As summer approaches and the air gets warmer, there is nothing quite like enjoying a refreshing beverage with friends and family in your own backyard. Whether it’s the slow sipping of coffee or the brisk swigging of cocktails, or perhaps plunging into hours of card games, the call for an evening revelry demands a central space. And what better way to satisfy that need than by creating a stylish and practical outdoor bar area?
Outdoor bar furniture is ideal for those who enjoy entertaining and hosting parties, and it’s an excellent option to create an attractive atmosphere in your outdoor living space. However, with so many options on the market, choosing the right outdoor bar furniture can be a daunting task. In this buying guide, we’ll explore some key considerations to help you select the perfect outdoor bar furniture for your space.
What is Outdoor Bar Furniture?
Outdoor home bar furniture typically consists of a bar-height or counter-height table with matching high chairs or stools.You can host a cocktail party, play a board game, or have a deep conversation with friends or family in the outdoor bar area. A well-designed bar area with comfortable seating and a well-stocked bar is sure to impress your guests and provide you with a comfortable space to enjoy.
Factors to Consider Before Buying
Outdoor home bar furniture is available in a wide range of styles, colors, and designs, making it possible to find the perfect items that suit your taste and budget. But before you make a purchase, there are several things to consider to ensure you choose the right bar set for your space.
- Space: Where would you plan to place the bar furniture in the yard? Measure the area to make sure that you have enough space for the bar set you want. Consider the number of guests you typically host and plan how many seats you’ll need in your outdoor bar area.
- Materials: If the furniture is likely left outdoors year-round, you need to consider how the material will look over time. Look for materials that are durable and weather-resistant, such as teak, aluminum, wrought iron, or polyethylene lumber. Avoid materials that are prone to rust, corrosion, or fading.
- Maintenance: How often do you usually clean the yard? If you don’t want to spend too much time on furniture maintenance, it’s best to choose a bar set that is low maintenance and easy to clean.
- Style: Choose a style that complements the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. Consider the color, design, and finish of the furniture, as well as its shape and size.
- Comfort: Look for chairs and cushions that are comfortable to sit in for extended periods. Ensure that the bar table and chairs are the right height for all members of your family. Take into account the height of your tallest and shortest family members.
- Price: Consider your budget when selecting an outdoor bar set. Look for affordable sets without sacrificing quality or durability.
- Assembly: The sets should be easy to assemble, or that come with clear instructions and all the necessary hardware.
How to choose the Perfect outdoor bar furniture?
Although finding the best outdoor bar furniture for your space can be challenging, don’t feel overwhelmed by the various considerations. Here are 7 steps that can assist you in finding the right bar furniture.
STEP1: Start with Measuring Your Available Space
If you purchase outdoor bar furniture without measuring your outdoor space, you may end up with furniture that is too big or too small for the area. This can cause problems such as limited space for moving around, awkward seating arrangements, and difficulty fitting furniture into the desired location.
How do you determine how much space you need to accommodate these bar furniture? We can start by planning based on the number of guests you will be entertaining. The 5-piece bar set requires more space than a 3-piece bar set. In addition, we also need to consider the distance between the bar set and the surrounding furniture. It is recommended to leave at least 3 feet of space around the bar and between the furniture so that people can easily enter and exit.
Once you have determined the space you need, you can mark the area with tape for easy measurement. Then, carefully measure the width and length of the area and write down the numbers. When purchasing bar furniture, compare the size of the furniture to the marked area size to ensure it can be placed comfortably.
Step 2:Choose the Ideal Furniture Material
There are many kinds of materials available for outdoor bar sets in the market. When purchasing, you need to consider various factors of the materials, such as durability, appearance, maintenance, surface, comfort and so on. The material you select for your outdoor bar set should be weather-resistant and fadeproof, ensuring that it will last for years.
Here are some popular materials for outdoor bar furniture from which you may pick based on your budget.
Softwoods
Outdoor chairs made of softwoods are affordable and easy to work with, but they are less durable.
- Pine and other softwoods are generally cost-effective and more renewable than hardwoods.
- Not durable enough and prone to rotting and insect infestations.
- The lower density make it prone to warping, twisting, and cracking.
- Poor weather resistance and short service life. It requires consistent cleaning and staining if placed outside.
Hardwoods
Hardwoods, like oak, are often used to make high-end outdoor furniture because of their durability, strength, and resistance to weather and decay. Hardwood furniture is typically heavier than its softwood counterparts.
- Hardwoods is a moderately expensive choice for outdoor furniture.
- Oak and other hardwoods are known for their strength and durability, making them difficult to scratch, dent, or damage.
- Weather resistant. Hardwoods are less prone to damage from insects, moisture, and decay.
- The heavier weight makes it difficult to transport and handle.
- Food and drink spills can affect the wood surface, so it must be stained and protected regularly.
Teak
Teak outdoor furniture is known for its warm, golden color and its unique grain patterns. It is highly valued for its durability, strength and natural resistance to weather, decay and insects.
- Because of its desirable qualities, teak is more expensive compared to other materials.
- Teak is naturally resistant to weathering, rot, and insects, making it durable and long-lasting as a material for outdoor use.
- It can be left untreated or oiled to maintain its natural color, as it will produce its own oil.
- To avoid the appearance of “silver rust”, teak must be rubbed down and cleaned frequently.
- The only color available is teak.
- It can be heavy and difficult to move around.
Wicker
Wicker is a woven material that allows for comfortable outdoor seating in hot weather. However, since the material is extremely brittle and degrades, it is not suitable for long-term outdoor use.
- It’s a very affordable option.
- The light weight makes it easy to move around, but it is also vulnerable to high winds.
- Not weather-resistant. It may fade in direct sunlight and become brittle or crack over time.
- The rattan design is full of aesthetics, but it also makes cleaning and maintenance difficult.
Aluminum
Outdoor bar sets frequently feature aluminum as a material of choice, as it offers exceptional lightweight, durability, and resistance to weather conditions.
- Aluminum is very affordable and cost-effective.
- Lightweight and durable features make it a popular choice.
- Tough and resistant to rust and corrosion.
- Low maintenance and easy to clean.
- It may not be sturdy enough, especially in windy conditions.
- Aluminum can get hot in direct sunlight.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Lumber
The durability, low maintenance and eco-friendliness of HDPE lumber make it an increasingly popular material for outdoor furniture. Made from recycled plastic, it is an environmentally sustainable option.
- Combined with Marine-grade hardware, HDPE lumber is resistant to moisture and corrosion, and not susceptible to cracking and splintering, ensuring durability.
- Weather resistant and fadeproof. With a special coating treatment, it can withstand the UV rays of sunny days as well as the harsh weather conditions of wind, rain and snow.
- It is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only occasional cleaning with soap and water to keep it looking its best.
- HDPE Lumber comes in a variety of styles and colors.
STEP3: Find the Right Furniture Design and Size
Having settled on the materials, now it’s time to select the right bar tables and chairs that actual fit your patio. Start by considering the height of the bar table and chairs.
Seat and Table Height
People always confuse “bar-height” and “counter-height”. In fact, they are significantly different.
Counter-height tables are around 34 to 36 inches tall, with chairs that have a seat height of around 24 to 26 inches, while Bar-height furniture, on the other hand, are around 28 to 30 inches, which pairs well with a bar table that is around 40 to 42 inches in height.
Seat Size
Now that you’ve considered the number of seats and measured the space in the first step, it’s easy to pick the right size of bar furniture that fits your space.
If you’re looking for outdoor bar tables and chairs for two people, make sure to allocate at least 8 feet by 5 feet of space on your patio. For outdoor bar tables and chairs designed for at least four people, you will need to allow for more space. A good rule of thumb is to allocate at least 12 feet by 8 feet of space, providing enough room for four bar chairs and a larger bar table.
Bar Furniture Type
Outdoor Bar Table
Outdoor bar tables come in various shapes, such as round, square, and rectangular. Round tables are ideal for small spaces and intimate gatherings, while rectangular tables are suitable for larger spaces and can seat more guests. Choose a shape that fits your available space and suits your needs.
If you plan to use your outdoor bar table during the daytime, consider getting one with an umbrella hole.Combine it with a patio umbrella to keep cool.
Outdoor Bar Chair
Many high-quality bar chairs feature seats and backrests that are contoured and ergonomically designed, which allows them to provide long-lasting comfort. Below are some types of chairs:
1. Back vs. Backless
Backless stools take up less visual space, making them ideal for small outdoor spaces. However, chairs with backrests offer more support and are more comfortable for extended periods.
2. Arm vs. Armless
Bar chairs with arms offer additional comfort and support, making them ideal for extended periods of sitting. However, armless chairs take up less space, you can conveniently push the chair under the table when not in use.
3. Stationery Vs. Swivel
Stationary chairs are sturdy and stable, making them ideal for larger groups. On the other hand, swivel chairs offer more flexibility and are easier to move around, making them ideal for smaller groups.
STEP4: Determine a Style that Fits Your Space
The style and color of your outdoor bar furniture should reflect your personal taste and complement the overall design of your outdoor space. With a little creativity and imagination, you can make it the ultimate gathering spot for friends and family.
Vintage Style
If you prefer a classic style, you may want to consider a bar set featuring elegant lines and a vintage design. This style of furniture creates rustic vibes, perfect for a bucolic courtyard. If you’re feeling more adventurous, select a bar set with elaborate patterns or decorations, such as a vintage metal set with scrolling detailing.
Modern Style
Or maybe you’re on the lookout for something minimalist, then a bar set with clean lines and modernist design would fit the bill. Materials like aluminum or HDPE lumber can be used to create a sleek and contemporary look, suitable for the stylish courtyard.
Rich Color Schemes
When choosing the color of your outdoor bar furniture, consider the existing colors in your outdoor space. If your patio has a lot of greenery, a bar set in a light color such as a white set may complement the surroundings. However, if your outdoor space is more neutral, you can add a bold and vibrant color to make a statement. A bright color like red or yellow can also add a pop of fun and excitement to your outdoor space.
In Serwall, we offer outdoor bar furniture in a variety of colors for you to choose from. Pick the pieces that match your outdoor style to enhance the aesthetics of your space.
STEP5: Improve Comfort with Accessories
For more comfort and aesthetics, soft cushions and umbrellas can be used as outdoor accessorize.
Take into account the material, color, and size while choosing cushions. Polyester and other weather-resistant textiles are excellent choices for cushions since they are durable and easy to maintain. Pick colors that go well with your bar set and outdoor decor. For size, make sure the cushions fit snugly and securely on the chairs.
Patio umbrellas offer protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, keeping you and your family cool and comfortable while enjoying the bar.Patio umbrellas protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays, keeping you and your family cool and comfortable while you enjoy your time at the bar. Patio umbrellas of different sizes, shapes, and materials can make your patio even more dazzling.
FAQS
How tall should bar stools be?
Can bar furniture be used both indoors and outdoors?
Yes, bar furniture is used for all occasions both indoors and outdoors. However, when choosing outdoor bar furniture, you should choose materials that are weather-resistant, waterproof, and fade-resistant. For example, hardwood, rattan, HDPE, etc. There is no need to consider the material of indoor bar furniture.
