Patio Design Tips For Dining, Poolside and More

April 26, 2024

Originally posted on 5/27/2021. Updated on 4/26/2024.

The weather is beckoning us to spend more time outside, and now is the perfect time to consider a patio upgrade! Your backyard can be so much more than just a place to enjoy the pool or get some sun.

With the right design and furniture, you can turn the outdoors into a comfortable and welcoming extension to your home. You may even find yourself spending more time outside because the weather is delightful!

Designing an outdoor area involves more than bringing home a couple of lounge chairs, or putting out a few potted plants. It's about making your patio more functional and aesthetically pleasing. Most of all, it's about comfort. When you invest in furniture pieces and accessories that are comfortable for you and your guests, you'll spend more time enjoying the great outdoors of your home.

Here are a few design tips to get you started when it comes to upgrading your backyard.

START AT POOLSIDE

If a pool is a focal point for your backyard, it is the perfect place to start with a makeover. When shopping for quality poolside furniture, you want durable fabrics and frames that are waterproof, resistant to stains, and resilient under the intense summer sun.

First, determine what styles and pieces you want around the pool. For example, you might line one side with chaise lounges. Maybe intersperse a cuddle lounge or two just to break things up. On the other side, consider unique seating options, like club chairs with cushion colors you love and throw pillow accents.

Outdoor furniture styles should align with your personal preferences. Look at all-weather wicker options to give your backyard a relaxed, resort-like vibe. If you prefer the look of wood, shop for frames that are durable and eco-friendly, with lumber made from recycled plastics. Our line of Bliss EcoLumber® Furniture offers collections that are weather-resistant and designed to withstand harsh sunlight. These frames will not splinter, crack or rot because they don’t absorb oils or other liquids. And Bliss EcoLumber never needs sealing.

When planning your setup. don’t forget about tables. Make sure to position end tables near the seating for drinks, sunscreen and personal belongings.

DO YOU NEED SHADE?

Cantilever umbrellas give you flexibility with shading as the sunlight moves across your yard. You can tilt and adjust these umbrellas to cover wherever you decide to rest. They can even provide shade over the pool! A few well-placed cantilever umbrellas will shield you and your guests from the sun to ensure comfort.

Another great option is a market umbrella. They are typically smaller, and the pole is centered in the umbrella. They are convenient for moving around easily to places you need shade. Some tables even have an umbrella hole in the center designed to place a market umbrella!

CREATE A LIVING SPACE

Let the kinds of furniture you choose reflect your personal style. For large seating arrangements, there are a variety of sectional sofa pieces you can configure to make the most of your space. If, however, you are looking at a setup for smaller groups, then explore an arrangement of individual sofas, loveseats and chairs.

Once you have your seating selected, pick out the tables that work best for you. You might opt for a firepit table. These tables add beauty to any setting and come in a variety of shapes, colors, heights, and sizes. Many have durable tabletops. The tops for our Bliss Tables are made with a nonporous and nearly indestructible surface, created with a blend of more than 20 minerals that are compacted like a diamond, using heat and 25,000 tons of pressure.

Firepit tables that use propane or natural gas offer you the most control over the flames. You can instantly decide how intense you want the flames to be, and determine the exact moment you want them to start and end. Their table bases can be lightweight and durable. In cooler months, fire tables provide warmth. In warmer months, these tables add a sophisticated ambiance to any get-together and can be used as a regular table without the fire.

OUTDOOR DINING AREA

If creating an outdoor dining room satisfies your plans for entertaining guests, consider first where you want to locate it. Most dining tables are positioned under a covered area, but dining under the stars can be magical, too. Al fresco dinners, receptions, and parties can all be accommodated with the right selection of tables and chairs.

There are outdoor dining tables in all shapes and sizes. The only question is, how many people would you like to seat? If you choose a taller, balcony table with stools, your table can serve multiple purposes. There are several options for smaller, cafe-style round tables that are perfect for outdoor dining or for use as accent tables on a patio. Check out all of our outdoor dining set options to find the ones that are best for your outdoor needs.

FINISHING TOUCHES

Once you have quality outdoor patio furniture in place, start adding the finishing touches to make the space yours. Here are some suggestions:

Ceiling fan — If you have an overhang or sheltered patio, a ceiling fan can add just the right cooling touch.
Mood lighting — Outdoor ambience can be created with a few well-placed lighting choices. You can select anything from a fire table, to light strings and cordless LED lamps.
Grill — A must for every patio that focuses on dining. If you have the room and budget, opt for an outdoor kitchen that includes storage spaces, countertops and an island stove top.
Wall decor — Whether it’s works of art, planters and vines, or mood lighting, all can look great when they’re hanging on fencing or surfaces outside your house.
An outdoor shower — Take your pool experience from ordinary to extraordinary with an outdoor shower area that allows family and guests to rinse off before they relax for a while on the outdoor furniture sets.
Canopied daybed or hammock — Sometimes you just want to lie down outside and read a good book.
Outdoor bar — Give your outdoor parties a fun vibe with an outdoor bar, complete with a sink and barstools.
Patio swing — It’s more than just a place to sit down. A patio swing adds fun to outdoor seating.

Knowing where to buy your furniture is just as important as knowing what to buy. The exterior design guides at each Paddy O' Furniture showroom are here to learn about your outdoor ideas, answer all your questions, and help you find the right pieces to personalize your outdoors – to guide you to your patio bliss. Bring your photos and measurements to any of our showrooms and one of our team members will be glad to collaborate with you on your backyard dreams!

Our furniture and cushions come with unbeatable warranties. After all, if it will last in Arizona, it will last anywhere.