Good patio furniture that you will love to use regularly must not only look great, but also be made of durable weather-resistant materials. So, what are the best materials for outdoor furniture to look out for?
Look for fabrics that were made to resist wear and tear from the elements, such as stain, UV, mould and mildew-resistant Sunbrella fabrics, which repel water, are breathable and dry quickly.
For seating comfort, ensure high-density foam cushioning is used.
While metal structures are the most sturdy in furniture-making, they can deteriorate and rust with time and exposure to the outdoors. Powder-coated aluminum ensures longevity in the elements. It is solid and lightweight and is good to look for when selecting outdoor furniture.
There are many different types of furniture that you can use in your outdoor space to satisfy your needs and aesthetics. When considering what is the best outdoor furniture for you, these are your main options:
If you have ample outdoor space, have a large family, or like to entertain large groups, an outdoor sectional may be the right choice for you. It is the ultimate way to comfortably lounge while in the outdoors.
Your outdoor table choice will determine your outdoor activities. A larger table and chairs will allow you to dine outside, enjoying the fresh air and outdoor scenery. Smaller tables are perfect for placing beverages and decorations on, such as potted plants and flower vases.
You can choose outdoor chaise lounges to create an outdoor retreat for lounging and sunbathing by the swimming pool. These are geared for relaxation and even snoozing in the sun.
To create a good setting for conversation, it is good to furnish your patio with a combination of outdoor sofas and chairs. These create a flexible setup and can allow you to mix and match styles and fabric colors. Or if you prefer to match your furniture, you can select patio seating sets with matching sofas, chairs and
When you are looking at the space to be furnished, consider how you want it to be used and the optimum layout for this purpose. Consider how many people will regularly use the space and what type of entertaining you are planning to do. Begin by measuring the space you have available so you can get size-appropriate furniture that will be neither too large nor small. While small, intimate nooks are great to have, if your overall purpose for the space is to entertain a large group in one area, then look to maximize your outdoor furniture with a variety of seating types, not forgetting tables on which people can lay down their drinks. Try to create a rectangular or oval-shaped layout where everyone can easily see and comfortably converse with each other.
When furnishing your outdoor space, remember that it is an extension of your home rather than a standalone area. Choose the furniture pieces that complement the aesthetic of your indoor furniture as well as the architecture of your home.
If you like the look of contemporary furniture but your home is older, perhaps incorporate a mixture of old and new for stylistic contrast. For instance, if your home was built in the 1950s, you may like to have new modern seating in a fabric color that draws from other aspects of the home (such as its color palette, materials and shapes) along with mid-century-style side tables as a nod to your home’s history.
As we have already covered, choosing the right weather-resistant materials for your outdoor furniture is necessary. However, no furniture is self-cleaning, so it is also important to know how to protect and clean outdoor furniture to maximize its longevity.
While the furniture may be weather-resistant, it is still best kept undercover on a patio, gazebo, porch or other sun- and rain-sheltered area.
If chair cushions get wet, allow them to dry in direct sunlight.
Given that the furniture is outdoors, it is much more subject to dust, so it is necessary to clean it regularly. Dampen a clean cloth with warm water and a little mild detergent and use it on your furniture on a regular basis to keep it looking new for longer.