Some key pieces of patio furniture can help make your deck more inviting than ever, like repurposed pieces that give new life to old materials, lighting, and botanicals – which bring natural elements for an earthy aesthetic.
To select suitable patio furniture for a small deck, it’s essential to first assess how you plan to utilize the space. This will enable you to prioritize which pieces should be purchased.
Start With Key Pieces
When furnishing a small porch, deck, or balcony you must be strategic about choosing patio furniture. Large pieces can overwhelm a small space and feel cramped – instead opt for key pieces that maximize area without compromising comfort or style. Begin by selecting furnishings to meet your goals such as comfortable lounge chairs or bistro sets before adding accent pieces such as storage ottomans and planters as necessary.
If you want to host intimate dinner parties or quiet sunrise retreats outdoors, invest in a compact outdoor table and chairs set. These sets feature matching chairs with a small table for easier hosting in smaller spaces; plus they double up as accent seating when needed!
For an informal seating arrangement, group outdoor sofas and chairs in clusters instead of rows for maximum visual impact while providing more options for guests to sit, dine or unwind. This layout can help open up space visually as well as offering guests more ways to sit, eat or unwind.
When extra space is needed to accommodate food, drinks and supplies for multiple people at once, console tables make an excellent solution. Their spacious surface area can hold plates, drinks and snacks while lower shelves can house additional cushions or blankets to protect from the sun. You could even add hanging plants such as trailing vines for an aesthetically pleasing backdrop to the seating area.
Hinged storage chairs offer an appealing and functional choice for small decks. Not only do these chairs offer cozy seating spaces, but their large compartments can store cushions, blankets, toys and other essentials – perfect for pool toys, sunscreen or anything else that clutters up the floor!
For optimal entertaining, choose a bistro or pub table equipped with stools. This setting combines dining and lounging into one compact unit; guests can comfortably take in the view while sitting comfortably on low-to-the-ground chairs. To increase your hosting capabilities even further, add a beverage cart that holds trays of iced tea, lemonade and cocktails – it will further elevate the experience!
Prioritize Dual Functions
When selecting patio furniture for a small deck, it’s essential that pieces that serve multiple functions are prioritized. This will prevent overcrowding of your space and maximize efficiency of use; whether that be a lounge chair that also serves as seating or a table with built-in storage solutions there are plenty of stylish choices out there to consider.
The shape of your deck will also influence the types of furniture that best suit its layout; rectangles are well suited for deep seating sets while square and circular spaces work great as dining tables. Your color palette plays an integral role in setting the right atmosphere on your outdoor patio; neutral hues may blend in with your home and landscape seamlessly, or try creating visual tension by choosing bold, eye-catching hues that add visual variety and visual interest to the decor of your patio space.
Add personality and flair to your patio with decorative accessories strategically placed. String lights add ambience while providing a focal point for conversation or relaxation, or use colorful throw pillows and cushions to bring comfort and style to the seating area.
Once you’ve settled on a plan for your deck, the next step should be acquiring outdoor furniture. There’s an array of patio seating available from lounge chairs to sofas and modular outdoor sectional sets; look out for pieces made of materials like wicker or rattan that complement your outdoor decor for the best results.
Add to that seating needs with a sturdy dining table and chairs for entertaining guests or enjoying family meals. If your backyard deck is relatively compact, opt for a folding dining set that can easily be stored away when not in use; while for larger decks a modular set that enables you to expand or contract seats may be best.
Avoid Overcrowding
Avoid overcrowding on small decks is crucial if you want to create an inviting space. Take precise measurements of your space to ascertain how many pieces will comfortably fit and how much of each can fit within budget; this way you won’t end up purchasing unnecessary pieces.
If your small deck is used primarily for lounging, invest in some comfortable lounge furniture that won’t overcrowd the area. Choose pieces that allow you to recline or lie down comfortably and are made from weather-resistant materials for long-term use. Furniture such as outdoor daybeds can add an inviting and relaxing element, offering both comfort and functionality for transform your deck into a tranquil sanctuary.
Patio dining areas are essential for outdoor eating, but they may not be practical if your deck is small. If you decide to add one anyway, compact dining furniture solutions such as bistro sets and drop-leaf tables could be more practical than their large counterparts; look out for stools which double as side tables or can easily be stored away when not needed.
For a more casual and relaxed seating area, simple sofa sets that require less maintenance or cleaning may be more suitable. Not only can they seat guests for movie night viewing parties but they can also double up as casual lounging spaces perfect for Friday night cocktails with friends.
If your small deck offers stunning views, keep its furnishings simple to allow the scenery to take center stage and give the deck the feeling of being larger and more open. Opt for natural or neutral colors that will blend in without competing or distracting; fabrics which can withstand spills, dirt and spills such as performance fabric or teak wood finish should also be easy to care for and resist spillage or staining are best.
Keep It Simple
Staying simple when selecting small deck furniture will make the design and number of pieces appear more put together, and also give you more opportunity to purchase higher-quality pieces that may withstand frequent use and the elements more effectively than cheaper sets that may not stand up well over time.
Start by measuring your patio or balcony carefully to ascertain its dimensions. Be mindful of any architectural features that might impede furniture placement;
Consider how you plan to use the deck. Do you imagine large outdoor parties or just quiet evenings with family and friends? Your answers to this question will determine the types of seating, dining tables and other pieces needed.
If you enjoy entertaining, an ideal way to keep guests warm on chilly evenings while providing ample seating space is with a propane fire pit table. Not only can it keep them cozy and toasty warm but its cozy conversation area allows up to four people at one time! A fire pit table may even fit better into your limited space than traditional outdoor dining tables!
Your dining chairs must be both sturdy and fashionable. Many outdoor furniture manufacturers provide stylish styles in both wood and resin wicker; resin wicker tends to withstand heavier use as well as rain and sunlight better than its rattan counterpart. When looking for dining chairs that combine back support with seating – instead of two identical chairs alone – consider investing in sets which come complete with both back support and seating; this way you’ll have plenty of support while being able to recline easily for an afternoon nap or leisurely dinner with family or friends!
An elegant Parisian-style bistro table offers another dining option for your small deck. These shorter tables work well when combined with backless barstools that can be tucked under them when not in use.
An essential piece of patio furniture includes a coffee table and set of side tables. This style allows you to display decorative trays, serve drinks and snacks and create beautiful vignettes in your backyard oasis. Plus, they make for convenient book and magazine storage!