A Complete Guide to Outdoor Balcony Sets

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.