Outdoor Seating Ideas for Australian Patios, Balconies and Backyards

GUIDE / OUTDOOR SEATING

The right outdoor seating starts with how you want to use the space. Here are the main seating ideas, what each one suits and where to start.

The short answer

Decide what you will do outside most often, then pick the seating to match: a lounge setting for relaxing, a dining setting for eating, bar stools for a drink and a chat, and a daybed or sun lounger for lazy afternoons. Add a bench or a few ottomans for guests. Browse the full range of outdoor chairs and outdoor lounges to see what is available.

Match the seating to how you use the space

Lounge seating ideas

A lounge setting turns a patio into an outdoor room. Modular lounges are built from separate pieces, so you can arrange them to suit your space. Corner lounges make good use of a corner and keep the middle open, and outdoor sofas suit a straighter layout. Add a coffee table and a footrest or ottoman from our footrests and ottomans for a complete setting.

Dining seating ideas

If the space is for meals, start with the table and add chairs to suit. Browse outdoor dining settings if you want a matching set, or choose outdoor dining chairs separately. As a guide, allow about 60 cm of table per person, and see our outdoor table size guide for what that means for your group.

Bar and counter seating

Bar seating suits a balcony rail, an outdoor kitchen or a barbecue area. Pair outdoor bar stools with an outdoor bar table for a compact spot to sit with a drink.

Daybeds, sun loungers and bean bags

For relaxing rather than socialising, a daybed or a sun lounger gives you somewhere to stretch out, and bean bags are an easy casual option. Our guide to sun loungers worth buying covers the pool and patio picks.

Benches and extra seats

A bench seat fits more people along a wall or fence than separate chairs, and ottomans or bean bags can be pulled in when guests arrive. They are a simple way to add flexibility without crowding the space.

Small spaces and pool areas

On a small balcony, one well chosen setting works better than several. See our balcony furniture and keep about 90 cm of walkway so people can pass. Around a pool, choose seating you can move easily, and see our outdoor pool furniture and poolside furniture and decor ideas.

Choose materials and colours that last

Outdoor seating has to cope with sun, rain and, near the coast, salt air. Aluminium is light, does not rust and suits coastal areas. Quality polypropylene (outdoor plastic) is light, easy to clean and stands up well to the weather. Our guide to the best materials for outdoor chairs goes into more detail.

For colour, warm earth tones such as browns, sandy beiges and taupe sit naturally with timber and stone, neutrals like white, grey and black suit any setting, and blues and greens give a calm feel. Bolder colours add energy for entertaining. Cushions, an umbrella and a few potted plants are an easy way to change the look later.

Plan the layout before you buy

Seating works best when it is zoned and easy to walk around. Our guide to arranging outdoor furniture shows how to lay out a patio, balcony or backyard room by room. If you want shade over the seating, browse outdoor umbrellas.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best seating for a small patio?

Choose one setting that matches how you use the space rather than several that crowd it. Look at balcony and compact options, and leave about 90 cm of walkway so people can move around.

How many people does an outdoor table seat?

As a guide, allow about 60 cm of table per person. Our table size guide shows what that means for 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 or more people.

Should I choose a lounge setting or a dining setting?

Choose by how you use the space. If you eat outside often, start with dining. If you mostly relax and have a drink, start with a lounge. In a larger area you can have both if you give each its own zone.

What outdoor seating works around a pool?

Sun loungers, daybeds and easy to move chairs suit a pool area. See our pool furniture range and our poolside ideas guide.

Do resin and aluminium outdoor furniture need much care?

Resin and aluminium are made for outdoor use and need little more than a wipe with mild soapy water and a rinse. Check the care notes on each product page.