When creating an outdoor living space, you want it to be just as inviting and comfortable as your indoor space. Use these tips to create a welcoming outdoor area. 

Size 

Your patio size will determine what types of furniture you’ll be able to accommodate. Even the smallest areas, can be an inviting place to relax. 

Bistro sets are perfect for balconies and terraces, or spaces smaller than 6 feet by 6 feet. 

Your table should be half the length of your area. So if your space is 12 feet long, a 6-foot table would fit nicely. Keep in mind, each chair requires 3 square feet of space to allow guests to get in and out of the seat. 

Seating

Deep seating or lounge sets will take up the biggest footprint on your patio. Be sure to measure twice before choosing a lounge set. Treat these sets like shopping for a sofa. You’ll need plenty of space to walk around the furniture, not just space between pieces. It is recommended that at least 2 feet of space is allowed around each piece. 

Dining sets take up less room and come in standard sizes. When choosing a dining set, add an additional 3 feet to your dimensions to accommodate pulling chairs out. A standard rectangular table will have 6 chairs, while a round or square table will have 4. 

Shade

Using a cantilever umbrella in your lounge is a great option. These umbrellas allow you to block the sun as it moves, while not blocking your conversation area. The base does take up about 3 square feet, so take that into account when designing your space. 

For a dining set, a table umbrella works great. Most tables have a hole in the center to accommodate this. For 48 inch square or round table use a 9-foot umbrella. For a rectangular table use an 11-foot umbrella.