As soon as spring arrives, homeowners begin pulling out their patio furniture and making plans for outdoor gatherings. New shoppers quickly realize there are a multitude of considerations they should keep in mind when shopping for furniture for the patio.
No matter if your patio will be used for dining, relaxing, or entertaining purposes; having the proper furniture can add comfort and function to any backyard or porch space.
Material
Material used to construct patio furniture will determine its strength, durability and cost. Certain materials are more suited to specific weather conditions while some require more regular upkeep.
Metal furniture items are known for being long-term investments that can withstand humidity without succumbing to corrosion, but in humid environments it may rust easily. If this is an issue for you, look for pieces coated in protective finishes or powder coatings that prevent this rusting process. Plus, some pieces can even be easily sanded and repainted for a fresh new look!
Wood furniture can be both durable and attractive; however, regular sanding, staining or painting will be needed to preserve its beauty. Wood is susceptible to warping and splintering over time so if selecting wood for outdoor furniture purposes be sure to choose species treated against moisture intrusion as well as insects.
Synthetic resin or plastics like polyethylene make excellent outdoor furniture options because they’re highly resistant to mold, mildew, fade resistance, waterproof, less costly than natural materials and easier to maintain – however they’re not as eco-friendly.
Aluminum furniture makes an excellent addition to outdoor spaces, offering lightweight yet sturdy solutions that withstand most weather conditions and are easy to care for. Furthermore, you can paint aluminum to complement or accent the decor in your garden space.
Keep in mind that outdoor furniture is exposed to both extreme temperatures and temperatures fluctuations more so than indoor options, and its materials such as wood or certain plastics may expand or contract due to temperature shifts. Therefore, you should seek options which can withstand these temperature variations without becoming uncomfortable when sitting down on them.
Synthetic or plastic fabrics may be scratchy and tear easily; for this reason they’re best used outdoors on cushions and pillows. To maximize longevity of outdoor cushions and pillows with this type of fabric, consider an acrylic weave that offers higher UV resistance while remaining abrasion-resistant; this will extend its longevity while being mold and mildew resistant and colorfast so it won’t fade in sunlight.
Size
Size should always be taken into account when outfitting an existing patio or creating an entirely new outdoor living space, since it determines how many seating units can comfortably fit within an area, the dimensions of dining tables or sofa sets, as well as how many chairs or loveseats will surround them.
While individual pieces of outdoor furniture may be cheaper and quicker to purchase individually, purchasing an entire patio set can often be more cost-efficient and time-efficient – plus it helps ensure all the pieces work harmoniously together!
When purchasing patio furniture, always keep the climate of your region in mind. If it snows frequently or experiences heavy winds or rainfall seasons, covering it for most of the year could help protect materials and extend their life expectancy.
If your new furniture won’t be covered, make sure it will withstand weather without warping, fading, or rotting – concrete, Wrought Iron and natural wicker all offer weather resistance – for maximum enjoyment of your patio for years to come.
Before buying furniture, it’s advisable to make an outline of the area you intend to place it. This will enable you to determine which pieces and layouts best suit your needs based on how often you entertain guests. Utilizing masking tape, painter’s tape or paper cut into size for mockup purposes allows you to try various arrangements without needing to move each item separately back and forth between rooms.
For an ideal one-person seating arrangement, consider investing in a chair and ottoman set. This piece of furniture offers extra comfort while inviting relaxation; most chairs and ottomans tend to be larger than bistro or game chairs and provide more lounge-worthy options, some even featuring built-in footstools! Look for sets with three pieces – chair ottoman and coffee table – which can be customized as needed to meet individual requirements.
Style
An impressive patio furniture set can take any outdoor space to the next level. It allows you to take full advantage of fresh air and sunbathing while relaxing after an exhausting day and entertaining guests. Before purchasing new pieces, however, be sure to consider how you plan on using the patio and whether its style matches that of your home and region’s climate when making decisions on chairs, tables and other pieces for purchase.
If you want to enjoy meals or drinks outdoors, a weatherproof table and chair set might be just what’s needed. Patio furniture sets come in various styles from bistro tables to full sectionals with sofa seating; materials may include wood, wicker, metal or plastics – just choose something durable enough for your climate and needs!
Metal patio furniture is an extremely durable choice that can withstand most forms of weather. Easy to maintain and resistant to rust and corrosion, metal furniture will last long into the future. Look for powder coated finishes which offer extra moisture resistance; aluminum works great in most regions while heavier materials like cast aluminum can withstand strong winds better.
Synthetic rattan patio furniture is an excellent option when it comes to choosing outdoor seating, featuring its beautiful appearance, ease of care and ability to endure most types of weather – including rain and snow. Natural rattan may be more costly and hard to maintain, so eco-friendly resin rattan offers a practical yet cost-effective alternative that looks just like real rattan.
Relax and unwind this summer on a stylish reclining chaise lounge from East Oak’s collection! Perfect for relaxing poolside, but equally appropriate on patios that exude coastal charm. Their model boasts a powder-coated aluminum and iron frame rust-proof powder coating with textilene fabric quick drying resistant to UV rays that reclines five ways for ultimate relaxation all summer long.
Accessorize
As soon as you’ve chosen the ideal furniture for your patio, accessorize it to make it truly stand out. Throw pillows and blankets provide comfort while table decor adds color, texture and style. Potted plants and flowers add natural beauty while creating an intentional gathering space through potted plants or flowers. A fire pit makes an excellent focal point and intentional gathering space.
As you select accessories and decorations for your patio, always consider its size when making decisions. Too many accessories could clog up the space, diminishing its feel and function altogether.
For smaller patios, an outdoor sectional is an ideal seating solution. Sleek four-piece sectionals fit well into tighter spaces while their range of configurations offer comfortable lounging experiences. When entertaining larger groups, invest in outdoor folding chairs for added seating without taking up valuable floor space – Penn Dutch Structures Country Garden Poly Furniture offers a selection of folding chairs in different styles and colors to coordinate with other furniture pieces in your patio set-up.
Decorated lanterns in diverse shapes and sizes add a special touch to any patio and serve as conversation starters for guests. A garden statue or other eye-catching piece can also help turn an ordinary patio experience into something memorable.
If your patio faces the sun, solar-powered lanterns offer soft ambient lighting in the evenings. For a brighter glow, traditional or flameless candles could provide more illumination.
Mirrors can make an excellent addition to your patio for many reasons, not least of which being to make it appear larger while reflecting the natural green and blue hues found around you. Mirrors can even serve as decor by being placed strategically along a wall as an accent piece that doubles up as an art piece.
An ideal time to shop for patio furniture is either early spring or after Memorial Day when summer-specific pieces tend to go on sale. At these times, you might even find high-end pieces like Tucci umbrellas made of fade-resistant Sunbrella fabric for sale!