Create an outdoor space you can truly appreciate all summer requires more than a few throw pillows and wrought iron patio sets; you need furniture that satisfies all of your functional, comfort and aesthetic requirements.
Brook Klausing, principal of Brooklyn-based landscape design firm Brook Landscape, advises to consider how you’ll use the space before shopping for furniture. If sunbathing is something you do rarely, chaise lounges may not be necessary.
Choose the Right Furniture
When purchasing outdoor furniture, it is essential to keep certain details in mind. Since you will spend so much time outdoors with this furniture, it must withstand its surroundings well and remain durable over time. Inspect pieces for signs of flaw such as poor welding quality or amateurish paint finishes; if anything looks suspect it would likely be wiser to move onto another piece.
Consider which furniture material best meets your needs when searching for furniture, since different materials require less maintenance and may age better over time. Rattan and wicker work well outdoors because they’re weatherproof – although regular treatments with preservative may be necessary for them. Teak, cypress and eucalyptus woods as well as metals like aluminum and wrought iron offer similar durability.
Fabric selection for outdoor furniture should also be given careful thought. Seek fade-resistant and UV protected fabrics when selecting outdoor furnishings; inspect seams carefully to check for heavy duty thread and even stitching; additionally, zippered cushions allow easy removal and cleaning.
Make sure that the furniture fits both your space and lifestyle when purchasing furniture, as you don’t want a large sectional that doesn’t work in your backyard or an overly-large coffee table that won’t fit through your entryway.
Many shoppers purchase patio furniture in spring as the weather starts to heat up, but you might find better deals in summer – particularly around Labor Day when stores usually offer discounts of up to 40% on remaining summer inventory. To maximize your chances of finding what you need quickly and at a great price, sign up for email and newspaper newsletters from retailers, so that when sales of outdoor lawn furniture occur you’ll be first in line for deals and prices comparison can help make more informed choices about which piece to buy.
Think About Your Lifestyle
If you’re purchasing patio furniture for the first time or replacing existing pieces, take time to understand your lifestyle before selecting which pieces would best meet your needs. Consider dining and entertaining friends outside, relaxing in the sun, playing games or other recreational activities on your new set. Life Hacker notes that stores frequently hold outdoor furniture sales prior to summer and after winter to clear space for new sets.
Keep Your Budget in Mind
Many may be tempted to purchase cheap lawn furniture when it’s on sale, but this could be a huge misstep. Budget pieces might look nice in professional photoshoots but typically don’t withstand outdoor elements such as sun and rain well enough. Instead, it would be wiser to invest more upfront in quality pieces that will stand the test of time.
Keep your intended use for furniture in mind when deciding upon its material and style. For example, selecting weather-resistant materials like teak or synthetic resin wicker could help when selecting lounge chairs made for weather resistance. Furthermore, take into consideration any available storage space when considering storage needs – if limited space exists consider getting folding or stackable pieces which save space when not being used.
Before purchasing furniture online, always remember to check its dimensions thoroughly. If unsure, ask store staff or bring along a tape measure for help; that way you won’t end up with items too large or small for your garden space.
Make sure that you purchase matching furniture accessories when selecting new outdoor furniture sets. For instance, when purchasing an outdoor table, consider including an umbrella to complete your cart purchase. Decorative planters or vases offer added flair while you could even consider investing in an outdoor rug to define an area and complement its color palette.