With so many ways to design your outdoor living today, planning your patio can be like adding another room to your house. Selecting patio furniture is one of the key steps to make your outdoor area feel like an extension of your home.
Slim outdoor furniture options are long gone. Today, patio furniture comes in a wide range of materials, sizes, functions, and colours — making it hard to pick which style is best.
Whether you’re looking for big dinner tables to entertain guests or creating a comfortable shaded corner to read a book, these top considerations will make the decision easier.
How to Decide What Patio Furniture Is Right for You
1. What Is the Furniture’s Primary Function?
Are you planning to host big family dinners on summer evenings — or do you want your friends to relax on a plush couch with a cold drink? The function of your outdoor space determines what kind of patio furniture is best for you.
While a big dining table will be perfect for a dinner party, it’s not the most comfortable for lounging in the sun during the day. And while sunbeds can provide maximum comfort for sunny weekends, they wouldn’t be very functional for entertaining.
Some furniture sets are adaptable and multifunctional, which can be helpful for those looking for versatile pieces. Always identify the main functions you want to use your outdoor space for and how many people you want to accommodate.
2. Consider Weather-Appropriate Materials
Based on your use, weather and conditions, select the material that will be suitable for your patio furniture. Each material comes with its pros and cons, and considering your priorities when using it should be an essential factor.
What options exist?
- Aluminum or plastic – While plastic chairs are not the best option for aesthetics, they are easy to move around, stackable, inexpensive, rustproof, and require little maintenance.
- Wood – Wood can be an attractive material for patio furniture. It is sturdy, comfortable, and can elevate your outdoor space. Keep in mind that wood requires regular treating to resist outdoor weather conditions.
- Steel and iron – Steel furniture is durable and sturdy but might rust over time if not waterproofed or painted regularly.
- Rattan or wicker – Natural materials are an attractive pick for outdoors, and rattan can present a lighter alternative to wood. Rattan or wicker furniture requires maintenance and waterproofing to be long-lasting.
Extreme heat might not be ideal for natural materials like wood, causing it to splinter. Likewise, plastic does not do well in extreme cold, and frequent rain may cause rusting in steel and metal materials. In addition, if you experience harsh and frequent winds, selecting heavier furniture will be more suitable.
3. Do the Measuring to Purchase the Perfect Size
One of the things to consider is the size of your outdoor space. Some patios can be narrow and small. You wouldn’t put a big lounge there if it means there’s no space for anything else. It’s not enough if your pieces fit into your measured area. Don’t forget you still need some room to stand up and move around.
The more extensive patio usually means more furniture options. However, if your patio is smaller or awkward, smaller furniture pieces and stackable chairs are more functional.
4. Focus on Comfort Over Aesthetic
The offering of outdoor furniture has evolved. For example, hard metal or plastic chairs that are painful to sit on are no longer the only available option.
Nowadays, there is a wide range of comfortable chairs on the market: outdoor sofas with plush foam cushions or sun loungers and deck chairs designed to maintain a relaxed body posture. The keyword is comfort. Don’t get caught up trying to create the next Pinterest backyard if the furniture doesn’t make sense for relaxing. Your space should be inviting rather than cold.
Many patio furniture sets are ergonomically designed and finished with fabrics that conform to your body contours.
5. Make a Budget That Works With Quality Furniture
Once you’ve established the type of outdoor furniture you need, the material, size, and the required comfort level, it doesn’t end there. The next thing to consider is how much you want to invest in your furniture.
It is usually assumed that the more you invest in the furniture for your outdoor living space, the better the quality. And this is true in most cases. High-end patio furniture can be expensive but is also high quality. It can withstand heavier usage, resist the weather elements, be more sturdy, fade-proof, and come with solid longevity.
However, depending on your situation and preferences, outdoor patio furniture with a more affordable price tag might fit you better. For example, buying a set of outdoor chairs that might only last you a few summers has the advantage of being able to buy it straight away. On the other hand, if you keep replacing your outdoor furniture every few years, it might cost you more in the long run.
If you want to enjoy the benefit of higher quality furniture without paying the steep price, it’s a good idea to look out for sales or shop for outdoor dining sets at the end of summer. You can get high-quality second-hand outdoor furniture at a fraction of the price.
6. Find Furniture You Can Maintain and Store
Depending on what material you select for your outdoor furniture, this will influence how much maintenance it requires. Because of their outdoor exposure, most furnishings will require some regular cleaning and maintenance. But opting for easy-maintenance furniture will minimize the time spend on upkeep and maximize the time you spend enjoying it.
Some of the easy-to-care materials include metal or wicker pieces that tend to be long-lasting, scratch-resistant, and can be easily cleaned with a brush and a mild soap. On the other hand, some woods are sensitive to water damage and require regular treatment to resist outdoor conditions.
Additionally, look for removable fabric pieces that you can throw in a washing machine and construction that allows the individual parts, such as chair legs you can replace, rather than having to replace the whole piece.
Alongside maintenance, you also need to make sure you have room to store these furniture pieces during colder months or have suitable coverings for each piece to avoid damage.
7. Don’t Forget to Accessorize
Your patio setup doesn’t end with buying outdoor seating options. Adding accessories can enhance the time you spend outdoors and can make it an extension of indoor living. Accessories do not only elevate your outdoor space but have an added functionality that can make your patio more versatile.
Some of the main accessories to look out for when shopping for patio furniture include:
- Lights – Add ambiance in the evening and allow you to use your outdoor space even after the sun goes down.
- Pillows – Weather-resistant pillows make the furniture more comfortable and your outdoor space cozier. A variety of colours, patterns, and styles can transform your outdoor decor.
- Umbrellas – Adding a little bit of shade with a patio umbrella can make it more enjoyable on sunny summer days and prolong the time it’s comfortable for everyone to spend outdoors.
- Rugs – Outdoor rugs can add texture and colour to your patio, make it feel more comfortable, and prevent the furniture from scratching the floor. The outdoor rugs made of woven polypropylene fibres or other contemporary textiles ensure it’s weather-proof.
The Bottom Line
Selecting patio furniture is one of the first things you can do to create a functional and comfortable outdoor space. When shopping, consider the functionality, the weather, size, and the material which will influence its longevity and maintenance.
Along with those factors, it’s essential to select the right textiles, a suitable colour palette, and functionality-enhancing accessories. And of course, don’t forget to consider the price.
Selecting the right patio furniture can elevate your outdoor space, enhance your living, and prolong the time you spend outside. That’s why it should be considered a worthwhile investment.
