Patios provide a relaxing retreat in any garden, especially ones lined with trees. A pergola can provide shade over the seating area as well as privacy from neighbors without obstructing views of the scenery.
Visual cues like outdoor area rugs and various styles of furniture can create distinct living areas on a porch or patio, such as green upholstered lounge chairs complemented with green planting and lawn to form an aesthetically pleasing arrangement.
Size
Measuring accurately can ensure that your patio furniture will fit seamlessly into the space available to you. By taking precise measurements of each piece, not only its width and length but also height, accurate measurements will enable you to find covers with snug fits that protect both furniture against weather elements while leaving enough room for guests to move comfortably around your outdoor seating area.
For easy comparison of sizes when measuring furniture, it’s recommended that the dimensions be marked down on paper before taking measurements with your yard/garden measuring tape. A pencil and notepad will help when recording these details if ever replacing cushions or purchasing replacement covers is needed.
As part of your planning phase, it’s also essential to keep in mind the size of your guests when arranging chairs and tables. A general guideline suggests leaving at least three feet between each chair to allow your guests to relax without exerting unnecessary pressure on their knees.
An essential measurement to take when it comes to comfort is seat depth: 20-22 inches is optimal and helps relieve strain on the spine, while armrest height should ideally range between 7-9 inches above seat level for maximum support and mobility, enabling you to easily reach items on your table or communicate with friends and family.
Style
An effective patio furniture style can make the space feel like an extension of your home and is essential to creating a relaxing and welcoming space, ideal for family gatherings and entertaining guests. Add character to the space using decorative accessories such as plants and rugs while changing up its appearance with different hues for walls and furniture.
Accurate measurements are crucial when purchasing furniture for a small outdoor space, especially seating arrangements. You can use painter’s tape, kraft paper, or masking tape cut to size of each new piece you intend to buy in order to map out its footprint before making your purchase. This will give an accurate idea of where each new piece fits within the area without oversaturating it with too many pieces.
Large spaces offer endless options for creating an inviting patio, including lounge sets of wicker chairs and ottomans, which create cozy conversation areas. Furthermore, 7pc or 9pc dining sets can accommodate large numbers of people for outdoor meals and gatherings.
If you’re seeking an inviting space in which to unwind and relax, coastal design themes could be just what’s needed. Airy whites, blues, and pastel hues create a beachy aesthetic perfect for casual entertaining spaces; weathered wood or resin-wicker furniture along with nautical-themed accents can add further coziness.
Comfort
Outdoor furniture (often known as patio furniture) provides cozy spots for conversation and dining, relaxing lounging areas, lounging spots and more. Made of natural woods, weather-resistant metals or wicker it may feature cushions or pillows for additional comfort while some styles include tables with storage spaces for food, drink or accessories.
Comfort should always be the top priority when selecting patio furniture. Sit on each chair you are considering to see how it feels; make sure the cushion supports both your back and neck properly. For an alternative seating solution, select a lounger that reclines and has additional support features like a footstool or sling seat for ultimate relaxation.
Your outdoor seating should also be easily moved or reconfigured to meet guests’ changing needs. Multifunctional pieces like swivel rocking chairs or sectionals with chaise lounges are great ways to quickly convert furniture for an al fresco meal or cocktail party, while lightweight folding or stacking chairs may provide easy storage solutions in small spaces.
Thick cushions have an immense effect on the comfort of patio furniture. When measuring existing cushions, keep in mind they may have lost filling over time or stretched fabric; to get maximum comfort opt for new cushions designed specifically for outdoor use with filling and covers designed specifically for use outside.
Outdoor-friendly fabrics feature water resistant coatings that keep furniture cushions plump and comfortable throughout the year. When shopping for outdoor cushions, opt for thicker ones to customize your level of comfort; and invest in models featuring all-weather filling with covers that dry quickly in order to reduce mold and mildew growth.
Materials
Material selection is of utmost importance in creating long-lasting outdoor patio furniture sets. Your chosen furnishings must withstand exposure to elements like dust, wind, dirt and sunlight as well as being easily cleanable and equipped with protective finishes that can guard against staining.
Metal furniture materials are an attractive option due to their strength, weight and resistance to corrosion and rusting. You’ll find metal patio sets in various styles and designs to fit any aesthetic imaginable; aluminum can provide budget-minded solutions with its ability to be powder-coated in almost any color to match decor perfectly.
Wood is another popular material for patio furniture. Soft woods such as pine and cedar can be easily carved and stained to achieve casual rustic looks, while more expensive hardwoods such as teak or jarrah require special care to preserve their elegance over the course of many decades. Their natural oils help seal off moisture-retaining pores to protect them against wood-boring insects; and sealed or painted finishes can preserve their original colors or weather naturally to a beautiful silver-gray patina over time.
Wicker furniture is an iconic classic of outdoor furniture design that can add an airy coastal or tropical charm to any space. Choose from natural rattan or wicker woven tightly enough to repel moisture and mildew or synthetic versions such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for best value for your money.
If you need help selecting the ideal material for your patio furniture, speak to a member of staff in the store. They should be able to tell you what the piece is composed of as well as give an assessment on its durability. Taking measurements can help ensure it will fit appropriately; use masking tape or painter’s tape cut according to size for this task.
Accessorize
Furniture and accessories can transform your patio into an inviting and relaxing extension of your home. Start by assessing the size of your space and measuring to make sure all desired pieces can fit; allow at least three feet between furniture pieces so they do not take up too much valuable floor space.
Once your decor choices have been decided upon, consider selecting a theme to help guide them and tie everything together. A tropical-inspired motif may inspire you to incorporate lots of greenery and coastal furnishings in your patio design; on the other hand, country styles could feature wooden benches and wicker chairs with red or white accents as part of their decor scheme. Furthermore, selecting a theme makes shopping for accessories easier by narrowing down your choices more effectively.
Furniture accents such as pillows and throws add color, texture and comfort to outdoor seating areas. Choose weatherproof fabrics to avoid moisture build-up and mildew issues. Or repurpose existing indoor cushions by placing them outside.
An outdoor rug can add comfort levels by giving barefoot walkers somewhere comfortable to go without touching cold stone or concrete surfaces. On this patio from Mary Patton Design, a woven mat provides a soft contrast against wood and metal furniture, creating an eclectic mix of colors and patterns. Other accessories worth noting include bright primary blue sconces that coordinate well with chair fabric patterns as well as succulent-filled planters which add natural interest.