you get started:
1. Use Wood Panels to Create Accent Walls
Wood panels are a versatile way to create accent walls in restaurants. They can add visual interest and help to define spaces. And, because they come in a variety of colors, textures, and sizes, they can be used to create looks that range from rustic to modern.
When selecting wood panels for an accent wall, it’s important to consider the overall style of the restaurant. For a more traditional look, choose panels that are stained or painted in a dark color. For a contemporary aesthetic, opt for lighter colors, dark lines between panels, and natural wood tones. You can also experiment with different textures, such as linear panels or panel grilles.
In addition to the type of panel texture, the finish is also important. A high-gloss finish will reflect the light in your dining room and make the space feel brighter, while a matte finish will help to soften the look of the room. When used correctly, wood panels can transform any restaurant into a stylish and inviting space.
2. Incorporate Wood Panels Into Your Bar Design
Another great way to use wood panels is in your bar design. This can help create a warm and inviting space for patrons to enjoy while they wait for their food or drinks.
You can use wood panels to create a backsplash behind the bar, line shelves for displaying glasses and bottles, or install acoustic panels throughout to enhance the appearance of the walls and ceilings while controlling the sound levels more effectively. This can prove a great option for restaurants and bars that host live music performances.
Bar areas also may house a number of lights, speakers, and wires running along the ceiling. By installing a floating ceiling fixture like continuous wood cubes, you can mask these wires from view while drawing more attention to your lights above.
3. Place Curved Wood Panels on Your Ceiling
Another major trend in contemporary restaurant design is creating a unique pattern or texture on the ceiling. No one wants to see bare ceiling tiles or wires going between lights and fans while they’re enjoying their food.
As we mentioned above with the cube design, you can also use curved wooden panels to add a distinct texture to all or part of your ceiling. It creates a wave-like appearance that can obscure any ceiling tiles or wires while still leaving them accessible if you need to reach them for maintenance.
4: Use Acoustic Panels in Private Dining Rooms
When it comes to creating an inviting and comfortable dining experience, the acoustics in the space are often overlooked. But the truth is, they can make a notable difference in how people enjoy their meals.
By absorbing excess sound and helping to create a more intimate atmosphere, acoustic panels can make a big difference in the dining experience. Because they’re made from natural materials, they also add a warm and inviting touch to any private dining room.
5: Created a Curved Ceiling for a More Intimate Dining Environment
If you’re looking for a way to add a little bit of luxury to your restaurant dining room, why not consider a curved ceiling?
Curved ceilings can create a more intimate and comfortable dining experience for your guests, and they can also be used to add a touch of visual interest to the room. Wood panels are an ideal material for creating a curved ceiling, and they can be stained or painted to match your current interior décor or the color scheme of your light fixtures.
Get Sustainable Quality Panels for Your Restaurant’s Interior Design
At Rulon International, we are passionate about sustainable design. Each of our acoustic and non-acoustic wood wall and ceiling panel solutions can be customized to create stunning, unique designs that do not impact the environment. We proudly hold 20+ sustainability certifications across our full range of products.
To learn more about how you can install wood panels in your own restaurant, view our gallery or contact us anytime to learn more.
