Stainless Steel Outdoor Furniture

Yes, it’s important to have a clear seating plan before deciding to buy patio dining sets. This will allow you to have enough space in there for everyone you anticipate will be using the patio.

It will also determine the size of the table to go for and the total number of chairs. A good rule would be to make sure that there’s at least 30 inches between each chair around the table. This ensures that people can seat comfortably without bumping elbows or feeling too clustered.

This rule will also determine how many chairs you can fit in any given table. For example, let’s say you’re buying a table measuring 82” x 40”. This means that the entire perimeter of the table reaches up to 244”. If you are going to separate each chair by 30”, you can’t have more than 9 chairs in there. If you want to get more, you may want to pick a large table. But make sure you have enough space on the patio.

Even though you want to create as much seating space as possible, you don’t want to fill your entire patio with the dining set only. It helps to leave enough room for additional accessories including plant pots and enough space for each movement.

It’s extremely important to start with the table when picking your furniture set and build around it. The reason for this is simple. A table is the cornerstone of any furniture arrangement.

It doesn’t matter whether you are decorating the patio or any other outdoor living area. Once the table is placed at the center, it becomes the focal point and it will determine the rest of the furniture you will be getting.

As we have already noted above, you will need to pick chairs that work with your table. Remember that we advised you to pick the table first before moving to the chairs simply because the table is going to be the focal point. But this doesn’t mean you should just ignore the chairs. They too are an integral part of the set and will have a long-term effect on the comfort and overall appeal of your patio furniture.

There are several different types of patio chairs to choose from. We have picked some of the most popular options here below to help you decide:

Swivel Chairs

A majority of swivel chairs will feature armrests and tend to offer better mobility compared to other chair types. Some designs may also feature a rocking mechanism so comfort is fully guaranteed.

Cushioned Seats

In case you want to fully maximize the comfort of your patio, you must consider chairs with cushioned seats as part of your patio set. The good thing about these chairs is the fact that the cushion can be changed more regularly. This gives you some flexibility when it comes to décor.

Sling Chairs

Sling chairs are very simple and comfortable as well. They feature a mesh fabric on the back and tend to dry very first when they are cleaned or rained on.

Stackable and Folding Chairs

For people who want to save space on the patio, these chairs are just perfect. Stackable chairs, in particular, can be put together and stored away in storage when not in use, freeing up the patio for additional activities. The same can also be done with folding chairs.

Yes, it’s highly advised, but the sad thing is that not all patio sets have storage. If storage is really important to you, you can consider picking sets that feature an ottoman that doubles up as a table. Some dinner sets may also feature a table and an additional ottoman for storage. Another great option, if you have a rectangular table, is a long, padded storage bench that can be placed along one side of the table. Sets that come with a storage bench are extremely rare though, so you might need to get a set that you like and add a corresponding bench of your choice.