Patio Furniture Ideas for Small Patios and Decks

Even if you have a limited space in your patio or deck, you can still create a great place to relax. 

Here are a few hints on how to go about choosing your furniture pieces for your small patio or deck. 

 

To enjoy a small patio, you need to measure its size first.  When you have taken your patio’s dimension, you can calculate the size of the furniture that you need.  You can check online furniture sites and choose the furniture pieces.  However, make sure to get the measurement of the furniture.  

Mark your patio furniture placement by making a diagram on the floor using the measurements of the furniture pieces that you have.  Use a masking tape to mark the areas.  When you are done with it, stand on one side and check if you have adequate space for other pieces and walkway.

Instead of using the standard patio tables, settle for a patio bar set.  It is more practical as it saves you on space and functional as well.  The bar set comes with either a rectangle, round or square table.  Get one that has cabinets and shelves so you can put in your stock inside them.  They also come with bar stools; hence, you are sure that they complement each other.  Another alternative is the miniature patio tables with chairs similar to those used in cafés.  Foldable tables are also best options.

Pair your miniature tables with one grouping of chairs.  Select chairs without arms to free more space.  Foldable chairs would be a good choice.  Like the foldable tables, they are easy to set up.  You can also add a 2 or 3 more bar stools.  Use garden benches to add extra seating on small patios.  Choose benches with hinged lids so you can use it for storage.

If your patio is narrow, choose narrow patio furniture pieces.  A rectangle shape table will fit against a wall so you get to have more space.     

The shape and style are not the only features that you need to look into but also the color.  The color can either make your small patio or deck smaller or bigger.  Light- colored furniture will make it look bigger compared to dark-colored ones.

A big patio or deck would always be a welcome treat to any family.  However, the high cost of property has encouraged homeowners to live in small abodes.  The small space though need not stop anyone to have a comfy and relaxing patio.  With modern furniture offering more practicality and functionality, your small patio will still look big!

Standard Rules When Buying Bar Stools

Bar stools have invaded homes particularly the dining room or the kitchen area.  This piece of furniture which is usually seen in bars is used for kitchen islands or counters.  Designed to provide more functionality other than being used in pubs, bar stools can likewise be used as extra seating furniture in small living rooms and patios.

To get the bar stools that will provide your home and bar convenience, check the following standard rules.

Give importance to height.  A bar stool must have the capability to adjust its height.  The person’s legs must have sufficient space beneath the counter.  There should be 12 inches of space between the stool and the counter.  Stools without arms must have 26 – 31 inches of space between them.  Alternatively, stools with arms must have 29 – 34 inches of space amid them.  If the counter measures 6 feet, provide 3 bar stools.   

It would also be best to choose bar stools that have a 360-degree rotation.  Some stools have bars placed in the middle of their legs to keep them from hanging and to rest your feet.  

Bar stools either have arms or without arms, with backrests or without backrests.  Always prioritize comfort when buying your stools.  Naturally, those with back and armrests provide more comfort.   

As for the materials, you have a choice from wood or metal.  Wooden bar stools are nice and this material has been used ever since.  The metal material is used for the more modern bar stools.  Nevertheless, check the way they were built.  For wooden bar stools, check the screws while for metal bar stools, check if the joints are properly welded.

Upholstered bar stools are more comfortable.  Nobody wants to sit on a hard surface anymore these days.  Leather upholstery is preferred by many because of its durability, elegant look and is easier to clean.  You can also find bar stools in microfiber although this is subject to easy wear and tear.    

Modern furniture offers more comfort, practicality and usability and this did not leave bar stools behind.  Check LA Furniture Store for more designs of bar stools that will surely make a statement in your kitchen counter, home or patio bar and pubs.

Add Comfort to Your Home via Bar Stools

Furniture manufacturers have given bar stools a new phase.   They were assigned not only to be used in the pubs but can now grace any home.  Even at home, they are not just paired with a bar, as they can also be used for kitchen counters.  A small home can have a counter top and bar stools for their dining area to save them on space.   Let us look on how stools add comfort to your home.  

There is nothing more rewarding after a long day in the office except a relaxing time with the family or with friends.  Relaxing can be done by watching a movie or a TV program together.  It can also be done by playing some board games.  Most of all, relaxing can also be achieved by having intimate conversations with your spouse, your children or with the whole family.

It is a common activity for people particularly men to go to the bar to unwind.   Having a bar in your own home is now possible with the various designs and styles of bars and stools that are available in the market today.  

Stretching your legs with your favorite wine is a relaxing activity.  Having your own bar and bar stool would add to this relaxing and comforting experience.  With your own bar set, you can invite friends over to your home, which is safer, as you do not need to drive on going home.  You and your family can also spend time together and bond together.  

It is also very functional.  You can use them as additional seating furniture.  They can be used in the living room as well as in the patio.

Modern bar stools are offered in various designs, styles and materials.  Metal bar stools are suited for contemporary style homes.    You can still have the wooden ones.  Plastic, chrome, stainless steel are also used in making bar stools.  Seating can be upholstered or not with leather and fabric as your choices.

Get a few pieces of bar stools in your home and see how they can add comfort to your home.

Use Bar Stools to Save on Space

Furniture is one item in the home that we need to take care of.  Regrettably, the cost of houses has skyrocketed that most people have settled in abodes with small dimensions.   Apartments, townhomes, condominiums have been very popular because they are more affordable compared to buying a house.  While they may still be somehow expensive, it can fit into the budget of a common wage earner.  The issue, however, is in decorating the homes.  Most homeowners encounter the problem of deciding what furniture to buy.  

Placing a 3-pieces sofa may or may not be ideal.  The same can be said in the dining room.  If you have the dining table and chairs, you may have no walking space and you will be bumping on each other.  So what better furniture pieces can replace the usual sofa and the dining set?

This is where bar stools can come to your rescue.  You probably are wondering how bar stools can be placed in your living room or dining room.  Bar stools or counter stools, as they are now called, underwent a complete makeover.  They are no longer the ordinary wooden bar stools that have tripod legs, circular seating and no back or arm support.

Modern furniture manufacturers have invented a new look for them; you will be amazed with their designs and styles.  You can find them with wide cushioned seats, back, arm or foot support.  Some can be swiveled while a few has the option of adjusting the height.  They are made from different materials other than wood, which make use of rattan, teak wood, cane, cane, etc.  There also those that are made of plastics and acrylics that comes in various colors.  Metal like stainless steel and aluminum are also used to make bar stools. 

Design has also navigated from the usual featuring more selections to suit your taste.  You can find stools that still have the tripod legs, a single base, and four legs; although, the more modern ones feature just one base.  

This clearly shows that it really has gone a long way from the pub or bar stools that you know.  This is the reason why they were now often called counter stools.

Getting these stools into your home can save you on space and yet still affords your home to have a graceful and stylish appeal. 

Have a kitchen counter for your dining/kitchen area instead of dining tables and chairs.  Pair your counter with bar stools.  You will see that you can seat more people and still have some area for movement.

Your living room can have a single sofa or a love seat then add bar stools.  Get those with hydraulics so you can adjust the height.  Even with some guests, you will have more seating furniture to accommodate them.

The use of bar stools answers your problem of what furniture to buy for your small space.  Do not hesitate having them around and you will see the amazing results of having stools around your home.  As I have said, their look underwent a total change that can only give your home a chic and modern look.

Setting Up a Bar in Your Dining Room

If you want to have a bar but do not have enough resources for a real bar, you can still have one at your home. The best place to set it up is in your dining room.

This will not cost you much as you can use some furniture in your dining room. What is important is you know what items to buy.



If you are serious to setting up a bar in your dining room, you need to have the following:

First are the glasses. You can buy a few wine glasses; nonetheless, the dining glasses can also be used for drinking wine. If you have varied selections of dining glasses, you can assign some of these for bar use. Otherwise, get the real bar glasses such as shot glasses, champagne, whisky and wine glasses as well as beer mugs.



Second are the ice bucket and tongs. Invest in buying a durable ice bucket. It may be expensive but it is more cost-efficient. Check this item in discount stores or garage sales. Make sure you get one that is well insulated.

Third is a jigger. This is a very essential bar accessory for mixing drinks. The jigger measures the quantity of liquor to be served. Professional bartenders use of them. The two sizes of jigger that you need for your bar are the 1 ½ and the ¾ ounces. As for the kind, you can choose between the stainless steel jigger and the glass one. Glass jiggers are more preferred, as its capacity is bigger.



The fourth gadget that you need for your bar is the drink shaker. There are two kinds of shakers, the Boston and the Cobbler shakers. The Boston shaker has two canisters -- a 500 ml glass and a 900- ml glass. The Cobbler shaker, on the other hand, has three – the flask, the cap with a built-in strainer and the lid. Any of these two will serve your purpose although the Cobbler strainer has an edge over the Boston because of the strainer.

The fifth item is the bar spoon, which is to be used in blending cocktails and to measure the ingredients that will be put in the drink. You can also use it in crushing some ingredients. Bar spoons are made from stainless steel and measures 10 inches long. You can measure a teaspoon of drink essence or alcohol by using the bar spoon.



Other bar accessories that you need are corkscrew with a few extra corks, bottle and can opener, a sharp knife to sliver garnishes and fruits for the drinks. A blender is also another device that will be functional in your home bar.

Complete the gadgets listed above and enjoy a drink in your new bar.

What Would You Choose: Traditional or Modern Bar Stools?

Choosing the best bar stools is not a difficult job as you might think it is. The only essential thing is to know the style and design that you wanted and what goes well with your other furniture. There are two types of bar stools: the traditional and the contemporary ones. Knowing the difference between these two will help you a lot in your decision of what type of bar stools you would want to have.



Traditional Bar Stools are mostly made of wood. Bar stools made of wood are sturdy and durable. They are, likewise, available in a myriad of finishing such as maple, mahogany, walnut and cherry. Other materials used for traditional bar stools are metal or chrome and wrought iron.

Traditional bar stools are also made in various designs and styles which give you a huge variety of options. You can find the basic stool with no backrest and the new design that features a back and arm rests. There are also stools that are all wood, meaning they have no cushions. I would suggest, though, that you get those with cushions as they are more comfortable especially if you are to sit on it for a long time. There are also rotating stools that give you no difficulty getting on or off the stool.



Because their designs are classic, they can never be outdated. They can blend well with your antique furniture and even with your modern furniture. Furthermore, maintenance is simple. Regular dusting is all you need and use furniture polish once a month to retain its luster.



On the other hand, the Modern Bar Stools come in different types. Wrought iron, metal and chrome are the most common materials used. Lately, furniture manufacturers also made use of fiberglass and plastic materials. Wood, nonetheless, is still used for modern bar stools. These three materials are the usual choices for external bars.

Just like the traditional bar stools, contemporary bar stools are available without a back and arm rests and also with back and arm rests. But again, always get those that are with cushions as they offer more convenience to the person who will sit on it.



Since they are modern, you can expect that their designs are more fashionable. Some even have futuristic and revolutionary features. Modern bar stools will complement any furniture that you currently have. Even if the theme of your home is Mediterranean, Rustic, French or traditional, they will blend well with whatever your home theme is.



Maintenance is similarly easy like the traditional ones since they are made of synthetic and steel. Washing them with soap and water will remove the dust that has built up.



Whether you go for traditional or modern bar stools does not really matter. It will still depend on your predilection. Both types of bar stools have their advantages. But the thing that can help you in your choice is to evaluate where you will use your bar stools. Will it be for indoor or outdoor use? If it will be for outdoor use, then select bar stools that can withstand a lot of moisture. Whereas if it will be for indoor use, select bar stools that will complement your other furniture.

The Different Materials Used for Bar Stools

Buying bar stools for your dining room or kitchen can give it a new appeal. However, there are some important aspects which you need to take into account. Do not just purchase bar stools without totally understanding your purpose for buying them as well as knowing the materials and sizes that are available. Knowledge on the various materials used for bar stools can help you a lot in deciding what to buy.

Bar stools are made from the following materials.

Bar Stools made from Wood make use of hard rubber, wicker, rattan, teak and other kinds of cane and wood. Bar stools made of hard rubber wood are known for their durability. The presence of wooden bar stools in the dining room, kitchen or bar will enhance their conventional appeal. One good thing with wooden bar stools is that they are the easiest to clean.



Bar Stools made from Metal are ideal choices for modern style of homes and is better used outside. Safe externally are the wrought-iron bar stools because they resist climate. Appropriate to be used inside the home, the artistic aluminum and stainless steel bar stools fall under the modern furniture category.



Bar Stools made from Plastic has become a modern way of giving your home a more up-to-date appeal. Apart from being completely durable, plastic bar stools can be seen in various colors.
Bar Stools made from Wood make use of hard rubber, wicker, rattan, teak and other kinds of cane and wood. Bar stools made of hard rubber wood are known for their durability. The presence of wooden bar stools in the dining room, kitchen or bar will enhance their conventional appeal. One good thing with wooden bar stools is that they are the easiest to clean.

Bar Stools made from Metal are ideal choices for modern style of homes and is better used outside. Safe externally are the wrought-iron bar stools because they resist climate. Appropriate to be used inside the home, the artistic aluminum and stainless steel bar stools fall under the modern furniture category.

Bar Stools made from Plastic has become a modern way of giving your home a more up-to-date appeal. Apart from being completely durable, plastic bar stools can be seen in various colors.



Cushioned or Upholstered Bar stools. Bar stools can use either of these types of cushion: faux suede, linen, leather or vinyl. The cushioning of stools creates sophistication and gives the dining room or kitchen a friendly atmosphere and impression.

It is important to note that bar stools made from recycled materials like wood, aluminum or metal and plastic are currently the latest materials for bar stools. The materials used for this furniture are environmental friendly stuff to make your home more attractive and to assist in keeping Mother Earth a livable planet.

What to Consider when Buying Bar Stools

Bar stools come in different styles, designs, materials and colors making it easy for the consumer to choose one that will blend with the other furniture of the room. It used to be that bar stools were just meant for seating and so they are normally very plain. Modern furniture has changed the image of these stools to make them not just seating fitment but also as decorative pieces.

If you are thinking of buying your own bar stools, then the following tips can help you in your selection.



Select a material for your bar stools. Wood and metal are the common materials used for bar stools although plastic has also been used lately. Wooden bar stools will fit a traditional style of room. On the other hand, bar stools made of metal is fitting for a modern style. The fact that the height of metallic bar stools can be changed a big advantage aside from being glossy.

Select a suitable height for your bar stools. This is essential in order for the person sitting on the stool to be comfortable. Bar stools must be 10 – 13 inches lower than the counter to allow your legs to move. You must also able to relax your arms easily on the bar counter.



Select the suitable features for your bar stools. Some bar stools are stationary whereas some can be swiveled. Pubs normally make use of the immobile stools which are classified traditional furniture and modern furniture is the swivel stools.

Another feature of modern types of bar stools is the back and arm rest. You get to feel more relax with the back rest while having a drink your friends or family. Not to forget that they are especially secure for children.



Make sure that the legs are durable. You will observe that some bar stools have a wide bottom plus a big rod as their support while a few have footrests.

Bar stools that can be adjusted with regards to their height is also a good option.



Bar stools with cushions or without. If you prefer the cushioned bar stools, leather is a good choice as these types are durable compared to soft fabrics. Match the patterns, colors and style of the cushion with the design of your room.

With the new designs, structures and styles of modern bar furniture, you get to have a huge selection that will match your home and room style.
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