Social gatherings and family dinners courtesy of your outdoor kitchen have numerous benefits. The largest one by far is avoiding a mess inside. However, a built-in grill, sink, and refrigerator won’t guarantee everyone a good time. 

Today, we’re sharing seating tips that complement your outdoor kitchen. Whether you’re looking to get more use out of your kitchen or improve al fresco entertaining, the following can help.

Angle furniture toward your most stunning views.

Outdoor chefs who don’t necessarily want an audience as they prepare can direct guests’ eyes to the property’s most beautiful features. Scenic views are especially relaxing, inspire conversation, and create a better atmosphere than a television. 

Creating cozy café-style seating. 

Leverage retainer walls, fences, and trellises to help create a more secluded dining area. Dress tables in natural fibers, in-season flowers, and don’t forget to add cushions to chairs. The vibe mimics that of a bistro booth as conversation continues into the evening. 

Outdoor entertaining, family style. 

Make an outdoor kitchen that feels like part of your home by keeping it all under one roof. With all of the comforts of home, the camaraderie around the dining table, and proximity to cooking areas, everyone will forget they’re outside. 

Low-profile storage furniture. 

Comfortable storage furniture is a step up from standard patio seating, but less of a hassle than a full outdoor living room set. It’s ideal for those who want an uncluttered seating area that can be packed away easily for the off-season. Look for armless, low-setting sofas or storage cubes that double as tables or ottomans.

Meeting the occasion under the pergola.

Special nights call for something more. Host dinner under a garden structure such as a pergola, gazebo, or arbor. Add warm lighting and a patio heater to ease the chill. It beats hauling food from the grill into the indoor dining room every time. 

Spread seating out for larger gatherings.

Between the outdoor kitchen, the furniture, and all of your guests, the patio’s getting a bit crowded. Create a more relaxed atmosphere or spread the crowd thinner by extending seating out on the lawn. 

Immerse guests in seasonal environments. 

Stretch the annual mileage you get out of an outdoor kitchen and bring your fall décor outdoors for a harvest gathering. The crisp air and changing foliage between Halloween and Thanksgiving are more festive than indoor party decorations.  

Catch up with bar seating. 

You have almost as many things to juggle when entertaining outdoors as you do indoors. Bar seating for outdoor kitchens makes it easier to serve drinks, chat with guests, distribute hors d’oeuvres, and accept help with prep. 

Keeping it clean and casual. 

Rethink picnic bench seating, the ultimate in low-key outdoor dining situations. Polished wood tabletops, clean lines, and a coordinating color palette take it up several notches. Add outdoor area rugs, a beverage station, and fans for an environment that rivals the resort. 

Set nights on fire. 

Add fireplaces, fire pits, chimeneas, or fire tables, and guests are moths to the flame. Keeping late-season gatherings warm with a fire feature is a must for lingering conversation, at-home campouts with kids, and after-dinner s’mores. 

Outdoor kitchens by The Designery

Low-maintenance, outdoor-rated cabinets, built-in grills, sinks, and more. The Designery can help increase the useful space on your property with an outdoor kitchen. Contact us today for a free consultation. 

 

Outdoor kitchen FAQ

How do I weatherproof an outdoor kitchen?

Choosing the right materials is the number one consideration. The Designery offers high-density polyethylene cabinetry manufactured to withstand extreme temperature shifts and weather events. 

Does an outdoor kitchen increase house value?

Generally speaking, yes, you can see a 100%+ ROI on an outdoor kitchen. Your location and the quality of construction have the greatest impact on how much value it adds. 

How much room do I need for an outdoor kitchen and seating?

It’s a good idea to reserve at least 20 square feet for the kitchen itself. This is feasible even on small patios. Aim for a few feet of clearance on all sides of the main kitchen works when arranging seating. 

How long do outdoor kitchens last?

With proper materials, maintenance, and installation, you can get a solid 20 years of use out of an outdoor kitchen. Some last longer depending on the climate and materials.