8 Fabulous Outdoor Seating Arrangements
Look no further than this handy list for inspiring ideas for outdoor seating
Whether you are blessed with a patio the size of your home or whether you’ve just moved into your first apartment with a matchbox-sized balcony, and whatever your taste and budget, there are several choices available for outdoor furniture. Choice is good – too much choice can be a tad overwhelming. In this article, we attempt to simplify your task by narrowing down some ideas based on design, personality and use to help you choose the right pieces for your patio or terrace.
The trestle table, like the one here, is a classic outdoor dining table. It comes in large enough sizes to fit a group, and the independent and foldable legs mean it can be easily moved as needed or stowed away.
Tip: Furniture should be sized to the scale of your space. For example, replace big-bodied chairs with benches or stools in smaller spaces.
Pro tip: Smaller spaces benefit from lightweight, stackable or foldable chairs that can be easily moved around or put away.
Tip: Furniture should be sized to the scale of your space. For example, replace big-bodied chairs with benches or stools in smaller spaces.
Pro tip: Smaller spaces benefit from lightweight, stackable or foldable chairs that can be easily moved around or put away.
Furniture out of the box
Here, antique jharokhas have been converted into a comfortable and distinctive seating area. The wooden balconies-turned-seating add a traditional flavour to a sunny, yellow patio, while the animal-print cushions give the traditional setting a touch of modern eclecticism.
Here, antique jharokhas have been converted into a comfortable and distinctive seating area. The wooden balconies-turned-seating add a traditional flavour to a sunny, yellow patio, while the animal-print cushions give the traditional setting a touch of modern eclecticism.
Furniture made out of wooden pallets is handy as it can be made to fit into odd spaces. By virtue of their variable sizes, you can stack up the pallets or lay them alongside for the desired size.
Get more ideas on how to use pallets
Get more ideas on how to use pallets
Charpais make for excellent day beds. Whether you opt for the traditional jute weave or multi-coloured nylon ropes, either way these Indian beds add a quirky touch to any outdoor setting.
Tip: Throw on plump outdoor cushions for comfort and aesthetics. Cushions with quick- dry polyurethane foam that allows water to run through and solution-dyed fabrics that are moisture proof are a great option.
Tip: Throw on plump outdoor cushions for comfort and aesthetics. Cushions with quick- dry polyurethane foam that allows water to run through and solution-dyed fabrics that are moisture proof are a great option.
Multi-functional pieces
Invest in pieces that can double their purpose in terms of functionality and maximising space. Think ottomans that can be used as extra seating, a footstool or a table to serve snacks; outdoor cabinets that do double duty as storage and buffet tables or…
Invest in pieces that can double their purpose in terms of functionality and maximising space. Think ottomans that can be used as extra seating, a footstool or a table to serve snacks; outdoor cabinets that do double duty as storage and buffet tables or…
…bench seating with hidden storage.
Immobile furniture
Built-in concrete benches are perfect for a modern, industrial look. They are ideal if you host a large number of people often, in your outdoor space. Top up the seats with mattresses and bolsters for comfort. The seat section here has been cleverly tucked in to hold a custom mattress while the sides of the cement bench are free to be used as side tables.
Built-in concrete benches are perfect for a modern, industrial look. They are ideal if you host a large number of people often, in your outdoor space. Top up the seats with mattresses and bolsters for comfort. The seat section here has been cleverly tucked in to hold a custom mattress while the sides of the cement bench are free to be used as side tables.
A U-shaped orientation creates a larger central space and promotes easy movement and conversation.
Purposeful pieces
Defining the function of the piece of furniture will help you narrow down what you are looking for. In this semi-covered terrace, a mix of weather-proof materials has been used for different styles of furniture. It could be as varied as a wooden swing to enjoy your evening cuppa, comfortable wicker couches for an intimate tête-à-tête or a pergola-sheltered daybed to lounge in, reading a book.
Defining the function of the piece of furniture will help you narrow down what you are looking for. In this semi-covered terrace, a mix of weather-proof materials has been used for different styles of furniture. It could be as varied as a wooden swing to enjoy your evening cuppa, comfortable wicker couches for an intimate tête-à-tête or a pergola-sheltered daybed to lounge in, reading a book.
Iron clad
Garden furniture has long been wrought in iron because it can stand up to rain, sun and wind. The furniture in this image is a typical wrought-iron design with a twist – the metal chairs are on wheels.
Garden furniture has long been wrought in iron because it can stand up to rain, sun and wind. The furniture in this image is a typical wrought-iron design with a twist – the metal chairs are on wheels.
Wrought iron is more malleable by virtue of it being lighter than cast iron. Traditionally, wrought iron is known for its ornate, decorative designs, but contemporary designs are common nowadays in this metal. The minimalist terrace in this image provides a perfect foil for the geometric-shaped metal rocking chairs.
Chat sets
Conversation flows with comfortable seating options; here the centre and side tables are designed to give the feel of a living room. A mix of chairs and an L-shaped sectional in the garden look all set to welcome a number of guests.
Conversation flows with comfortable seating options; here the centre and side tables are designed to give the feel of a living room. A mix of chairs and an L-shaped sectional in the garden look all set to welcome a number of guests.
This mini chat set in sturdy white wicker, furnished with weather-resistant aqua-blue cushions, is as great looking as it is comfortable. I would add an outdoor rug to define the space and make it more cosy (in fact, the patterned shadows do look like a rug at first glance).
Tip: Outdoor rugs made of engineered materials such as nylon, polyester and polypropylene (often from recycled sources) are particularly durable. Often water resistant and treated to resist fading from exposure to sun, these rugs can be used anywhere outdoors and easily hosed down for a quick clean up.
Tip: Outdoor rugs made of engineered materials such as nylon, polyester and polypropylene (often from recycled sources) are particularly durable. Often water resistant and treated to resist fading from exposure to sun, these rugs can be used anywhere outdoors and easily hosed down for a quick clean up.
Futuristic modernism
Play up the avant-garde artist in you by adorning your terrace with space-fiction-like white round stools.
Play up the avant-garde artist in you by adorning your terrace with space-fiction-like white round stools.
You also could go futuristic with stone-look-alike faceted cubes. These modern designs have been fashioned out of highly engineered plastic, which weathers well and can be moulded into shapes and forms of furniture never before seen.
Read more:
A Buyer’s Guide to Outdoor Sofas
Perk Up Porches in These 7 Popular Ways
8 Outdoor Seating Spaces to Steal From
Tell us:
What kind of outdoor furniture do you use? Please share your ideas in the Comments section below.
Read more:
A Buyer’s Guide to Outdoor Sofas
Perk Up Porches in These 7 Popular Ways
8 Outdoor Seating Spaces to Steal From
Tell us:
What kind of outdoor furniture do you use? Please share your ideas in the Comments section below.
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Eating outdoors en famille is most enjoyed while seated around a dining table. It’s easy enough to buy a whole dining set off the shelf, but the fun lies in mixing ’n’ matching.
In this Goan patio, industrial-style, distressed metal chairs pair with a solid wooden table. The mix of materials and styles adds an interesting visual and textural element to the space.