Find out how much outdoor dining and seating space you need to have a comfortable and attractive outdoor living space.
Summer is coming and it’s time to move our indoor lives outdoors. If your outdoor space needs some love, it may also be time to invest in some new patio furniture. When adding new items, make sure to leave enough space for furniture and allow people to move between different entertainment or relaxation areas. Otherwise, your outdoor living space may feel more cramped than inviting.
Landscape designer of RDKHardscaping in Buffalo NY USA, says 4 feet or more is preferred, but allow at least 3 feet of clearance in high-traffic areas. For simple garden paths that don’t have much back-and-forth use, you can go slightly smaller. A 2-foot or 21⁄2-foot path makes you slow down and pay attention.
It’s also a good idea to add some walkway space for safety around the grill or pool area. A 4-foot gap between the front of the grill and other furniture provides ample space for cooks and others to work. A 5-foot walking space around the in-ground pool gives people plenty of room to move around without risking entering the water.
Add comfort to your home. Think about how you want to use the different spaces in your yard. We approach furniture placement the same way we would a family room or living room, says interior designer of Buffalo NY USA in Buffalo NY USA. Interior designer recommends incorporating side and coffee tables, chairs and ottomans, as well as rugs, accessories and artwork to complete your outdoor living space.
Preparing for outdoor dining
An area where you can sit and eat, or at least enjoy a snack or drink, can be an ideal space for your outdoor space.
Compact dining area. If space is limited, it may be best to use a bistro table and one or two chairs
as an outdoor dining area. Bistro tables are typically only 2 to 3 feet wide. You can fit a bistro table and two chairs in a 6-by-8-foot space, even if you add chairs and at least 21⁄2 to 3 feet for circulation.
More spacious dining area. For larger dining spaces, interior designer recommends calculating table dimensions, length and width for a rectangular table and diameter for a round table with the chairs pushed in. He then allows an additional 3 feet of space on all sides to determine how much floor space is needed. This way, even if you take the chairs out, there’s still room for people to pass by.
Seating area
Most yard listings include a place to sit and relax. There is a wide range of choices, from simple chairs and chaise longues to sofas and loveseats, swings and gliders. Most outdoor chairs, sofas and loveseats have the same depth as indoor chairs. The deep seating option that some people prefer as a patio piece is slightly deeper to encourage relaxation.
Chair. Plan to allow 3 square feet for most chairs. If the chair reclines or has a tilted back, such as
an Adirondack chair, this should be included in the measurements. Additionally, if you have built- in steps or stages, you should make room for them.
If you choose a deeper seating option, which is typically 34 to 42 inches deep rather than the traditional 28 to 30 inches deep, you’ll need to accommodate the additional space required. Chaise lounge. Chaise lounges typically measure about 80 inches long and 24 inches wide. It is a good idea to leave enough space to access the chair from at least one side. At least 24 inches, 36 inches is more comfortable.
We recommend leaving space, at least 18 inches on one side for a small table. The Chaise lounge is built for relaxation, so there’s no need to get up and relax if there’s a table nearby. Outdoor sofa and two-seater chair. Outdoor sofas and loveseats allow multiple people to sit freely. Just like indoors, it is a gathering place where you can relax, chat, and even watch an outdoor movie.
Both seating options vary in size, but loveseats typically range from 52 to 60 inches in length and sofas range from 70 to 94 inches in length. Both have a standard depth of 30 to 32 inches, but the deeper options range in depth from 34 to 42 inches.
Porch swings. When it comes to relaxing, there’s nothing like the charm of a porch swing. A 2- foot-long swing can accommodate one person. One that is 6 feet long can accommodate 3 to 4 people. When determining your swing size, also plan for 14 to 16 inches on each side. Most swings are about 30 inches deep.
In addition to considering length and depth, you must also consider the arc of your swing. Plan for about 4 feet in the back and 5 feet in the front.
Glider. Outdoor gliders provide the comfortable swing of a porch swing or rocker on a solid, stable base. Gliders can accommodate 3 to 4 people depending on their size. Most people choose gliders that are 4 to 5 feet wide and can seat two people comfortably. The depth of a glider is typically about 30 inches. The finished size varies depending on the design.
Although the movement of a glider is generally less than that of a swing, the glider should be positioned at least 30 inches from the back wall and 1 to 2 feet in front for easy access. It’s also a good idea to plan for about 14 to 16 inches on each side of the glider to avoid crowding the space.
Hammock. Place a hammock under a tree to encourage outdoor relaxation. The most popular options are single and double hammocks, but you can also find larger hammocks. Hammocks are typically about 74 to 79 inches long. Single hammocks are 39 to 60 inches wide, while double hammocks are 72 to 84 inches wide.
The hammock’s anchors should be 10 to 15 feet apart. When using the hammock itself, we recommend hanging it about 18 inches above the ground. Tying a hammock between trees is a traditional approach, but anchor bolts and even some string can cause long-term damage to the trees themselves. If you choose a strap, use a wooden strap.
Other options include securing the hammock to two poles or using a hammock stand. Before you begin, make sure the support can support the weight of one or two people.
Accent table and fire pit
A small table, settee, or sofa next to the chair should be within easy reach, like a side table at home. Landscape designer recommends leaving a 24-inch gap between your coffee table and your sofa, loveseat, or chair. There’s enough space for people to come in and out, close enough to feel cozy, and where they can enjoy drinks and snacks close by without having to stand up. Side tables can usually be closer together because you don’t have to pass by the table next to you to sit on a chair or sofa.
A distance of approximately 18 to 24 inches between the fire pit and the seating area is also ideal, giving you enough room to enter the seating area without getting too close to the flames. You can always pull the seat closer if you want more warmth, or move it further away if it gets too hot.
