The ultimate outdoor lounge space

Setting up an outdoor lounge always starts with planning. What do you want to achieve with your patio arrangement? Are you looking to add more seating to entertain more guests? Are you going for something more intimate and cosy? 

Here, the team at Woodbury Furniture put together our favourite tips for getting the most out of your outdoor lounge.

1. Figure out a focal point

Your patio is a space for entertaining friends, making memories and unwinding after a long day. Make sure to design your focal point as the centrepiece of it all — let that be where conversations unravel. The rest of your decor will follow the warm atmosphere you’ve created.

When thinking about your focal point, consider your outdoor area’s purpose. If you want it to be an extension of your dining room, consider our outdoor settings collection. We have classic teak settings that can sit up to 14 people when fully extended, perfect for big lawns and large family gatherings. 

We also have the Crosstie teak table, whose design is inspired by a railroad crosstie. Pair it with aluminium legs and seats for a contemporary look — you’ll not only get a sturdy, well-made piece of furniture, but you’ll also get a good conversation starter. 

You can also consider firepits as a focal point. Our comfortable outdoor lounges are the perfect complement around your firepits, creating a cosy atmosphere in your backyard. 

2. Allot enough space for a seamless flow of traffic

When designing your patio deck, consider the flow of traffic to provide a welcoming area for you and your guests. Make sure that pathways are easily accessed with no obstructions. Plan ahead by looking at potential gathering spots — will extra seating be needed, or would it benefit from an open layout? Think about how everyone can move around comfortably while enjoying their time on the patio.

A good rule of thumb is to have at least a meter of space in areas with a lot of foot traffic. If your guests tend to gather around an area that blocks exits and entrances, try placing more seats in other areas where they can lounge around more freely.

Consider our 3-seater outdoor lounges for this endeavour. We have a selection of sofas that would fit any style — from contemporary to rustic. We even have a corner sofa that you could place right against a wall and still have enough space for people to move around. Each piece of furniture from our 3-seater collection is made from high-quality materials like teak and aluminium, making them resistant to the elements and spacious enough to nap comfortably.

You can also place lounge chairs around strategic areas in your outdoor space where friends and family can gather more intimately. Our selection of lounge chairs can be purchased individually so you can mix and match styles and sizes. 

3. Factor in furniture placement

Equally important to the quality of your outdoor furniture is its placement in your backyard, patio or deck. To maximise the impact of your space, place the largest furniture piece along the longest wall facing the focal point. This will add charm and draw attention in all the right places.

Furniture placement can also add to the atmosphere you’re trying to create in your outdoor lounge. Arranging furniture symmetrically creates a more formal space. But if you want to go for something more quirky or informal, arrange them asymmetrically, such as placing chairs at an angle.

If you live in an apartment with a small balcony, furniture placement can also help when setting up an outdoor lounge to maximise the space. 

For example, you can place our 2-seater outdoor lounges flat against a wall or railing and pair it with a lounge chair or two. This way, you have enough space to move around and seats to entertain a few guests comfortably. Complete the look by adding an outdoor side table, such as our Juliet Teak Ottoman with Cushion. It can even double as a seat if necessary! 

On the other hand, if you’re struggling to make your expansive patio feel more welcoming and comfortable, placing furniture in a U-shape or semi-circular form around your focal point is the best way to enjoy your space. Additionally, it’s best to buy matching sets of outdoor furniture so the area doesn’t feel too cluttered. Our collection of teak, wooden and aluminium sets is the perfect solution — you get stylish and well-made pieces that match perfectly with your ambience. 

4. Divide your outdoor lounge into designated spaces

For a fun and safe outdoor dining experience, create some distance between your kitchen and dining area. A clear separation will make it easy to distinguish the two spaces while also keeping you secure from any open flame hazards. It would also help keep your outdoor lounge cushions clean as they’re away from food items that could stain them. 

And lastly, don’t be afraid to accessorise and accentuate your outdoor lounge. Adding little touches like throw pillows, colourful area rugs or string lights, you can differentiate lounging areas from dining areas — it’s an easy way to guide guests to designated spaces subtly.

The Kai Outdoor 1 Seater Sofa in Charcoal

Create the outdoor lounge of your dreams with Woodbury Furniture

With different styles to choose from, we have outdoor furniture that suits your every need. You’ll get the best of both worlds with Woodbury Furniture. Combine luxurious comfort, stunning style and long-lasting durability all in one package! You can enjoy your outdoor furniture for years to come, thanks to our 'A-Grade' teak wood, solid aluminium frames and weather-resistant materials. 

If you need help picking the right furniture, don’t hesitate to contact us on 1300 887 289 or visit one of our Sydney showrooms in Caringbah or Castle Hill.