As one of Sydney’s most trusted providers of high-quality hospitality furniture, we understand that when it comes to pub design, the choice between modern and traditional styles is one of the first and most impactful decisions you’ll make. Both styles have their own unique charm, supporters, and practical advantages. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The trick is to select the style that aligns with your vision for your pub and lean into it in every detail.
Exploring Modern vs Traditional Pub Furniture
Today, we’re exploring the differences between modern and traditional pub furniture to help you make the best choice for your space.
Seating: Comfort vs. Contemporary Chic
Traditional: Traditional pub seating often includes sturdy wooden chairs, high-backed booths, and upholstered seating in warm, inviting tones like burgundy, deep green, or navy. These pieces create a sense of timeless cosiness, where patrons feel encouraged to linger over a pint.
Modern: Modern seating leans toward minimalist designs, clean lines, and innovative materials. You’ll find sleek metal barstools, modular seating arrangements, and even transparent acrylic chairs in some ultra-modern pubs. These designs often prioritise aesthetics and space optimisation, making them ideal for smaller, trendier venues.
Lighting: Warm Glow vs. Bold Statements
Traditional: In a traditional pub, lighting is typically warm and ambient, featuring elements like vintage chandeliers, brass sconces, and stained-glass pendant lights. This type of lighting casts a golden hue over the space, enhancing its cosy and nostalgic appeal.
Modern: Modern pub lighting is where bold creativity often shines. From industrial pendant lights with exposed Edison bulbs to LED strips and customizable smart lighting systems, modern lighting can create dynamic moods. It’s a great choice if your pub has a more vibrant or energetic atmosphere.
Artwork and Decor: Nostalgia vs. Innovation
Traditional: Traditional pubs are known for their rich use of artwork and decor that tells a story. Think vintage beer advertisements, oil paintings, and memorabilia like rugby jerseys or antique tools. These items contribute to a sense of heritage and familiarity.
Modern: In a modern pub, artwork and decor often take a more minimalist or abstract approach. Large-scale murals, geometric art pieces, or even digital displays can serve as focal points. These elements often emphasize the pub’s cutting-edge identity and resonate with a younger, trend-centric audience.
Tables: Solid Craftsmanship vs. Sleek Design
Traditional: Tables in traditional pubs are typically made from solid wood, showcasing craftsmanship and durability. Rich finishes like mahogany or oak, often with carved details, add to the timeless appeal.
Modern: Modern pub tables emphasise function and design versatility. You’ll see tables with metal bases and glass tops, compact designs for tighter spaces, or tables with bold, colourful finishes that make a statement. Some modern styles also integrate charging ports and other tech-friendly features.
Bar Design: Classic Elegance vs. Futuristic Functionality
Traditional: A traditional pub bar is often a centerpiece, featuring carved wood, brass accents, and perhaps even a polished stone countertop. These bars evoke a sense of permanence and tradition, encouraging patrons to pull up a stool and settle in.
Modern: Modern bar designs are sleek and functional, often utilising materials like stainless steel, concrete, or even recycled materials. Integrated lighting, minimalist shelving, and a streamlined appearance can make the bar both a design statement and a highly efficient workspace.
Flooring: Timeless Comfort vs. Urban Edge
Traditional: Traditional pubs often use materials like hardwood, stone tiles, or even patterned carpets. These choices enhance the warm, welcoming vibe and contribute to sound insulation, keeping the noise level comfortable.
Modern: In modern pubs, flooring options can include polished concrete, large-format tiles, or laminate with a high-gloss finish. These materials offer a sleek, industrial look that’s easy to clean and maintain, perfect for high-traffic venues.
Outdoor Spaces: Rustic Retreats vs. Stylish Terraces
Traditional: A traditional pub’s outdoor area might feature picnic tables, wooden benches, and wrought-iron fixtures, often surrounded by planters or ivy-covered walls. This setup extends the pub’s cosy charm to the outdoors.
Modern: Modern pub patios are often chic and minimalistic, with features like modular outdoor seating, retractable awnings, and contemporary fire pits. Sleek materials like metal, rattan, and weather-resistant fabrics create a polished look for alfresco dining or casual drinks.
Choosing Your Style
Whether you’re drawn to the timeless charm of a traditional pub or the cutting-edge appeal of a modern one, the key is to remain consistent in your design choices. Mixing elements from both styles can work, but it requires a careful balance to avoid visual clutter or mismatched aesthetics.
At Have a Seat, we offer an extensive range of both modern and traditional furniture options to bring your vision to life. Visit our showroom in Smithfield to explore our collections in person, or browse our online store to discover the perfect pieces for your pub. Let us help you create a space that not only looks incredible but also keeps your patrons coming back for more.