How Much Space Does Porch Furniture Need?
How big does a porch need to be? There are two big factors. How much of the porch will be used up as walk space? And what do you plan to use the porch for?
This porch isn’t small, but the ramp and steps on one side and the location of the doors leaves less space for porch furniture.
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If you regularly cross the porch, you need to leave enough walk space.
If you have French doors like these, you really don’t have to leave this much space if you typically only use one of the doors.
Soft furnishings are against the house and away from open walls to stay cleaner and dryer.
This porch gives more space for furniture because the front door is across from the steps to the porch. There is not a walkway to affect furniture arrangement.
Outdoor Sofa
If you have a porch sofa that is 69” long, you need at least 69” that doesn’t block a door or walk space. More if you want side tables.
At least 3-feet wide will let you walk through without constantly crashing into things. You can get away with 2-feet or so if it’s not a walkway, just a way to get to the living area.
If the sofa is 30” deep, 5 ½-feet will let you walk by. More if you want a place to put up your feet on something.
If sofas or chairs with fabric cushions are on the wall against the house, they won’t be as exposed to rain and sun. They will last longer and be more comfortable to use in any weather.
Outdoor Chairs
Can you leave a 3-foot walkway either in front of or behind the chairs?
It’s good to have some space between chairs. It doesn’t have to be the full 3-feet if it is not going to be a constant walkway. At least a foot or so allows people to squeeze through and doesn’t feel crowded. A little less works if the chairs are set at an angle.
Rocking chairs will take up more space. They will be pulled away from the wall to rock.
Coffee Tables, Side Tables and Ottomans
A coffee table should be at least a foot away to be able to get in and out of the chair without banging into it. Add the depth of the table, the depth of the sofa or loveseat plus one foot.
As long as it is not a walkway, side tables should be close enough to easily reach.
An ottoman can push right up to the chair.
A regular walkway needs three feet to be practical.
Outdoor Dining Area
An outside dining area needs the same space to be comfortable as an inside dining area. You need 3-feet on any side of the table you want to walk around.
If you chairs push all the way in, measure 3-feet to the table. If the chairs stick out, you probably want to have three feet to the back of the chair or you will end up with chair-edge-shaped bruises. 3-feet gives you enough room to comfortably slide a chair out and get into it. It lets everyone get to a chair without someone having to get up to let them in.
Area for a Table and Chairs
The rule I found is to add 72″ to the size of the table, more if the chairs won’t slide all the way under the table.
It’s really best if someone can walk past while someone is sitting in a chair at the table. You want at least enough space to sit comfortably. Even if the chairs and table fold up, you need enough room for when they are in use.
- 8.5-feet x 4 or 5-feet is how much floor space you will need to fit a 30” x 16” table and two chairs.
- 9-feet x 9-feet is the smallest area that will comfortably accommodate up to a 40” table and four chairs.
- 8.5-feet x 12-feet will fit a 32” x 69” rectangular table and six chairs.
- 9-feet x 12-feet will fit a 37” x 64” rectangular table and six chairs.
- Expanded to 81” needs another 14” to be really comfortable.
- 8.5-feet x 12-feet will fit a 32” x 69” rectangular table and six chairs.
Space Saving Furniture
Porch or deck furniture that nests gives you more options. These chairs have a foot rest that slides under the chair. Storage furniture keeps things available but out of site. It also keeps things from getting covered with pollen or blowing away.
If you are really space constrained, folding furniture might be a solution. But remember, although they take up way less space to store, you still need enough room to unfold and comfortably use them.
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