How to decorate a bistro artistically

Whether it's a romantic dinner or drinks with colleagues, eating out is something many people simply can't do without: for us Italians it's a regular little luxury, a way to press pause on everyday life and immerse ourselves in different flavours and tastes.

Décor is very important, an essential element both for a classic trattoria and for a gourmet bistro, a meeting place for artists that was born in 19th-century Paris. But why is that? Shouldn't great food matter more? Of course, but it's not everything. In this article we explain why décor matters so much in a good bistro.

While they sit at the table waiting patiently for their food, people chat and love to look around, letting their gaze explore the space: so it's important to give them a place that is evocative and welcoming at the same time. Something to talk about at the table between mouthfuls, recreating the intellectual atmosphere of days gone by.

Pictures and prints, often the element diners pass judgement on most during their meal, will be the highlight of your bistro: in our guide we will suggest several modern pictures with which we are sure you will create refined, interesting décor!

Decorating a bistro with photographic prints

Food has been portrayed in art since the 17th century in the form of the still life: Caravaggio often used this subject, creating magnificent paintings that we still remember today. In contemporary photography, too, this kind of representation is widely used, with artists creating sophisticated, elegant images that give this style a modern twist.

In these two images, for example, the photographers have drawn on the still-life technique in a creative way, arranging the objects in a seemingly random manner.

Here, on the other hand, the elements are arranged in a more geometric composition, while still keeping the “still life” effect.

How to decorate the walls of a modern bistro

After food, let's move on to an element around which all life on our planet revolves: water. A malleable substance that can be portrayed in countless different ways. It certainly can't be missing from the pictures hanging in your bistro!

From our gallery we have selected a variety of food and drink prints, each different from the others, to choose from according to your bistro's particular style.

In this print, you will find a colourful take on the “water” theme.

Bistro décor inspired by a wine bar

There's nothing more refined than wine, a quintessentially Italian product and a cornerstone of our Mediterranean culture. A constant subject in painting since the frescoes of Ancient Greece, wine simply has to feature in your bistro's décor. It's one of the main products of this kind of venue, and depicting it on the walls will instantly convey professionalism and quality.

Take inspiration from the artistic compositions we suggest below.

Words set free, inspired by Italian Futurism, in this original print where food is not depicted but “written”.

And let's not forget another fine Italian product: olive oil. Your venue can't do without a print dedicated to olive oil: an elegant, delicate composition adds refinement to the space.

Browse our gallery of fine art photography to discover the right print for you: thousands of unique, original artistic images await.

Don't want to miss our latest news? Follow us on our social media pages!