Tips To Select The Right Outdoor Furniture

By Maria Rogerson

February 26, 2015House & Garden

Outdoor furniture is a great way to transform your boring backyard, patio or deck into a stunning,enjoyable entertainment area for you and your family. Available in a variety of styles, it can add comfort and functionality to any outdoor space. Add a spacious table and comfortable chairs and you can transform your dull patio into a cool and exotic dining destination. Or add a wicker sofa and a classic rocking chair (include large cushions) and transform your porch into a cozy one.

When complemented with the right furniture outdoor pieces, any backyard, patio or deck can become your favorite spot for family time and gatherings with friends. Check out the following tips to help you select the right furniture outdoor pieces for your space. Careful planning will ensure your outdoor space is appealing for years to come.

Outdoor Furniture

Tip #1 – Make a List: Start by imaging how you would like your outdoor space to look like. Make a list of the things you would like to do in this space and use that as your guide to determine what kind of furniture is mostly suitable. If you are planing to use your patio mostly to host casual evening cocktails, there is no need to buy a dining table. Comfortable seating, several side table, and a fire pit will do the trick.

Tip #2 – Take a Seat: Before you buy chairs, sofas, etc., take a seat. Just like interior furniture, outdoor furniture should be comfortable and inviting. Try out different models and designs ensure you make the right choice.

Tip #3 – Go for Easy Care: The hours you spend in your outdoor space should be reserved for relaxing and entertaining, not for maintaining furniture. So choose easy-care furniture outdoor pieces. Also, opt for pieces that are built from strong, sturdy and resilient materials like wicker, metal, rattan, solid timber, etc., to keep them looking good for years even with a little upkeep.

Tip #4 – Invest in Quality: Outdoor furniture should be seen as an investment. So spending on quality over quantity is ideal. Plastic resin chairs or side tables look good in stores but when exposed to the sun light, they will become weak and with time will have a dull look. The same applies to some wood products and wicker pieces.

Tip #5 – Take Size and Shape Into Consideration: When it comes to designing the furniture layout of your outdoor space, scale and proportion are extremely important. While a too big and wide table can overpower your space, a too narrow and small one can ‘make’ you fill the area with unnecessary pieces. Balance is the key when choosing furniture outdoor pieces.