Good porch furniture should be both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, adding charm to your hospitality space. Furthermore, it should withstand weather elements for seasons to come – so choosing one wisely can help your hospitality space stand the test of time!
Those looking for an outdoor dining experience should select a set of sofa, chairs, and table; or else opt for a glider as an additional means of relaxation.
Comfort
Comfort should always be one of your main considerations when shopping for front porch furniture, whether for relaxation or entertainment purposes. How a piece feels when seated will have a significant impact on how relaxed or socialized you can become on it. Comfort is of utmost importance when choosing porch furniture, particularly chairs and couches. Thankfully, the selection of outdoor seating that’s both stylish and cozy has expanded significantly in recent decades, featuring plush wicker seating with cushioned cushions as a popular option. Some porch rocking chairs even include built-in pillow backs for additional support, while swings are an increasingly popular choice when it comes to front porch furniture, offering large enough spots to stretch out on for an afternoon nap or seating for multiple people if there’s a crowd present.
If you enjoy rocking back and forth on your porch swing, there are countless options available to you for relaxing in one. Choose between traditional wooden rockers or more contemporary models made of materials such as poly that will withstand wear and tear from being outdoors. No need to compromise style for comfort either; both styles of furniture come in a range of colors to meet any taste or aesthetic preference.
Mahogany furniture will add an elegant look to your front porch. However, as one of the more expensive wood options, it’s essential that your budget remains in mind when selecting this type of furniture for your front porch.
Style
Your furniture choices for creating a casual yet inviting atmosphere for reading a good book or hosting guests at a dining table should reflect both your individual taste and architectural elements of your home, suggest designer Nicole Yee of NY Interiors. Your porch should feel like an extension of indoor living spaces.”
Classic wooden rockers or Adirondack chairs are staples in most front porches, but you have many more choices when it comes to seating for your porch. Consider opting for something more stylish yet comfortable such as metal-framed outdoor sofas or daybeds; synthetic wicker pieces may work better on covered porches; wood chairs and benches can even be painted or stained to match the exterior of your home.
This Charleston side porch (or piazza) is defined by its soothing palette and natural materials, like wicker seating adorned with vibrant floral-patterned pillows that add color and pattern to classic furniture. A neutral rug provides the ideal background for the various vignettes that line either side of the sofa, such as simple fern planters and baskets to hold blankets and throw pillows for cooler evenings.
Bamboo furniture adds a tropical element to this porch and works beautifully alongside its classic wood furnishings. Made from weatherproof woven material, bamboo’s weatherproof properties make it suitable for covered or open deck areas alike, while its textured finish complements its eclectic decor, which includes an antique trunk serving as coffee table.
Mix reclaimed and new materials for an eye-catching and practical porch. For instance, this homeowner combined cypress siding from an early 1900s Sears Craftsman painted green, wood salvaged from an 100 year-old barn, and wrought iron fencing as door handles on this eclectic porch. These unique materials give this home an interesting story behind them that visitors are sure to remember!
Rocking chairs are a timeless addition to any covered porch, but you can make it more comfortable and fashionable by adding lumbar pillows. In this porch’s case, its colorful, striped fabric coordinates nicely with its surrounding Spanish moss-draped live oak trees outside.
Materials
Finding the appropriate furniture can transform a front porch into an additional living space. When selecting furniture for a porch, keep comfort and material construction top of mind – these factors have direct bearing on whether or not a piece will withstand weather elements.
Metal patio furniture is an attractive and durable choice, ideal for porches. To avoid rust-related problems, any furniture should be coated in rust-proofing material before purchase. Steel, wrought iron and aluminum are popular choices; Wrought iron may be more cumbersome to move while aluminum can be crafted into different shapes more easily.
Wood is an excellent material for patio furniture due to its lightweight and long-term durability. Cypress wood is often preferred due to its resistance against insects and rot. Cedar, teak and jarrah woods also often make popular choices because of their strength and beauty.
Wicker makes for great porch furniture because of its lightweight yet comfortable and flexible nature. When selecting wicker furniture for your porch, ensure its high quality; poor-grade wicker may unravel over time and become brittle over time. Synthetic wickers may last longer but avoid cheap PVC versions. High-density polyethylene provides moisture resistance as well as resistance against mildew growth – ideal options.
Recycling plastic and concrete composite are other materials suitable for creating porch furniture, offering durability with little maintenance requirements; however, these may not be ideal in areas with strong winds. Concrete composite is composed of cement mixed with resin that can be formed into custom shapes as it’s nonflammable and resistant to heat.
For a more elegant aesthetic, switch out chains for marine-grade braided nylon or polyester rope – which is less likely to break. Throw pillows and cushions add color, too! If your porch doesn’t have room for traditional swings, consider replacing it with a hanging daybed; its larger seating option makes for lounging comfort while providing more room to incorporate pillows or throw cushions that complement your home’s color scheme.
Maintenance
Preventative care is key for keeping outdoor furniture looking and functioning at its best. Clean up spills or messes as soon as they occur and regularly vacuum or wash upholstery pieces so dirt doesn’t accumulate. Consider storing indoors when not in use to reduce exposure to moisture and ensure its preservation.
Alternatively, for white porch swings with discolorations issues, vinegar mixed with water in a spray bottle and applied directly onto cushion fabric may help. Simply wait 15 minutes before using your garden hose to rinse away this solution. Alternatively, an all-natural bleach solution composed of one part hydrogen peroxide to two parts water may work just as effectively: spray this solution onto furniture for one minute before rinsing away with your garden hose before hanging cushions out in direct sunlight for air drying before returning them to patio furniture.
Hardwood and metals alike can be damaged by extreme weather conditions. Even treated pine will eventually rot if exposed to rain, wind and sunlight for too long; for a longer-lasting material solution consider natural rot-resistant woods like redwood and cedar as well as synthetic ones like teak or eucalyptus.
Ipe (Brazilian Walnut), in particular, has seen increased use as a furniture material due to its durability and vibrant hue. This material works beautifully in any setting or style; furthermore, its low maintenance requirements mean you can clean it by mixing water with mild dish soap or using a pressure washer for deeper cleanings.
Stainless steel tables and chairs lend your outdoor space an upscale, sophisticated aesthetic, but without proper care they can quickly become stained and discolored. Dirty hands, raindrops, and other elements can leave behind unsightly spots or streaks on metal furniture that is not coated with a rustproofing product; even wrought iron may rust with time without adequate protection such as paint or powder coat protection.
