You decorated the inside of your dream home with ease, even managing to grab a few bargain furniture items on the way. But when it comes to decorating the outside, do you find it hard to liven up your outdoor area? Many people find it a task to even visualize their ideal outdoor space, never mind find furniture for it.
If you are struggling, we have some handy tips to help you along. Read on to find our 8 considerations to keep in mind when you choose outdoor furniture.
8. Spend a Little
You can buy some beautiful, very cheaply price outdoor furniture. While it may look amazing, buying it is a false economy. It will break easily and will not last.
Outdoor furniture is an investment. It needs to be able to withstand the sun and rain. If you do not buy quality pieces, you will find your garden looks worn and tired very quickly and end up having to rebuy the whole set again.
Cheap plastic tables and chairs quickly become brittle and sun faded. Wicker and some woods can do exactly the same.
Conduct research, and pick materials that are known to be weather resistant and durable, even if they cost more. Tropical wood furniture like this collection of outdoor dining sets is ideal.
2. Start With a List of Essentials
Before you even begin, it helps to write out a list of garden furniture essentials. These are the items you need to have, as opposed to the items you want. If not, you may end up with a beautiful set of ornaments, but no seating to view them from.
Think about the function of your garden. Will it be an elegant summer night dining place? Or will it be a comfortable beer and BBQ spot with rustic benches and built-in beer refrigerators?
All of these decisions should inform what you decide to buy. Make a list of activities you plan to do, and make sure the furniture matches your desires.
3. Don’t Buy Seating Online
It can be really tempting to purchase some of the amazing, fantastic looking chairs and outdoor seating you see online. It does come with a caveat, however, and that is that you do not get to try before your buy. Do you really want to be unpacking a set of garden furniture, to repack and send it back for a refund?
You will be spending a lot of time in the summer on that furniture. It is essential you try it out for comfort, so you know it is right for your needs. Visit a store or garden center and try them out for yourself.
You should always look for furniture that comes with fitted cushions or pillows. Make sure the fabric is stain and mold resistant, so it does not turn bad when a freak summer storm catches you off-guard.
4. Match Colors to the Home Exterior
You can now get garden furniture in a range of exciting colors and hues. However, classic neutral color garden furniture is still the most widely available. If you can match the furniture to the color of your house or landscape, you will have a fantastic garden that is the envy of your neighbors.
You may choose to reclaim a piece of old furniture. Finish the wood and cover it in an outdoor paint of your choice. You can then add touches and trimmings using pillows and cushions that fit your theme.
5. Opt for Easy Maintenance
You most likely already have a lot to do when it comes to looking after your home. The last thing you want to be doing is scrubbing and maintaining your outdoor every week as well. That is why it pays to invest in easy maintenance furniture.
When using fabrics, look for removable outdoor furniture covers that can be easily thrown in the washing machine. Alternatively, buy a protective fabric spray and coat them so they are weather resistant.
The furniture itself should be made from durable materials, like teak, cedar, and rattan. It may cost a little more, but with just a little maintenance can last a long time in quite harsh, summer weather.
6. Consider the Surrounding Environment
You may consider your garden to be safe and sound, wherever you decide to place your furniture. However, that is not always the case. There are a number of hazards in your garden you may want to avoid.
For example, if you have external units attached to air-condition and ventilation, you may want to keep your chairs and tables away. These items can sometimes make noise, which may ruin your afternoon siesta.
If you place chairs in the shade or under telegraph wires, be aware of birds. They can make a mess on your furniture that is corrosive if left. You should also keep this in mind if you have any problems with guttering and drainage, and place items away from sources of water that may drip onto your items.
7. Look at Your Legs
When buying chairs and tables, take a good look at your legs! It is a very easy mistake to purchase outdoor patio furniture with legs that are too thin for the cracks between decking, tiling, and paving. This can lead to them falling between, getting stuck and damaging both the furniture item and the deck or tiling.
8. Store Outdoor Furniture Well
Once it starts to get toward the middle of Autumn, store your furniture away. If you leave it out in the harsh winter months, it will soon look weathered, aged, and damaged. If you do not have a garage, shed or basement then consider buying fold-down furniture that can tuck into the attic or a cupboard.
Enjoy the Space
Once you have outdoor furniture, all you need to know about Security Door do is enjoy the space. Spend a little for easy to keep materials, find something you love, and add extras to make it match your space.
If you enjoyed our handy hints, then check out our other blog articles. We have lots of ways to make your home look fantastic, without spending loads. Visit us today and let us help you decorate!
