Transforming your outdoor space into the perfect entertaining area may be as easy as rearranging your furniture and adding a few thoughtful touches. Some people have a natural eye for where pieces should be arranged to best complement the space, while others struggle mightily with the process. And if you are thinking of purchasing a new outdoor furniture set for your outdoor space, it can be even tougher to envision the ideal design.

According to home decor experts, preparing an outdoor space for hosting and dining simply comes down to a basic understanding of how to arrange outdoor furniture to best complement your home and lifestyle. Use these tips and tricks from the pros to create the ideal patio layout for your needs and preferences.

Explore Your Space

As you start to analyze how to arrange your patio furniture, begins by travelling through your space for potential hosting areas. Consider hot railings, doors, windows and staircases affect the flow and balance of your space. Then, take a look at the close elements. Is there direct sunlight? Do you have landscape features that you would like to highlight with your patio layout? Measure your area and draw a basic sketch to scale for your area. This will help you choose which outdoor furniture sets work best in your area.

Make Sure Your Arrangement Tailor to Your Needs

If you use your area mainly as a place to host dinners then consider an outdoor dining set. For more casual relaxing and hosting, a selection of chaise lounges, chairs and side tables may be a better option. Even in small areas, it’s possible to create separate hosting areas. For example, you can balance out a dining set with a separate area for gathering around a fire pit. This will give your space dynamic energy for hosting – guests can flow from one conversation to another with this natural separation.

Pick a Focal Point

Once you’ve set on the best patio set for your space, consider the arrangement of the pieces themselves. Choosing a focal point further clarifies how to arrange the furniture pieces no matter the type of space. When seated, what would you like to showcase? If you have a stunning view, open up the patio furniture arrangement to face it. For a cosy feel, consider surrounding a fire pit or fireplace with a set of chairs and side tables. Outdoor lounging and conversation are more casual due to the surroundings, which means it is important to provide a spot on which guest will focus as they lounge.

Create a Good Flow

Like with indoor home layouts, how a person moves and flows throughout the space should determine how to arrange outdoor furniture. Regardless of the size of your space, it’s good practice to make any space feel more open and less cramped. Consider focal points, entryways, plants, columns, and other things that require some sufficient room and a footpath within your space. When arranging outdoor furniture close to a wall, always arrange the longest piece against the wall of the home or enclosed area. This will help create length while allowing freedom to move smaller pieces as necessary. It’s extremely important to create a pathway around the sitting area. This way, no one will have to interrupt a conversation by cutting through the centre of the area. Creating extra space around the seating will also help create the illusion of more room. In dinning areas and fireside seating areas, it’s important to place your furniture within a safe distance from grills or open flame.

Create a Balanced Patio Furniture Arrangement

With the variety of outdoor furniture arrangement ideas available, from modular patio furniture to small bistro sets, wicker outdoor furniture, there are endless ways to find balance in your outdoor furniture arrangement. Although furniture settings don’t necessarily have to be symmetrical, it is a good idea to add smaller pieces across a large piece to keep the seating area balanced. If you’re fortunate with a larger outdoor space, creating different entertaining areas with seating options around your entire area can also help achieve a more balanced feel to the overall space.

Include Elements of Ambiance and Comfort

Your outdoor furniture layout should also incorporate your own sense of style. Once you’ve figured out the best placement for the pieces. add accessories and pops of colour that speak to your personality. Lighting and greenery may take up some extra room withing your space, so take into account for these in your layout. Add your personal touch to the setting with comfortable throw pillows, hosting supplies like wine glasses and mugs, or show off you DIY skills with handmade home goods. Add pockets of outdoor lighting and scented candles for a final warming touch.