Photo by Alen Rojnic

Originally Posted On: https://lesera.com/2021/07/16/tips-for-choosing-outdoor-furniture/

Are you ready to transform your outdoor space into your private oasis? Choosing outdoor furniture may seem easy, but there are many things to consider before you buy.

Since the pandemic hit, more people are craving time with nature. Sheltering in place has forced many of us to go outside and explore, which has many positive benefits on our mental health. Luckily, you can easily accomplish this same effect in your backyard.

Read on to learn the tips on buying outdoor furniture to help you save time and money by purchasing the proper furniture for your needs.

Consider Your Patio Furniture Needs

Before grabbing your phone or laptop to scour through thousands of different outdoor furniture, first consider your outdoor needs. How do you want to use the space? Will it be an entertaining area or a quiet reading nook?

Determining how you will use space will help you narrow down your options for furniture. If you plan to entertain and host parties, you will need plenty of seating and a large dining table. A fire pit or some side tables may be ideal if you prefer not to have dinner parties outside, but instead some drinks and appetizers.

If you wish to have a tranquil garden area where you can sit and read, you may need only a few chairs, but they must be very comfy. Perhaps you want to find a nice waterfall feature to create a more relaxing space.

Make a list of what you want to do in your outdoor area, and from there, you can list which types of patio furniture would best serve that purpose. Then, you can start looking for those specific pieces.

Work With How Much Space You Have

Measure the area that you have so you know exactly how much furniture will fit. Nothing is worse than buying furniture you love, then setting it up and realizing it overtakes the entire space.

Measuring is not the fun part of buying new furniture, but it will save you a ton of time and money in the long run.

Color

Just because it is outside furniture does not mean you can not get bold, bright colors if that is your preference. The best patio furniture expresses your personality and style, whatever that may be.

Opting for bold reds, yellows, and blues can play beautifully off of any flowers you may have in your yard. If you prefer to change your pillows and surrounding accents with the seasons, it may be better to purchase neutral furniture.

White patio furniture looks impressive against nature’s lush green backdrop, and you can easily add in your favorite colored pillows.

Choosing Outdoor Furniture Based on Materials

Investing in weatherproof furniture is a given, but have you considered different materials and if they last against the weather?

Teak outdoor furniture is an excellent choice when choosing outdoor furniture if you prefer wood. Metal, cedar, and all-weather wicker furniture can also stand up to any harsh sun or weather. If you clean your furniture regularly, these materials can last many years and still look nice.

Consider Storage for the Winter

Do you have anywhere to store your patio furniture when it is off-season? If not, you may consider purchasing some heavy-duty covers. You may also decide to buy furniture that is foldable for easy space-saving storage.

Storing your furniture during the winter is essential if you wish to have it around for many more seasons.

Quality Over Price

Try not to skimp too much when choosing your new furniture. The best outdoor furniture is most likely not the cheapest. Consider the adage, “you get what you pay for.” While it is essential to stick to your budget, you should also consider that cheaper furniture will not last.

When you are looking at outdoor furniture, make sure you pay attention to the quality of the materials before automatically choosing the “cheapest blue one” you can find.

Dual-Purpose Patio Furniture

Try searching for patio furniture that serves more than one purpose for your space. For example, an ottoman can serve as storage and extra seating. A bench can be cute on its own, or you can put it next to a table if you need additional seating at the outdoor dining table.

Dual-purpose furniture is a great way to save some space and money. Instead of purchasing more expensive chairs that you may not need all the time, try searching instead for cute stools that also serve as plant holders.

Add Rugs for Another Level of Cozy

Adding a rug adds comfort and coziness to any outdoor space. Just make sure it is rater for outdoor use before placing it outside. Rugs not made for the outdoors will fade under the harsh sun and become moldy or even tear with excessive rain.

Outdoor rugs come in many different sizes and colors, just like indoor rugs, so you will be able to find one to pull your decor together easily.

Choosing Patio Furniture That Will Last

Choosing outdoor furniture is much easier when you know to look for teak wood, metal, or wicker material. While other furniture may be pretty, if it is not quality materials, then you may end up paying for new furniture next season. Fabrics that are not for outdoors may fade or rust in a short time.

If you are ready to look at new patio furniture for your space, check out our handmade, one-of-a-kind garden decor and furniture!

Contact us on our website or by phone at 267-362-5666 if you have any questions. We would be happy to assist you in finding the perfect unique garden furniture piece for you.