Designing an outdoor space is about more than just creating an area to relax—it's about crafting an extension of your home that reflects your lifestyle and meets your practical needs. Choosing the right furniture for your outdoor space can impact the layout, flow, and even the design of built-ins and lighting. As with any interior room, outdoor furniture should not be an afterthought; instead, it should be considered early in the design process to ensure a seamless and functional outdoor environment.
At AV Architects + Builders, we’ve spent years designing custom homes with outdoor spaces that blend beauty with function. We know how to integrate furniture into the design process early, ensuring every choice enhances your outdoor living experience.
In this article, we’ll guide you through how furniture affects your outdoor space’s layout, views, and lighting and the questions you should be asking yourself when designing your outdoor area. By the end, you’ll be ready to select pieces that fit your lifestyle and create a functional, comfortable environment.
When planning your outdoor space, the furniture you choose will influence the layout and overall design. Large furniture pieces such as dining tables, lounge chairs, and seating arrangements need to be carefully placed to maintain flow and allow for easy movement. If you're incorporating features like outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, or poolside lounge areas, the furniture you select will affect the size and placement of these built-ins.
For example, choosing an outdoor dining table that seats 12 will require significantly more space than a table for 6, which may affect where walls, pergolas, or built-in seating are placed. Similarly, if you're planning to incorporate an outdoor fireplace or a hot tub, these features will need ample room for seating and furniture around them.
Lighting is another crucial factor to consider. The placement of furniture will impact how lighting is used to create ambiance and ensure functionality. Whether you opt for recessed lighting, elevation lighting, or outdoor fans, you'll need to plan around where your furniture will be placed so that the lights effectively serve the space.
Understanding the two types of furnishings—soft and hard—is key to making smart decisions for your outdoor space.
Soft Furnishings: These are movable pieces, such as outdoor chairs, tables, loungers, and cushions. Soft furnishings can be easily relocated and taken with you if you move. They offer flexibility in layout and allow you to refresh your outdoor space seasonally or as your needs change.
Hard Furnishings: These are more permanent fixtures, such as built-in grills, outdoor fireplaces, pergolas, or custom seating. Hard furnishings are integral to the outdoor design and remain part of the structure. Because these pieces are permanent, they require careful planning during the design phase to ensure they meet your long-term needs.
Designing with Furniture in Mind
Just like indoor spaces, outdoor furniture should not be an afterthought. The size, shape, and function of your outdoor furniture will inform the layout and design of your space. Before deciding on the design of the space, think about how you plan to use it. Will it be primarily for dining, lounging, entertaining, or a combination of all three? Knowing how you'll use the space will help you select the right furniture and layout that complements the overall design.
To make sure your outdoor furniture meets both your aesthetic and functional needs, here are some key questions to consider when designing your outdoor space:
1. How will the space be used?
Will this be a dining area, a lounging space, or both? Defining the purpose of the space will guide your furniture choices. For example, if you want to use the area for large family dinners, you’ll need to prioritize a spacious dining table and chairs.
2. What kind of outdoor dining table will you have?
The shape and size of your dining table matter. Do you want a round, rectangular, or square table? How many people will it need to seat—12, 10, or 8? These decisions will affect how much space you need for dining and how the rest of the outdoor area will be arranged.
3. How does the furniture affect the size and layout of the space?
Your choice of furniture will dictate how much space is needed. If you're planning for large lounge chairs by the pool or a 12-person dining table, you'll need to ensure that the layout of the patio, deck, or yard can accommodate these pieces without feeling crowded.
4. What type of lighting will be needed?
Think about how you will illuminate the space. Do you want recessed lighting built into the structure, or will you opt for elevation lighting on walls or posts? Lighting can also help set the mood for evening entertaining, so consider both functional and ambient lighting options.
The Solar House, Arlington, Virginia, AV Architects + Builders, Photography by Maxwell Mackenzie
5. Will you need outdoor fans?
If you live in a warm climate, outdoor fans are a must for keeping your space comfortable. They are especially important if the area will be used for dining or lounging during hot weather. Planning for fan placement early ensures that the wiring and mounting are built into the design.
6. Are you incorporating an outdoor fireplace or kitchen?
These features can serve as focal points in an outdoor space. However, they require planning for seating and furniture arrangements around them. An outdoor fireplace will need comfortable seating nearby, while an outdoor kitchen requires a spacious layout to accommodate food preparation and seating for guests.
7. Will there be a grill area?
If you love cooking outdoors, a dedicated grill area is essential. Make sure there's enough space for both the grill itself and furniture for guests to enjoy meals nearby. This area should be well-lit and easily accessible.
8. Will you have a hot tub or pool?
If your outdoor space includes a pool or hot tub, consider how you'll arrange lounge chairs and tables around these features. Loungers by the pool should be placed in areas that get good sun exposure, and tables should be nearby for drinks and snacks.
Choosing the right furniture for your outdoor space is about more than aesthetics; it's about creating a functional, comfortable environment that reflects your lifestyle and enhances the design of your home. Whether you're planning for large gatherings or a quiet retreat, your outdoor furniture choices will dictate the layout, size, and flow of the space. By planning ahead and considering how you'll use the space, you can create an outdoor area that serves all your needs.
If you're ready to design the perfect outdoor space for your custom home, Schedule a Discovery Call with AV Architects + Builders to discuss your project. For more helpful tips on designing residential spaces, check out our Learning Center for expert insights and inspiration.