Here are some helpful tips to maximize the potential of your outdoor dining area, and 10 ideas for how to make a cozy, welcoming dining area worth showing off to your friends.
Consider the Location of Your Outdoor Dining Area
Design a space around your lifestyle, rather than designing your lifestyle around the space. For instance, if you love to entertain, you might want to spring for as large of a dining table as possible. But if it’s just your immediate family that will typically use the space, you can create a cozier setting. Either way, make sure there is enough space for people to move comfortably around the dining area. Moreover, it’s ideal to situate the outdoor eating area near an access point to your kitchen. Plus, having easy access to the house is helpful for quick trips to the bathroom. On the other hand, you don’t want to place your outdoor table too close to a grill due to the heat and fumes. It’s important to be conscientious about the noise your outdoor dining area will create, especially if you have outdoor speakers or like to hold gatherings late into the night. Establish some breathing room between your property and your neighbors’, if possible. And be aware of how noise will carry into your home. Don’t situate the table under the window of a child who naps or goes to sleep early. Try to devise a layout that will make everyone happy.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Dining Set
If you’re planning to purchase a new outdoor dining set, ask yourself these questions before buying:
How many people will use it? Is the set for your immediate family, lots of friends, or just you and a special someone?What shape do you prefer? Most tables are either oval, round, rectangular, or square. Does the size fit your outdoor dining area? Large furniture can cramp a small space while small furniture can look lost in a large space. Measure the space of your dining area before you go furniture shopping.Are you looking for comfort? If your dining chairs will be the primary seating of your whole outdoor space, consider comfortable chairs with cushions.Is there a style you want to match? You can match your home’s exterior style and colors with outdoor furniture for a cohesive look. Or you can even carry the theme of your indoor furniture outdoors.
The design of your outdoor dining set ultimately comes down to personal preference. Remember that outdoor dining is inherently informal, and there’s no rule that says the table and chairs must all match. Sometimes an eclectic look ends up being much more inviting and comfortable than a uniform dining set. Many people even seek out that look, purchasing inexpensive, mismatched outdoor furniture.
