Every backyard needs an outdoor seating area, whether it’s an entire living space or a few lawn chairs on the patio. This space is fantastic for relaxing on summer evenings, entertaining guests, or simply sitting outside and enjoying the fresh air. There are many ways to improve your outdoor seating arrangements, ranging from a few inexpensive enhancements to a full-scale luxury upgrade. Unique outdoor seating is also a vital component for building an outdoor kitchen.   

Outdoor seating goes a long way towards making your patio or backyard a more inviting place. The elements of your seating layout should be tailored to the size and shape of your yard or outdoor space and shouldn’t fill up your space. Improving your outdoor seating arrangements isn’t always about picking the right chairs (though that’s undoubtedly the best place to start). Today we’ll look at a few standout additions to your backyard that can act as a centerpiece for your chairs and couches. 

Backyard Fire Pit

A firepit serves as one of the best centerpieces for an outdoor seating area and is excellent for spending extended periods outdoors. For high-end outdoor arrangements, a gas fire pit is a perfect way to add a luxury appearance to your backyard or outdoor kitchen. Wiring is simple, and lighting the firepit is as easy as flipping a switch. However, a gas firepit is usually not the most affordable of upgrades for your outdoor space. 

There are many ways to implement a firepit into your backyard without going over the budget. Including a fire pit for your space may cost as little as $60 and doesn’t have to involve purchasing a fully assembled product. There are plenty of guides online for building a DIY backyard fire pit with a few simple materials: landscaping bricks, a metal fire pit ring, mortar, and a shovel. 

Choose the location for your firepit closely- it shouldn’t be located next to the house or your perimeter fence. Before deciding on a firepit for your home, make sure to look up your local area fire codes online. Unfortunately, not every state and county allows for residential fire pits. If you are unsure of the regulations and requirements for firepits in your area, you can call your local fire department or check their website for more information. 

To maximize the value of your fire pit, include seating that works well for both summer and winter. You may also want seating with minimal cloth or upholstery because the smoke from the fire may permanently affect it. Once you’ve established a perimeter of comfy seats around your fire pit, it’s time to gather all your campfire supplies and toast some marshmallows. 

Backyard Fountains

Many unique and contemporary fountain designs are available for backyard or garden seating areas that can make your space feel calmer and more luxurious. An outdoor fountain is another standout centerpiece that can complement your outdoor couches or chairs and serve as a great talking point for you and your guests. A backyard fountain is also an opportunity to include an art installation for your home, with various stone carvings of animals and plants that give your space a natural appeal.  

A fountain is a great way to introduce a zen atmosphere to your backyard seating area. The sights and sounds of water falling produce are often soothing and tranquil, particularly after a tough day at work or a long day out. Many fountains also help reduce noise pollution in your backyard from busy streets or nearby neighbors. To increase the zen value of your backyard fountain, you’ll want to make sure your accompanying outdoor seating area is equally relaxing. 

Most backyard fountains are easy to install and assemble, with minimal setup time. You’ll need access to an outlet and may need a waterproof extension cord to fit, depending on the fountain’s location. The pump is often the most challenging part to install but usually isn’t too much trouble. Once you’ve set up the fountain’s pump and power, all you need to do is add water. You’ll need to replace this water regularly and clean out the fountain a couple of times each season, similar to the way you might maintain a birdbath. 

For backyard fountains built into the ground or wall, you’ll probably need to hire some help. These installations are often expensive but can increase the value of your home substantially. A backyard fountain, whether it’s an expensive in-ground installation or a tabletop centerpiece, is an excellent addition to your backyard’s outdoor seating area.  

Potted Plants and other Greenery

Adding a few potted plants or other greenery is the easiest way to enhance your outdoor seating area and keep your backyard or porch looking great. This may be a bit of an obvious choice, but the benefits for the visual appeal of your space are substantial yet easy to underestimate. Introducing more plants into your outdoor arrangement may also improve the air quality of more closed-in or covered areas and may even help reduce stress levels. 

Pick up a few pots fit for outdoor use at your local hardware or home supply store to get started, then choose a few simple plants and flowers that are relatively easy to maintain. Plants around the perimeter of a garden seating area are important to giving the area a closed-off feeling, making your outdoor seating arrangements more comfortable and calming. 

Conclusion– 3 Impressive Additions to Consider for Your Outdoor Seating Area

Make your outdoor seating arrangements comfortable and visually appealing with а fire pit, backyard fountain, or additional plants. These additions can help transform your outdoor chairs and couches into an extension of your indoor living space, so you’ll feel more at home when you’re sitting outside. A well-organized arrangement around your outdoor seating makes your yard, patio, or porch a more inviting place for friends and family, no matter the season.