Picture a beautifully designed restaurant, customers are eating and chatting - the lighting is perfect, the décor is superb and OMG, the food - it smells heavenly. But then - a loud crash from the kitchen reverberates through the entire space. Or, as it gets busier the volume of conversations gets louder and louder and suddenly the pleasant dining experience is ruined. A nightmare for guests but also for the restaurant owner! 

Every restaurant owner always wants their customers to leave having had an unforgettable dining experience at your space - an experience of course, that leaves them wanting more. 

Acoustics are integral to a restaurant fit out and you don’t want to be among those restaurant owners who overlook acoustics when it comes to their restaurant interior design. Acoustics have the potential to make or break the perfect atmosphere for your guests.

Whether you have a bustling cafe in the heart of Riyadh or a cosy, intimate restaurant - you must invest in quality acoustic systems to ensure the right vibe of your place.  

Why Acoustics Matter in Restaurant Design

A common mistake restaurant owners make is the sole focus on elements like lighting, seating or the overall theme. Makes sense of course, but what about the sound of your place? How often do you think about the sound?

When guests enter a lively bar they want the perfect amount of background chatter and music that fills the room but doesn’t overpower. For an intimate dinner they want background noise that masks details of conversations but doesn’t drown you out or require a raised voice to be heard. That’s the magic of good acoustics.

A restaurant with loud echoes and constant noise can feel somewhat overwhelming. No matter how stunning the interior design is, if there is any feeling of overwhelm there is a much higher chance of guests leaving and not returning. Something all restaurant owners want to avoid.

The Science Behind It

Good acoustics control the way sound travels in a space. Interior designers and fit-out contractors know how to design layouts and choose specific materials that absorb, diffuse or reflect sound in a certain way. This helps create the perfect ambience. For example, soft materials like upholstery and carpets absorb sound and make spaces feel more intimate and quieter. On the other hand, hard surfaces like concrete or metal reflect sound - making the room feel larger but also prone to echo.

However, designing for acoustics is a skilled job and also specific to your project, just doing what others are doing won’t necessarily bring you the results you are expecting.

Qualified Fit-out contractors have knowledge about proper insulation and material installation that are suitable for sound control. And, interior designers can select décor and finishes that can work best to support optimal acoustics.

Acoustic Solutions That Work

Acoustic Panels

These are not just functional - they’re most definitely a DESIGN ELEMENT. Acoustic panels come in a variety of shapes, colours and textures. They actually absorb sound waves and reduce the amount of echo in a room, which helps minimize the background noise, especially during busy hours. This allows guests to enjoy their conversations without shouting across the table. You can also customise these panels with your brand's colours or logo.

Soft Furnishings

Soft furnishings like plush seating, curtains and carpets help make your space feel cosy. Soft materials absorb sound rather than reflect it which means they help to minimise the overall noise level in a room. Guests will spend more time in your space, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere you've created, without even realising they are doing so. It can be a SIMPLE but effective design solution that doesn’t compromise style.

Zoning

Not all parts of a restaurant need to be filled with the same energy level. You can design the bar area to handle more lively noise levels. Then design a secluded dining area that can offer a peaceful, quieter setting. Here you need strategic furniture placement, the use of partitions or even varying the floor and ceiling materials between sections. Now, guests who want a vibrant, social experience can stay close to the bar. And, those who seek a calm, intimate meal can sit in the quieter area. Zoning balances the energy of your space and is really important through acoustic design!

Ceiling Design

If you have high ceilings - they can be a stunning feature, but they often lead to an echoey space below. Sound travels up and bounces from the ceiling creating echoes. Here you can get creative with ceiling designs. You can incorporate hanging baffles, coffered ceilings or other sound-absorbing elements. Hanging baffles, for instance, are suspended panels - that absorb sound but add aesthetics to the overall space.

Bottom Line

Every place is unique and so are the acoustic needs. You need to team up with the best fit-out contractors who specialise in restaurant fit-out projects in Riyadh. 

How can you find such talented fit-out specialists? Use the Contractors Direct platform. Fill out a little information about your project needs and who you are and get connected to the top fit-out contractors who specialise in bar and restaurant fit-out projects like yours. You can then use our smart Fit-out Cost Calculator for accurate estimates of what you should expect to pay for your project.

If the fit-out cost looks significant, we can help you with a flexible financing option (thanks to our partnership with Beehive) if you meet certain requirements. Visit our platform now to find out more!