Selecting the Right Furniture for a Small Patio

Finding the best furniture for a small patio can add style and flare to your outdoor space, allowing you to relax and enjoy nature's fresh air. If you're looking for plush seating to sink into at the end of a long day or small dining set for delicious al fresco patio dining, with the right furniture, anything is possible.

Implementing furniture into your design scheme is not only functional but lets you create a cozy space to visit and savor soothing sunsets. You can dine over intimate dinners on those perfect nights, or kick your feet back in the sunshine. It's everything you deserve and more. Just because your patio is small doesn't mean it has to remain bare or be used for storage. There are ways to elevate the space. In fact, it can become your favorite area in the home, as it brings your indoor style out, creating an extension of your style and taste.

At Old Time Pottery, we carry outdoor furniture, including:

• Adirondack Patio Chairs
• Bistro Sets (complete with table and chairs)
• Side Tables and Accent Tables
• Stacking Chairs
• Benches
• Rocking Chairs
• Lounge Chairs
• And so much more

The colors, styles, and varieties are endless, meaning there's something to suit your taste no matter what. Create a loveseat with cushions to cuddle, arrange chairs next to side tables to rest your beverages, or take home a complete dining set designed specifically for small spaces. The possibilities are endless.

Then, check out our selection of outdoor planters and greenery. Beautify your space with faux plants that don't cost an arm and leg, but bring an element of airy sophistication to the area. You can't go wrong when bringing home the furniture and products you love. And at Old Time Pottery, it's easy to do on a budget.

Keep reading to learn more about what type of furniture is best for the outdoors, how to choose the right sized pieces for your space, estimate how much it will cost you to create your outdoor sanctuary, and how to care for the patio so that it lasts for years to come.

What Furniture Is Best for Outdoor Patios?

Outdoor furniture can face a lot of wear and tear. Not just from the use of your family but also the weather. Rain, snow, and even sun can damage furniture that isn't meant for outdoor spaces. To pick the right pieces, look for water-proof and UV-resistant furniture to avoid rusting, fading, and warping.

The Best Materials for Outdoor Furniture

Not all furniture material is created equally. You wouldn't bring your leather couch outside since it's not designed for the weather. However, these key materials are meant to face anything.

Steel Wrought Iron

Outdoor furniture made with steel wrought iron is one of the sturdiest choices and is excellent for seating if you want to add cushions to the space. Loveseats and benches with this material often feature delicate designs that add texture and a chic look to the space. This type of furniture is the easiest to maintain as you can set it and forget it. If adding cushions, ensure the material is water-proof and UV ray resistant to avoid a soggy seat after a quick rainstorm.

Rattan and Wicker

Another great material for outdoor furniture is rattan and wicker. Renowned for its natural look, this furniture looks like it's meant to be outdoors. It's also gaining popularity and spiking the charts of trendiness right now, so you'll get functional pieces that let you rest and impress. Synthetic rattan and wicker are known to last the longest, while natural materials require weather-proofing every few years.

Aluminum, Plastic, and PVC

Aluminum, plastic, and PVC are a few other popular choices during the manufacturing process, and they're materials to keep on your radar. You won't experience any rusting with these pieces, and they're easy to clean. When choosing plastic patio furniture sets, ensure they're resistant to UV rays, which cause the furniture to warp and fade over time.

How to Choose the Right Size Patio Furniture

Now's the time to break out your measuring tape. Also, grab a pencil or painter's tape to mark off specific dimensions as you go along. Knowing the right size items to purchase is essential. Choosing furniture that's too big can make your patio look cramped and cluttered. On the other hand, patio furniture that's too small can look like it's floating the space instead of giving your area a grounded look.

Key things to keep in mind include making sure there are at least 36 inches between your pieces for pathways so you don't stumble or have to squeeze past your set-up. If you have an outdoor bench or loveseat and also a bistro set, make sure that there's enough space to slide the chairs in and out and account for the total surface area of the table.

If you're going for more of an L-shaped look, with chairs around the perimeter and side tables for drinks, make sure there are at least a few inches on each side of the pieces. This helps make the space look more intentional and less like you tried to cram everything in. Remember, your furniture needs room to breathe, and you don't want to fill up every inch of space on your patio.

How Much Does It Cost to Furnish a Patio?

The cost of furnishing a patio can vary greatly, so it's important to set your budget and choose which items are absolute must-haves and others are wants. Additionally, you can expect to pay a lot more by stepping into a high-end retailer or even a big box store. Old Time Pottery is here to save the day with the most affordable pricing so you can get the look you want without sacrificing a significant portion of your bank account.

We have outdoor chairs that start at just $24.99, bistro sets (complete with a small dining table and two chairs) beginning at $99.99, and benches that seat 2-3 for $129.99. You'll find folding accent tables starting at $14.99 and rippled glass top side tables as low as $19.99.

You'll only need some of these items for a small patio, meaning you can get a small furniture collection for less than $150-$200. That's a deal you can't turn down.

How to Care for Your Small Patio Furniture

What's great about outdoor furniture is that most materials take care of themselves. For example, if you have a small spill on a glass-top table, grab a rag and wipe it away. Outdoor furniture is water-proof, so there's no need to worry about these minor accidents. You can do the same with wrought steel iron, aluminum, and plastic items.

The only material you'll need to give some love once in a while is rattan and wicker pieces. The synthetic finish lasts a few years (which is plenty of time to keep it off your mind), while natural materials need annual weather-proofing. How often you want to put effort into maintenance is an important part of choosing the furniture for a small patio.

Shop Old Time Pottery Today

To create the outdoor patio of your dreams, even in a small space, visit Old Time Pottery Today to get the items you love at the lowest prices possible. Or, order online for in-store pick-up so you can grab and go. We also offer local delivery for the ultimate convenience.

Find your nearest Old Time Pottery location, and let's decorate your space!