How to Create Welcoming Outdoor Seating Areas

October 24, 2019

Outdoor living continues to become more and more popular. With all of the options available for making truly comfortable and luxurious outdoor living areas, it’s bound to continue to gain popularity. When it comes to outdoor living areas, the seating can often make or break the experience. Welcoming outdoor seating areas that balance a great look with luxurious comfort are a necessity. Here’s how to create welcoming outdoor seating areas:

1. Provide Enough Seating for Everyone

When you’re thinking about the outdoor living area for your custom home, consider how many people may need to use the space at the same time. One of the keys to creating a welcoming outdoor seating area is providing enough seating for everyone. Unless you are regularly hosting large parties, some chairs, lounges, and a loveseat, swing, or larger sofa are usually enough.

In some cases, built-in patio furniture can be a great solution. In other cases, built-in patio furniture can limit your flexibility. If the number of people using the outdoor living space will vary widely, you can get creative with seating by using multifunctional patio furniture that has the ability to expand as needed. You can also create a combination of built-in patio furniture with multifunctional pieces that give you the ability to create a welcoming outdoor seating area no matter how many people show up to hang out.

2. Consider the Seating Layout

As you’re thinking about how much seating you need and the types of furniture that will help you get there, also consider the layout of your outdoor seating area. Whether your outdoor living area will be used specifically for eating outside or just as an area to relax, you’ll want to arrange the seating so it’s conducive to conversation.

If the area is meant for relaxation and doesn’t serve another specific function, like an outdoor kitchen, then you want to make sure the seating layout is comfortable for one or two people to relax quietly. And, you also still want it to be comfortable for multiple people to relax and converse easily with each other and as a group.

3. Focus on Comfort

Having enough seating is one thing, but making sure it is comfortable is another thing completely. Concrete can be a popular material for built-in patio furniture, but it’s not generally comfortable by itself. Consider the type and style of patio furniture you’ll have and choose cushions, covers, pillows, and more that will make the furniture comfortable to sit on for longer periods of time.

If you don’t want to worry about weather protection for cushions and other fabric, you can choose seating made of mesh, cording, or webbing that will withstand the weather while remaining comfortable. Generally, the more luxurious and comfortable you can make your outdoor seating area, the more welcoming it will be. After all, no one wants to stick around for long with uncomfortable seating.

4. Incorporate Some Shade

Outdoor living areas are fantastic areas for enjoying a nice day. But, the sun can be harsh even when it’s not the peak of summer. Another one of the ways to create welcoming outdoor seating areas is to incorporate some shade. An awning or some sort of cover can go a long way towards protecting from the sun and providing some shade.

Thankfully, there are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to adding some coverage to an outdoor seating area. You can go with a more permanent option like extending the roof over the area, installing a cover, or implementing a pergola. You can also go with a more versatile option like retractable screens. These give you the flexibility of having an open space with the ability to add coverage when you want it.

5. Add Decorative Touches

Seating, comfort, and cover help create the basic design of your outdoor seating area. Adding decorative touches is the next step to create welcoming outdoor seating areas. In addition to your furniture and cushions, you can also include plants, water features, and the decor of your choice.

This helps you create a look and feel in your outdoor seating area and create a welcoming atmosphere that feels like an extension of your home. You can even match your outdoor decor theme with your interior one to provide a seamless transition inside and out. Aside from the decor, you can also get creative with outdoor lighting options, fans, a fire pit, and other comfort features to create your own outdoor living paradise.

There are several ways to create welcoming outdoor seatings areas for your home. With all of the options available, you’ll be able to make a space that is comfortable, welcoming, and truly somewhere you and your guests enjoy spending time together.

If you can’t make your current home comfortable no matter how much you decorate or remodel, it may be time to consider a custom home. When every detail is designed and built to fit your needs and style, you’ll finally get a house that truly feels like home. If you’re ready to bring your dream home to life, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090 today!