Article Summary

What should you consider when choosing an outdoor balcony set? Choosing the right outdoor balcony set starts with understanding your available space, how you plan to use it, and the style that best fits your outdoor area. Balcony sets are designed to maximize smaller spaces while providing comfortable seating for dining, relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying your outdoor surroundings. Key factors to consider include available space, seating height, furniture design, storage-friendly features, and durable weather-resistant materials that can withstand outdoor conditions.

A Higher Level of Comfort

Many believe that a small outdoor space means you’re limited in style and functionality. But this couldn’t be further from the truth!

Whether you have a cozy apartment balcony or a smaller deck with a view, the right bar-height furniture can help maximize your surface area without compromising on comfort.

The key to buying the right bar or balcony set for a smaller space is having the right strategy. Let’s break down the best way to find the right seating for your home or outdoor spot – and how to invest in the best with Highwood USA.

 

1. Measure Your Space

There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a particular outdoor set… only to find it doesn’t quite fit your space.

Before you buy, make sure to measure your outdoor area carefully. This will help you know exactly how much space you’re working with and which style of bar or balcony seating will fit.

Start by determining the total square footage of your balcony, patio, or bar area. Then, as you begin to shop for the right seating options, keep these in mind:

• You'll want at least 24-30 inches of clearance around chairs for good movement 
• You'll need to account for when the chairs are pulled out or occupied
• Consider the space needed for other activities in the area
  

 

Remember that bar-height furniture has a larger footprint than standard dining furniture. If you have a more compact space, consider features like:

• Stools that can be tucked under the table when not in use
• Tables that can be placed against a wall or railing
• Modular pieces that can be reconfigured
• Sets designed for small balconies and tight corners

 

2. Pick a Seating Style

The height of your bar set plays a role in how you’ll end up using your furniture. At Highwood USA, we offer two main height options:

Bar-Height Sets (40-42 inches)

Bar-height sets, like our Lehigh Bar Height Balcony Set, are designed to sit 41 inches tall to create an elevated experience. These sets are great for decks and balconies with higher railings – especially if you want to add visual height variation to your space.

 

 

Counter-Height Sets (34-36 inches)

Slightly shorter than bar height, counter-height sets like our Lehigh Counter Height Balcony Set stand at 36 inches tall. These sets offer a more accessible height and can be great for windier locations where you need a bit more stability.

 

 

Seating Choices

Height is only one part of the equation. You’ll also want to look at the features of different chairs to make sure you are complementing your design and needs.

• Backless stools: Our Birch Bar Height Stool offers a space-saving profile perfect for minimalist spaces.

 

 

• Contoured Seats: For enhanced comfort without sacrificing space, consider options like our Summit Square Bar Height Stool with its ergonomically contoured saddle seat for extra support.
• Chairs with Armrests: Choose chairs with armrests for maximum comfort during long conversations and outdoor dining. These provide additional support but require more space. 

 

 

• Storage-Friendly Designs: Many of our sets feature stools that store neatly underneath the table, maximizing your available space when the furniture isn't in use.

 

3. Think About The Features

When you’re buying outdoor furniture, you want to invest in a piece that will last for years. While styles may come and go (and weather may take its toll), you want to know that your seating will keep up.

Built-in Footrests

Bar and counter-height seating requires proper foot support for comfort during extended use. Consider seating options that come with integrated footrests at the right height for most users, and are designed to stay functional no matter how much weight is put on them.

Contoured Seats

The shape of your seat plays a bigger role in comfort than you might expect!  impacts comfort. That’s why we design our Highwood USA bar and balcony seating to feel as great as they look.

For example, our Summit Square Bar Height Stool has a carefully designed contoured saddle seat that conforms to the body’s natural shape while seated. Even without cushions, our proprietary poly lumber's forgiving surface will keep you comfortable for hours.

 

 

Storage-Friendly Designs

Maximizing space efficiency is essential for smaller outdoor areas:

• Select sets with stools that tuck completely under the table when not in use 
• Consider our 3-piece or 6-piece Lehigh and Monroe sets, which are specifically designed for space optimization 
• Look for modular components that can be rearranged as needed

 

 

Complete Sets vs. Build Your Own

Highwood USA offers flexibility in how you create your outdoor dining space:

• Complete Sets: For convenience and perfectly matched pieces, our pre-configured sets take the guesswork out of creating a cohesive look.
• Build Your Own: Mix and match individual pieces to create a custom arrangement perfectly suited to your unique space and needs.

Both options are available in our Bar & Balcony Furniture collection, allowing you to choose what works best for your specific situation.

 

4. Match Your Aesthetic

Your outdoor furniture should complement your personal style and home architecture. Highwood USA offers distinct design aesthetics to match any preference.

Modern & Minimalist

If you love lines and angles, then the Highwood USA Monroe may be perfect for you. This minimalist-focused collection has sleek, uncluttered silhouettes that perfectly match modern architecture.

 

Coastal & Rustic

If you want to capture a timeless, coastal feel, our Lehigh collection features rounded tops, vertical lines, and charming design details. It has a timeless appeal that goes well with any outdoor space – particularly if you want a more sophisticated vibe.

 

 

Bold & Vibrant

Want to go a bit bolder? The Shoreline Bar Height Balcony Set pops with more vibrant colors – which is a great way to complement your landscaping or to bring a focal point to your outdoor patio.

 

 

5. Bar & Balcony Seating Are All About Versatility

The best outdoor furniture investments allow you plenty of ways to use and customize your space. When you’re browsing for bar and balcony seating, make sure to consider all the different ways you’ll use (and store) your furniture in the years to come.

For instance, consider how you can make use of your outdoor furniture for different functions:

• Bar tables that double as workspaces for remote work
• Surfaces suitable for dining, games, and projects
• Arrangements that transition from morning coffee to evening cocktails

All these different options make choosing modular pieces an excellent choice. Our 6-piece sets can be arranged in multiple configurations, from placing tables side by side to keeping them separate for smaller gatherings.

 

Invest In Balcony and Bar Seating That’s Built to Last

The perfect bar or balcony set transforms even the smallest outdoor space into a functional, beautiful extension of your home. But you don’t want to invest in a piece that will fall apart before the end of the season.

That’s why all Highwood USA bar and balcony sets are crafted with longevity in mind:

• Constructed from our proprietary high-grade poly lumber that won't crack, splinter or fade
• Assembled with 304-grade stainless steel hardware for durability
• Engineered to withstand all weather conditions
• Backed by a 12-year residential warranty
• Made in the USA

Are you ready to upgrade your outdoor space? You can explore our full bar and balcony furniture collection to find the perfect piece for you.

With Highwood USA, you're not just buying furniture – you’re investing in carefree outdoor living for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of outdoor furniture for a small balcony?

The best outdoor furniture for a small balcony is designed to maximize space without sacrificing comfort. Bar-height and counter-height balcony sets are popular choices because they provide functional dining and entertaining areas while maintaining a smaller footprint. Features like stools that tuck beneath tables and space-efficient designs can help make compact outdoor areas feel more open.

How do I choose the right size outdoor balcony set?

Choosing the right size outdoor balcony set starts with measuring your available space and considering how much room is needed for comfortable movement. Be sure to account for chair clearance, walkways, and other activities you plan to enjoy in the space. A properly sized balcony set should provide comfortable seating without making the area feel crowded.

What is the difference between bar-height and counter-height balcony sets?

Bar-height balcony sets are taller and create an elevated seating experience that works well for balconies, decks, and spaces with higher railings. Counter-height balcony sets sit slightly lower and provide a more traditional dining feel while still offering the space-saving benefits of balcony furniture.

Are outdoor balcony sets good for entertaining?

Yes, outdoor balcony sets are a great option for entertaining, especially in smaller outdoor spaces. They create a comfortable area for dining, enjoying drinks, working outdoors, or gathering with friends and family while maximizing the available footprint.

What features should I look for in an outdoor balcony set?

When choosing an outdoor balcony set, look for durable weather-resistant materials, comfortable seating, functional table height, and designs that fit your available space. Features such as built-in footrests, contoured seating, stools that tuck underneath tables, and modular configurations can improve both comfort and versatility.

Can outdoor balcony furniture stay outside year-round?

Outdoor balcony furniture made from durable weather-resistant materials can be designed for year-round outdoor use. Highwood balcony sets are constructed from high-grade poly lumber and stainless steel hardware, helping them withstand outdoor conditions while requiring minimal maintenance.

What materials are best for outdoor balcony furniture?

The best materials for outdoor balcony furniture are those that can handle exposure to sun, moisture, and changing weather conditions. High-quality poly lumber is a popular choice because it provides the appearance of painted wood while resisting cracking, peeling, rotting, and fading with minimal upkeep.

Should I buy a complete balcony set or build my own?

A complete balcony set is a convenient option because the pieces are already designed to work together and create a cohesive look. Building your own setup allows for more customization by mixing and matching seating, tables, and accessories to better fit your space and lifestyle.