When an outdoor patio is bare, it has so much potential for warm days and lovely evenings. However, before using it for its intended function, there is one big dilemma on mind: just how many chairs do I need to buy? Buying more would make it look cluttered, yet if I buy fewer chairs, guests would have no place to sit on either.
There is an easy solution offered in this checklist for choosing the perfect number of chairs for an awesome patio.
A Three-Step Method to Find Your Number
Determining the number of patio seats required is essentially an equation for juggling life in general, social life, and living space. All these things combine to make the equation explained here:
Step 1: The Everyday Rule
Start with your starting point. The first number to consider is the number of persons living in your household. That becomes your “everyday number.” That’s the lowest number of seating capability that your family would require in order for it to function effectively, so that you do not have to retrieve chairs from inside the house.
Your Formula: Number of people in your house = Your starting number of seats.
Step 2: The Social Factor
After that, consider how you have guests in your house. Do you throw big barbecues, or do you enjoy smaller functions with just a handful of buddies? Think about the things that you normally do. Do not think in terms of a big bash that occurs only once each year, but rather think in terms of a normal meeting with your guests in mind.
Your Formula: Starting number of seats + Average number of guests = Your goal for seating.
Step 3: The Space Reality Check
This is the most important step. Your perfect number of chairs doesn't matter if they don't actually fit. You must measure your space and leave room to move. A crowded patio is not a comfortable one.
- The Clearance Rule: Ensure that principal paths are no less than 3 feet (approximately 90 cm) in width. People need to have adequate space to walk around.
- The Pull-Out Rule: When it comes to a dinner table, a chair should have no less than 2 feet (approximately 60 cm) behind it so that it can be pulled out for someone to sit on it.
- Conversation Rule: In a seating area, chairs need to be grouped closely together so that conversation is possible. The distance between chairs is between 3-8 feet.
Your final number is the one that meets your social needs (Step 2) but also fits well in your physical space (Step 3).
Patio Chair Calculator
Use our three-step formula to find your perfect number of patio chairs
The Everyday Rule
How many people live in your household?
The Social Factor
How many guests do you typically host?
The Space Reality Check
What is the size of your patio area?
Remember: Paths need at least 3 ft width, and chairs need 2 ft behind them.
Additional Considerations
Before You Calculate: 3 Key Questions to Ask Yourself
The formula gives you a number, but other things are important too. Before you buy, answer these three questions to make sure your choice fits your life.
What is the Primary Function of Your Patio?
A space can't be used for everything. Decide on its main use. Will you use it for morning coffee, family dinners, or talking at night?
- Dining: If your main goal is eating outside, you will focus on a table and a set of dining chairs. The table size will help you decide on the number of chairs.
- Lounging: If the space is for relaxing, you might want a comfortable outdoor sofa and a few big armchairs. This might be better than a large set of dining chairs.
- Conversational: If you want a place to talk with friends, think about putting four or five comfortable chairs in a circle around a coffee table or fire pit.
How Big and What Shape is Your Space?
Get a measuring tape. It is very helpful to know exactly how big your patio, deck, or balcony is. Make a drawing of it. Highlight where your doors, stairs, and other fixtures are located in your patio, deck, or balcony. There is a difference in restrictions between long and narrow balconies and wide decks. This drawing will help you see where furniture can fit, so you don't buy the wrong thing.
What is Your Hosting Style?
Think about the way in which you typically have your guests. In the event that you throw big dinner parties in which your guests can mill around, it could be better to set up areas with benches, stools, and chairs. However, in case your preferences run more towards intimate dinner parties, it would be better for you to purchase either 4 extremely comfy chairs or 6 chairs. Your hosting style helps you choose the type of seating you need.
Explore Smart Seating Options
You do not have to opt for only chairs for seating in your premises. You could combine different types of seating options together. That could allow for more comfort and more seating areas, even in difficult settings.
- Outdoor Sectionals/Sofas: Outdoor sectionals/sofas work wonderfully for conserving space. They can accommodate quite a number of people in the seating area. In fact, sometimes they accommodate more people in a single area compared to using individual chairs.
- Benches: A bench is great for a dining table or along a wall. It can usually fit one more person than chairs in the same amount of space. Benches also look simple and clean.
- Ottomans & Stools: There is much that these can do. You can use it for a foot rest, additional seating if need be, or even a side table for placing a drink.
- Adirondack Chairs: The chairs are quite comfortable for relaxation, but they occupy a large amount of space. Therefore, these chairs would be appropriate for large areas where they would serve as a focal point.
Popular Layouts for Any Space
Here are three common layout ideas to help you see what is possible for your space.
The Small Balcony "Bistro" Setup
For small spaces, the goal is to make a nice spot that does not feel crowded. This setup is great for one person to have coffee or for two people to talk.
- Configuration: A small, round bistro table and two chairs.
- The Takeaway: Choose furniture that is small. Chairs and tables that can be folded or stacked are very useful because they give you more flexibility.
The Standard Patio "Conversation" Setup
This is a very common layout for a medium-sized patio or deck. The main idea is to make a comfortable place for a small group of people to relax and talk.
- Configuration: Four comfortable armchairs or two chairs and a loveseat around a coffee table or fire pit.
- The Takeaway: Put the seats so they face each other. This helps people talk. Make sure there is enough table space for everyone's drink or plate.
The Large Deck "Zoning" Setup
If you have a lot of space, do not just put furniture all over. A better idea is to create separate "zones" for different things. This makes the space feel more organized and useful.
- Configuration: A dining zone with a table and six to eight chairs. Then, add a separate lounge zone with a sofa, two armchairs, and a coffee table.
- The Takeaway: You can use outdoor rugs to show where each zone begins and ends. This setup lets you do many things at once. Some guests can eat while others relax.
