THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CREATING A STYLISH OUTDOOR DINING SPACE
It doesn't matter if you have ample outdoor space with a complete set of outdoor dining furniture or the corner of a small yard; you can create a stylish outdoor dining space with a little imagination and some help from CB2. This guide will give you some of our top tips for awesome al fresco dining experiences.
Make the best use of the space you have
If you have a small patio or even a humble balcony, you won’t be able to fit in a full-size outdoor dining table. But you can squeeze in a small outdoor table and chairs for an intimate dinner for two or four people. It’s not the size of your outdoor dining space that’s important, but the ambience you create and how welcoming it feels. Look for outdoor dining furniture that’s proportional to the space you have. Choosing more delicate designs also creates a sensation of space, so more traditional designs using metal frames will feel more spacious.
If you're lucky enough to have a large outdoor dining area, you can experiment with more complex dining options, including benches rather than chairs, and even some outdoor storage options to keep your al fresco dinnerware, placemats and table runners.
Pay attention to the details
From the napkins to your dessert plates, it’s the little details that make a dining experience special. If your garden furniture embraces natural elements such as rattan or wood, echo those themes with your table décor and your serveware.
Go with the flow
The art of making a small outdoor dining area seem bigger is to enhance the connection between your indoor and outdoor space. Colours should harmonise and flow naturally from your interior living room to your outdoor dining area. Pick up on themes such as furniture designs and subtle elements like patterns and textiles.
Embrace the outdoors
Eating al fresco is a chance to surround yourself with natural beauty. Adding planters and statement plants to your patio connects it to the garden. If all you have is a balcony, lush greenery can reconnect you to the natural world and create a soothing, relaxed ambience. A patio heater is ideal for cooler evenings, so you can extend your outdoor dining experience all year round.
Stackable chairs for big family gatherings
If you have a big family get-together, host an Iftar feast, or celebrate a landmark birthday with family and friends, you're going to need some extra seating. However, once everyone's gone home, where do you store those surplus seats? Stackable chairs that can be stored easily are a great idea if you regularly switch from small family meals to big buffets.
Pick the right outdoor dining furniture
Your outdoor dining furniture is going to spend the majority of its time exposed to the elements. Choose furniture that's specifically designed for outdoor life. Outdoor dining tables and chairs are made from more robust materials, including UV-resistant fabrics that won’t fade but are also washable to keep them clean and fresh.
An outdoor dining area is as much a part of your home as your kitchen, living room or indoor dining room. Embrace the opportunity to dine under the stars or with a fabulous sunset as your backdrop, or breakfast in the morning sunshine and take a few moments to energise yourself before you start your day.
Browse the Outdoor Dining collection at CB2 for more amazing inspiration and ideas on outdoor dining furniture and décor.