Tasteful & Stylish: how to set up a pop-up with atmosphere, without a big budget

A pop-up restaurant doesn't have to be a huge investment to offer an unforgettable experience. With a few clever choices, a keen eye for detail, and a little creativity, you can transform a temporary space into a haven that stimulates the senses. At Studiomie, we created a pop-up concept with one long table and a single menu, in a bright space with a touch of nostalgia. Below, I'd like to share our tips, including our favorite Ikea hacks.

1. One long table, endless possibilities

The centerpiece of our pop-up was a table measuring a whopping 9 meters long. No easy feat, but achievable nonetheless. We used wooden tabletops combined with Olov legs and Spänst PT legs from Ikea. These are height-adjustable, allowing you to adjust the table for perfect stability – crucial at such a length.

Moreover, the legs are very subtle, practically invisible, and can be positioned so they don't get in the way of guests. By creating one long table instead of separate tables, you create a sense of connection and intimacy.

2. Lighting makes or breaks your atmosphere

Lighting is perhaps the most important element in a pop-up. We deliberately opted for warm, dimmable lighting , tested beforehand in both daylight and evening light. A key tip: leave the lights on at the right intensity when you welcome your guests. This way, the transition from day to night will be natural and effortless. Our favorite: a mix of standing and table lamps , scattered among plants and corners of the room. Ikea offers a wide range of affordable mood lighting that you can combine perfectly.

3. Acoustics and atmosphere in one curtain

To improve the acoustics and add ambiance, we used deep green Majgull curtains from Ikea. For €49.99 each, you get a thick, sturdy curtain that not only dampens sound but also adds a touch of class. We deliberately chose a tone-on-tone green, complementing the existing green in the room.

4. Layered in green

When decorating a temporary space, choosing a single, clear, main color is a smart move. In this case, we chose green as a unifying element. This color was already present in the kitchen island, and we played on it by adding additional shades of green. Think deep green curtains, plants, and various accessories in tone-on-tone.

By carefully combining colors within the same palette, you create both tranquility and depth. The chosen green shades enhance each other without competing, creating a harmonious whole.

Plants are a logical and budget-friendly addition. Not only do their natural green tones perfectly complement the chosen ambiance, they also bring life, texture, and a sense of warmth to the space. By grouping plants in different heights and sizes, you add dynamism in an organic way.

Moreover, plants are ideal for a pop-up: they're temporary, portable, and tradable . After the event, you can easily resell or reuse them , recouping a significant portion of your investment. A smart move for those who want to create atmosphere without breaking the budget.

To counterbalance all that greenery, we incorporated wood as a secondary, supporting element. We incorporated it into the furniture and lighting. Wood provides warmth, character, and a timeless look. The combination of green and wood feels natural and immediately creates ambiance.

5. Ikea, but without the Ikea look

For temporary spaces, you don't always have the right furniture on hand. Work with what's available, hiding any distracting elements behind curtains or removing them if possible. You can easily supplement with affordable Ikea pieces that feel timeless and atmospheric—without making the space look recognizably "Ikea."

We deliberately chose pieces from the Stockholm 2025 series , such as the display cabinet (ideal for glasses), the tray (for cutlery or small items), and the standing lamp with brass and travertine details. This series has a warm appearance and a refined finish that doesn't immediately evoke mass production.

For the textiles, we opted for Majgull curtains in a deep shade of green, hung on the simple yet stylish Irja curtain rod set .

Cushions in the sitting area were given covers in green tones, such as the Stockholm 2025 cushion cover , which again adds warmth and ties the colour palette together.

In terms of lighting, we combined different models for a playful yet balanced effect: the MOLNART lamps (for a soft glow), the MARKFROST lamps (for diffused light with character) and the DEJSA table lamp , with its matt glass and warm appearance, fits perfectly on a side table or plant table.

By choosing wisely from the Ikea range—with an eye for form, material, and color—you can create a stylish space with character, without a recognizable identity. The secret lies in combining, adapting, and creating the right context.

Finally: A pop-up doesn't have to be expensive to make an impact. By making conscious choices—in color, materials, lighting, and ambiance—you can create an unforgettable, comprehensive experience on a limited budget.

Do you have a pop-up idea you'd like to bring to life? We'd love to brainstorm with you. At Studiomie, we believe in beauty, simplicity, and cleverly utilizing what already exists.

All photos are the work of Beeldschoon .