Outside Sitting areas

Outdoor Sitting Area Ideas On a Budget

When researching outdoor sitting area ideas on a budget, you will have to look at your purpose for being outside.  If you are wanting to just sit and read a book or around a fire pit with your favorite adult beverage, you will need to look at what best fits your outdoor needs.  Lets look at what will fit in different sizes of space.

Small outdoor spaces

A bistro set will fit most small spaces.  A balcony or small builder deck will lend itself to a bistro set very well. I have a small bistro set on my 8 foot by 6 foot deck at my lake house.

At home I have two swivel rockers on my front porch, I keep a small side table between the two chairs as the space is too small to put a bistro table.

Benches or a swing will also fit small spaces and give you a place for multiple people sit together.  I have a bench in a small area in the front yard between a couple of trees.  In the back yard I have a two seat swing that hangs from a frame.

You can adapt a bistro set or small seating solution to many outdoor spaces.  You can get into a simple seating solution for under $100 if you go for something simple  made out of metal.  When you get into wood or resin wicker you will find that the price can get to $1000 or more.

Follow the links below for more information on each type of patio furniture for smaller spaces.

Bistro sets

Benches

Swings

Medium outdoor spaces

 

Medium outdoor spaces will be an area bigger than a builders deck (8 foot by 8 foot), this is the size of a deck that new homes get when they are built.  These spaces will be big enough for a conversation set that seats four or five or a dining table that can seat up to four people.

I have an oval patio area with paver stones in the back yard with a dining table that seats four.  This is a simple area that will be a place to eat a meal, play games or just sit and talk with a cool drink.

On a side deck I have a wrought iron glider, two chairs and two side tables for a conversation area.  Depending on the surface or type of fire pit, you could have a conversation set with a fire pit on a deck or patio area.  This will give you an area that can be used during cool weather, extending your time outside.

For more information on patio furniture for medium spaces, follow the links below

Conversation sets

Small dining furniture

Patio furniture for larger outdoor spaces

I think that any outdoor space that is 12 feet or larger in any direction would be considered large.  By the pool or just a  large deck, you could put a large dining set or a larger conversation set with extra seating.  Add a swing or a bar set and you can start to build your own rooms in your outdoor space.

Larger spaces will allow you to put any style or size of patio furniture for your comfort.  The resin wicker conversation sets will work well in these types of spaces as they tend to take up more space because of their bulk.

If you are by the pool or like to lay in the sun, a couple of loungers will add to your enjoyment in any outdoor space.  Most will come with wheels so that you can chase the sun or shade, depending on the skin color you are looking for.

Larger patio furniture for those large spaces

Large dining furniture

Resin wicker conversation sets

Loungers

Where will be the best location for your outdoor siting area ideas

 

Will you be using a space that you have now or building a space for your retreat? This will define what your area will look like. When using your present space you will have to choose what will fit and the features that will work in your situation.
When you are designing a new space sometimes you can first think of features and what furniture that you will want to have.
What will be the purpose of your space? Will it be for reading, stopping for a rest, just relaxing or just to get away from your inside world for a time?

What materials will you be using to build your surface of your patio space. Sometime the area that you are building will dictate what materials you use.  Ground level, pavers, concrete or just a  defined area in the grass will work.

If your place will be elevated off the ground, a deck or balcony you can choose from several types of surfaces that have a wooden base.  Wooden or composite decking material are use most of the time.  My neighbor has an aluminum decking material, I think this would be too hot during the summer months.

What Styles will you use for your Outside sitting area

 

Choosing your style will have to do with the amount of area that you have to cover. Small areas will only have room for a bench or swing.
Medium areas will have room for chairs, table and some small features.
Larger areas will have room for a sofa, tables, water feature or other specialty items.

 

 

What Materials are available for your Outside Sitting Area

 

Some of the decorative benches come in concrete or slabs of rock. These will last and be very stable but are not comfortable for extended sitting. They will be difficult to move.
Wood is a very common material for chairs and sofas. You can have cedar, redwood, wicker, teak or treated. All of these will hold up for an extended amount of time with the proper upkeep. Insects will not bother these types of wood.
Metal furniture will hold up well but will have to be painted often to keep from rusting unless powder coated from the factory.
Plastic will be the cheapest and last the shortest period of time. The sun and weather will take it toll on this type quickly. Painting will help, but the plastic will become brittle over time.

Features of your Outside sitting area

 

Color is one of the easiest things to set off your sitting area. Cushions are one way to change the look and color of an chair or sofa. A simple change here will make a big difference.
Another way to change color is to stain or paint your table, chair or sofa.
The addition of a sound feature will set he mood for your area. There are many ways to add a sound feature.
The addition of speakers can be done with remote speakers that resemble rocks or can be hidden under or behind items.
Water features come in all shapes and sizes. You can make a table top fountain or have a fish pond installed. This sound will add some serenity to your space.
Lighting will be another way to add some mood to your space. You can have solar or house electric to power your lighting. Path lights and accent lighting work well in these areas.
Another form of accent is a fire pit. You can use it for heat, lighting or hot dogs on a stick. It can come in many styles and sizes.

 

My final thoughts on outdoor spaces

I hope that you have gotten some information on what kinds of outdoor sitting area ideas on a budget will fit in your outdoor space.  From the size to the type of furniture or the surface, I have given you some information that will help in your decision.

I have several different styles and spaces to use in my outdoor spaces.  I am glad to share my experiences in what works for me.

Any questions or comments, please use the forms below and I will get back to you shortly.