Best Small Cafe Designs

Designing a small cafe requires thoughtful planning to optimize every square foot of space while ensuring a comfortable and functional environment. Start by carefully considering the layout to maximize efficiency. Choose versatile furniture pieces that can serve multiple purposes, such as foldable tables, stackable chairs, or built-in seating with hidden storage. By prioritizing multifunctional elements, you can create a flexible layout that adapts to different needs throughout the day, from serving customers to clearing space for cleaning or events.

Lighting and color play pivotal roles in enhancing the perceived size and ambiance of a small cafe. Incorporate plenty of natural light to open up the space and make it feel larger. Use light, neutral colors for walls, furniture, and flooring to create an airy and inviting atmosphere. Strategic placement of mirrors can also help reflect light and visually expand the space.

Additionally, prioritize efficient workflow by organizing work zones logically—separate areas for food preparation, serving, and customer seating. Streamline traffic flow by leaving adequate space between furniture and ensuring clear pathways for customers and staff. With these design considerations, a small cafe can feel spacious, functional, and inviting, offering an enjoyable experience for both customers and staff alike.

Cafe in Makassar / MKO Culture / INS Studio

The Idea for MKO Culture came up along with the client’s desire to have a Cafe in Makassar with a size of 20 square meters located in the front yard of his house. 

Shanghai Cafe / Aloha Cafe / Atelier IN

Nestled in the historic French Concession of Shanghai on Shaanxi South Road, ALOHA Coffee is a distinctive Shanghai cafe located at the ground floor of a heritage residential building. Renowned for its dedication to the art and traditional practices of coffee making, the ALOHA brand embodies a deep respect for coffee culture. Designed by Atelier IN, this project draws its primary inspiration from the textural red bricks of the old streets, aiming to narrate the stories of the coffee shop and its local community.

1 Martin Place Cafe / Two Penny Blue

1 Martin Place Cafe, Two Penny Blue, seamlessly integrates heritage charm within its hole-in-the-wall setting. The cafe’s design pays homage to its historical surroundings, creating an inviting atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their coffee in a space that beautifully combines modern convenience with timeless elegance in the heart of Martin Place.

Coffee Shop Sydney CBD / Willandco cafe

Coffee Shop Sydney CBD, Willandco Cafe on George, offers a unique experience with its chipboard facade and a convenient ‘hole in the wall’ setting. This distinctive design blends urban creativity with practicality, creating an inviting and contemporary space for patrons to grab their coffee on the go in the bustling heart of Sydney.