Home & Garden Home Improvement

Tips on Where to Place Your Patio Chairs and Benches

Although there is nothing wrong with buying patio chairs and benches on a whim, some people end up having too many pieces to be of any comfort.
This creates the cluttered look that we now very often see in many homes.
The first thing you have to remember is that furniture in your patio area should be both aesthetically pleasing and functional as well.
These should not hinder normal human (or pet) movements, and certainly not overwhelm the space making it look like a patio sale gone wrong.
So if you are thinking about buying or re-arranging the seating arrangements in this aforementioned space, here are some tips you might want to consider.
1.
Chairs have single seats, while benches have multiple seats.
Incredibly, many people buy chairs when they need benches; and benches when they need chairs.
For example: if you are installing a picnic table on your porch, benches are more appropriate since the long length of the table allows a fair number of people to be seated at its side.
Make sure though that the benches you buy are about ½ to 1 foot longer than the actual picnic table.
This is to help maximize the table's efficiency.
On the other hand, if you are buying a patio dining table - it does not matter if it is good for 2, 4, or 6 people, then you would need matching chairs.
Patio chairs would complement the table's use and allow the diners more elbow movement as well.
2.
It does not really follow that benches should be put up against the wall while chairs can be placed in the center of the patio; nor does it follow that all seats should be against the wall.
Before you buy or discard the seats that you already have, you might want to create a patio design that looks pleasing but serviceable.
Try to factor in the other features of this space.
If you have a barbeque grill nearby, it would be prudent (and safer!) to remove chairs and benches in that area.
If you are putting a dining or picnic table there, make sure that the seats are not downwind from the grilling smoke.
If your area has wonderful scenery, you may want to face your patio chairs and potting benches outwards.
This may help create a quiet place for reflection.
But try to avoid overcrowding your chairs in one area alone.
You want a romantic patio effect, and not a theater seating design.
Try to match the furniture to the setting.
For example, typically outdoor rocking chairs go on the front porch and chairs with a table go on the back patio.
It all depends on your style, but matching to your scenery creates a homier feel.

Leave a reply