How to Choose the Perfect Outdoor Dining Set - Babmar
Finding the perfect outdoor dining set doesn’t have to be hard! These helpful tips for picking the right table or dining armchairs will make it easy to find the perfect items for your space.
Measure the Outdoor Space
Just as you would with any room in a building, any browsing of outdoor dining sets should begin by measuring the available space. Pieces that are either too small or too big will feel awkward or uncomfortable. A good rule of thumb is to take both the width and length (in inches) of the outdoor dining table and factor in an additional 72 inches on each end. This tells you how much space you’ll need to comfortably accommodate dining chairs, walkways, and the like. Also, take a closer look to see if a door or other items might impact the placement of the set.
Don’t forget height; if you have a balcony railing, for example, that can impact any view (railings are typically 36 inches high).
Purpose of the Dining Set
What’s the purpose of the outdoor dining set? A casual gathering place, somewhere to serve and eat meals, or maybe it’s just a place for guests to hang out? You’ll want comfortable dining arm chairs that guests can really sink into. If your space will serve as a setting for casual cocktails, adding some outdoor bar tables is in order. Most importantly, think about how you’ll fully take advantage of your available outdoor space; be realistic. Too much – or too little – outdoor furniture won’t work. Get the most from the space with outdoor dining sets that fit.
Choose the Right Material
Outdoor dining sets must be sturdy and comfortable, but more importantly, they need to withstand the elements over the years. You’ll also want to be able to easily move pieces around your space. For those reasons, a material like lightweight, rust-resistant aluminum is an ideal choice for strong frames. Synthetic resin is another durable option that can be shaped into many attractive styles of furniture. Other materials for outdoor dining sets include those made from cast-iron or long-lasting teak wood; both are heavier and more expensive.
The fabrics used in outdoor dining sets should be water-repellent, and resist mold and fading; naturally, the cushions should dry quickly after a downpour. Babmar only uses top-quality Sunbrella fabrics, long-tested on boats in punishing marine conditions.
Consider Comfort
Outdoor space should function as an extra “room,” and as such, should be as welcoming. Look for outdoor dining furniture with comfortable cushions and supportive frames that allow people to settle in and enjoy either a morning coffee or an evening sunset. Our modern dining chairs will invite guests to fully relax, and our outdoor bar tables are the perfect height for a fun cocktail hour.
Ensure the space will properly accommodate outdoor dining furniture. You’ll need room to move pieces around as people gather. Finally, ensure you have about 72 inches of space on the sides to allow folks to easily move chairs in and out from the table.
Define Your Style
Choosing the right one from all the outdoor dining sets available involves defining the kind of style needed for that space. Is the surrounding structure more traditional or modern? Does a large farmhouse table flow or would several chic bistro tables be a better fit? Do rounded silhouettes or contemporary angles complement the setting? And what kind of landscape is the backdrop for the outdoor dining set: an urban view or a garden? That can help narrow down your choices.
Babmar’s outdoor furniture store has a huge selection. Our high-quality pieces range from traditional looks to those with an edgy modern vibe. Create a perfectly customized outdoor dining set to match your commercial space.
Flexibility and Versatility
Outdoor dining can take many forms: from a breakfast setting to large parties on the weekend to casual cocktail events. When choosing an outdoor dining set, think of pieces that will be as versatile as your needs. For example, an outdoor dining table can be seating for a large party or hold a spread for a business meeting. Pull dining armchairs away from a table to create a conversation area. Outdoor bar tables can work solo for Happy Hour or grouped together for wine tasting. Look for pieces that can do more than one thing, in which case, make sure they’re lightweight enough to be moved around or stored when not in use.
Durability
Outdoor furniture needs to stand up to various weather conditions, from downpours to harsh UV rays, salty ocean air to chlorine splashes. Aluminum is a frequent choice for outdoor pieces because of its light weight. It’s also strong and both rust and corrosion-resistant. Other highly durable choices for outdoor tables and chairs include teak wood and all-weather handwoven wicker.
Cushions and covers of outdoor furniture should resist moisture and mold, and dry quickly. They should also be made from materials that won’t fade after years in bright sunlight.
Today, there are so many options for stylish outdoor dining sets and related pieces that are made to withstand the elements, remain comfortable and look great for years. Check out the wide selection from Babmar’s outdoor furniture store!
Consider Maintenance
Furniture like an outdoor dining set is designed to withstand the elements. That doesn’t necessarily mean you can pick any old piece of outdoor furniture then ignore it without a little bit of care and maintenance. Choose pieces that are rust and corrosion-resistant, like aluminum. If you prefer wood, something like teak that resists rot is durable and easy to care for. The cushions and fabrics should be stain and spill resistant, and dry quickly to resist mold and mildew. Quality outdoor furniture should be cleaned once or twice a year with mild soap and water. Use a small scrub brush to get into any cracks or crevices. Metal parts should be dried with a towel. Let cushions and covers dry in the sun.
Consider Budget
There are outdoor dining sets in all price points, and it may be tempting to pick from the least expensive options to save money. However, that won’t pay off in the long run. Outdoor furniture needs to hold up against the elements; cheaper materials will rapidly begin losing their structure, comfort, and looks all too soon to rain, sun, rot, corrosion. At the other end of the spectrum are outdoor dining sets made with more expensive materials such as cast iron or teak. In the middle are pieces made from sturdy aluminum or woven wicker.
There are so many mid-range price options for outdoor furniture that will provide the quality and style you want at budget-friendly prices. Investing a bit more now pays off in years of durability and enjoyment.
Conclusion
Dining “al fresco” is one of life’s great pleasures. Adding an outdoor dining set – or just some outdoor bar tables – to a space greatly enhances the atmosphere. Think of the possibilities: outdoor furniture allows you to utilize underused commercial space, generate additional revenue, and elevate the overall experience of your guests.
Since 2004, Babmar has been a leading seller of outdoor furniture. We offer a huge selection of quality outdoor dining sets in a variety of styles made from worry-free materials. Choose the colors, durable fabrics, and sturdy frames to create your perfect pieces. It’s a great way to get more out of a commercial property!