{"id":14660,"date":"2024-08-04T11:46:22","date_gmt":"2024-08-04T11:46:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/?p=14660"},"modified":"2024-08-04T11:46:43","modified_gmt":"2024-08-04T11:46:43","slug":"how-much-space-does-porch-furniture-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.projectsmallhouse.com\/blog\/2024\/08\/how-much-space-does-porch-furniture-need\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Space Does Porch Furniture Need?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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?<\/p>\n

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Stairs and to doorway leave less usable floor space on this porch.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Leave enough space to easily navigate walkways.
Safavieh Indoor\/Outdoor Courtyard Collection Area Rug<\/strong> on Amazon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you regularly cross the porch, you need to leave enough walk space.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Walkway does not interfere with furniture arrangement.
Soft furnishings are against the house and away from open walls to stay cleaner and dryer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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If you have a porch sofa that is 69\u201d long, you need at least 69\u201d that doesn\u2019t block a door or walk space. More if you want side tables.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Outdoor Sofa<\/h2>\n

If you have a porch sofa that is 69\u201d long, you need at least 69\u201d that doesn\u2019t block a door or walk space. More if you want side tables.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s not a walkway, just a way to get to the living area.<\/p>\n

If the sofa is 30\u201d deep, 5 \u00bd-feet will let you walk by. More if you want a place to put up your feet on something.<\/p>\n

If sofas or chairs with fabric cushions are on the wall against the house, they won\u2019t be as exposed to rain and sun. They will last longer and be more comfortable to use in any weather.<\/p>\n

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ATR Art to Real Outdoor Resin Wicker Bistro Rocking Chair Set<\/strong> on Amazon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Outdoor Chairs<\/h2>\n

Can you leave a 3-foot walkway either in front of or behind the chairs?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s good to have some space between chairs. It doesn\u2019t 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\u2019t feel crowded. A little less works if the chairs are set at an angle.<\/p>\n

Rocking chairs will take up more space. They will be pulled away from the wall to rock.<\/p>\n

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Belord Outdoor Wicker Rocking Chairs Furniture Set<\/strong> on Amazon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Coffee Tables, Side Tables and Ottomans<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

As long as it is not a walkway, side tables should be close enough to easily reach.<\/p>\n

An ottoman can push right up to the chair.<\/p>\n

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Christopher Knight Home Avon Outdoor Wood Dining Set<\/strong> on Amazon<\/a>
A regular walkway needs three feet to be practical.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Outdoor Dining Area<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Area for a Table and Chairs<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Christopher Knight Home Westmo Outdoor Half-Round Wood Bistro Set with Folding Chairs<\/strong> on Amazon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n