Designed for outdoor relaxation, outdoor bar furniture is the ideal partner for creating a patio lounge area. The raised tables and chairs allow you to stand or sit while talking or enjoying your meal. How to choose the right outdoor bar furniture for your patio, backyard or balcony? This requires consideration of many factors, including material, style, color, and height. Continue reading our guide for buying outdoor bar furniture. We’ll answer these questions step by step.
Step 1: Is the Outdoor Bar Area Spacious Enough?
Step 2: Which Height is More Suitable for You?
Bar furniture comes in two height options: bar height and counter height. Bar-height furniture is typically 40-42 inches tall, about 6 inches taller than counter-height furniture. Counter-height furniture is typically 24-26 inches tall. Which height is right for you? If your family and friends are generally tall, counter-height furniture might be a better fit. If your bar area has limited space, bar-height furniture is an ideal choice. Bar-height furniture with a compact structure can better save floor space.
Read more: Counter Height vs Bar Height Furniture: Which One Should I Choose?
Step 3: Choose Your Preferred Furniture Material
Outdoor bar furniture comes in many material options. To ensure the bar furniture is weather-resistant and durable, we need to consider factors such as durability, comfort, weight, maintenance, and price before deciding on a material. Here are common material types:
Softwood
Softwood is generally less hard and less durable. However, it is very affordable and can be recycled.
Pro:
- Affordable Price
- Abundant Material Resource
Con:
- Poor hardness. Easily deformed and cracked.
- Poor weather resistance. Prone to rot and insect damage.
- Requires regular oiling. High maintenance costs.
Hardwood
Compared to softwood, hardwood is harder and more durable. It is commonly used in the production of outdoor furniture.
Pro:
- It has strong toughness and hardness. It is not easily damaged, dented, or cracked.
- It has strong weather resistance. It is not easily rotten, pest-prone, or faded.
Con:
- It’s quite heavy. Moving and handling it is difficult.
- Regular dyeing and maintenance are required.
- The price is a bit higher than hardwood.
Aluminum
Besides wood, aluminum is also a commonly used material for outdoor furniture. It is lightweight and is often used to make bar furniture.
Pro:
- Affordable price. Lightweight.
- Waterproof. Rustproof. Corrosion-resistant.
Con:
- It’s not stable enough. They are easily blown away in windy weather.
- It gets hot under direct sunlight.
Wicker
Rattan is usually woven from bamboo or HDPE and has good breathability. Prolonged exposure to the outdoors can cause them to become brittle and eventually break.
Pro:
- It’s very lightweight and easy to move.
- It is very breathable and cool.
- Affordable Price
Con:
- Poor weather resistance. Easily becomes brittle and deforms.
- Difficult to clean and maintain.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
High-density polyethylene (HDPE), made from recycled plastic bottles, is eco-friendly and recyclable. It is the most suitable material for making outdoor bar furniture.
Pro:
- Excellent weather resistance. Rainproof, moisture-proof, and corrosion-resistant.
- Affordable price. Low maintenance.
- Infinitely recyclable.
Con:
- Compared to wood, it slightly inferior in texture.
- The slightly heavier weight makes it a bit inconvenient to move.
Step 4: Determine the Style of Your Table and Chairs
Outdoor tables and chairs come in a variety of styles, and the specific type should be determined based on the style of your patio and the number of guests. The following are common types of tables and chairs:
Outdoor Bar Tables
As the center of gatherings and socializing, a stylish outdoor bar table can make your outdoor bar area more prominent and popular.
- Round: Designed for compact outdoor bar areas, suitable for small gatherings of up to 5 people.
- Square: Square bar tables bring guests closer together, encouraging relaxed conversation. The square design saves space and is ideal for smaller bar areas.
- Rectangular: Rectangular bar tables can accommodate more than 8 guests and are suitable for spacious outdoor bar areas.
Outdoor Bar Chairs
Barstools are key to comfort. Select comfortable barstools for your bar area to enjoy and relax fully. Here are some common types of seating:
- Bar Stools: Without armrests and backrests. Its small size allows it to be easily pushed under a table or counter.
- Bar Armchair: Wide armrests provide you with comfortable support for maximum relaxation. Compared to armless chairs, it takes up more space.
- Swivel Bar Stools: Compared to fixed chairs, 360-degree swivel bar stools are more flexible and easier to move.
- Bar Chairs with Backrests: Chairs with backrests allow you to sit comfortably for extended periods. Retro backrests add a touch of style.
Step 5: Choose a Suitable Color Scheme
Once you’ve determined the right type of seating, choosing the right color scheme and style can make your bar area even more attractive. To better determine our preferences, let’s ask ourselves a few questions:
- What decorating style do I like best?
- What is the decorating style or theme of the patio?
- Do I prefer a uniform color scheme or a rich variety of colors?
Next, we’ll share some practical color schemes with you. If you prefer a modern style, then light colors are a better choice, such as white, beige, and apricot. Light colors can create a spacious and bright atmosphere in your bar area. If you prefer a retro or country style, then you’ll definitely love dark colors like brown, gray, and black.
Step 6: Improve Comfort with Accessories
Never underestimate the importance of accessories. They can make your bar area more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some accessories we recommend:
- Cushions: When choosing cushions, opt for weather-resistant fabrics and materials such as polyester. Ensure the size and style of the cushions match your bar furniture.
- Patio Umbrella: A patio umbrella can effectively block harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, keeping you and your family cool and comfortable in the bar. Our patio umbrellas are UV-resistant and colorfast, ensuring they won’t fade and will provide shade for many years.
