SO MANY CHOICES FOR SEATING OPTIONS WHEN DESIGNING OUTDOOR INDOOR LIVING AREAS

by Arizona Custom Home Builder on November 13, 2009

Dining, Relaxing, Socializing, Relaxing by the Fire… Many Outdoor Seating Options Exist!

Is there any such thing as ‘outdoor’ furniture? We often see outdoor pieces used indoors and with new weatherproof outdoor fabrics such as those offered by Sunbrella, outdoor furniture can be as luxurious as upholstered indoor pieces. Outdoor seating can be as simple as the five-dollar plastic chairs found at discount stores to luxurious pieces found at high-end furniture stores. There are so many seating options for outdoor indoor living space that selection depends on the purpose and use of the space. There is wrought iron outdoor furniture, outdoor wicker patio furniture, and outdoor wood furniture such as those in teak, cedar and painted wood pieces. The simplest outdoor seating may actually be the hammock strung between two trees. Seating arrangements can be similar to indoors with a large sofa, and side chairs for a party. Four luxurious chairs surrounding a cocktail table or fire pit or a couple of chairs placed in front an outdoor fireplace offers a more intimate seating option.

When planning seating options for outdoor indoor living spaces think about the space, and how you plan to use the space.

Will the space be an outdoor living room?
Will the space be used for entertaining; will you need side tables to hold refreshments?
Will the space be used for relaxing by an outdoor fireplace or fire pit?
Do you want the space to be a whimsical living space with lots of bold colors, and striped upholstery?
How many people will be seated? Will it hold four or more for public spaces like back patios, or courtyards? Will it be strictly private as it may be located off of a master bedroom retreat?
What style are you looking for, Adirondack, wrought-iron, outdoor wicker, or the simple lines of teak or cedar pieces?

As AZ custom home builders, we often construct outdoor patios, Ramadas, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and other outdoor indoor living spaces for our customers. There doesn’t seem to be a common thread for our customers, as many have accented their patios in upholstered pieces, Adirondacks, Wrought-iron pieces covered with luxurious cushions, built-in pieces around fire pits, and outdoor wicker patio furniture. Each has had its own unique sense of style for the home and the space, and indicates that pretty much anything goes for outdoor seating options. Choose what you like and then take the time to enjoy it.