Whether you’re a dinner party domino or prefer to spend your free time reading on the lounge, it’s important to prioritize your lifestyle when choosing outdoor furniture. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid purchasing a modern patio set that will only get used occasionally.
When in doubt, invest in multi-functional furniture that can fold, stack or collapse. This will save space and allow you to stow away items when they’re not in use.
Consider Your Area’s Climate
One of the most important things to consider when selecting outdoor furniture is your area’s climate. Whether your yard gets a lot of sun or is often subjected to high winds, you want your new furniture to be able to withstand these elements and still look and feel great in the long run. Fortunately, there are plenty of different options for choosing the right kind of furniture for your particular climate, including wood for a traditional set, long lasting metal designs, classic rattan and even eco-friendly products made from recycled materials.
Another important factor to keep in mind is how much use you expect to get out of your furniture. If you plan on hosting al fresco dinners frequently, for example, it makes sense to invest in a dining table and chairs that can comfortably seat the maximum number of guests you typically have for your meals. If you’re more interested in a lounge-like vibe, however, opt for less formal outdoor chairs that are comfortable enough to sit in for extended periods of time.
In addition to these more practical factors, it’s also worth thinking about the aesthetic of your backyard when shopping for outdoor furniture. You’ll want your furniture to complement the overall style of your patio or deck, so be sure to take into account any colors, patterns, textures and other design details you’d like to incorporate into your space. There’s no single correct approach to this, but if you start with an overall look in mind, the rest of your selection will fall into place.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, be sure to check out the warranty and return policies of any retailer you’re considering. Lastly, you’ll also want to shop around for deals and discounts. Memorial Day sales and end-of-season markdowns are great times to pick up a quality piece of furniture for a low price.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the specific materials used to create outdoor furniture can vary greatly in their ecological impact. Ideally, you’ll want to choose eco-friendly furniture that is either recyclable or sustainably harvested. If you can’t find anything that fits this criteria, it’s at least worth opting for a material that’s been treated to be resistant to moisture and fading.
Invest in Multi-Functional Furniture
Purchasing furniture for your outdoor space is an investment that you want to last. It will need to withstand the sun, wind, rain, and snow of your area’s climate. It needs to be able to handle falling branches, leaves, acorns, and other debris. If you’re shopping for outdoor furniture that will have to endure a lot of wear and tear, it might be wise to invest in multifunctional furniture that will save money and maintenance in the long run.
If you’re planning on hosting regular al fresco dinner parties, buy furniture that accommodates the number of guests you usually invite. This will ensure that you don’t have to deal with the inconvenience of having to move furniture when guests arrive. You may also want to consider a modular sofa or other type of multifunctional furniture that can adapt and expand as you have guests over, then return to its original form when it’s time for your family to relax.
It’s important to measure your space before ordering any furniture. You don’t want to be stuck with the sectional that you’ve been dreaming of only to discover that it won’t fit on your lanai. To avoid this, you should visit a showroom and test out multifunctional furniture pieces in person before you place an order.
The good news is that there are plenty of options available when it comes to multifunctional furniture. For example, a sofa that doubles as a bed is perfect for those who are looking to save on space. Another option is a coffee table that can be used as a sideboard or desk.
Aside from saving on space, multifunctional furniture can help you declutter your home and make it feel more organized. This is especially true when it comes to the storage spaces of your home. For example, an upholstered custom storage ottoman can serve as a footstool, couch tray, and extra seating while also being able to store blankets, pillows, toys, and more.
As a result, it’s not hard to see why more and more people are choosing multifunctional furniture over traditional pieces. It’s a great way to save space, money, and keep your house clean and organized at all times.
Think About Storage Options
Many homeowners will shop for outdoor furniture in the summer. There are Memorial Day deals, summer sales and more that make it seem like a great time to buy. However, it’s important to remember that summer isn’t the only season your furniture will spend outside.
In order to ensure that your new purchase will last, you’ll want to make sure you have storage options for it during the off-season. This may be as simple as using plastic storage totes in your garage or shed, but it can also include adding a built-in shelf or a closet. If you’re going to use these areas for storage, consider a labeling system that will help you find what you’re looking for.
Another option is to use a large storage bin or wheeled basket that can be stored under a table or sofa. This is a great way to keep your patio pillows, lounge chairs and other items organized and ready for use. These options are usually easy to find at your local big-box store and can be a good investment for your home. You can also look for secondhand ones at yard sales, thrift shops, and sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. You can even use them to store your grilling supplies, gardening gear and pool toys. This way, they’ll be protected during the winter and ready to go once spring comes around.
Don’t Forget About Maintenance
In order to enjoy your outdoor furniture, it is essential that you maintain them regularly. With proper maintenance, your furniture can last for generations, creating a beautiful and comfortable place to relax and entertain guests. However, some homeowners may struggle with deciding how to best care for their investment.
The first step is to determine the type of look you want for your outdoor space. For example, do you prefer the traditional elegance of wooden furniture or something more modern and eclectic with a combination of metal and wood? Next, you will need to consider your budget and how much you are willing to spend.
Once you have settled on your ideal furniture, the next step is to select a material that will suit your climate and lifestyle. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from traditional wood designs, long lasting metal pieces, classic rattan or even eco-friendly products made with recycled materials.
Regardless of the type of furniture you choose, it is important to remember that outdoor furniture requires more maintenance than indoor pieces. You will need to cover your furniture when it is not in use, protect it from harsh weather conditions like rain and snow, and store away any items that are not designed to withstand extreme temperatures.
Another important thing to keep in mind is the maintenance requirements for your furniture’s fabric. For instance, some fabrics are more prone to staining and fading than others, so it is important to follow the care instructions for your specific fabric. It is also a good idea to invest in a waterproof outdoor furniture protector that will help prevent damage and prolong the life of your furniture.
In addition, it is crucial to use cleaning products that are safe for your furniture. It is best to read the product label carefully and test any cleaners on a hidden area of your furniture before applying it to the surface. Finally, it is a good idea to regularly lubricate the moving parts of your furniture such as swivels and gliders on chairs and ribs and poles on umbrellas. This will help reduce friction and keep your furniture working smoothly.
