How to Create the Perfect Outdoor Area for Lounging and Entertaining

Whether you’re a resident of the suburbs, countryside, or an urbanite with a deck or patio, having a well-designed outdoor dining area is a must. It’s one of the good things in life — it allows for gathering with friends and family to have a great time, along with some delicious food and drink.

That said, creating the perfect dining area is all about planning. You have the option of doing some of the preparations yourself or hiring a professional. The choice is yours based on how much time you want to spend on this project. Many options can help you can enhance and create your perfect outdoor dining area and the tips below will give you a good starting point to get creative.

Choose the Perfect Table and Chairs

There are so many wonderful choices for outdoor furniture today, that making your outdoor dining area shine will be easier than ever.

Pick a Sturdy Table

A dining table is a great place to start when building an outdoor dining area, and the best material for outdoor furniture is none other than teak. Teak is a durable wood that can withstand all types of weather, including sun and rain. It is also naturally resistant to insects and decay, making it one of the most popular woods for outdoor furniture.

In addition to being weatherproof, teak is beautiful and will add elegance and sophistication to your dining area. Consider choosing a rustic model with distressed edges for a charming country cottage look, or a sleek contemporary design for a more modern feel.

Get Complementing Chairs

Once you’ve chosen the perfect teak dining table for your space, it’s time to choose a good teak outdoor dining chair set! There are many different options you can choose from, but a folding teak outdoor dining chair is the most popular choice since these types of chairs are easy to store when not in use and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

If you prefer non-folding chairs, then it’s best to stack chairs as they will take up less space when not in use.

Add Lighting to The Space

Once you’ve chosen the perfect spot for your table and seating, it’s time to think about the little things that will make your outdoor dining experience feel like a true extension of your home, such as lighting.

When you want to enjoy the outdoors at night, you need to have plenty of lighting around, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors in the evening or at night or have children and pets playing in the area. Lighting can help define your space and provide safety. Also, depending on where you live, it might be necessary to have lights installed by a licensed electrician.

Here are three popular ways to add lighting to your outdoor living space:

Hang String Lights

String lights are an easy way to light up a patio or deck for a party or gathering with friends and family. They come in many styles from traditional bulbs on a cord to newer filament bulbs that are now available in different colours.

Use Candles as Accents

Candles can create an ambience for an intimate evening outside with your spouse. As long as they are not left unattended, candles are also safe around children and pets. Many outdoor candle holder options suit any decorating style.

Install Wall Lights

If you want your outdoor living space to be functional after dark, consider installing wall lights to provide ambient light so you can move around safely.

Get a Hammock Swing for Extra Comfort

If you also want to have a space where you can lie down and get your feet up, consider adding a hammock or two to your outdoor space. Hammocks are a great solution for those who may enjoy the outdoors but prefer not to sit at a table. For example, kids may want to spend time outdoors but just like they do inside the home, they avoid the chairs and like to spread out on the sofa or even on the ground. In that case, hammocks can allow them to sit comfortably while playing with toys.

Make It Cosy With Blankets

Blankets and pillows are a great way to add comfort to your outdoor dining space, especially if you’re on wood decks or concrete surfaces. Having these items ready creates an inviting place for everyone to sit down and relax. Just make sure you bring them in if it’s about to rain, and pick UV-resistant fabrics that won’t have their colours fade off. 

To Sum Up

In the end, all you need is a little bit of imagination and patience to create the perfect outdoor dining area. It’s important to find pieces that complement one another, while also fitting your taste—and it may take some time to put together everything you want. But in the end, you’ll have created a space that is truly yours, so you’ll never want to leave.

Additionally, with so many different factors to consider, designing the perfect outdoor dining area can be a daunting task. But by following these steps, you can create an outdoor space that’s inviting, enjoyable, and relaxing—no matter who you’re sharing it with.