Outdoor living spaces offer us a place to relax, entertain and enjoy with our loved ones. The key to ensuring the comfort and functionality of these areas lies in choosing the right outdoor furniture.
If you’ve been looking for patio furniture online, you already know there are a lot of choices. And the great deals can easily get you tempted to buy a larger set. But hold on! Getting a set that is too big for your space may make it feel cramped and crowded. Instead, you should look for pieces that complement your outdoor space and create a bright, breeze and cosy atmosphere.
This does mean, however, that if you have a small outdoor space, you need to sacrifice style. Nowadays, you can find a range of patio furniture online that is just as stylish, trendy and versatile as full-sized sets. To help you in your journey, here are the factors you should consider when buying outdoor furniture – from determining the right size for your outdoor area to finding the design that suits your taste.
Consider the Type of Outdoor Space You Have
Your outdoor space will determine what kind of furniture setup you need. If you have a small balcony, then space-saving furniture is the best solution for you. Look for pieces that add seating without being too bulky. Great examples include benches, stools and stacking chairs. For these areas, furniture with drawers, concealed compartments and storage is also a fantastic choice.
Multipurpose furniture, such as convertible daybeds or side tables that double as ottomans, can also help you make the most of the available space. When buying outdoor furniture for a small balcony, it is also important to choose a set in the same style and hue to create a coherent aesthetic without cluttering up the look of the area.
Large patios require elements that are both welcoming and practical. Go for cosy outdoor couches and lounge chairs if you want to create a relaxing seating area. Put some outside pillows in for added comfort. Invest in sturdy dining chairs and a table if you plan to eat outside. Invest in a swing or hanging chair to offer the perfect lounging escape.
If you’re a person who loves to entertain, you’ll certainly enjoy having a bar cart or an outdoor kitchen setup with a fridge on your patio. It’ll make your outdoor space both more functional and chic.
It is essential to have sturdy furniture for backyard gardens. A few of the weather conditions that your furniture will encounter are heat, rain, snow, and UV radiation. Make sure the material used to make your outdoor furniture is durable enough to withstand weather-related fading, breaking, and warping. This will ensure that your furniture looks fantastic and lasts for a long time.
Hardwood, like teak or oak, is a durable choice for garden furniture. Hardwood is renowned for its longevity and natural beauty. It withstands the elements well and requires little upkeep. Hardwood garden furniture, however, might cost more than other materials.
For a more budget-friendly option, choose resin wicker outdoor furniture. Resin wicker imitates the traditional look of wicker without the fading or cracking issues. It’s also lightweight and easy to move around, making it ideal for backyard gardens. Garden furniture made from aluminium or synthetic materials is resistant to staining and easy to clean, So if you want low-maintenance outdoor furniture, consider these options.
It isn’t a good idea to place your garden set directly on grass. But if you don’t have a level, paved area in your backyard and don’t intend to add one, at least make sure you choose a suitable spot where your furniture can be placed without leaning or sinking. In this case, faux rattan and aluminium frames are your best bet because grass and soil absorb moisture and cause the bottom of your furniture to root. Also, make sure to remove your furniture from the lawn at night.
Consider Your Style
Your outdoor furniture is an expression of your taste, not merely a place to relax and lounge. Thus, when choosing the pieces, consider both your individual tastes and the general aesthetic you desire.
Start by considering the styles and looks that you find most appealing. Which style do you prefer—more conventional and classic in nature or more modern and minimalistic? Considering your personal style can help you narrow down your choices.
Second, think about your outdoor area’s design theme. Complementary materials and colours will lead to a cohesive look, while a mix-and-match piece approach will create an eclectic look. Mixing and matching offers you the opportunity to choose pieces that, aside from showing off your style sense, also help to create a welcoming and entertaining space. Moreover, an eclectic mix gives you uninterrupted use of any area of your outdoor space, regardless of its size. You may also get more bang for your buck by buying different elements, such as chairs, tables, couches and loungers, separately.
Ensure Good Quality
Many assume that the best indicator of quality is price. However, this isn’t always the case. There are a few other methods for determining the characteristics of good quality furniture. One of them is finish consistency. The finish of wood pieces should be smoothly sanded without flaws. This applies even to hidden spots, like the underside of a tabletop. In painted metals, you’ll want to see a uniform finish, and in wicker pieces, a frame that isn’t loosely wrapped or unravelling.
Tight and well-fitting joints are another feature of high-quality furniture. Metal welds would be rather smooth, with no bare or unpainted parts or, worse, rust patches. After assembly, neither the chairs nor the table should wobble or flex excessively.
Don’t Forget Comfort
Another crucial consideration when selecting outdoor furniture is comfort. Ultimately, you want to be able to enjoy your outside space to the fullest and unwind in comfort. Therefore, go for furniture pieces like reclining chaise longues or furniture cushions that provide lots of padding and support.
