It’s that time of year! Time to get outside and make the most of your patio – conversations by the fire and afternoons spent relaxing in the sun. But when it comes to creating the perfect outdoor space, knowing where to begin can be hard. So let’s break it down – starting with how you intend to use your patio and knowing how much space you have to enjoy. Then, with your goals, a few dimensions, and your personal style in mind, we can help you find the pieces that bring it all together for a space you’ll really love.
A Good Place to Start
Take a moment to imagine life on your patio. Do you see it as a place to relax in the morning with a cup of hot tea, or will it be a venue for entertaining large groups? Maybe it’s a little of both. How you plan to use your patio will help you decide the type of seating, tables, or other elements you’ll need to make it a space you love and bring your vision to life.
Of course, the size of your space is an important factor too – whether it’s a small apartment balcony or a large area with multiple levels and outdoor “rooms”. Having a few measurements of the space you have to work with can be really helpful when it comes time to make a decision.
Here, we look at some of the ways you might use your patio – for lounging, dining, or a combination of the two. And we’ll share a few favorite groupings from our showroom that are perfect for each – in spaces large and small.
Lounging
Whether enjoying some time to yourself with a good book, catching up with a couple close friends, or discussing a new movie with your whole crew, you may see your patio as a place to put that schedule aside and just unwind for a while.
For small spaces, take a look at our Avalon collection featuring clean, mid-century-inspired designs. Their sofa, chairs, and low table are perfect for a small patio – or even to create an intimate hideaway within a larger backyard space.
If large-group conversations are more your thing, a variety of seating options will keep everyone comfortably chatting the night away. Pieces might include sofas, rockers, lounging chairs, or even a cuddly double chaise. Mix and match to create the perfect collection for your entire crew.
Dining
Sharing a meal is an important way to spend time with friends and family, and being outside in the fresh air makes the experience even more special. Of course, savoring that first sip of coffee and a private sunrise is pretty special too.
For intimate, fire-side dining, we love bar-height dining sets – for an elevated dining experience that doesn’t overwhelm small spaces. And a colorful bistro set provides just the right amount of table and seating for a one-to-one on a small patio or second deck space – plus a fun pop of summertime color too.
For larger gatherings, you might like a more traditional table with enough room to seat several guests. In that case, we like options that include large, rectangular tables and a set of comfortable dining chairs that come in standard and swivel styles. This group’s blend of modern and classic sensibilities fits seamlessly into any home’s current style too. Or be prepared for any occasion with an extendable dining table capable of expanding to a full 110” for big groups and pulling into just 84” for everyday use. Choose from three styles in this exciting and versatile table option.
A Combination
Of course, a patio can multitask too. It can be a place to take a quiet nap one day and host a holiday barbeque the next. Rather than having designated areas for dining and lounging, maybe you’d like your patio to accommodate both activities in a more spontaneous and casual atmosphere.
For small spaces, one of our favorite sets is from Kingsley Bate. This beautiful grouping features warm, natural teak frames, wide cushions to curl up on, and a center table that’s a little higher to keep plates and glasses within easy reach.
If your patio can accommodate a large group, take a look at our seating selections from Monterra. Maybe you’ll start with a cozy firepit from OWLee, then surround it with a comfy love seat and chairs – the perfect spot for guests to sit, enjoy a casual meal, and share stories from their week.
Two Easy Ways to Shop
For more inspiration for your patio, stop in and browse our showroom with more than 35 patio furniture collections and all the outdoor décor and entertaining essentials to bring your vision to life. And if you’re looking for a custom set tailored to your space, our team of patio experts can help with that too. We’ll guide you through the whole process to help you choose your style, finish, fabric, and more.
Create Your Perfect Patio!
Whether your plans include a complete custom collection to fit your existing style or you’re just getting started with your first home, let us help you find patio furniture you’re actually excited about. Shop patio dining, lounging, umbrellas, and more. We’re here to help you make the most of your patio this year with an outdoor space that suits your goals, your space, and your style.