Patio furniture is an appealing way to unwind and relax on your balcony, or in your garden at home. Depending on your setup, you can use your patio furniture when it is warm and sunny, or throughout the year, if your outdoor area is closed off, with glass stacking doors and the like. Selecting patio furniture is about more than just picking furniture that is aesthetically pleasing for your space. Below are five questions to help you make your selection.
- How big is your space? Oversized furniture can make the space look smaller than it is; and furniture that is too small for your space can get lost in the room, making it look bare. You need to have a balance. Your patio furniture size needs to match the space it is in, to ensure that it is highly functional, beautiful and will be used to its maximum potential. Measure your space, map out your vision and then start shopping. Have an idea about materials, colours and your style before you start shopping.
When selecting furniture, think about how long it needs to last and how many people you plan to entertain and how often. Are you buying investment pieces that will travel with you to your next property, or fashion pieces that you are happy to replace every few years? Ensure that you have enough seating space for the number of people you plan to entertain on a regular basis. There is nothing worse than having to separate family, by having one or two people sit inside alone, due to a shortage of seating options. Maximising your space will ensure you are happy with your investment.
- How do you plan to use your patio furniture? If your furniture is outside and exposed to the elements, you need to be a lot more selective about the materials that you use and how to protect them. Look at purchasing waterproof patio furniture covers to preserve your investment from the elements when they are not being used. Know your materials and do your research on how well they last, based on where they will be situated.
Ensure that your space is comfortable and conducive to what you have in mind to use it for. If it is for entertaining friends and family in the summer, ensure that the materials are comfortable to sit on, that they do not make people sweat excessively and that there is a table or side tables available so that people do not place their drinks on the floor, where they can be easily knocked over. Look at an umbrella for shade, if necessary too.
- What style are you going for? Picking the aesthetics for your space is a relatively easy task. Just browse through Pinterest and the creativity will start flowing. Once you have selected your style, it is easy to start shopping around to find pieces that fit within your budget. See what you can DIY too, as a few bespoke pieces will add some personality and character to your space.
A few inexpensive accessories like bright scatter cushions and pot plants, can completely transform your space. If you are purchasing investment items, think about how easy or difficult it is to replace parts if needed. Also look at how long the warranty is on bespoke items, what is covered and what is not.