How to Design a Patio Bar
With summertime in full swing, it’s the perfect opportunity to have some good times with friends on the patio. A patio bar is a great way to keep guests happy and will make your patio the place to be on those warm summer nights. Imagine relaxing on a lounge chair and reminiscing with old friends or listening to some music as you sip on a cold drink watching the sunset. Outdoor bars take the patio experience to the next level, and you can take it even further with next-level outdoor bar furniture! In this blog post, we look at a Patio Bar's most important features.
Frequently Asked Questions About Designing a Patio Bar
Bar, seating, tables, heat, fire, light, music. Start with a bar, add higher bar chairs, bar tables, and bistro sets to disperse crowds. For comfort and ambiance, include patio heaters, a fire pit, creative lighting, and outdoor speakers. Patio Productions curates matching pieces for cohesive style.
Match bar size to guests and space. Size the bar to your patio and guest count, and match its look to your design. For modern spaces, consider the Island Breeze Tiki Bar with a clean, contemporary profile.
Use higher bar chairs for comfort. Choose higher bar chairs to meet the countertop for comfortable sipping. Options span styles—from the sleek Urbana Bar Chair to the natural Eden Teak Bar Set.
Yes—reduce crowding and add cozy spots. Bar tables spread people so the space feels open and can work with or without chairs. Bistro sets fit tight corners: try the classic Acapulco Chat Set or the space-saving Tabernacle Interlocking Wicker Bistro Set.
Add portable patio heaters. Portable patio heaters keep small seating areas warm and can be moved where needed. Our best seller, the Elumiglow Flame Pyramid Patio Heater, pairs distinctive style with efficient heating.
Fire pits create a social hub. A fire pit becomes the patio’s social hub, encouraging conversation and relaxing vibes. Choose gas or wood-burning styles—like the Crosley Hudson Firepit with a 30″ bowl or the sculptural Modfire Solfire.
Layer lighting; add weather-ready speakers. Light walkways and zones to keep guests safe after dark, and get creative with fixtures. Outdoor speakers are weather- and water-resistant, Bluetooth-ready, and some disguise as garden stones to blend in.
Bar
You can’t have a patio bar without a bar, so this is the first and most important step toward the patio bar of your dreams. Depending on the size of your patio and the number of guests to entertain, the size of the bar should match accordingly. They come in many different styles, so be sure they also match your patio's design. We offer the Island Breeze Tiki Bar, which has a clean, modern look for a modern design patio.
Bar Chairs
Once the bar is ready, you’ll want your guests to stick around and socialize, right? Bar chairs tend to be higher to accommodate the height of the bar countertop. This allows people to sit and drink comfortably. Otherwise, they might feel like a kid at the grown-up's table, struggling to reach the counter. We carry a variety of bar chairs in several design styles. The Urbana Bar Chair has a sleek and modern design. The Eden Teak Bar Set is a great choice for a more natural look.
Bar Tables
If you’re planning on entertaining many guests, bar tables are a great way to spread people around so that the space doesn’t feel congested. They also allow groups to break apart from the crowd and have more privacy. They can be used with or without bar chairs, serving as a place to set down drinks and food. We also carry bar tables in various styles to match your design needs.
Bistro Sets
A patio bistro set provides the benefits of an outdoor dining set but is much less formal and can be used in small spaces. They can be snuggled into a cozy corner or placed around the bar area. The Acapulco Chat Set is a classic of mid-century modern design and features a side table that doubles as a footstool. The Tabernacle Interlocking Wicker Bistro Set has a space-saving design and can easily be stored away by interlocking.
To find the perfect fit for your home, explore this list of the best patio bar sets, featuring top picks for every outdoor space.
Outdoor Heating
In order to keep the party going as long as possible, guests will need to be comfortable while hanging out on the patio. Patio heaters are a great way to keep guests warm on crisp summer nights. They are good enough for heating a small outdoor seating area and can be moved around and placed where needed. The Elumiglow Flame Pyramid Patio Heater is our best seller and has a unique and efficient design that is as stylish as it is functional.
Outdoor Fire Pit
An outdoor fire pit is a great way of enhancing the mood and romance of an outdoor space. Patio bars, serve as a social hub, a place for people to hang out and tell stories. Fire pits appeal to our primitive instincts and have a relaxing effect on people, encouraging them to open up and be more social. We carry a variety of outdoor fire pits in gas and wood-burning configurations. The Crosley Hudson Firepit is a new arrival to our store and features a spacious 30” fire bowl.
Outdoor Lighting
After a few drinks, you will want to ensure your guests stay safe at night with adequate outdoor lighting. The last thing anybody wants to see is someone trip and fall into the pool or fire pit. There are many options for patio lighting, so be sure to find the right style to suit your needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative and express your artistic side when putting up lighting. Check out this useful Pinterest board with lots of ideas for outdoor lighting.
Outdoor Speakers
It’s not a party without music! Today’s outdoor speakers have all the modern features you would expect, such as weather and water-resistant design. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, they can easily be synced with either an iOS or Android device. Some speakers are designed to blend into the surroundings by having the appearance of garden stones.
Make the most of summer this year and upgrade your patio with an outdoor bar. Be sure to take your time and make the best design choices to match your style. There are many choices out there with different features, so cross-comparing products is valuable. Make sure your guests have everything they need to be comfortable and have a good time.
Image via Wikimedia Commons
