Coffee is an essential part of many Australians’ daily routines, whether it’s grabbing a cup to go or taking time to relax with a hot brew in a local café. As coffee culture continues to thrive, cafés have become key social hubs and spaces to work.
However, while a great coffee menu is important, the design of the café plays a critical role in attracting customers and ensuring their satisfaction. This guide will explore the key considerations for designing a café that maximises success.
Let’s get straight to the point
Designing a successful café requires balancing aesthetic appeal and functionality. The dining area should take up about 60% of the space, with the remaining 40% dedicated to kitchens, storage, and support areas.
Focus on creating clear spaces, accessibility for all customers (including wheelchair access), and ensuring hygiene standards.
The placement of the service counter influences customer behaviour, while durable flooring and well-chosen colours can enhance both safety and atmosphere. Lighting, signage, and outdoor seating are key to attracting customers.
Understanding your target audience and investing in high-quality equipment will set your café apart. Seeking professional help can optimise your design and increase your chances of success.

Why Is Café Layout Crucial to Its Success?
The layout of your café impacts not only its functionality but also the overall customer experience. The arrangement of dining areas, service stations, and kitchen spaces should create a smooth flow for both staff and customers, encouraging repeat visits.
1. Space Allocation for Different Areas
A well-balanced layout is key to a successful café. Typically, 60% of your total space should be allocated to the dining area, with 40% dedicated to the kitchen, storage, and other support areas. This ensures there’s ample seating for customers while still maintaining a functional space for food preparation and staff movement.
2. Clearly Defined Spaces
Clear zoning is essential for a smooth operation. Consider the following areas:
- Dining Area: Comfortable, spacious seating arrangements that make customers feel at ease.
- Kitchen and Storage: Efficient areas for food preparation, equipment, and storage of supplies.
- Service Stations: Spaces for ordering, payment, and pick-up.
- Restrooms: Convenient and easily accessible for customers, while maintaining a level of privacy.
Having a clearly defined layout helps keep operations efficient while offering customers a seamless experience.
3. Hygiene and Sanitation
Australia’s strict food safety regulations require cafés to maintain high hygiene standards in food handling and preparation. From clean kitchen facilities to sanitised surfaces, a focus on cleanliness will not only keep your customers safe but also build trust in your brand.
Accessibility Considerations for Café Design
In Australia, it’s essential to ensure that your café is accessible to all customers, including those with disabilities. A thoughtful design will make it easier for everyone to enjoy your space.
1. Wheelchair Accessibility
Ensure that your café provides clear pathways for wheelchair users, including wide doorways and accessible seating. Tables should have a clearance height of at least 27 inches to accommodate wheelchair users comfortably.
2. Accessible Restrooms
In Australia, public restrooms must be accessible, and cafés are no exception. Ensure your restrooms are well-placed and meet Australian Disability Standards for accessible toilets, with features such as grab bars and easy-to-open doors.
Where Should the Bar or Serving Area Be Positioned?
The placement of your serving counter plays a significant role in customer behaviour and overall experience. Depending on your café’s concept, you can choose a layout that encourages quick service or encourages customers to linger and relax.
1. Serving Counter Location
- Near the entrance: Positioning the counter at the front encourages quick transactions, ideal for busy urban cafés or those catering to commuters.
- Towards the back: Placing the counter further into the café creates a space where customers are more likely to stay for longer, which works well for cafés targeting customers who want to relax or work in the space.
2. Design the Counter for Function and Style
The counter should align with your café’s theme and provide functionality. For example, display specialty coffee equipment prominently to showcase your café’s expertise or create a visually appealing area where customers can watch baristas prepare drinks.
Flooring: The Unsung Hero of Café Design
In Australian cafés, flooring is not just a practical consideration-it also impacts the aesthetic and atmosphere of your space. Given the high foot traffic and potential for spills, it’s important to choose flooring that balances durability with style.
1. Durability and Safety
Opt for scratch-resistant and non-slip flooring materials. Many Australian cafés favour vinyl plank flooring or timber-look tiles, as these materials are both cost-effective and easy to maintain, while also providing a stylish, modern look.
2. Maintenance Considerations
In Australia, where café culture is vibrant, keeping floors clean is crucial. Choose materials that are easy to wipe down and resistant to staining-particularly in high-traffic areas like near the counter and dining zones.
How Does Lighting Impact Café Design?
Lighting can dramatically influence the mood of your café. It not only affects the aesthetic but also enhances the customer experience. Whether you’re creating a relaxed coffee haven or a bright, lively space, lighting should reflect the overall atmosphere you want to create.
1. Warm vs. Cool Lighting
- Warm Lighting: Ideal for creating a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. This type of lighting works well for cafés designed for customers to stay and socialise.
- Cool Lighting: Perfect for accentuating food presentation and creating a clean, modern vibe. If your café serves visually striking dishes, use cooler lighting to highlight the colours and textures.
2. Ambient Lighting for Comfort
In a busy café, good ambient lighting can make the space feel comfortable and welcoming. Soft, diffused lighting encourages customers to relax, while harsher lighting can make the space feel too sterile.

What Role Does the Café Exterior Play in Attracting Customers?
The exterior design of your café is the first impression customers will have. A welcoming façade, along with well-designed signage and outdoor seating, can make a significant difference in drawing people in.
1. Effective Signage
Make sure your café’s signage is easy to read, stands out from the street, and reflects the style of your business. For instance, if you’re going for a vintage or rustic vibe, consider a wooden sign with hand-painted lettering. A modern café may opt for sleek, minimalist signage.
2. Outdoor Seating
Outdoor seating can greatly enhance your café’s appeal. In cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, outdoor seating is especially popular due to the favourable climate. Ensure your outdoor area has comfortable seating, shade (such as umbrellas or awnings), and perhaps heating for the cooler months.
Essential Fixtures and Equipment for Your Café
Once your design and layout are sorted, you’ll need the right equipment to bring your café vision to life. In Australia, investing in high-quality coffee equipment is a must, and the placement of such fixtures should be both functional and aesthetic.
1. Placement of Coffee Machines and Equipment
Your coffee machines should be placed in a central location where the baristas have easy access and can interact with customers. Equipment like espresso machines and grinders should be visible to highlight your café’s craftsmanship and expertise.
2. Storage and Kitchen Efficiency
In Australia, regulations around kitchen space can be strict, so ensure there’s enough room for industrial-grade coffee machines, ovens, and refrigerators while maintaining an efficient workflow.
Conclusion: Designing a Café That Stands Out
Designing a café in Australia requires a careful balance of aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. From layout to lighting and furniture, every detail should align with your café’s brand identity and target audience.
Consider the specific needs of your local community, and create a space that attracts regular customers. Whether you’re in a busy city centre or a relaxed coastal town, the right café design will enhance the overall experience and ensure your café stands out in Australia’s vibrant coffee culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Maximise the Use of Space in a Small Café?
Use multi-functional furniture, vertical storage solutions, and mirrors to create an illusion of more space.
What Are the Best Colours for My Café’s Interior Design?
Choose colours that align with your café’s theme and vibe. For instance, green for a fresh, health-focused café or neutral tones for a calm and welcoming atmosphere.
What Are the Key Features for Outdoor Café Seating?
Ensure comfortable seating, shade, lighting, and heating options for cooler months.
How Can I Design an Efficient and Stylish Coffee Bar?
Position the coffee bar for ease of service and create a focal point with high-quality coffee machines and appealing displays.
What Should I Consider When Designing Restrooms in My Café?
Make sure restrooms are accessible, clean, and conveniently located within the café layout.