If it comes to outdoor furniture layout, there are two approaches you can take when setting it out: random arrangement or strategic planning. A well-thought out plan will maximize seating capacity, create comfortable lounge areas and serve as an entertaining focal point.
Focal points serve multiple functions in patio spaces – they draw the eye toward the center of the space and help to establish balance. A focal point could range from an ornamental pool or firepit.
Pools and Firepits
Swimming pools and fire pits make an eye-catching feature in any patio, often being considered when planning its layout due to their visual impact. Both year round amenities require careful consideration when planning their placement: when installing a pool you should take into account water flow, safety, placement of equipment such as pump filters ladders; while when planning for firepits consider their height for seating proximity (so as not to burn yourself with hot stones).
An effective patio layout must include an area for shade. Sitting directly under sunlight for long can be uncomfortable and even dangerous; including shade on your design plan will keep the space comfortable while extending its use beyond summer months. Shade options could range from an awning or pergola canopy up to more complex structures such as canoe canopy canopies.
Lighting is another essential aspect of patio design. Unless you live somewhere with clear skies all year-round, you should think carefully about the type and size of lighting necessary for your layout at night. A string light or two and some decorative lanterns may suffice to set a relaxing ambience; but for dining areas an overhead light fixture with adjustable heads might offer more visibility when reading menus or serving meals.
To make your patio more livable at night, it’s essential that you create distinct zones for different activities. A dining space should be kept apart from lounging areas in order to prevent overcrowding and facilitate easy flow between areas. If your backyard is large enough, consider building walls to define individual rooms for various activities.
When selecting patio furniture, look for pieces that complement each other without looking identical – this will help your patio layout feel more intentional than simply like a showroom of matching chairs. Consider using color palette or pattern scheme to tie all the sets visually, then finish off the space with accent pillows or storage ottoman to tie everything together perfectly.
Conversation Areas
Patios provide more than a place for dining, reading and roasting marshmallows; they’re also cozy conversation spots perfect for gathering with family and friends. By using floor plan software you can easily design a layout of seating areas to experiment with various arrangements – for instance a circular deck may provide the ideal place for a comfortable sofa and coffee table to encircle a fireplace; alternately you might opt for built-in sofas with half walls to encourage open, pit-like feelings; you might also like adding two upright chairs plus small bistro tables into your plan design!
Dining Areas
A patio serves multiple functions – lounging, reading, grilling, dining, watching movies and hosting parties are just a few examples – it should be planned accordingly with seating, decor and other elements accordingly. When planning for dining purposes on your patio, plan seating that maximizes conversation and mingling; chairs that are appropriately sized must also be strategically arranged to maximize dialogue and conversation among diners; dining spaces used primarily at night should have some form of lighting such as an outdoor lantern or cantilever umbrella with lights for optimal use of this function.
Patios are primarily used for dining and drinking al fresco. While dining areas may be separate from lounge spaces, in many instances the two activities share one multi-use space – creating distinct boundaries to divide off individual activities without creating visual chaos is the challenge!
A sofa and chair arrangement is an easy yet practical patio furniture layout suitable for small to medium sized patios, providing minimal seating capacity while creating an inviting area to lounge or converse with friends. A grid tile patio floor and outdoor rug add texture, pattern, and color that define this seating area clearly.
Redefining the traditional sofa and chair arrangement, an alternative approach is adding a loveseat perpendicularly across from it – expanding seating capacity to three people while fitting nicely into tighter patio spaces. Martin recommends for larger dining areas: calculate your dining table’s total dimensions (length/width for rectangular tables; diameter for round ones) then add 3 feet on all sides so there will be ample seating room for guests.
Full sectionals can also make for an adaptable choice in larger patios due to their modular nature. They can be divided into conversation and dining areas with enough room left over for amusement amenities like firepits or water features.
Compact Spaces
Considering an eye-catching focal point as part of your patio layout could help your space feel balanced and inviting to visitors. A focal point can take many forms – fire pit, water feature or even just an inviting reading nook/daybed are great ideas!
When choosing furniture for a small patio space, select modular pieces that can easily adapt to meet different needs. For instance, when hosting guests on an exceptional day, move a sectional sofa away from the side and add accent chairs; on other days simply relax on one sofa with family and friends while using ottomans as extra seating or surface areas for drinks.
For small patio spaces, choose loveseats instead of sofas when selecting furniture to furnish them. Their compact dimensions will allow two people to sit comfortably within the same amount of space required by one sofa; then complete your arrangement by centering it with a coffee table as an ideal place for conversation and socialization.
Even if your space is small or expansive, designing the layout before purchasing furniture is vital to avoiding unwelcome surprises when making purchases that won’t meet your intended purposes.
Utilize patio layout software or pencil and paper to sketch out your space’s dimensions to determine how many furniture pieces will fit. Include walkways and any elements of the yard you would like access to, such as door arcs that indicate opening orientation for sliding doors as well as plant symbols representing trees or shrubbery that you wish to incorporate into your patio design. With such details in place, choosing appropriate furniture for your space and planning a floor plan that maximizes yard usage becomes simpler.