- Start with what you want
Begin by thinking about how you would like your outdoor space to function. Would you like it to serve as a dining area on warm summer nights? Would you like to host your next dinner party or your child’s birthday party in the space? Is a peaceful reading nook more of what you're looking for in your outdoor living space?
Make a list of the many things you would like to do in the space and use it as a guide to determine what type of furniture is necessary. If the primary function of your patio space is to host casual evening cocktails, you could look for a dinning table or for ample comfortable seating, conversation set, and a fire pit.
- Test the comfort
Take a seat before you buy. Comfortable patio furniture, just like interior furniture, will be used regularly as opposed to uninviting patio furniture, which might have good looks but not-so-good comfort.
- Go for Easy Care
Reserve the bulk of your garden-side hours for enjoying your space as opposed to maintaining furniture when you purchase easy-care patio furniture. Look for the name Sunbrella Fabric when purchasing any outdoor furniture that consists of a fabric on top. As for the base, most metal, teak, cedar, and all-weather wicker pieces are unfazed by whatever nature throws their way.
- Consider Storage
Add years to the life of your patio furniture by storing it in a protected location, such as a garage or basement during the off season. Even the toughest furniture, such as teak chairs or a wrought-iron settee, will last longer if it is placed in storage when not in use. Look for modular light patio furniture, with cushions that are able to come off.
- Color Smart
When purchasing patio furniture, you're not limited to the natural tones of wood; the black, white, and beige of wicker; or metal pieces. Colorful finishes abound in the world of outdoor furniture. For stylish longevity, reserve bold splashes of color for cushions and accent pieces.
- Look Underfoot
Ground patio furniture by placing it on an all-weather rug. Textile advancements in recent years have brought many quick-drying outdoor rugs to the market. Soft underfoot and rich in texture, an outdoor rug will lend the comforts of indoors to the great outdoors.
- Search for Dual-Purpose Pieces
Look for hardworking furniture. An ottoman that doubles as extra seating for your next backyard bash and a simple bench that will stand alone or cozy up to an alfresco dining table are essential for frequently used outdoor spaces.