Savvy Tips & Helpful Hints

How To Improve The Ambiance In Your Coffee Shop

It’s reasonable for a customer to spend 10-30 minutes at a coffee shop after finishing their coffee. This time could be spent talking with friends, reading, or just taking in the ambiance of the coffee shop. And as a coffee shop owner, you want to create a welcoming and comfortable space for your customers to relax. That is essential for building a loyal customer base and keeping them returning for more. Your ambiance also creates a memorable experience for your customers, with every detail impacting the overall feel of your space. Here are some tips for improving the ambiance in your coffee shop.

1. Offer some good food to go with the coffee

Granted, it’s a coffee shop, but customers will appreciate it more if you add a few tasty bites to your menu. Doing this will encourage some customers to spend more time in your shop, especially those looking for a place to sit and relax or meet up with others. And don’t worry; you don’t need to start hiring chefs. Simply partner with local bakeries and restaurants and select some of their foods like scones, muffins, breakfast burritos, etc. You can make these available on your menu. Such partnerships can go both ways, as bakeries and restaurants can add your coffee to their menu – a win-win situation.

2. Choose your lighting wisely

The right lighting will make a difference in your coffee shop, creating the right mood. Ideally, it would be best to focus more on ambient lighting instead of regular bulbs. For example, you can install dimmers and add attractive ceiling lamps to create gentle glows instead of those harsh industrial lights. Also, take full advantage of natural light whenever possible. Natural sunlight is known to have immense mental health benefits. Plus, it’s a great way to save significantly on your energy bills. But if natural lighting isn’t available, stick to cool-toned lighting as they create a similar look and feel to daylight. They’re also perfect for those who want to read in your shop.

3. Add artwork

Artworks create a visually interesting and engaging space, adding personality and character to your walls and making your coffee shop feel unique and memorable. You can showcase pieces from local artists to create a sense of community and support for their work. Artworks are also great conversation starters, giving customers something to admire and appreciate while they take on their coffee. 

4. Create an outdoor space


One of the best things you can do for your coffee shop is to allow indulgers to sit outside and enjoy the natural environment for a while. If you’re lucky enough to have a sidewalk space or a less-busy street in front of your shop, consider setting up a few chairs and tables there. Of course, you may first need permission from local authorities, depending on your location. Another option is to transform your patio, balcony, or rooftop into the perfect outdoor space as an extension of your coffee shop. Your customers will love it. Only ensure that you prevent falls by working with railing manufacturers to erect protective railings at the edges of the space.