Using high-quality, visually beautiful furniture always adds charm to any location, whether it’s your interior space or your home’s outside.
While many people concentrate on constructing beautiful interiors, the outside area is frequently where family gatherings, picnics, and parties take place—yet it hardly receives the attention it deserves when it comes to décor.
Investing in high-quality outdoor furniture not only assures longevity but also improves the practicality and aesthetics of your outdoor living space.
However, with so many options on the market, selecting the appropriate outdoor furniture may be difficult.
To help you make an educated and sound selection, we’ve put together this article to guide you through the key things to consider when purchasing outdoor furniture.
1. Assess Your Outdoor Space
First things first, always take a measurement of your space before deciding to buy anything.
It does not matter whether you have ample space at the back of your house or just a balcony; you need to understand the size and shape of where you intend to keep your outdoor furniture.
Look at the layout of the space, and if there is any shade or any other factor, like gardens or a water fountain, among others, that will influence your furniture placement.
- Small Spaces: For a small area such as the patios and balconies, ensure that you use space savers like couch sets or bistro dining sets. Space-saving furniture, like recliners and sun loungers, are also very useful and will easily fit in limited space.
- Large Spaces: Depending on your outdoor area size, for example, if you have a big backyard or a place with a pool, you may opt for oversized furniture, including sectional sofas, dining sets or even a couple of lounge chairs. To avoid cluttering, use this space with the intention of creating different sections for eating, relaxing, and hosting.
2. Determine the Purpose of Your Outdoor Space
The way you want to use your outside area should influence the style of furniture you select. Defining your purpose can be instrumental in choosing a furniture piece that fits your lifestyle and choice.
- Dining: If you want to grill in the backyard every weekend and invite friends over for dinner, finding a comfortable dining set that will accommodate everyone should be your priority.
- Lounging: For a more casual look, opt for deep seating with soft furnishings such as sofa sets, chaises, and reclining chairs. For example, a coffee table or side table will come in handy for placing snacks and drinks.
- Entertainment: If you’re going to host gatherings, it would be advisable to opt for modular seating, like booths or sofa arrangements that fit more groups of people. You can also add accent tables, outdoor bars, or a fire pit to your outdoor space to improve social interaction.
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3. Combination of Materials and Durability
Outdoors are exposed to harsh climate conditions, and therefore, the material used in furniture must be robust. Just like different materials have different levels of durability, they also have various levels of maintenance and visual appeal.
- Wood: Some of the popular alternatives for wooden outdoor furniture include teak, eucalyptus, and cedar. Here, teak is considered the foremost choice because of its high teak oil content that offers protection from water, pests, and decay. However, wooden furniture is a bit challenging to manage since it needs to be reconditioned every now and then with oil or any staining.
- Metal: Among metal furniture, aluminum, stainless steel, and wrought iron are frequently used materials. Aluminum is lighter in weight, does not rust, and is suitable for areas that are humid, while wrought iron gives a traditional look and feel and is heavier than aluminum, which provides more strength. Outdoor metal furniture is prone to rusting and should be put undercover when not in use. It can become scorching when exposed to direct sunshine; therefore, a cushion or seat cover is advised.
- Wicker and Rattan: Plastic rattan or wicker furniture is suitable for outdoor use as it is highly resistant to moisture and very tough. It is not very heavy, so you can easily reposition it. The fabric also has a weave, which gives it a more relaxed feel. Natural wicker, on the other hand, is not as durable in the weather as synthetic wicker and may need to be protected in case of harsh weather.
- Plastic and Resin: The materials used in the manufacture of this equipment are budget-friendly, easy to maintain, and very lightweight. Furniture that is made of high-quality plastic or resin will look like wooden or wicker furniture but does not require the same kind of care. Select varieties that are UV resistant to avoid the products fading out after some time.
4. Add Accessories for Personalization
The last step is to accessorize your area after choosing your outdoor furniture. Your outdoor space will become cozier and more unique with the addition of accessories.
- Outdoor Rugs: A sturdy outdoor rug can define a seating area and give your room some color or pattern. Select a weatherproof carpet that goes well with your furnishings.
- Throw Pillows: Change out your throw pillows according to the season to update the appearance of your outdoor area. Select striking hues, lively designs, or opulent materials to create a homely atmosphere.
- Lighting: The ambiance of an evening gathering can be created by outdoor lights. Lanterns, solar-powered path lights, or string lights can provide ambiance and provide helpful lighting.
Bottomline
A balance between design, comfort, longevity, and usefulness is necessary when selecting the ideal outdoor furniture for your area.
Choose materials that can survive the climate in your area after evaluating your space and its intended use.
Purchasing durable, high-quality items will allow you to build an outdoor haven that you can enjoy for many years to come.
