New Zealand loves to dine outdoors. Whether it’s a cafe, a beachside restaurant or a vineyard, customers love to eat and relax under the open sky. But with our unpredictable weather and strong sun, it’s essential to create comfortable and shaded outdoor seating areas that encourage people to stay longer.
For restaurants, high-quality outdoor umbrellas aren’t just about sun safety; it’s about maximising revenue. This guide will show you how Kiwi restaurants can maximise outdoor seating with umbrellas to keep every table comfortable and inviting throughout the day.
Why Do Outdoor Umbrellas Matter for Kiwi Restaurants?
Diners are naturally drawn to restaurants that offer comfortable, shaded outdoor seating where they can relax and enjoy their meals.
- Weather protection: A well-designed umbrella provides reliable cover from the sun’s harsh rays and drizzle.
- Better customer flow: Shaded dining areas increase usable space during peak hours.
- Stronger brand presence: Large, elegant umbrellas can be a focal point. It draws attention from passersby and makes your venue recognisable.
- Comfort: Whether sun or rain, umbrellas let customers enjoy the outdoors.
Planning the Perfect Outdoor Seating Layout
Before you choose umbrellas for your restaurant, take a look at your outdoor space as a whole. The right planning can turn your outdoor area into a profitable and welcoming space.
- Define zones: Use larger umbrellas for communal dining areas and smaller umbrellas for intimate tables or bar seating.
- Sunlight: Position umbrellas to block harsh rays during peak sunlight hours in the morning and afternoon.
- Wind: In coastal or windy areas, opt for heavy-duty umbrellas with a sturdy base for stability.
- Beauty and function: Pair umbrellas with outdoor furniture to maintain a cohesive outdoor design that fits your style.
Choosing the Right Umbrella for Your Outdoor Space
The type of umbrella you choose depends on how your restaurant operates, the space you have and the experience you want to offer. Here’s a look at Shadowspec’s range and how each one can make the most of outdoor seating with umbrellas.
Cantilever Umbrellas
Cantilever umbrellas are great when you want open space under the umbrella canopy. The pole sits to the side, and this leaves the seating area free of obstruction. They’re a favourite for outdoor dining tables, pool decks and resort-style patios.
- Unobstructed space: Perfect for arranging tables, lounge chairs or walkways without a central pole.
- Robust construction: Built from marine-grade aluminium and stainless steel to withstand sun exposure, coastal winds, rain, and humidity.
- Stylish outdoor look: Add elegance while maintaining functionality.
The Shadowspec Serenity™ and Shadowspec Unity™ are fantastic for increasing coverage while keeping a clean layout. If you want to maximise space and provide adequate shade without cluttering your floor, they can be the perfect umbrellas.
Centre Pole Umbrellas
Centre pole umbrellas are best for cafes and restaurants where seating is arranged around tables. They’re versatile, timeless, stable, and provide shade coverage across dining tables.
- Symmetrical layout: Keeps your outdoor area looking neat and professional.
- Durable design: Shadowspec’s centre pole umbrellas are built with marine-grade components for robust construction and smooth operation.
- Wind resistant: The SU10 can handle strong winds, making it perfect for open-air spaces.
- Branding opportunity: You can customise canopies to reflect your brand and grab attention.
For smaller areas, a smaller umbrella like the SU2 is suitable, while larger umbrellas like the SU10 create adequate shade for multiple tables in outdoor dining zones.
Wall Mounted Umbrellas
When floor space is limited, wall mounted umbrellas are the way to go. They’re attached to walls or garden structures and keep walkways clear while providing shade.
- Space saving: Keeps seating flexible and unobstructed.
- Adjustable angles: The tilt mechanism and rotation help track the sun throughout the day.
- Easy storage: You can fold or detach them during the off-season or high winds.
The Shadowspec Retreat™ is great for small dining areas. It adds comfort without sacrificing movement. It’s perfect for entertaining guests in compact areas where every metre counts.
Market Umbrellas
Market umbrellas are the all-rounders of outdoor shade. They fit into most restaurants, and can move between different settings as needed.
- Moveable: For different occasions or seasonal changes.
- Branding: Great for printed logos or colour-matched canopies.
- Sturdy frames: Marine-grade aluminium with rust-resistant fittings.
- Weather-resistant materials: Weather-resistant to fading and damage from UV or rain.
Shadowspec’s SU2 Umbrella are ideal for businesses that need reliable, high-quality umbrellas for everyday use. For an oblong market umbrella, you can go for the Shadowspec Unity™ range.
Tips for Comfort and Style
Now that your umbrellas are in place, make your outdoor space feel warm and inviting.
- Function with flair: Match umbrellas with furniture and cushions for a cohesive outdoor look.
- Add visual interest: Soft lighting, vertical gardens or a green wall.
- Colour: Canopy colours that reflect your brand and create calm or vibrant moods.
Maintenance and Care for Outdoor Area Umbrellas
Good maintenance ensures your umbrellas perform season after season. Restaurants can extend the life of their umbrellas by following these simple steps:
- Brush away dirt and debris before cleaning.
- Mild soap and warm water to clean the canopy, no harsh chemicals.
- Air dry completely to prevent mildew.
- Silicone spray on hinges for smooth operation.
- Cover during off-season or extreme weather.
- Inspect frames and canopies for wear and tear.
Creating Comfortable Outdoor Dining Spaces
An outdoor space can be a real game-changer for Kiwi restaurants. With the right umbrella, you create a space that guests will want to spend more time in. Shadowspec helps you design an outdoor space that’s functional, beautiful and profitable.
When your guests can sit in shade, enjoy the outdoor lifestyle, and feel protected from the sun, you’re not just offering a seat, you’re offering an experience.
Explore umbrellas for your restaurant with Shadowspec.