Get Wise to Size: How to Furnish an Outdoor Room, Little to Broad

Whether you’re looking to construct an outdoor dream area or dress up an existing terrace, plan ahead. A design with the ideal amount of square footage could make the difference between an elegant space and an awkward area. Do not worry if space preparation seems daunting at first — that is normal. However, with the right tools, it may actually be fun.

Below are some design and furniture ideas for outdoor spaces 6 by 6 feet to 16 feet square and much longer.

Busybee Design

Determine how you plan to use your own space.Do you plan to relax here or entertain? Is your distance going to be for a few individuals or groups?

While outdoor spaces are not rooms, the size demands are alike. Much like a dining area or a living room, you will need enough space for your furniture and to circulate. Measure the spaces in your home to determine if a similar layout will work for your outdoor deck, porch or patio.

Also be certain that your outdoor area is in scale to the remainder of your dwelling. A gigantic outdoor area next to a small house or a very tiny space next to a large home could certainly feel out of proportion and awkward. A fantastic guideline is to make your outdoor area like the rooms within your residence.

Troy Rhone Garden Design

An area around 6 by 6 ft is only right for a bistro table and a few seats — the ideal spot for coffee and the morning paper.

Archipelago Hawaii Luxury Home Designs

The identical size distance could also fit an oversized chair and side table it just depends upon your outdoor nook is intended for one person or longer.

Sutton Suzuki Architects

If you’d like a cozy living area with a couple love seats or oversize seats, an area that’s 8 ft would provide only enough distance. I typically like to tuck these types of outdoor nooks back in a corner, even if possible, to make them private.

Dave Adams Photography

Side yards make amazing outdoor spaces. Ordinarily, any side yard that’s 10 feet wide or wider has a great deal of potential. But keep in mind that side yards are commonly used for paths, so it’s crucial to keep at least 3 feet of width to get a walkway around your seating area.

See more thoughts for a side yard

Inc, C. Marie Designs

Dining spaces generally are contingent on the table dimensions. I suggest measuring the table you’d love to use and allow for 3 ft of circulation around the table. Should you use seat chairs on a couple of sides, then you can utilize a more compact area.

Inc, C. Marie Designs

In an area that is about 10 by 10 ft, built-in corner seats can quickly convert into a living room or a fire pit area. Multipurpose spaces operate well in small outdoor places — especially on rooftop patios.

Godden Sudik Architects Inc

Courtyards are great for just about any outdoor purpose. I really like them for city living. If your courtyard is surrounded by three walls, make certain it’s wide enough to allow light in. Do not go any smaller than 12 by 12 ft — and should you go bigger, it will only feel and look better. Use 1 wall to get a fireplace or barbecue and fill the room with some cozy furniture.

Amy Jesaitis

If you plan to use a very long dining table, allow for enough room to move around when you have a dinner party. Spaces around 12 by 14 ft tend to function nicely for a setup like this. Yet again, I suggest measuring your desk and allowing for no less than 3 feet around the table to get circulation.

Blue Ridge Landscaping

A circular space of 12 to 14 ft in diameter works nicely for fire pits. The circular shape allows for seats completely around the fire pit and contains an organic form. Circular outdoor spaces also mesh well with natural landscaping and can easily be juxtaposed with the rigid type of a house.

David De La Garza / ZURDODGS

A circular space around a fountain is another great idea to get a 12-foot-diameter outdoor living space.

J. Grant Design Studio

Outdoor living rooms may be used year-round when coated and paired with a fireplace. This distance, much like an indoor living space, is comfy at 16 by 16 ft and has enough room for multiple seating options and a little table.

Wheat’s Landscape

Consider creating an outdoor living room with a fountain as a focal point rather than a fireplace. The relaxing sounds of water will create a wonderful feeling for you and your visitors.

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