Spatial awareness is something many of us lack, but we’ve learned to live without it (or at least some of us have). All jokes aside, it can be frustrating to fall in love with patio furniture, drop a ton of money on it, and then find out that the pieces simply don’t fit!
Understandably, your partner’s probably fed up with the multiple return trips to the store. They also don’t want you to cram your patio with pieces because you just can’t figure things out.
In this article, we’ll help you understand patio furniture dimensions so you can make the most of your outdoor space. Plus, everyone will be happy too.
Standard patio furniture dimensions
Of course, before you can start puttering about with new pieces, you should have a good grasp of how much room standard patio furniture takes up. We’ll go over dining tables, dining chairs, lounge chairs/sectionals, and coffee/side tables in detail below.
Dining tables
Outdoor dining tables can come in various shapes and sizes. But for the purpose of this article, let’s say you’re sticking with a boring old rectangular table.
In that case, the typical outdoor table dimensions for one that fits four people are 4-5 feet long (48-60 inches) and about 28-30 inches high. For larger groups, tables measuring 6-8 feet can accommodate 6-8 chairs.
Dining chairs
Standard dining chairs are made with just enough comfort while maximizing space. This means that you can expect the chair seating dimensions to be around 18-20 inches wide and 16-18 inches deep. Also, the height from the floor to the seat is often 17-19 inches.
Lounge chairs & sectionals
Lounge chairs and sectionals are usually bulkier than dining chairs. For this reason, they’ll have to be a bit bigger than the measurements we gave above.
A standard lounge chair is 25-30 inches wide and around 350-40 inches deep. Sectional pieces will vary, but they often range from 30-40 inches in depth and height.
Coffee & side tables
Coffee tables made for outdoor seating areas usually measure 18-24 inches tall and around 36-48 inches long. As you might expect, side tables are generally smaller, so their dimensions are around 15-18 inches in height and 15-20 inches wide.
Measuring your outside space
Knowing the standard outdoor patio furniture dimensions is all well and good. But if you don’t understand your outdoor space and know its exact measurements, then you’re taking a risk with anything you buy.
First, measure the dimensions of your patio or deck before purchasing any furniture. Take note of the shape, corners, and any architectural features. For example, these are some factors that may impact furniture arrangement:
- Railings
- Planters
- Built-in seating
Once you’ve jotted these numbers down, the next thing is allowing adequate space for movement. In general, leave at least 30-36 inches of clearance for pathways around furniture. This is especially important in high-traffic areas like doorways or between seating and dining spaces.
Tips for maximizing space
We’ve gone over the standard table and chair height numbers, and you know to measure your space before doing anything else. Now, for the fun part: squeezing every square inch out of your backyard without making things feel cluttered! Here are some of our top tips.
Choose multi-functional pieces to optimize floor space
Furniture that serves more than one purpose is a godsend, especially if you’re tight on space. Pieces that can save space while adding functionality include:
- Benches with built-in storage
- Ottomans that double as tables
- Folding chairs and tables
In addition, consider stackable chairs, as all your guests can sit comfortably when they’re over, and then the chairs go back into your closet for easy storage. You’ll free up space for other activities.
Opt for a modular layout
In today’s busy and crammed world, modular furniture has become very popular, so take advantage of that. These pieces (especially sectionals) can be rearranged to fit any space. So if you can’t make up your mind, or you host a wide variety of events in your yard, then you can easily change layouts and maximize corner areas with this flexible layout.
Use vertical areas to maximize space usage
Up and at ’em! That is, you should work upwards instead of sideways. With items like shelves, hanging planters, or wall-mounted features, you can store items and add decorations without crowding your floor space.
This will leave plenty of space for you and your guests to stand, sit, lie down, run around, or do whatever you wish without banging into pesky pieces.
Keep proportions in mind
When it comes to patio furniture layout dimensions, size matters. A large sectional on a tiny patio would look ridiculous, while a lonesome side table in the yard would too.
Arrange your patio furniture in such a way that it’s efficient, yet also aesthetically pleasing. For instance, in smaller areas, use lightweight, slim-profile furniture. Bulky items can overwhelm a small patio, while streamlined pieces will keep the space open and airy.
Material considerations
We’ve discussed furniture sizes, but we haven’t touched on the outdoor materials themselves.
If you want to keep your space looking open, plus you want to shift things around often, then go with lightweight aluminum. It’s great for smaller patios because it’s light, easy to move, and stackable.
Rattan and wicker are popular choices for cozy seating, but truthfully, they can look bulky in tinier spaces. And while teak and other woods are beautiful, they’re heavier and often larger. Only pick these if you’ve got a roomy patio.
Maximizing space by understanding outdoor furniture dimensions
Patio furniture dimensions might seem boring, but if you skip over understanding them, you’ll make a huge mistake. So By reading this post, you’ll avoid the hassle of buying pieces that aren’t right since you have a good idea of what dimensions to expect.
What’s most important is that you measure your space and play to your strengths. And don’t forget to use our space-maximizing tips, which will help you create an outdoor living area that’s both functional and stylish, no matter the size. Your family members will be ecstatic when they realize you’ve made solid purchases and don’t need to run back to the store for a refund.
Looking to fill your outdoor space? Then let Decor Outdoor help. Check out our outdoor dining furniture collection!
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