Every successful restaurant has three things in common: great food, great service, and a great atmosphere. The first two are dependent on people, but an aesthetic is created from the theme and style of the furniture you choose to use. It is also the first thing that people notice, and first impressions carry quite a lot of weight these days. Here are three aspects of furniture that will define your style and, if paired in the right way, will have people talking about your restaurant days after they’ve left.

Fabric: A key piece of the puzzle, the fabric on your furniture sets the mood, as it were, for the entire theme. It will be what people come into contact with the most, so you’ll want something as comfortable as it is durable. Beyond that, the options are basically limitless. Around 57% of Americans prefer vintage furniture, so maybe you’ll want to look into re-purposing upholstery fabrics from old pieces. Are you going to choose something sleek and rustic, like leather, or go for a patterned piece? Color and design are just branches under the great big fabric tree, but their consistency is what changes a clash of style and color into a coherent aesthetic.

Material: Depending on the vibe you’re going for, the base material of the furniture can be as important as the fabric that sits atop and within it. Wood comes in many varieties of stains, shades, and finishes: will you choose rich mahogany wood table tops, or go for the lighter oak table finishes? If your restaurant is industrial-themed, consider metal — it’s easy to clean and maintain, but may be uncomfortable for your customers.

Furniture nailheads: Furniture nailheads may not seem like they should warrant much attention, but they can provide excellent accents when utilized correctly. In fact, the ever-popular vintage style displays prominent brass and iron nailheads. It is a small detail that is worth investing in — your customers may not necessarily notice them immediately, but they will contribute to the overall feel of your restaurant.

If you’ve already found a place and set a menu, the hard work is already done. Design can even be fun if you do it right, so heed these instructions and create a restaurant that will forever live in the memories of those that stop by for a bite to eat.