What better time to buy outdoor sofa or other furniture set, than spring time? The winter season fades; chilly winds and the frozen earth will soon be warmed up by the sun. This is the right time to think of the great outdoors. Patio, lawns, decks and gardens beckon. We have put together the points to keep in mind when you choose furniture for your outdoor space. You need to keep in mind the size of space you have, how much sunlight it gets for the day, whether you want to make the space child-friendly, if there is a swimming pool in your space, are you a weekend user. So before you bring out your check book, let’s explore 5 important things that you need to consider while shopping for outdoor furniture.
outdoor dining set
- The size of your space would determine the type of patio furniture you need.
Consider how much space you have and how the shape. Is it long and narrow, or a broad and wide? Much like when you’re furnishing a living or family room, use the area and shape of your outdoor space to determine the size of your outdoor furniture and the potential groupings it will take. Most importantly, make sure to leave enough space around your furniture to walk around easily. Just apply the same principles for traffic flow that you would use indoors. For a small space, a bar table set may work better than a regular dining set, because bar tables are narrower, and stools take up less room than dining chairs. You can also take a look at cafe or bistro tables and chairs, because they have a smaller profile. Before you head out to shop for furniture, make a quick sketch of the space, measure its dimensions, and jot them down on the drawing plan. Bring the drawing plan and a tape measure with you to the store. Unless you’re spatially gifted, it’s too easy to get the proportions wrong in your head and end up choosing furniture that’s too small or, too big for your space.
- Considering the weather would help you pick the right outdoor furniture
Is the weather hot and dry? Do you live near the coast? Does it rain often? Does the midday sun beat down on your outdoor space directly? These are all important questions to answer before selecting outdoor furniture because outdoor exposure is hard on all furniture, no matter the climatic condition. Hot, dry conditions can make wood splinter and crack, while frequent moisture can also promote rot. Strong winds could send aluminum furniture flying; iron won’t blow away but also won’t stand up to salty air. The sun is perhaps the worst element of all. It dulls and discolors paint, bleaches fabrics and wood, and generally degrades plastic and other synthetic stuff. To choose furniture that’ll last, be realistic about the material’s properties. Metal is largely unaffected by sunlight, while plastic and rubber are always vulnerable to UV damage, no matter what the manufacturer claims. This is very true at high elevations. Likewise, wood furniture may come with a quality, factory-applied, weather-resistant finish, but, eventually, that finish will wear and break down, and you’ll be faced with refinishing the wood or replacing the furniture completely. Then, think about how the furniture will look five, 10, and 20 years down the road.
- How much are you willing to spend on chairs, table and other outdoor furniture?
Your budget determines what you can buy. But it’s always wise to the buy the best furniture you can afford, since quality furniture offers more value than cheap products. If you’re economizing, there are some options to ensure you get the best quality for your money. You could shop for outdoor furniture around the end of July and August, as fall approaches. This is when it’s most likely to be discounted but is still available. You may not find any for sale in winter. Consider materials that are less expensive but still durable, such as aluminum or heavy-duty resin, or look for less-expensive wooden furniture. Check out yard sales or thrift stores, and buy the best quality they have. Outdoor furniture often doesn’t make the cut in the moving van, so it’s commonly sold as secondhand. Keep in mind that you can always paint or refinish used furniture, and you can easily dress it up with new cushions, pillows or tapestry.
- Pick dual purpose patio furniture
Look for multiple use furniture to make the most of your space and budget. Pieces that serve multiple purposes can eliminate the need to purchase additional furniture and leave more room for your outdoor activities. For example, an ottoman or garden stool can also double as extra seating for guests. A bench can stand alone or cozy up to an alfresco dining table. Choose patio furniture with function in mind to take full advantage of your frequently used outdoor spaces. To make your outdoor space more attractive and beautiful, you can look for the furniture that has multiple purposes. You can look for the doubles as extra seating for your next backyard bash and a simple bench that can also turn up into a dining table.
- Consider your comfort
You’ll be using your outdoor furniture to relax a lot, so make sure it’s comfortable. If chairs and lounges don’t come with cushions, you can always buy or make your own cushions and pillows for them. Be sure to choose or use good-quality outdoor fabric that’s fade-resistant and mildew-resistant. When buying cushions, keep in mind that the furniture itself will long outlast any upholstery, and you’ll likely be replacing the pillows one or more times over the span of your furniture. Upholstery and fabrics will stay looking their best if you keep them in storage, when you’re not using them. Keep them away after each use, if you can. But always store them out of the elements for the off-season. In addition to comfy chairs, pieces like chaise lounges, rockers, and recliners are also great furniture pieces for relaxing outdoors. Also make sure to try out your furniture before you buy it. For stretching out, you may also want to look at hammocks, hanging chairs and daybeds.
Outdoor furniture shouldn’t be hard to purchase now that you’ve read this post. We assure you that we have the best of the best, here at regency shop. And you can check out our outdoor collection for your choice of furniture pieces. Don’t hesitate! Shop now!
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These are outdoor furniture pieces suited for small spaces. They could be bistro sets, bar stools, rattan sectionals, wicker dining set or benches.
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Patio furniture has to endure repeated exposure to the weather. While there is virtually no 100% weatherproof patio furniture, there are big differences based on materials used. Before you decide, it’s important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of various materials available. Determine how well each aligns with the requirements of your residential or commercial environment, as well as your personal preference. Choosing the “best” material for outdoor patio furniture is dependent on matching your specific needs with the inherent qualities of each substance since each situation is peculiar.
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