3 ideas for arranging your patio furniture

It's finally time to start thinking about breaking out your patio furniture and hosting those family cookouts and pool parties you've been missing. Depending on the size of your outdoor living space and its primary function, there are certain patio arrangements that may work best for your area. Here are a few setup ideas:

Don't be discouraged by your small patio, as you can do a lot with tight spaces. All it takes is choosing the right outdoor furniture so that everything pairs well together and allows you to make the most of the room you have. For example, Better Homes and Gardens magazine suggested decorating a small patio with two comfortable chairs and a couch arranged in a half-circle. Consider finishing off the look with a small coffee table in the center for maximum convenience and comfort.

Whether you have a massive patio or a small corner by the pool that you want to transform into a space for entertaining, try introducing a couple of unique seating options. If you have enough space, a chaise lounge will present more of a relaxing environment where swimmers can sun bathe after a splash in the pool. Or, consider adding or replacing one or two of your chairs with oversized pillows that guests can sit on. Surround your outdoor coffee table with them to create a conversation-based setting.

While dividing your space into multiple sections usually only works for larger patios, it's one of the easiest ways to truly make the most of your available space. You may want to create a seating area surrounding your fire pit, a section near your table and grill for eating and an area for lounging in the sun. Distinguish these spaces with outdoor area rugs, console tables, large floor plants or any other decoration that fits your design theme and clearly separates your sections.