How to Match and Mix Plastic Chair Colors for a Stylish Café Vibe

How to Match and Mix Plastic Chair Colors for a Stylish Café Vibe

When it comes to cafés, first reactions are everything. As much like the scent of freshly brewed coffee may get customers in the door, the atmosphere will determine how long they linger—and if or not they will return. Perhaps one of the most direct & impactful means of establishing a chic atmosphere is by matching and mixing chair colors. Plastic chairs, with their a variety of colors & layouts, make this easier than ever. If you’re looking to give your café a stylish, personal feel, this is how to master the art of color coordination.

1. Start with a Base Palette

Before you start experimenting with bold pairings, select a foundation color for your chairs. A neutral layout color like white, black, or gray works best like an anchor because they match good with bolder accents. For example, if you have most of your chairs in white, you can add yellow, teal, or coral in moderation without overwhelming the room.

2. Apply the 60-30-10 Rule

Interior designers usually follow the 60-30-10 rule of color, which states that 60% of a layout color should be used, 30% should be an extra hue, and 10% should be used as an accent. Used in café seating, this might be:

60% neutral-colored chairs (white, beige, or low gray)

30% mid-tone chairs (navy, forest green, or terracotta)

10% of seats with striking accents (blue, mustard, or bright red)

This balance keeps the space from being visually chaotic while further making it vibrant.

3. Play with Contrasts

Playful variations make energy and personality. Consider black chairs with bright yellow or navy with coral.  Use two or three prominent colors for diversity, but don't go overboard. Use two or three prominent colors for diversity, but don't go overboard. This protects your bustling café from being overpowering.

4. Experiment with Monochrome Shades

If dramatic variations are not your cup of tea, go for monochrome variations of a single color. For example, varying blues ranging from pale sky to blue navy can be a harmonious but engaging appearance. This style suits modern coffee shops seeking a clean, refined look.

5. Coordinate Chairs with Your Brand Theme

Your choice of colors must resonate with your overall identity for the café. A country-style café may favor earthy colors like olive, brown, and cream, while a young & enjoyable café may try out vibrant combinations like orange, teal, and pink. Your chairs become a part of your brand narrative.

6. Think Through Table Pairings

Chairs don't stand alone—their colors should be harmonious with your tables like good. Say, for example, wooden tables are great with muted green and cream-colored plastic chairs, and slim metal tables go right with strong, shiny colors like red or cobalt blue.

7. Don't Forget Customer Comfort

Whereas colors evoke mood, comfort draws customers back. Steer away from shiny layouts that tend to be tacky in hot weather, and opt for matte or textured layouts that serve beauty with functionality.

Back to blog