No matter if it’s for guests or just relaxing with someone special, finding the appropriate patio furniture can make your yard an inviting space. But how do you select pieces to purchase?
If you prefer the look of wicker, an all-weather rattan option offers durability while remaining classic in design. Other styles offer similar flexibility such as modular seating that lets you combine chairs and ottomans according to your individual needs.
Choose a Style
Furniture sets your patio up as an inviting and relaxing environment for entertaining or relaxation, and West Elm offers outdoor pieces in various styles to meet any space or taste, including large sectionals and classic sofas to lounge chairs and coffee tables. Plus, choosing durable materials ensures it can stand up against Mother Nature.
Consideration must first be given when selecting patio furniture style and look. There are various ways you can pair patio pieces, from modern contemporary designs with clean lines that suit a Zen Garden or minimalist theme to pieces with richly grained wood that complement traditional English garden design themes.
Patio furniture comes in various materials, such as wicker, rattan, metal and more. Each material offers its own distinctive appearance and feel; for instance woven wicker patio furniture offers an easygoing yet casual style crafted from material durable enough for use outdoors; with cushioned seats offering additional comfort this type of wicker furniture often comes equipped with.
Metal patio furniture is another popular choice among those looking to create an industrial outdoor space, making it easy to find pieces with shapes and sizes to meet any need. Some tables even include metal benches or chairs as part of the set! Most metal patio pieces have either weathered bronze or silver finishes while there may also be bright and lively pieces painted white, navy blue, or green finishes for even greater variety.
Finally, there are options made from natural materials like woven rattan furniture or that has been treated with oil to provide added protection from the elements. Woven rattan furniture lends a rustic and beachy charm that works perfectly for coastal or nautical patio themes. Natural rattan pieces may even come treated with oil for extra weatherproofing purposes.
Other natural materials include all-weather wicker and teak furniture for patio use, which tend to be more costly than those made from wood or metal but last much longer and provide greater versatility. Furthermore, these styles often come with multiple finish options so you can pick out one that matches the decor of your outdoor area best.
Consider the Space
When purchasing patio furniture, it is crucial that you consider both its size and layout in terms of its effectiveness in creating an intimate conversation area or large relaxing zone. Selecting appropriate pieces can make all the difference in how well your space functions and feels. Begin by measuring your space and taking note of any architectural features or obstacles which might impede furniture placement before starting shopping for patio sets. Once you know exactly the dimensions of your outdoor space, start your search.
Based on your seating needs, you may wish to purchase either an entire patio furniture set or individual pieces. When planning for a complete set, be sure to account for its total cost as well as any accessories or extras that might come with it. Don’t forget about maintenance costs either; some materials require more frequent upkeep which could add significantly to the total expenditures.
Consider how you will use your patio space. Will it primarily serve dining or lounging purposes? If you intend on entertaining, a dining table and chairs as well as comfortable seating is probably necessary; otherwise a chaise or sectional will make an excellent option. Furthermore, keep privacy or noise concerns in mind when selecting furniture for your patio space.
Climate can have a dramatic impact on the durability of patio furniture in your region. Increased humidity levels and intense sunlight may cause certain materials to wear down more rapidly than others in certain conditions, making it essential to research available build materials as well as care instructions in order to select an option that will best meet your needs.
Storage options should also be kept in mind when buying patio furniture, particularly if shopping for small outdoor spaces. Ample storage will help safeguard your investment against harsh weather conditions and increase its lifespan; if space doesn’t permit indoor storage during winter months, select furniture which can easily disassembled or stacked to reduce storage needs.
Think About Your Needs
Think carefully about how you will use your patio, and select furniture accordingly. Do you require seating for relaxing, dining or entertaining? If so, would a sectional with chaise lounge and configurable chairs suit you better than bistro table and chairs? Also take into account any special features like side tables with built-in storage spaces or umbrella holes that accommodate standard patio umbrellas.
Material selection for patio furniture should also be an important consideration. If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions such as high winds, such as rain and sun exposure, then consider sturdy materials that will hold up against exposure such as aluminum and steel, while wood such as teak, IPE (ironwood) or acacia can last decades with proper care and maintenance. However, wood furniture is more vulnerable to insects and rot, so this must also be taken into consideration before selecting your set.
Are You an Eco-Consumer? | When selecting furniture with environmental responsibility in mind, search for items constructed of recycled HDPE plastic or poly-resin wicker that’s free from toxic chemicals; teak or IPE wood that’s been harvested through forest stewardship programs or manufactured using low carbon emissions should also be prioritized.
Make sure to select materials that are easy to maintain, with regular wiping with mild soap and water usually sufficing, though some pieces require regular care such as regular deep-cleanings or the application of protective sealants or anti-rust treatments.
Once you’ve considered all the key considerations when purchasing patio furniture, it’s time to begin shopping! Once you have compiled a list of must-haves, take measurements of your space to account for obstacles or landscaping that could impede its layout; also leave room for traffic flow so you can get in and out easily without having to move furniture first.
Plan for Storage
Once you’ve determined your furniture styles, space requirements and needs, it is time to plan for storage. If you live in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions, storing patio furniture during its off-season could save it from damage while prolonging its lifespan. When doing this it is wise to choose pieces which fold, collapse, stack or have removable parts which make disassembly and storage easy.
Accessories such as pillows, throws, cushions and other decorative accents can add flair and extra comfort to hard outdoor furniture, providing additional seating. Always ensure they’re designed specifically for use outdoors! Additionally, some seating designs provide inbuilt storage spaces; or accessories can double up as storage options for items like seat cushions and decorative accents.
When searching for patio tables, bistro designs with built-in storage or shelves to hold plates and beverages may be ideal. Lounge chairs or daybeds that come equipped with under-seat storage may also prove ideal, or you might find options with hidden compartments underneath for blankets and pillows – these features add extra functionality without compromising style, so that you can truly create the outdoor oasis you imagined!