Many people like to use a porch as an outdoor living area. Outdoor porch furniture — such as tables, chairs, swings, and couches — can make a porch a comfortable place to enjoy the outdoors or spend time with guests. Furniture for such an area comes in many different styles and materials. Most outdoor porch furniture is specially designed to with withstand the elements, such as rain or exposure to the sun.
Selecting seating is an important aspect of decorating a porch. There are many types of outdoor porch furniture for a person to sit on. For a space that is small in size, outdoor chairs can be used. This kind of seating may be made of wrought iron, wood, or plastic. Some outdoor chairs have cushions, while others are just hard-surfaced.
Some outdoor spaces have room for a swing. A porch swing can typically seat two people comfortably. On a covered porch, one of these hanging seats can be connected to the roof beams with lengths of chains. If the porch is not covered, a swing that is connected to a frame can be purchased. Since these seats move in a back-and-forth, rocking motion, many people find them relaxing.
A number of outdoor porch furniture manufacturers also make couches that can be placed outside. These pieces are generally comfortable and often have an upholstered, cushioned seating surface that can with withstand the elements of the outdoors. Some outdoor couches can be purchased with a matching ottoman. Couches made to be used outdoors are typically higher in price than other outdoor furniture seating options.
There are many options for tables that can be used on a porch. A small side table can be placed beside a chair to hold a drink or other small items. A bistro table typically works well on a small porch. This type of table is round and small in size, and usually has enough space for two people dine or play a game.
Larger dining tables designed to be placed outside can also be purchased. Outdoor dining tables typically seat between two and ten people comfortably, depending on the size and style. Many outdoor dining tables are sold in sets with matching chairs. Some are made with a hole in the middle to hold a large umbrella. Having a table with an umbrella is very useful if the porch is not covered.