Design Your Outdoor Dining Space

Be it for a quiet morning cup of coffee, casual poolside lunches, memorable family dinners, or entertaining cocktail parties, the right outdoor dining area sets the tone.  Think of your outdoor living area as an extension of your home.  One of the best ways to make the most of your outdoor living space is to create a great-looking patio dining area.  Whether you’re looking to cultivate an intimate setting for family or more of a grand and impressive feel, here are some things to consider when designing your outdoor dining room.

The key to any great outdoor space is comfort, so choosing the right outdoor dining furniture is important.  When designing your patio, consider outdoor furniture that works not only with your dining needs but also with the space itself.  Are you imaging a space for small, private gatherings or extravagant large parties?  Be realistic about how many guests your space can handle and how much furniture will be necessary. A large outdoor dining table is great, but it’s also important that it doesn’t take up your whole deck.  Keep in mind that just like an indoor room, outside furniture that is too large for your space can actually make an area look smaller and uninvitingly cramped.  If you have a sprawling and expansive outdoor patio space, feel free to choose any table size, if not then it’s time to measure your space.

Outdoor dining sets come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, here’s a designer tip: when laying out space for dining furniture the general rule is to add about one meter (36 inches) to each side of a table for general functionality with chairs and walkways.  When working with small outdoor spaces you may be able to select smaller chairs to reduce the amount of space needed.  In general:  a 120cm round dining table with four chairs requires: 91cm for a chair plus a 120cm table plus a 91cm for opposite chair equaling 302cm (about 3 meters) of space.

In addition to the overall dimension and number of furniture pieces in your set, you should determine the ideal shape of your patio table.  Common options include square, rectangular, oval, and round dining tables.  When choosing the shape of your table the dimensions of your space may dictate the shape however there are more things to consider.  Generally speaking a round or square outdoor table is more conducive to conversation, but rectangular tables can generally seat more guests.  If you’re looking for the best of both worlds you could choose an extension table like the Nova Round Teak Extension Outdoor Dining Table that expands to seat six comfortably.

When choosing outdoor dining chairs there are many options to consider.  Again the dimensions of your space will impact your choices.  For expansive spaces, outdoor dining armchairs can create a luxury feel when paired with a long dining table.  Need extra seating?  Try adding an outdoor bench seat to your dining set.  By pairing a set of chairs with an outdoor dining bench, you’ll have versatile seating for your family and extra guests while still saving valuable space on your deck or patio.  Swivel chairs, like the Loop Swivel Dining Chair, are very popular. The seat swivels on the steel base, making dinner conversations and movement easier. Love to entertain, but don’t want to have all that extra dining furniture out for everyday use?  Consider teak folding chairs that you can stow away until that next dinner party.

After you’ve chosen your outdoor dining set, consider other comfort options like a nice cantilever umbrella to shade your luncheon guests on a hot sunny day.  Or some dynamic outdoor seating options off to the side to add texture and encourage post-meal relaxation, comfort, and conversation.

Remember the details, create an irresistible ambience with outdoor décor.  Beautiful potted plants and patio planter boxes help give a patio or deck a more luscious look. Attractive outdoor lighting, patio lamps, or even an outdoor heater are perfect extra touches for those night time cocktail parties.  Keep in mind that attention to the little personal details give your outdoor living area a finished look that will go a long way towards making friends and family feel welcomed and relaxed.

Creating a fantastic outdoor dining space not only makes your outside environment more accessible, but it also makes for a great excuse to encourage friends and family to get together and soak up some fresh air and sunshine, as well as improving the overall curb appeal of your property.

As soon as you know what you need, we are there to provide you with options to furnish your outdoor dining space with excellent taste. Not entirely sure what you need? At Design Warehouse we are passionate about helping people create their own unique spaces. Contact us today to speak with one of our qualified salespersons!  Our goal has always been to exceed your expectations by providing the highest level of service while producing the best quality outdoor furniture in New Zealand and around the world. All of our outdoor dining furniture is designed to fare well in most weather conditions allowing you to enjoy it season after season. Start planning your outdoor dining space today and visit our Parnell outdoor furniture showroom for dining furniture you will love year after year.