Creating the Perfect Outdoor Entertaining Area: Key Considerations and Best Practices

Creating a comfortable and functional outdoor entertaining area for your commercial space can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. An inviting outdoor area not only enhances the overall aesthetic of your space but also provides an opportunity for customers to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. In this blog, we'll outline some essential factors to consider when designing your outdoor entertaining area, from selecting furniture to considering bin capacity and furniture maintenance.

Selecting Furniture for Outdoor Entertaining Areas: Functionality and Style

One of the most critical aspects of designing a commercial outdoor entertaining area is choosing the right furniture. Keep in mind the intended use of the space, such as dining, lounging, or a combination of both. Ensure that the furniture is comfortable, durable, and complements the overall design aesthetic. Some key factors to consider when selecting furniture include:

Material: Choose weather-resistant materials like aluminium, hardwood or composite materials that can withstand outdoor conditions and require minimal maintenance. The Astra Street Furniture range is available in a number of maintenance-free and weather resistant slat options including natural looking wood grain aluminium. 

Functionality: Look for furniture that is easy to clean and maintain, as well as stackable or foldable for easy storage during off-seasons or inclement weather. If you’ll be entertaining large groups, be sure to consider larger settings like the 4-Sided Rectangular Liverpool Setting (pictured below).

Style: When choosing furniture for your commercial space, it's essential to consider the existing design and aesthetic to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. The Astra Street Furniture Range offers a variety of style choices to suit your needs. For example, the Paris Suite has a modern and industrial feel, while the London Suite is more traditional and timeless.

Colour: Colour is a crucial factor to consider when selecting furniture. We offer the option to customise the colour of our furniture through our in-house powder coating plant. This allows you to match the colour scheme of your commercial space perfectly.

Bin Capacity and Locations: Keeping Your Space Clean and Tidy

A well-maintained outdoor entertaining area is essential for creating a pleasant environment for your customers. Consider the placement and capacity of bins to ensure that waste disposal is convenient and efficient. Strategically place bins throughout the area, making it easy for customers to dispose of their waste without disrupting the overall atmosphere. Additionally, choose bins that are durable and easy to clean, with sufficient capacity to handle the expected volume of waste.

We recently completed a project at Pittwater RSL Club which utilised our Prague Dual Wheelie Bin Enclosures to improve the aesthetics of their outdoor wheelie bins. The Athens and Prague Bin enclosures are popular choices for outdoor entertainment spaces due to their large capacity and easy-to-maintain nature.

Shade Solutions: Umbrellas and Other Protective Measures

Providing ample shade is an essential aspect of designing a comfortable and inviting outdoor entertaining area. Consider incorporating shade solutions such as umbrellas, outdoor shelters, or even covered picnic settings to protect your customers from the sun and ensure their comfort. Keep in mind the size and placement of these shade structures to effectively cover seating and dining areas without obstructing views or limiting the flow of the space.

Covered seating areas (like this Liverpool Covered Setting) are a great way to ensure that customers can enjoy your outdoor entertaining space all year round.

Additional Considerations for a Successful Outdoor Entertaining Area

Apart from the factors mentioned above, several other considerations can contribute to the overall success of your commercial outdoor entertaining area:

Lighting: Use outdoor lighting to create ambiance and ensure that the space is well-lit and safe for customers during evening hours.

Landscaping: Incorporate greenery and natural elements to create a soothing and welcoming environment. Consider using potted plants or vertical gardens if space is limited. Astra Street Furniture have a large range of premium planters like this Paris Planter Box - Rectangular - Merbau Hardwood planter box (plant not included) to bring some greenery to your space.

Accessibility: Ensure that your outdoor entertaining area is accessible to all customers, including those with mobility challenges or disabilities. Astra Street Furniture has a large range of DDA compliant seating and table settings.

Weather considerations: Plan for all types of weather conditions, including wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. This might involve installing wind barriers, outdoor heaters, or cooling systems to ensure year-round comfort.

Designing a commercial outdoor entertaining area requires careful planning and consideration of various factors, from furniture selection to bin capacity and maintenance requirements. By paying attention to these elements and incorporating additional features such as shade solutions and landscaping, you can create a welcoming and functional outdoor space that meets the needs of your customers and enhances their overall experience. Ultimately, a well-designed commercial outdoor entertaining area will not only boost the appeal of your establishment but also serve as a memorable destination that keeps customers coming back for more.

If you need some help selecting high-quality and 100% Australian made furniture for your outdoor space, find us at www.astrastreetfurniture.com.au or 1300 889 821.